From Canadian Farmer to Global Leisure Tycoon – Meet the Man Behind the Soft Play Empire

Chester Centurions Podcast with Yellow Circle

In this episode of the Chester Centurion podcast, I’m joined by Ian Hazeldine, founder of Yellow Circle, a web design and software development agency that’s been innovating since 2007.   We dive into the real journey of entrepreneurship—starting with an inheritance-fuelled leap of faith and landing in a full-service digital agency that’s helping businesses transform. Ian opens up about: * Why offering work for free is a fast track to burnout * How to actually get work-life balance back (spoiler: close your inbox) * Why “mates rates” should mean full price and paid on time * The future of websites in an AI-driven world—and why humans still matter * His 3 biggest pieces of advice for anyone starting a business   This is a masterclass in self-respect, business boundaries, and making tech work for you—not the other way around.   If you’ve ever struggled with undervaluing your work or being “always on,” this episode will hit home.

Chester Centurions Podcast with Indigo Technology Services

From Electrician to Tech Trailblazer: Stephen Johansen on Building Indigo & Following Your Gut What do Madonna, Prince, Formula One, and outdoor Wi-Fi have in common? Believe it or not—Stephen Johansen. In this episode of the Chester Centurions podcast, Alan sits down with the founder of Indigo, a North West-based IT company that’s quietly powering everything from schools and offices to stadiums and music festivals.   Stephen shares the wild story of Indigo’s accidental pivot into global event tech—including an ambitious project in the UAE that involved Formula One hospitality setups and open-air networking at scale. But the real gold lies in the quiet wisdom he’s gained over 23 years in business: * Why year two of a startup is the hardest (and what to expect) * The moment he decided to leap from employee to entrepreneur * How values shape team culture and client loyalty * Why “fixing problems” beats “selling solutions” * His personal philosophy for switching off from work and showing up fully at home   This is a grounded, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation with a founder who proves you don’t need a flashy brand to build an exceptional business.

Chester Centurions Podcast with Placement Staffing Group

In this episode of the Chester Centurions Podcast, Alan sits down with Monique, a powerhouse entrepreneur from North Wales who swapped a secure salary for the uncertain road of business ownership — with a mortgage, three kids, and zero safety net.   She shares: * Why she walked out of her job overnight * The emotional rollercoaster of starting a recruitment agency from scratch * How she balances being a mum, a business owner, and a university student * The myths people believe about self-employment * Why feedback, mentors, and gym sessions are her secret weapons * Her plans to scale the business across Wales and into the Northwest   This is a must-listen for anyone contemplating the leap into entrepreneurship — or already in the deep end wondering if they’re doing it right.

From Canadian Farmer to Global Leisure Tycoon – Meet the Man Behind the Soft Play Empire

What do a Canadian cattle farm, a failed marriage, and a barn in North Wales have in common?   Bradley J Miller.   In this week’s episode of The Chester Centurions Podcast, we dive into the incredible journey of a man who helped take indoor play from rural roots to global domination—serving everyone from Warner Brothers to Ferrari World.   Brad shares: * How indoor play was actually invented in a Welsh barn * Why business is a living organism (and how to keep it healthy) * What he learned from choosing the wrong business partner * How a life-threatening illness shaped his leadership * And why he believes most entrepreneurs are kidding themselves about “balance”   This isn’t your typical business success story—it’s packed with hard-won lessons, surprising history, and a refreshingly honest take on what it really takes to grow something that lasts.

Chester Centurions Podcast with Jackson Fire & Security

In this episode of the Chester Centurions Podcast, Alan Bark chats with Steve Jackson, founder of Jackson Fire & Security—a business that’s been protecting people and property for over 35 years. Steve shares the journey from starting out in 1991 with just a few fire extinguishers to building a nationwide franchise network of 12 (and growing) branches, employing 80+ people across the UK.   Steve reflects on the early days: how a casual favour for a friend turned into a career pivot, how he and his business partner bootstrapped their way through the ups and downs, and how the company has grown by staying laser-focused on compliance-led services like fire alarms, CCTV, intruder alarms, and more. He also explains why franchising became a game changer—restoring local service quality while scaling nationally.   The conversation covers key business lessons, including why keeping overheads low in the early days is critical, how building the right team is non-negotiable, and the power of keeping things simple (including the classic wisdom: make sure more money comes in than goes out). Steve also dives into the challenges of staying innovative in a highly regulated industry, the importance of investing in the right tech and systems, and how his business thrived through COVID by focusing on essentials.   Looking ahead, Steve talks about ambitious plans to grow their franchise footprint to 20-30 locations, enhancing their ability to serve major national contracts while keeping the personal touch that sets them apart. He’s also brutally honest about the mindset required to succeed: resilience, pragmatism, and a willingness to hire people better than you at the stuff that bores you.   For aspiring entrepreneurs, Steve offers gold-standard advice—choose an industry with real demand and longevity, obsess over your numbers, and surround yourself with a rock-solid team.   This episode is a must-listen for anyone in service industries, franchising, or simply looking for battle-tested business wisdom from someone who’s built it all from the ground up.