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Small Business Retail Sessions: a new podcast series featuring inspiring business owners

By Jade - Small Business Marketing Team | Posted July 30, 2025

The partnership between EDF Small Business and Enterprise Nation aims to empower high street businesses across the UK. As part of our wider campaign - Powering the High Street, we’re proud to launch a dedicated podcast series: Small Business Retail Sessions, that brings the voices of inspirational small business owners directly to you.

You can listen here

Exclusive offer: We've joined forced with Enterprise Nation to help small business save cash and carbon. As part of this we're offering small businesses up to £150 off their energy contract when you switch to EDF. T&C's apply.

A fresh voice for the high street

The Small Business Retail Sessions podcast series is a celebration of entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. Sponsored by EDF Small Business, this 10-episode series is hosted by retail expert Catherine Erdly and features candid conversations with independent retailers who are thriving on the high street.

Each 30 minute episode offers a unique blend of real-life stories and expert advice, helping small business owners discover new ways to grow sustainably and ultimately succeed in today’s retail landscape.

Meet the voices behind the visions

Episode one (S1,E1) Gbemi Okunlola on building a global fashion brand

Episode two (S1,E2) Candid Studios founders on empowerment through the lens

Episode three  (S1, E3)  Mike Turner on growing Bird & Blend Tea Co .a tea brand with heart

Episode four (S1, E4) Alice Mayor on making space for creatives on the high street

Episode five (S1, E5) Jon Perks on helping small firms save cash and carbon

Episode six (S1, E6) Sol Escobar on restoring dignity through clothing choices

Episode seven (S1, E7) Rob Ely on building a people-first coffee brand with purpose

Episode eight (S1, E8) Dionne Palmer on creating a memorable and joyful scent experience 

Episode nine (S1, E9) Camilla Cole on reimagining retail space through art and community 

Episode ten, (S1, E10) Sam Matanle on redefining the suit through made-to-order fashion

More than just a podcast

This podcast series is just one part of our commitment to helping small businesses thrive. Through our partnership, we’ve already supported thousands of customers with:

Tune in and get inspired

We’ve loved hearing these inspirational small business stories. We hope each episode gives you fresh insight to empower you as a small business owner. 

Curious? Here’s a sneak peak into each episode

🎧 Hear Gbemi's story here

Gbemi with a quote around focus on the people not the product

 

🎧 Hear Amiee and Lily's story here.

Candid owner sharing her top tip on being on camera so customers know who's behind the business

 

🎧 Hear Mike Turner's story here.

Mike Turner from Blenf and Bird Co giving a top tip on being more confident on the things you feel are right

 

🎧 Hear Alice Mayor's story here.

Alice Mayor sharing her top tip on the space matching your vision

🎧 With 25 years of energy experience, hear Jon Perks' advice here.

Jon Perks' quote around controlling your energy spend is all about understanding when you're using it

 

🎧 Hear Sol Escobar's story here.

Sol Escobar with a quote around trialling new things and checking whether they are going to work

 

🎧 Hear Rob Ely's story here.

Rob Ely image and quote around stepping away and allowing people to get on being a game changer

 

🎧Hear Dionne's story here.

Dionne Palmer quote on listening to customers

🎧Hear Camilla's story here.

Camilla image and quote around there being a creative solution for every empty spcae

 

🎧Hear Sam's story here.

Sam Matanle quote on spreading yourself across activities without spreading yourself too thin