The Suffolk Pod Show

Episode 60: Douglas Rintoul, Chief Executive/Artistic Director of the New Wolsey Theatre on transformation, collaboration & Ipswich’s cultural rise

Survival, revival and pushing boundaries in regional theatre - Douglas Rintoul, Chief Executive/Artistic Director of The New Wolsey Theatre talks to us. Since taking the helm in May 2022, Doug has made a lasting impact on Ipswich and Suffolk’s cultural scene - championing bold, diverse theatre and launching powerful community initiatives with his team. Douglas shares insights into his creative vision, his beliefs and drive, as well as the importance of collaboration. Using the phrase 'working at the speed of trust', Doug talks about the significance and critical importance of building relationships within the community - how it takes time to gain those relationships and make them last.  As a cultural leader of our region, Doug talks about the We Are Ipswich initiative, a partnership between leading arts organisations, who collectively drive and promote the cultural scene in Ipswich - positioning Ipswich as the cultural hub for Suffolk and East Anglia. Doug also talks about his role as an artistic director, and explains how theatre is about 'asking those important questions' and resonating with audiences. He talks about this in depth -  exposing people to more contemporary work to challenge and to question - as well as the big musicals and shows. Finally, Doug took part in the Felixstowe Triathlon in July 2025 - raising money for the theatre. If you'd like to donate or become a member please visit the NWT website right here [https://www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/]. Tickets for all shows including Don't Look Now (this autumn's big show) and Beauty and the Beast (the infamous New Wolsey Theatre Rock 'n' Roll Panto) are available here. [https://www.wolseytheatre.co.uk/whats-on/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1351135/support] The Suffolk Pod Show [https://www.thesuffolkpodshow.co.uk/] showcases the most brilliant entrepreneurs, creatives and business leaders, connecting Suffolk’s business and cultural community in one space. Join us for entertaining and thought-provoking conversations, fascinating insights and meaningful connections as we highlight the thriving, aspirational culture of Suffolk - proving that great business and great living can go hand in hand. If you're interested in being a guest on The Suffolk Pod Show - please just get in touch with us podtalkuk@gmail.com [podtalkuk@gmail.com] or call: Marc +44 7909 174289 Zanna +44 7915 294164. The Suffolk Pod Show is produced and managed by Podtalk.co.uk [https://www.podtalk.co.uk/] #podcast #suffolk #business #suffolkbusiness #suffolkpodcast

Episode 59: Ed Crichton of Lacy Scott & Knight - record breaking auctions and life behind the gavel

Whether you’re a collector, want to sell a treasure, or simply curious about what it takes to run an auction house, this episode brings you record-breaking sales, The Beatles [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles] and what's hot on the market right now! Ed Crichton, Managing Partner of Lacy Scott & Knight [https://www.lskauctioncentre.co.uk/], the leading auction centre in Suffolk, talks about the history of the business which was established 1869 in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. From its early days focused on livestock markets to becoming a respected multi-disciplinary firm of Chartered Surveyors, Property Experts, and Auctioneers – Lacy Scott & Knight has grown into a leading player in both regional and international markets.  Episode highlights include: *  The history and evolution of the business – 150+ years of Suffolk roots *  Ed’s own journey into auctioneering and how he became Managing Partner *  The wide range of items that go through their saleroom – from antique toys and militaria to fine art, watches and classic cars. *  The transition from rural livestock markets to modern auction houses *  The incredible story behind their record-breaking sale on the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xgqvf], where a rare sub-miniature camera originally bought for £60 sold at Lacy Scott & Knight for a staggering £20,000, setting a new show record. Thanks to Ed for being such a brilliant guest! Visit: https://www.lskauctioneers.co.uk [https://www.lskauctioneers.co.uk] for auction dates and times. Follow Lacy Scott & Knight on social media for auction previews and updates.   Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1351135/support] The Suffolk Pod Show [https://www.thesuffolkpodshow.co.uk/] showcases the most brilliant entrepreneurs, creatives and business leaders, connecting Suffolk’s business and cultural community in one space. Join us for entertaining and thought-provoking conversations, fascinating insights and meaningful connections as we highlight the thriving, aspirational culture of Suffolk - proving that great business and great living can go hand in hand. If you're interested in being a guest on The Suffolk Pod Show - please just get in touch with us podtalkuk@gmail.com [podtalkuk@gmail.com] or call: Marc +44 7909 174289 Zanna +44 7915 294164. The Suffolk Pod Show is produced and managed by Podtalk.co.uk [https://www.podtalk.co.uk/] #podcast #suffolk #business #suffolkbusiness #suffolkpodcast

Episode 58: Iain Clayton, Founder of FinPlanPro - a fresh way for busy professionals to plan their finances for now, and the future

If you have any savings, a pension (or several pensions from previous employers) or just need direction with planning your finances for you and your family - then this episode is definitely for you! Zanna Hornby talks with qualified financial planner Iain Clayton, based in Bury St Edmunds, and founder of FinPlanPro.com [https://finplanpro.com], about helping busy professionals to take control of their pensions and financial futures—without jargon, pressure, or hidden commissions. Originally from Wales and now based in Suffolk, Iain shares his personal and professional journey, including what inspired him to build FinPlanPro, a remote-first, digital-friendly financial planning service built around clarity, flexibility, and real-life goals. As a proud father of two children born deaf, Iain also opens up about how family life has shaped his values, his advocacy for the National Deaf Children’s Society and the West Suffolk Deaf Children’s Society, and the joy of travel and adventure with his loved ones. This is a refreshing conversation about money that feels both personal and practical—perfect for anyone looking to get to grips with pensions, financial planning, or simply make smarter money choices without the sales pitch.  In this episode: * Why Iain created The Pension Pathway and his digital programme * An email list based around 31 Tips in 31 Days to improve and simplify your pensions, the link is: https://pension.iainclayton.com/31tips [https://pension.iainclayton.com/31tips] * How to track, consolidate, and manage your pensions with ease * The financial challenges facing busy professionals with young families * Iain’s family story and the charities close to his heart * Living a meaningful life with purpose, balance, and  Mentioned in the show:  FinPlanPro.com [https://finplanpro.com/] Email: iain@finplanpro.com Free newsletter + checklist: www.iainclayton.com [https://www.iainclayton.com]  * National Deaf Children’s Society [https://www.ndcs.org.uk] West Suffolk Deaf Children’s  [https://www.facebook.com/WestSuffolkDCS] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iain.financialplanner/ [https://www.instagram.com/iain.financialplanner/] Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@Iain_FinPlan [http://www.youtube.com/@Iain_FinPlan] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iain_financialplanner [https://www.tiktok.com/@iain_financialplanner] * Who this episode is for: * Professionals looking to sort out their pensions * Parents juggling high outgoings and big dreams * Anyone wanting clear, human financial advice without the fluff Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1351135/support] The Suffolk Pod Show [https://www.thesuffolkpodshow.co.uk/] showcases the most brilliant entrepreneurs, creatives and business leaders, connecting Suffolk’s business and cultural community in one space. Join us for entertaining and thought-provoking conversations, fascinating insights and meaningful connections as we highlight the thriving, aspirational culture of Suffolk - proving that great business and great living can go hand in hand. If you're interested in being a guest on The Suffolk Pod Show - please just get in touch with us podtalkuk@gmail.com [podtalkuk@gmail.com] or call: Marc +44 7909 174289 Zanna +44 7915 294164. The Suffolk Pod Show is produced and managed by Podtalk.co.uk [https://www.podtalk.co.uk/] #podcast #suffolk #business #suffolkbusiness #suffolkpodcast

Episode 57: Charlotte & Luke Giddings - from kitchen table to award-winning bakery – the Brownie and the Bean story

From tough beginnings and panicked late-night baking sessions to supplying top retailers and winning multiple awards, this is a heartfelt and frequently hilarious episode of true entrepreneurial grit, creativity, and really great brownies.  Zanna sits down with Charlotte and Luke, the dynamic duo behind the award-winning Suffolk business, Brownie and the Bean. You’ll hear about: * How they turned a small idea into a thriving business * The early challenges (and funny moments) of starting out * How they developed their incredible brownie range * That fateful award-winning day and industry recognition * What’s next for Brownie and the Bean If you love a great small business story with plenty of laughs, real talk, and chocolate – this one's for you. Thank you Charlotte and Luke for being brilliant guests. Guest(s): Charlotte and Luke Giddings from Brownie and the Bean Host: Zanna Hornby Title: From Kitchen Table to Award-Winning Bakery – The Brownie and the Bean Story Useful Links * Brownie and the Bean website: https://www.brownieandthebean.com [https://www.brownieandthebean.com] * Follow on Instagram: @brownieandthebean [https://www.instagram.com/brownieandthebean] * The Suffolk Pod Show on Instagram: @suffolkpodshow [https://www.instagram.com/suffolkpodshow] * The Suffolk Pod Show Website: www.thesuffolkpodshow.co.uk [https://www.thesuffolkpodshow.co.uk/]  #SuffolkPodShow #BrownieAndTheBean #SuffolkBusiness #SmallBusinessStory #Entrepreneurship #AwardWinning #GreatTasteAwards #FoodBusiness #ZannaHornby #TheSuffolkPodShow #PodcastUK #BritishBakers #ArtisanBrownies  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1351135/support] The Suffolk Pod Show [https://www.thesuffolkpodshow.co.uk/] showcases the most brilliant entrepreneurs, creatives and business leaders, connecting Suffolk’s business and cultural community in one space. Join us for entertaining and thought-provoking conversations, fascinating insights and meaningful connections as we highlight the thriving, aspirational culture of Suffolk - proving that great business and great living can go hand in hand. If you're interested in being a guest on The Suffolk Pod Show - please just get in touch with us podtalkuk@gmail.com [podtalkuk@gmail.com] or call: Marc +44 7909 174289 Zanna +44 7915 294164. The Suffolk Pod Show is produced and managed by Podtalk.co.uk [https://www.podtalk.co.uk/] #podcast #suffolk #business #suffolkbusiness #suffolkpodcast

Episode 56: Nicola Weldon & Chitra Watson, Ellisons Solicitors - talk wills, trust funds and careers in law

If you're thinking about writing a will, setting up a trust fund or getting on the career ladder within a successful law firm - this podcast episode is definitely for you! Nicola Weldon - Partner, Solicitor and Head of Private Client and Chitra Watson Head of HR, talk about their personal experiences of working at Ellisons Solicitors, and how approachable and engaging the company is with their clients. Thank you to you both for giving us a really in depth chat about yourselves and what makes it great to work at Ellisons! The content of this episode for is for entertainment purposes only, any legal advice should be taken directly from Ellisons. To speak to Nicola or Chitra, or to find out more about Ellisons click here [https://www.ellisonssolicitors.com/]. #podcast #law #legal #ellisons #thesuffolkpodshow #suffolk Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1351135/support] The Suffolk Pod Show [https://www.thesuffolkpodshow.co.uk/] showcases the most brilliant entrepreneurs, creatives and business leaders, connecting Suffolk’s business and cultural community in one space. Join us for entertaining and thought-provoking conversations, fascinating insights and meaningful connections as we highlight the thriving, aspirational culture of Suffolk - proving that great business and great living can go hand in hand. If you're interested in being a guest on The Suffolk Pod Show - please just get in touch with us podtalkuk@gmail.com [podtalkuk@gmail.com] or call: Marc +44 7909 174289 Zanna +44 7915 294164. The Suffolk Pod Show is produced and managed by Podtalk.co.uk [https://www.podtalk.co.uk/] #podcast #suffolk #business #suffolkbusiness #suffolkpodcast