Welcome to the Small Business Retail Sessions podcast, brought to you by Enterprise Nation's Powering the High Street programme, in collaboration with EDF.

This series explores the major challenges that today's retailers are facing – from declining footfall and vacant shop-fronts to the post-pandemic recovery and increasing demand for sustainability.

In episode three of the series, we're joined by Mike Turner, co-founder of Bird & Blend Tea Co.

Bird & Blend Tea Co. is a creative, purpose-led tea brand that has grown from humble beginnings in a bedroom to 25 UK high-street stores and an international online business.

With co-founder Krisi Smith, Mike launched the business in 2012 with a mission to make tea fun, sustainable and community-driven. The brand is also a proud B Corp and a strong advocate for values-led business.

In this episode, Mike shares the brand's journey from start-up to national retail success, the importance of customer experience and how sustainability, empowerment and gut instinct continue to shape the company's growth.

Topics discussed in the episode:

• How Bird & Blend grew from market stalls to 25 high-street shops
• The importance of testing, learning and taking calculated risks
• Creating memorable, experience-led retail environments
• Why empowered teams are at the heart of customer experience
• Building a business rooted in values, sustainability and community impact
• Becoming a B Corp and using it as a tool to guide better decision-making
• Balancing scale with purpose – growing at the right pace for the right reasons
• Navigating supply chain complexities and the realities of sustainable sourcing
• How staying true to your gut can lead to your best business decisions
• Advice for entrepreneurs who want to build mission-driven retail brands

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Through the Powering the High Street programme, we're bringing new energy to retail in the UK. We're helping small businesses thrive on the high street – through expert support, smart energy advice and practical tools to grow sustainably.

Find out more at enterprisenation.com/poweringthehighstreet/

To listen to previous podcast episodes, go to enterprisenation.com/podcast

Welcome to the Small Business Retail Sessions podcast, brought to you by Enterprise Nation's Powering the High Street programme, in collaboration with EDF.

This series explores the major challenges that today's retailers are facing – from declining footfall and vacant shop-fronts to the post-pandemic recovery and increasing demand for sustainability.

In episode two of the series, we're joined by Aimee and Lily Barrett, the co-founders of Candid Studios.

Sisters Aimee and Lily started self-portrait photography studio Candid in May 2023. Based in Westbourne Grove in London, the business is built around a simple but powerful concept: customers take their own professional-quality portraits in a private, feel-good environment.

With a mission rooted in empowerment, self-expression and self-love, the Barretts have grown Candid into a community-driven brand that's transforming how people show up – in both personal and professional spaces.

Topics discussed in the episode:

• How a personal breakthrough inspired the concept for Candid Studios
• The sisters' transition from actors to first-time entrepreneurs
• Building a retail experience with community and emotion at its heart
• The role of social media and storytelling in driving early growth
• Creating an inclusive, accessible space where every client feels seen
• Expanding the business with help from angel investors and brand partnerships
• How they're navigating the challenges of running a high street studio
• The importance of showing up authentically as founders and leaders
• Plans to scale Candid beyond London and bring the experience to new locations
• The sisters' advice for anyone looking to launch a purpose-led brand

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Through the Powering the High Street programme, we're bringing new energy to retail in the UK. We're helping small businesses thrive on the high street – through expert support, smart energy advice and practical tools to grow sustainably.

Find out more at enterprisenation.com/poweringthehighstreet/

To listen to previous podcast episodes, go to enterprisenation.com/podcast

Welcome to the Small Business Retail Sessions podcast, brought to you by Enterprise Nation's Powering the High Street programme, in collaboration with EDF.

This series explores the major challenges that today's retailers are facing – from declining footfall and vacant shop-fronts to the post-pandemic recovery and increasing demand for sustainability.

In this first episode of the series, we're joined by Gbemi Okunlola, founder of Alonuko.

Started in 2012, Alonuko is a world-renowned women's fashion brand celebrated for its iconic bridal designs, intricate embroideries and inclusivity.

Gbemi's fashion journey began in her teenage years, and she's since grown Alonuko into a global name in luxury bridalwear, known for offering highly personalised and inclusive experiences for brides around the world.

Here, Gbemi shares how her early passion for design evolved into founding Alonuko. She reflects on the value of in-person retail experiences and offers advice for building a global brand.

Topics discussed in the episode:

• Where Gbemi's passion for fashion and entrepreneurship began
• How Alonuko transitioned from a small custom-dress service into a luxury bridal brand
• Key turning points in the brand's growth, including viral success and celebrity exposure
• The importance of designing for inclusivity across skin tones, sizes and cultures
• Why a high-touch, personalised customer experience is central to Alonuko's approach
• The role of physical retail experiences in a digital age, especially in bridalwear
• Navigating international demand and building a global presence – particularly in the US

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Through the Powering the High Street programme, we're bringing new energy to retail in the UK. We're helping small businesses thrive on the high street – through expert support, smart energy advice and practical tools to grow sustainably.

Find out more at enterprisenation.com/poweringthehighstreet/

To listen to previous podcast episodes, go to enterprisenation.com/podcast