Business Unusual

Vivien and Howard Wong, otherwise known as the sibling power duo and co-founders of the ice cream company Little Moons re-join Claudia on the podcast. Inspired by their family’s history of owning a bakery, they launched Little Moons in 2015 which sells traditional Japanese mochi ice-cream in a variety of flavours across several supermarkets in the UK and Europe. Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength despite Brexit and Covid-19.The siblings join Claudia to talk about Little Moon’s dramatic growth through the app TikTok. They also discuss the dynamics of founding a business as partners and they even share an exclusive secret about a brand new flavour.Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business’ V-Hub platform. V-Hub is here to help with free expert knowledge and guidance, and a constantly evolving range of tools and training. Click here to access online their library and knowledge centre, offering content, tools and insights to help small-medium businesses thrive online. Not only that, but you can access free support from expert business V-Hub advisers. This one-to-one digital support from a business V-Hub adviser can cover a range of topics from how to build an online presence to managing online security risks. Call 0808 005 7400 or visit here. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. From Vodafone Business, produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taymoor Atighetchi, co-founder of online student newspaper The Tab, went on a papery adventure in 2015 to combine his love for stationery and art to launch a new business called Papier - a sustainable stationary company that specialises in creating a range of products such as notebooks, diaries and wedding invites.Expanding into the US market, Papier has gone from strength to strength and has recently celebrated reaching their 1 millionth customer.Taymoor and Claudia chatter about Papier’s three unique selling points – design, quality, and personalisation. Taymoor also discusses the importance of less talking and more doing and why passion is a better motive for starting up a business than pound signs. Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business’ V-Hub platform. V-Hub is here to help with free expert knowledge and guidance, and a constantly evolving range of tools and training. Click here to access online their library and knowledge centre, offering content, tools and insights to help small-medium businesses thrive online. Not only that, but you can access free support from expert business V-Hub advisers. This one-to-one digital support from a business V-Hub adviser can cover a range of topics from how to build an online presence to managing online security risks. Call 0808 005 7400 or visit here, Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. From Vodafone Business, produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For years, Biochemist Farah Naz had struggled to find a foundation that matched her olive skin complexion. So in 2013 Farah combined her frustration with her talent for science and business to create a cometic line named EX1 Cosmetics. Since then, the brand has gone on to be named the number 1 world make-up brand for olive skin.Farah, who was awarded Business Woman of the year in 2018, now has an impressive range of products that are changing women’s lives around the world, including several A-list celebs. Claudia and Farah catch up on all things EX1 whilst discussing the value that can be found pushing boundaries, in failing and also having relentless faith in your concept. Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business’ V-Hub platform. V-Hub is here to help with free expert knowledge and guidance, and a constantly evolving range of tools and training. Click here to access online their library and knowledge centre, offering content, tools and insights to help small-medium businesses thrive online. Not only that, but you can access free support from expert business V-Hub advisers. This one-to-one digital support from a business V-Hub adviser can cover a range of topics from how to build an online presence to managing online security risks. Call 0808 005 7400 or visit here. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. From Vodafone Business, produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ailbhe Keane was inspired at art college to focus her final project on bespoke wheel cover designs for her sister Izzy and her wheelchair. This project became the beginning of game changing disability fashion brand Izzy Wheels. With the company motto ‘if you can’t stand up, stand out’, Izzy Wheels is now worth millions and sells to over 50 countries around the world, helping young people personalise their wheelchairs. Ailbhe is the winner of 15 major awards, including being named as one of the leaders of tomorrow, a Forbes 30 under 30 honouree, and has also been featured in Vogue, Elle and Oprah's Magazine. Ailbhe and Claudia catch-up about social media shop windows and how an online video helped Izzy Wheels to grow and collaborate with brands such as Hello Kitty, Barbie and Disney. Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business’ V-Hub platform. V-Hub is here to help with free expert knowledge and guidance, and a constantly evolving range of tools and training. Click here to access online their library and knowledge centre, offering content, tools and insights to help small-medium businesses thrive online. Not only that, but you can access free support from expert business V-Hub advisers. This one-to-one digital support from a business V-Hub adviser can cover a range of topics from how to build an online presence to managing online security risks. Call 0808 005 7400 or visit here. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. From Vodafone Business, produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2016 Khalia Ismain launched Love Jamii, a discount card and discovery platform. Inspired by a trip to Kenya and the Swahili word for community (Jamii), the company holds supporting small black businesses, creatives and black culture at its centre and sells a whole range of products from Afro Haircare products to greeting cards.Moreover, in the wake of the Black Lives Matter Movement, Love Jamii is leading the way in increasing the profile of black businesses and continuing the conversation around racial inequality in business.Claudia talks to founder Khalia about the importance of supporting small businesses, throwing yourself into the deep end and harnessing the power of storytelling. Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business’ V-Hub platform. V-Hub is here to help with free expert knowledge and guidance, and a constantly evolving range of tools and training. Click here to access online their library and knowledge centre, offering content, tools and insights to help small-medium businesses thrive online. Not only that, but you can access free support from expert business V-Hub advisers. This one-to-one digital support from a business V-Hub adviser can cover a range of topics from how to build an online presence to managing online security risks. Call 0808 005 7400 or visit here  Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. From Vodafone Business, produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

App creator and mum Michelle Kennedy joins Claudia to discuss her app Peanut which was originally designed in 2017 to be a modern, innovative social network for new mums. Now in 2020, the app has an estimated 1.6 million users and has evolved into a feminine online community and safe space that supports women through a range of impactful life moments from relationships to fertility.  In this episode, Claudia and Michelle talk about the launch of Peanut Menopause and spotting the forgotten demographic. Michelle also shares tips on how to navigate female empowerment in the business world.   Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business’ V-Hub platform. V-Hub is here to help with free expert knowledge and guidance, and a constantly evolving range of tools and training. Click here to access online their library and knowledge centre, offering content, tools and insights to help small-medium businesses thrive online. Not only that, but you can access free support from expert business V-Hub advisers. This one-to-one digital support from a business V-Hub adviser can cover a range of topics from how to build an online presence to managing online security risks. Call 0808 005 7400 or visit here. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. From Vodafone Business, produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At age 21, Steven Bartlett dropped out of university, packed his bags and set off around the world to create Social Chain, a social media marketing and ecommerce company worth an estimated $450 million. From there, Steven has gone on to become a Sunday Times best seller, a successful podcaster, and has even been inducted into Manchester City’s Hall of Fame. Steven joins Claudia to chat about leading the way in one of the world’s fastest moving sectors, knowing when to quit and becoming the youngest ever member of Dragons Den. We also hear about Steven’s new company Catena Capital and the importance of embracing insecurity. Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business’ V-Hub platform. V-Hub is here to help with free expert knowledge and guidance, and a constantly evolving range of tools and training. Click here to access online their library and knowledge centre, offering content, tools and insights to help small-medium businesses thrive online. Not only that, but you can access free support from expert business V-Hub advisers. This one-to-one digital support from a business V-Hub adviser can cover a range of topics from how to build an online presence to managing online security risks. Call 0808 005 7400 or visit here.Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. From Vodafone Business, produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whilst following her own personal journey moving away from fast fashion, Grace Beverly was frustrated to not be able to afford sustainable active ware in her twenties. Already the founder of fitness app, Shreddy, Grace spotted an exciting gap in the market and set about creating game changing brand TALA using her 1M+ followers on Instagram to grow the business. Grace talks to Claudia Winkelman about the importance of social media in launching the business (TALA took 10,000 orders on its first day). We hear about TALA’s ‘audience first’ approach to acquiring a customer base; and how, for TALA, sustainability isn’t just a matter of box-ticking and having a sustainability statement but a defining factor in every decision the business makes. Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business’ V-Hub platform. V-Hub is here to help with free expert knowledge and guidance, and a constantly evolving range of tools and training. Click here to access online their library and knowledge centre, offering content, tools and insights to help small-medium businesses thrive online. Not only that, but you can access free support from expert business V-Hub advisers. This one-to-one digital support from a business V-Hub adviser can cover a range of topics from how to build an online presence to managing online security risks. Call 0808 005 7400 or visit here. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. From Vodafone Business, produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whilst searching the shelves of supermarkets for palm oil free peanut butter, entrepreneur Pip Murray sparked an idea to create delicious nut butter for her post run treats and breakfasts. Borrowing £5000 from her dad to buy a blender, plus interest, Pip & Nut was born.  Chief Squirrel Pip Murray speaks to Claudia Winkleman about creating a fun work culture that values balance and squirrel-based job titles, as well as how Pip & Nut is using it’s business as force for good by looking out for the environment and the local community.  Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business’ V-Hub platform. V-Hub is here to help with free expert knowledge and guidance, and a constantly evolving range of tools and training. Click here to access online their library and knowledge centre, offering content, tools and insights to help small-medium businesses thrive online. Not only that, but you can access free support from expert business V-Hub advisers. This one-to-one digital support from a business V-Hub adviser can cover a range of topics from how to build an online presence to managing online security risks. Call 0808 005 7400 or visit here. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. From Vodafone Business, produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After successfully co-founding MADE.com, entrepreneur Ning Li found himself searching for skin care for his baby daughter and was shocked to see added ingredients such as parabens and triclosan in products from big respected companies. Ning set about creating skincare that focused on natural active ingredients, with no unnecessary chemicals added, driving change in the skincare industry.Ning Li speaks to Claudia Winkleman about growing his businesses MADE.com and Typology, the fundamentals of hiring to fit the company ethos and how interning at a Parisian restaurant helped him define his leadership style.Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business’ V-Hub platform. V-Hub is here to help with free expert knowledge and guidance, and a constantly evolving range of tools and training. Click here to access online their library and knowledge centre, offering content, tools and insights to help small-medium businesses thrive online. Not only that, but you can access free support from expert business V-Hub advisers. This one-to-one digital support from a business V-Hub adviser can cover a range of topics from how to build an online presence to managing online security risks. Call 0808 005 7400 or visit here.Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. From Vodafone Business, produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to series 2 of Business Unusual, the podcast that gets to know the UK’s most innovative entrepreneurs behind exciting challenger brands, hosted by Claudia Winkleman.Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business’ V-Hub platform. V-Hub is here to help with free expert knowledge and guidance, and a constantly evolving range of tools and training. Click here to access online their library and knowledge centre, offering content, tools and insights to help small-medium businesses thrive online. Not only that, but you can access free support from expert business V-Hub advisers. This one-to-one digital support from a business V-Hub adviser can cover a range of topics from how to build an online presence to managing online security risks. Call 0808 005 7400 or visit here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A third of the food we produce globally is thrown away. Ultimately, £12.5 billion worth of food is going direct to landfill, with dire consequences for the environment and for those living in food poverty. Tessa Clarke and Saasha Celestial-One decided to solve this huge problem with a simple solution; an app that connects neighbours in order to share unwanted or leftover food. In the space of just 5 years, Tessa and Saasha turned a WhatsApp group of 12 people into a platform with a community of 2 million worldwide. How did they do it? Tessa Clarke, Co-Founder and CEO, joins Claudia Winkleman to talk about seeking venture capital funding as a woman, why she believes giving up is not an option, and the time that 12 bottles of free champagne were listed on the app… Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business, visit the Vodafone V-Hub platform vodafone.co.uk/business/vhub for one-on-one support with a dedicated business adviser, as well as access to an online knowledge centre aimed to help your business #KeepConnecting. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman.Produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was 2013 and Russell Bisset had £5000 in the bank and one big dream: to create world-class beer experiences inspired by the spirit of the north. Seven years later and Russell’s company, Northern Monk, is going from strength to strength. Northern Monk is ranked as one of the top 100 breweries in the world, they have sales in 23 countries and are stocked in major UK supermarkets. But in addition to their incredible sales, the Northern Monk brand is doing so much more… Claudia Winkleman talks to Founder and CEO, Russell Bisset of Northern Monk about their incredibly creative beer collaborations, how they give back generously to the community and why on earth they decided to brew a beer at the top of Ben Nevis. Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business, visit the Vodafone V-Hub platform vodafone.co.uk/business/vhub for one-on-one support with a dedicated business adviser, as well as access to an online knowledge centre aimed to help your business #KeepConnecting. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman.Produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For years, Michele Scott-Lynch had her hair chemically straightened, risking painful skin damage. But after reading The Autobiography of Malcom X and visiting a specialist curly-hair salon in New York, she finally decided that it was time to embrace her natural curls. Michele soon discovered that the beauty industry was desperately lacking products that were suitable for curly hair textures. She decided to do something about it and that’s how her brand, Bouclème, was born.Founder and CEO Michele Scott-Lynch tells Claudia Winkleman what it takes to make waves (and curls!) in the beauty industry.  Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business, visit the Vodafone V-Hub platform vodafone.co.uk/business/vhub for one-on-one support with a dedicated business adviser, as well as access to an online knowledge centre aimed to help your business #KeepConnecting. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman.Produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a tour manager, Chris Sheldrick was tired of everyone getting lost. Standard street addresses weren’t ever precise enough, and GPS co-ordinates often got misheard. So, Chris and his co-founders invented a new global address system, what3words. Seven years on and what3words is being used across the world for all sorts of things, from helping the emergency services find the scene of an incident, to getting fish-and-chips delivered on the Isle of Man.Chris Sheldrick, Co-Founder and CEO of what3words, tells Claudia Winkleman about hiring adventurers, making deals with the Mongolian Postal service and why you’ll often find him staring into space. Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business, visit the Vodafone V-Hub platform vodafone.co.uk/business/vhub for one-on-one support with a dedicated business adviser, as well as access to an online knowledge centre aimed to help your business #KeepConnecting. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman.Produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

33 metres below the streets of South London there are huge tunnels filled with hydroponic irrigation systems, LED lights and thousands of thriving little seedlings. This is Growing Underground, a futuristic farm with sustainability at its heart. In this episode of Business Unusual, Claudia Winkleman talks to Steven Dring and finds out what it takes to make a success of such an unconventional idea. Steven explains why a WW2 bomb shelter is the perfect environment for growing salads, how he and his co-founder overcame the bystander effect and what Raymond Blanc had to say about their fennel.  Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business, visit the Vodafone V-Hub platform vodafone.co.uk/business/vhub for one-on-one support with a dedicated business adviser, as well as access to an online knowledge centre aimed to help your business #KeepConnecting. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman.Produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Our Parks, founder Born Barikor is disrupting the fitness industry. No more expensive memberships or intimidating instructors; Born is on a mission to provide free, high-quality exercise classes that everyone can access in their local park. Already, over 150,000 members ‘turn up to tone up’ at Our Parks classes and they’ve received an astonishing number of awards and accolades for their innovative work. In this episode, Claudia Winkleman discovers Born’s secret to success.Born explains why you’ll never catch him with a clipboard, what the build-measure-learn cycle can do for your business and how he ensures all his fitness coaches have ‘the magic’.  Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business, visit the Vodafone V-Hub platform vodafone.co.uk/business/vhub for one-on-one support with a dedicated business adviser, as well as access to an online knowledge centre aimed to help your business #KeepConnecting. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman.Produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the secret behind what Claudia Winkleman refers to as ‘little bites of unicorn’ when she talks to Howard and Vivien Wong, co-founders of Little Moons. In 2010, the brother and sister duo founded their business and started selling mochi ice-cream; bite-sized balls of Italian gelato ice cream, wrapped in a soft Japanese mochi dough. Now they produce 25 million a year.  Claudia chats to Howard and Vivien about quitting their jobs and going all-in on their business idea, what it’s like working with your sibling and how they’ve looked after their staff during a complicated time in the food industry.      Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business. Visit the Vodafone V-Hub platform at vodafone.co.uk/business/vhub for one-on-one support with a dedicated business adviser, as well as access to an online knowledge centre aimed to help your business #KeepConnecting. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman.Produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The unusual business of doorstep plant deliveries. Four years ago, Freddie Blackett was staring despondently at a collection of dying plants on his balcony after a failed attempt to bring some nature into his first home. Today, Freddie is the CEO of Patch, an incredibly successful online plant shop which delivers 2000 plants across London each day, and a further 400 across the UK.  Claudia Winkleman asks Freddie about how his brand challenges the status quo, their strategic social media marketing and how he’s managed to run the business with all his staff working remotely, and two small children under his feet.  Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business. Visit the Vodafone V-Hub platform at vodafone.co.uk/business/vhub for one-on-one support with a dedicated business adviser, as well as access to an online knowledge centre aimed to help your business #KeepConnecting. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman.Produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Business Unusual is a brand new podcast in which Claudia Winkleman talks to the UK’s most innovative entrepreneurs and discovers what it takes to build a successful challenger brand. The first episode will be released on the 7th of July 2020. Hit subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode.  Business Unusual is made in association with Vodafone Business. Visit the Vodafone V-Hub platform at vodafone.co.uk/business/vhub for one-on-one support with a dedicated business adviser, as well as access to an online knowledge centre aimed to help your business #KeepConnecting. Hosted by Claudia Winkleman.Produced by Listen Entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.