Surviving the Highs and Lows of Running a Festival with Steve Butcher

Surviving the Highs and Lows of Running a Festival with Steve Butcher

Running a business comes with unpredictable risks, and few industries felt that more intensely than live events over the last few years. Steve Butcher, founder of Universal Event Production and Chilfest, shares his realistic experience of navigating catastrophic financial losses, selling his home to fund business debts, and the heavy physical toll of prolonged stress. He details the practical steps of keeping staff employed during industry shutdowns, the reality of taking on investors, and why he eventually chose to buy his festival back to regain creative and operational control. Episode Chapters [00:00:50] Background in AV production and launching Chilfest [00:05:26] Taking responsibility for supplier failures in year one [00:09:38] Losing money in year two and selling the family home [00:15:18] Navigating the COVID shutdown and saving staff jobs [00:20:44] The financial impact of last-minute event cancellations [00:25:04] Experiencing a stress-induced heart attack [00:29:00] Changing perspectives on leadership and mental health [00:32:34] Liquidating a business and taking on external investors [00:40:09] Buying the festival back to regain operational control Key Takeaways * Take ownership of supplier mistakes: When a partner fails to deliver, accept the responsibility to your customer instead of passing the blame. This builds long-term trust, even if it requires running an event at a loss to fix the reputational damage. * Prioritize professional mental health support: Chronic business stress can lead to severe physical consequences. Seek professional counseling to process business failures rather than relying solely on family, and create an open environment where your team can discuss their mental health without judgment. * Evaluate the true cost of external investment: Bringing in investors might save a business financially, but it often means sacrificing creative control and dealing with rigid corporate structures. Weigh the financial relief against the personal cost of losing autonomy over your product. Guest Links: Steve Butcher on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveofbutcher/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveofbutcher/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveofbutcher/] Chilfest Website [https://chilfest.co.uk/] https://chilfest.co.uk [https://chilfest.co.uk/] Chilfest in Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/Chilfest] https://www.facebook.com/Chilfest [https://www.facebook.com/Chilfest] Chilfest on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/chilfest/] https://www.instagram.com/chilfest/ [https://www.instagram.com/chilfest/] Resources: Florence Nightingale Charity [https://fnhospice.org.uk/] https://fnhospice.org.uk [https://fnhospice.org.uk/] Ideas Fest Website [https://ideasfest.co.uk/] https://ideasfest.co.uk [https://ideasfest.co.uk/] Host Links: Ben Baldwin LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/] Chuffed Productions LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/chuffedproductions/] | https://chuffed.video/ [https://chuffed.video/] Berko and Beyond Website [http://berkoandbeyond.com/] http://berkoandbeyond.com [http://berkoandbeyond.com/] Support Local! Don't forget to like, follow, and share Berko and Beyond wherever you get your podcasts, and hit subscribe if you're watching on www.youtube.com/@BerkoAndBeyond [http://www.youtube.com/@BerkoAndBeyond]. If you'd like to be a guest on the show, drop us an email at: podcast@berkoandbeyond.com.

Build A Team-Led Sales Engine with Sadie Groom

This episode breaks down practical ways to grow your client base and manage a scaling team. Sadie Groom, founder of Bubble Agency, shares how she transitioned her company away from traditional business development roles and instead built a "sales engine" by teaching her entire staff how to secure specific referrals. We discuss the importance of peer networking, why you shouldn't treat your business like a family, and how to create internal events your team actually wants to attend. Episode Chapters [00:00:00] Intro and building a sales engine [00:03:28] Taking the leap into business ownership [00:05:36] Expanding into new global markets and niches [00:06:55] Why traditional business development didn't work [00:08:32] Launching the Super Connector referral program [00:11:28] Replacing corporate offsites with "Bubble Fest" [00:14:00] Why a business is a team, not a family [00:16:05] The value of peer groups and sharing resources [00:19:46] The real financial motivations for running a business [00:27:23] Launching the Rise group for women in broadcast tech [00:35:57] Why business owners must understand their numbers [00:37:54] Navigating business after a late dyslexia diagnosis Key Takeaways * Build a structured referral system: Instead of asking clients for generic recommendations, identify specific targets you want to reach and provide your referrers with pre-written email drafts to make introductions frictionless. * Involve your whole team in sales: Shift away from isolated business development roles and enable your entire staff with the tools and incentives to act as "super connectors" for new business. * Get a handle on your numbers early: Work with financial professionals who can present your numbers in a format you actually understand, ensuring board-level decisions are driven by hard data Guest Links & Resources: Sadie Groom on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadiegroom/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadiegroom/ Bubble Agency Website [https://bubbleagency.com/] https://bubbleagency.com Rise Website [https://risewib.com/] https://risewib.com Agency Hackers Website [https://www.agencyhackers.com/] https://www.agencyhackers.com As The Crow Flies Website [https://www.asthecrowflies.co.uk/] https://www.asthecrowflies.co.uk Host Links: Ben Baldwin LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/] Berko & Beyond Website [http://berkoandbeyond.com/] berkoandbeyond.com [http://berkoandbeyond.com/] Chuffed Productions LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/chuffedproductions/] | https://chuffed.video/ [https://chuffed.video/] Support Local! Don't forget to like, follow, and share Berko and Beyond wherever you get your podcasts, and hit subscribe if you're watching on www.youtube.com/@BerkoAndBeyond [http://www.youtube.com/@BerkoAndBeyond]. If you'd like to be a guest on the show, drop us an email at: podcast@berkoandbeyond.com.

Best of Berko & Beyond (So Far)

This special compilation gathers the most actionable advice from our first ten shows. We cover the transition from business owner to effective leader, how to retain top talent through workplace culture, and why your marketing needs to stop talking about you and start focusing on your customer. You will hear practical strategies from peer founders on securing referrals, delegating tasks effectively, and pushing past the comfort zone to grow your operations. Episode Chapters [00:00:00] Welcome and podcast milestones [00:01:10] The privilege of leadership and duty of care [00:05:15] Why leaders should be at the bottom of the org chart [00:08:27] Why great leaders always speak last [00:09:22] Getting comfortable being uncomfortable [00:11:58] Making networking conversations count [00:14:26] You don't have to be an expert in everything [00:16:05] Retaining staff and protecting mental health [00:17:44] The "Who Not How" approach to delegating [00:19:39] Building an attractive workplace culture [00:22:24] Stop talking about yourself on your website [00:26:22] Asking for referrals at the point of maximum wow [00:29:11] Overcoming the hurdle of overthinking content [00:31:19] Seeking meaningful community sponsorships Key Takeaways * Invert your organizational chart: Act as the foundation supporting your team rather than managing from the top down, and always speak last in meetings to get the best ideas from your staff. * Ask for referrals early: Request client recommendations at the "point of maximum wow" right after you deliver great initial work, rather than waiting years. * Audit your marketing copy: Shift the focus of your website and proposals away from your company history and speak directly to your customer's specific problems Guest Full Episode Links: Christy Evans, DBC Episode [https://youtu.be/2JN4ay19uSc?si=jo4bgZGS_orVH1vl] https://youtu.be/2JN4ay19uSc?si=jo4bgZGS_orVH1vl [https://youtu.be/2JN4ay19uSc?si=jo4bgZGS_orVH1vl] Dacorum’s Den Winners Episode [https://youtu.be/SuP5vJzUCWg?si=QeMw_td8vSSsLigV] https://youtu.be/SuP5vJzUCWg?si=QeMw_td8vSSsLigV [https://youtu.be/SuP5vJzUCWg?si=QeMw_td8vSSsLigV] Leigh Cohen, Sales Geek Episode [https://youtu.be/mIKreMJPYS0?si=FffFg2jJd1XyMnHG] https://youtu.be/mIKreMJPYS0?si=FffFg2jJd1XyMnHG [https://youtu.be/mIKreMJPYS0?si=FffFg2jJd1XyMnHG] Ben Morton Leadership Episode [https://youtu.be/oAvcjZG-lzk?si=5Dj-YQtqAb-_9vGj] https://youtu.be/oAvcjZG-lzk?si=5Dj-YQtqAb-_9vGj [https://youtu.be/oAvcjZG-lzk?si=5Dj-YQtqAb-_9vGj] Azim Shah, Red Branch Studios Episode [https://youtu.be/CcbCGci3TUM?si=lBR2HP8ToAzydVQx] https://youtu.be/CcbCGci3TUM?si=lBR2HP8ToAzydVQx [https://youtu.be/CcbCGci3TUM?si=lBR2HP8ToAzydVQx] Corinne Wallington, Chiltern Biz Episode [https://youtu.be/BEH9kBwl3Jk?si=qeacu5N53Sjeo7nN] https://youtu.be/BEH9kBwl3Jk?si=qeacu5N53Sjeo7nN [https://youtu.be/BEH9kBwl3Jk?si=qeacu5N53Sjeo7nN] Ben Baldwin, Meet The Host Episode [https://youtu.be/7xAo3U2npYw?si=CmZ5bxQo6C_qdHlP] https://youtu.be/7xAo3U2npYw?si=CmZ5bxQo6C_qdHlP [https://youtu.be/7xAo3U2npYw?si=CmZ5bxQo6C_qdHlP] Our Heath Barn Episode [https://youtu.be/fZ8ebvmfDnE?si=-bTZFJqayh4G6BbI] https://youtu.be/fZ8ebvmfDnE?si=-bTZFJqayh4G6BbI [https://youtu.be/fZ8ebvmfDnE?si=-bTZFJqayh4G6BbI] Wendy Lewington, DENS Episode [https://youtu.be/Vj7Hy41KO2U?si=KTmy8GUU58ehhHCx] https://youtu.be/Vj7Hy41KO2U?si=KTmy8GUU58ehhHCx [https://youtu.be/Vj7Hy41KO2U?si=KTmy8GUU58ehhHCx] Gordon Hall Peer Group Episode [https://youtu.be/cvqybJCFq8o?si=eiybEPXaSg0CAQEU] https://youtu.be/cvqybJCFq8o?si=eiybEPXaSg0CAQEU [https://youtu.be/cvqybJCFq8o?si=eiybEPXaSg0CAQEU] Host Links: Ben Baldwin LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/] Chuffed Productions LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/chuffedproductions/] | https://chuffed.video/ [https://chuffed.video/] Support Local! Don't forget to like, follow, and share Berko and Beyond wherever you get your podcasts, and hit subscribe if you're watching on www.youtube.com/@BerkoAndBeyond [http://www.youtube.com/@BerkoAndBeyond]. If you'd like to be a guest on the show, drop us an email at: podcast@berkoandbeyond.com.

The Power Of A Peer Group With Gordon Hall

In this conversation, executive coach and Vistage chair Gordon Hall breaks down the mechanics of peer groups and masterminds and how they help business leaders identify operational blind spots. The discussion covers the practical differences between coaching, mentoring, and consulting, alongside actionable advice for navigating economic sluggishness. Gordon also highlights the specific reasons why many small businesses struggle to scale and explains why getting comfortable with discomfort is a necessary skill for long-term business growth. Episode Chapters [00:00:29] Welcome Gordon Hall: From negotiation to executive coaching [00:01:42] What happens inside a peer advisory group or mastermind [00:08:56] The role of vulnerability and issue processing [00:13:18] How peers help identify leadership blind spots [00:25:51] The difference between a coach, a mentor, and a consultant [00:27:40] Navigating economic sluggishness and delayed decision-making [00:29:15] The exact right time to ask a client for a referral [00:32:16] Why UK businesses start strong but fail to scale up [00:36:07] Why business leaders avoid negotiation [00:41:41] Moving from work-life balance to work-life blend Key Takeaways * Identify your leadership blind spots: Actively seek unbiased feedback from other business owners outside your organization to uncover operational issues and bottlenecks you are too close to see. * Ask for referrals at the peak of satisfaction: Request referrals or testimonials at the very beginning of a new client relationship when they are most impressed, rather than waiting years to ask. * Embrace discomfort to scale: Practice pushing slightly outside your operational comfort zone regularly—such as directly asking clients why they chose to work with you—to break past growth plateaus. Guest Links: Gordon Hall on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gohall/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/gohall/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gohall/] Gordon Hall at Vistage [http://vistage.co.uk/chairs/gordonjohnhall] http://vistage.co.uk/chairs/gordonjohnhall [http://vistage.co.uk/chairs/gordonjohnhall] Gordon Hall Website [http://www.hallsexecutiveedge.co.uk] www.hallsexecutiveedge.co.uk [http://www.hallsexecutiveedge.co.uk] Resources: Nigel Taberner https://www.nigeltaberner.com [https://www.nigeltaberner.com] Host Links: Ben Baldwin LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/] Chuffed Productions LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/chuffedproductions/] | https://chuffed.video/ [https://chuffed.video/] Support Local! Don't forget to like, follow, and share Berko and Beyond wherever you get your podcasts, and hit subscribe if you're watching on www.youtube.com/@BerkoAndBeyond [http://www.youtube.com/@BerkoAndBeyond]. If you'd like to be a guest on the show, drop us an email at: podcast@berkoandbeyond.com.

Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness with Wendy Lewington DENS

In this episode, Wendy Lewington, CEO of DENS, explains how local businesses can make a tangible difference in tackling hidden homelessness across Dacorum. She breaks down the operational realities of running a mid-sized charity like a business, navigating the cost of living crisis, and how business owners and private landlords can practically support vulnerable community members through regular giving, mediation, and consistent CSR initiatives. Episode Chapters [00:00:26] – Introducing Wendy Lewington and the core mission of DENS [00:02:36] – The root causes of homelessness and breaking the cycle [00:09:33] – Addressing hidden homelessness and the cost of living crisis [00:13:20] – How DENS supports private landlords to prevent evictions [00:14:01] – The financial and operational realities of running a charity [00:26:55] – Concrete ways local businesses can support the community Key Takeaways * Set up a regular, monthly corporate donation to a local charity to provide them with the reliable baseline income they need for long-term strategic planning. * If you operate as a private landlord, partner with charity mediation programs that provide 24/7 property support and direct benefit payments to reduce tenancy risks and prevent evictions. * Incorporate simple charity support into your weekly business operations, such as adding high-need food bank items or cleaning supplies to your company's online grocery orders. Guest Links: Wendy Lewington on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-lewington-2162703b/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BFl04JWRjTqq6joRkoqAUHA%3D%3D] linkedin.com/in/wendy-lewington-2162703b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-lewington-2162703b/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BFl04JWRjTqq6joRkoqAUHA%3D%3D] DENS Website [https://www.dens.org.uk] https://www.dens.org.uk/ [https://www.dens.org.uk/] DENS Castle Walk [https://www.dens.org.uk/event/castle-walk/] https://www.dens.org.uk/event/castle-walk/ [https://www.dens.org.uk/event/castle-walk/] Host Links: Ben Baldwin LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benbaldwinchuffed/] Chuffed Productions LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/chuffedproductions/] | https://chuffed.video/ [https://chuffed.video/] Support Local! Don't forget to like, follow, and share Berko and Beyond wherever you get your podcasts, and hit subscribe if you're watching on www.youtube.com/@BerkoAndBeyond [http://www.youtube.com/@BerkoAndBeyond]. If you'd like to be a guest on the show, drop us an email at: podcast@berkoandbeyond.com [podcast@berkoandbeyond.com].