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Small Business Retail Sessions podcast returns: inspiring stories from small business owners

By Jade - Small Business Marketing Team | Posted July 02, 2026

Following the success of our first Small Business Retail Sessions podcast series, which achieved 225k views, EDF Small Business and Enterprise Nation are back with a second series featuring inspiring conversations with founders, entrepreneurs and purpose-led business leaders. 

With new episodes released every Wednesday, this series is designed to help small business owners, retailers and entrepreneurs learn from founders who have built businesses with purpose and resilience. 

Episode 1: Renée Elliott, Planet Organic 

In our first episode, we're joined by Renée Elliott, founder of Planet Organic, the UK's first fully certified organic supermarket. 

Renée shares how she launched Planet Organic in 1995, why purpose and values were at the heart of the business from day one, and how she later returned to help rescue the company from administration. 

What you'll take away from this podcast:

  • Sustainable retail and entrepreneurship
  • Leadership during challenging times
  • Creating a long-lasting brand

 

Episode 2: Rob Wilson, Toast Brewing 

In episode two, we speak with Rob Wilson, co-founder of Toast Brewing, the brewery transforming surplus bread into craft beer. 

Rob explains how the business began as a response to food waste, how the team built a mission-led brand, and what it takes to grow a sustainable business stocked by major retailers. 

What you'll learn as a business owner form this podcast:

  • Sustainable business innovation
  • Brand building with purpose
  • Turning a social mission into commercial success

 

Tune in to get inspired 

If you're looking for a business podcast, small business podcast, entrepreneur podcast or practical advice for growing your business; Small Business Retail Sessions offers real-world insights from some of the UK's most inspiring founders. We’ve hope you love listening as much as we do.

Check back every Wednesday for the latest episode and fresh inspiration for your business journey. 

This is more than just an incredible podcast 

As part of the Powering Local Business campaign we’re supporting businesses up and down the country with lots of activity: 

Find out more on the Powering Local Businesses Hub.