On the Couch with Mark French

On the Couch with CP Robinson

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison sits down with CP Robinson, Chair of Portsmouth Pride, to discuss how the organisation is evolving into a year‑round, sustainable charity supporting the LGBTQ+ community across Portsmouth. CP shares the story behind hosting UK Pride, delivering 52 events over 26 weeks, and engaging over 20,000 people, while keeping the majority of activities free and accessible. The conversation explores why Pride is about more than just a single event, highlighting the ongoing work taking place with local organisations, the NHS, and community groups. They also dive into the value of meaningful business partnerships, showing how companies can go beyond sponsorship to build authentic, inclusive practices that support their teams and communities. From lived‑experience workshops to tailored collaborations, CP explains how organisations can embed inclusivity into their culture. The episode also uncovers the often unseen work behind Portsmouth Pride, including mentorship programmes, volunteer development, and community initiatives that create long‑term social impact. A must‑listen for businesses, community leaders, and anyone interested in inclusion, social impact, and making a difference in Portsmouth and beyond.

On the Couch with Sandie Davis

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison is joined by Sandie Davis, Partnerships Coordinator at Spark Community Space. Sandie shares how Spark has grown into a vibrant, volunteer‑powered community hub supporting people who feel isolated or disconnected and why genuine partnerships with local businesses are essential to keeping the charity thriving. They discuss how organisations can become Spark ambassadors, the many ways businesses can give back beyond financial donations, and the creativity behind fundraising events like the annual Spark Ball. Sandie also explains how anyone can visit the space, pay what they can, enjoy a famous cheese toasty, and help fund someone else’s visit through “pay it forward” donations. A heartfelt conversation about community, connection, and the small acts of kindness that keep Spark shining.

On the Couch with Adam Manning

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison is joined by colleague Adam Manning, solicitor and one of the few notaries public in the UK. Adam lifts the lid on the fascinating world of notarial work, from authenticating documents for overseas weddings to handling international property transactions and urgent business needs. He shares the unusual and rigorous training involved, including studying Roman law and private international law, and explains why notaries remain essential for creating trust in documents used abroad. Adam also talks about his unique legal seal, the pressure of last‑minute requests, and how he and his team step in to help clients meet tight international deadlines. The conversation ends on a lighter note as Adam reveals his passion for space, space law, and (of course) the occasional terrible dad joke. A warm, insightful episode showcasing a rare legal specialism and the person behind it.

On the Couch with Mark French

In this episode of On the Couch with Biscoes, Alison sits down with Mark French from One Financial Solutions to unpack what financial advisors really do, the differences between restricted, tied and whole‑of‑market advice, and how to plan effectively for the future. They explore later‑life financial planning, including care‑home funding and long‑term care annuities and discuss how legal and financial professionals work together to support vulnerable adults. The conversation also dives into the Armed Forces Covenant and Employer Recognition Scheme, with Mark sharing why supporting the armed forces community matters and how businesses can get involved. A warm, informative chat about financial wellbeing, care planning and community commitment.

On the Couch with Stephanie Bellchambers

Welcome to On the Couch with Biscoes, your home for honest, unscripted business and community conversations brought to you by Biscoes Solicitors. We work with a huge range of local organisations, and we’ve learned so much from the people behind them, now we want you to hear their stories too. In this episode, Alison is joined by Stephanie Bellchambers, Head of Biscoes’ Family Department, for a thoughtful and eye‑opening conversation about some of the most sensitive areas of family law. Stephanie explains the wide range of support her team provides, from divorce, separation and domestic abuse matters to the specialist areas of fertility law, surrogacy and collaborative divorce. Together, they explore the realities behind modern family‑building: donor conception, the legal pitfalls of informal arrangements, the protections offered by licensed clinics, and the complex journey intended parents face when navigating surrogacy in the UK or abroad. Stephanie also lifts the lid on collaborative law, a more dignified, constructive alternative to traditional divorce that keeps couples in control and reduces conflict, cost and emotional fallout, especially for children. They also discuss Biscoes commitment to providing legal aid for vulnerable clients, particularly survivors of domestic abuse, ensuring that vital support remains accessible within the Portsmouth community. This isn’t a legal lecture, it’s a warm, reassuring conversation that highlights the human stories, modern challenges and compassionate solutions at the heart of family law. So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and join us on the couch.