In this special solo episode of It’s Your Business, KLG (Your Fairy Podmother®) shares the story behind her 25+ years in audio, from radio news and presenting to podcast production and training.

Kath breaks down what a podcast really is, why audio is one of the most underrated tools in business marketing, and how local businesses can use podcasting without the pressure of weekly episodes forever.

You’ll also hear why adding audio versions of newsletters, updates and FAQs can boost accessibility, build trust faster, and help your message reach people who simply will not read another email.

Finally, Kath introduces Poducation CIC, a new not-for-profit focused on podcasting education and digital skills for people who are not in education, employment or training, and invites local businesses to explore CSR partnerships that create real outcomes.

In this episode, we cover:

• What a podcast is (and what it is not)
• Why audio fits into real life better than many formats
• How radio skills translate directly into podcasting
• Easy podcast ideas for busy businesses (including audio newsletters)
• How podcasting supports visibility, credibility and long-term marketing
• What it’s like working with Kath as your podcast producer and mentor
• Introducing Poducation CIC and how businesses can support the mission

Links and contact

• Book a pod-chat: https://www.fairypodmother.co.uk/pod-chat
• Website: www.fairypodmother.co.uk
• Email: kath@fairypodmother.co.uk

Poducation CIC

• Email: kath@poducation.co.uk

Call to action

If you’re a local business and you’re curious about starting a podcast, adding audio into your marketing, or exploring a CSR partnership with Poducation CIC, book a pod-chat and let’s talk.

Want to start YOUR own Podcast?

Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Oliver Alcock, CEO and owner of The Printed Cup Company, for a brilliant, honest conversation about business growth, reinvention, and keeping your local roots no matter how far your work travels.

Oliver takes us back to the beginning, when he launched Oliver Alcock Computers in Clitheroe as a one-man band, simply aiming to replace his salary and take control of his own future. He shares why he rebranded to Bowland IT, how that change helped the business scale, and why he believes failure is part of the process, because it is how you find your niche and move forward stronger.

We hear how Bowland IT grew far beyond what most people would imagine, supporting multi-site organisations and even high-profile, high-security environments, while still keeping a friendly, “local IT company” feel that clients valued. Oliver also shares the emotional decision to sell Bowland IT after receiving an offer he could not refuse, and how quickly the next chapter arrived.

That next chapter is The Printed Cup Company, where Oliver did not just buy a business, he bought a culture. He talks about the joy of working with customers who are excited about their brands, from independent coffee vans to larger chains, and how he is bringing his tech background into manufacturing by improving systems and exploring automation.

Finally, Oliver explains why The Printed Cup Company is proud to be the headline sponsor of the Ribble Valley Business Awards, championing the local business community that shaped his own journey.

https://www.printedcupcompany.com

Want to start YOUR own Podcast?

Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Sarah Lynas of Sarah Lynas Coaching, who helps women build real confidence, not the loud, surface-level kind, but the steady self-belief that changes how you show up in business and life.

Sarah shares why her work is so personal: she has lived the self-doubt, the feeling of being stuck, and the frustration of knowing you are capable of more but not quite being able to move forward.

Today she supports female business owners, leaders, and teams, as well as working closely with charities, helping women take brave steps, shift their inner language, and stand a little taller.

We talk about the power of tiny changes that create big results, especially the words we use about ourselves. Sarah explains a couple of the key tools in her coaching toolbox, including NLP (how language shapes our thinking) and Human Design, which helps people understand who they are, what they naturally do well, and what they can finally stop forcing.

It is a conversation about confidence and clarity and the little things that can make such a difference.

Sarah also shares why she proudly sponsors the Health and Wellbeing Award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, and why the judging process matters so much, celebrating businesses properly and fairly, with stories of courage, growth, and leadership that deserve to be recognised.

https://sarahlynas.co.uk/

Want to start YOUR own Podcast?

Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Judith Dugdale from PM+M Accountants, a Lancashire-founded firm that has been supporting businesses for over 100 years, with offices across Lancashire.

Judith explains what “modern accountancy” really looks like today, from the familiar essentials like accounts, tax, payroll and audit, to more specialist support such as corporate finance for fundraising, growth, acquisitions and business sales. We also chat about PM+M’s cloud team, using software and automation to make finance functions quicker, smarter and more efficient for clients.

Judith shares her own journey into accountancy (which started with a dream of becoming a PE teacher), and why her client base often centres on family businesses, where people dynamics and succession planning can be just as important as the numbers.

She also talks about PM+M’s Positive Impact Team, which puts charitable giving decisions into the hands of staff, supporting causes across Lancashire through donations, volunteering and initiatives like their Christmas present appeal.

Finally, Judith explains why PM+M sponsors the Hospitality Business Award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, and how judging entries helps them stay connected to the real challenges and innovations happening across local businesses of every size.

www.pmm.co.uk

Want to start YOUR own Podcast?

Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Molly, Marketing Manager at Mytton Fold, to reveal why it is so much more than a hotel.

Molly shares how her role covers every part of the business, from promoting the bedrooms and restaurant to working closely with the weddings team, events, and day-to-day guest experience. We talk about Mytton Fold’s story through COVID, the transformation after being bought by local businessman Colin Mustoe, and the relaunch in 2021 following a full refurbishment.

You will hear what makes Mytton Fold a true destination in the Ribble Valley, with its wedding and function spaces, 34 bedrooms plus two master suites, an on-site restaurant open to the public, and its newest addition, outdoor padel courts that are already drawing in families, groups, and new visitors.

Molly also explains why Mytton Fold proudly sponsors the drinks reception at the Ribble Valley Business Awards each year and why supporting local business matters.

From proms and corporate stays to coffee catch-ups and weekend celebrations, this episode captures the atmosphere, community feel, and growing ambition behind one of the Ribble Valley’s best-known venues.

www.myttonfold.co.uk

Want to start YOUR own Podcast?

Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Ann Lord, founder of Artisan Escapes, an office-based travel agency in Whalley built around personal service and thoughtfully planned holidays.

Ann shares her journey through the travel world, starting at just 14, moving into travel management, then living her dream as cabin crew, before a career twist into teaching. That blend of experience and people skills eventually led her to launch Artisan Escapes in 2017, creating a business that focuses on giving clients time, attention, and expert planning through an appointment-led approach.

We chat about the huge variety of trips Artisan Escapes arranges, from simple sunshine getaways to tailor-made itineraries, cruises, safaris, honeymoons, destination weddings, city breaks, and everything in between. Ann also speaks honestly about the challenges of the pandemic for the travel industry, and how the business rebuilt and grew into a team of five as travel returned.

Finally, Ann explains why Artisan Escapes proudly sponsors the Micro Business Award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, highlighting the value of community, relationships, networking, and local collaboration that helps businesses support each other and grow together.

Want to start YOUR own Podcast?

Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Victoria Hill from Harrison Drury Solicitors, talking about their Ribble Valley office based in Clitheroe, and their growing presence across the North West with multiple offices and a team of more than 220 people, while still keeping that smaller-firm feel locally.

Victoria shares her specialist area in private client work, including wills, tax planning, powers of attorney and probate, and explains how demand can shift depending on what is happening in the wider world, including the impact of recent changes affecting farming clients.

We also chat about Harrison Drury’s commitment to the rural community, including their presence at Clitheroe Auction Mart and plans for informal drop-in advice sessions to better support busy farmers.

We then dive into the Ribble Valley Professional Network, the quarterly get-togethers that bring local professionals together in a relaxed setting using local venues and businesses, helping relationships grow naturally into trusted connections.

Finally, Victoria explains why Harrison Drury proudly sponsors the Small Business Award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, and why it is so rewarding to watch businesses grow year on year, supporting each other and strengthening the Ribble Valley community.

Want to start YOUR own Podcast?

Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by James Evans from Evans Accountants, a long-standing firm originally founded by his dad in the mid-1990s, now based in Whalley.

James shares the journey from the business starting in a front room to growing into a thriving team, with staff who have been part of the firm for well over a decade. We talk about the recent leadership transition, with James’s dad retiring on 1 February, and James working alongside fellow Director Kirsty, a tax specialist who has grown with the business.

We also chat about how accountancy has changed. Evans Accountants still handle the essentials like accounts and tax returns, but James explains how modern accountants now play a much more hands-on role, supporting clients with regular catch-ups, strategic decisions, growth planning, and acting almost like a part-time finance director. From property changes to specialist tax areas, James highlights why having the right accountant can feel like having a real partner in your business.

Finally, James explains why Evans Accountants proudly sponsor the New Business Award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, and how the awards bring the local business community together, creating connections, conversations, and momentum right across the Ribble Valley.

To find out more www.evansaccountants.com

Want to start YOUR own Podcast?

Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk