What Is It Like to be a sole trader? – Fishers on the Case – EP 11

How Local Businesses Grow in Ashby - Fishers on the Case - EP 13 Jack McPhillips

In this episode of Fishers on the Case, Amanda Payne sits down with Jack McBillips from Digital Office to talk about local business, family-run companies, and how Ashby has changed over the years. Jack shares his journey from studying business and marketing to joining the family business, starting from the ground up, and helping Digital Office grow into a modern provider of print, IT, cloud and telecoms solutions. Amanda and Jack also discuss the growth of Ashby, the importance of face-to-face relationships, working in a family business, and why local businesses continue to play such an important role in the community.

Why Does It Take So Long to Buy and Sell a House? - Fishers on the Case - EP 12 Martyn Baum

In this episode of Fishers on the Case, host Amanda Payne is joined by Martyn Baum, estate agent and long-standing friend of Fishers, to discuss the realities of buying and selling property. Martyn shares how he fell into estate agency through work experience, his journey from trainee estate agent to running his own business, and why property is ultimately about people, relationships and trust. Amanda and Martyn also explore why property transactions now take much longer than they used to, what causes delays in conveyancing, why communication between estate agents and solicitors matters, and what could be done to improve the process for buyers and sellers.

What Is It Like to be a sole trader? – Fishers on the Case – EP 11

In this episode of Fishers on the Case, host Amanda Payne is joined by Sophie Allen from Serrano Media to discuss what it is really like setting up and running a small business as a sole trader. Sophie shares her journey from working in retail to building a career in graphic design, gaining hands-on experience in print and marketing before launching her own business. They discuss the realities of being a sole trader, including wearing multiple hats, managing finances and learning new skills along the way. The conversation also explores the power of networking, building meaningful relationships through events like Ashby Connect, and how strong client relationships define success.

Financial Planning, Careers and Local Business Collaboration in Ashby – Fishers on the Case – EP 10

In this episode of Fishers on the Case, host Amanda Payne is joined by Sharon Butter, Senior Financial Adviser at Ashwood Law Wealth Management Ltd. Sharon discusses her career journey from studying business management and financial services to working in banking before moving into financial planning. The conversation explores how financial planning has evolved over time, the qualifications required within the industry, and how advisers work with pensions, investments, protection and long term financial planning. Amanda and Sharon also discuss the role local professional firms play within communities like Ashby, and why collaboration between legal and financial professionals can support clients across different areas of life and business.

Why Is Networking Important When Building a Business? | Fishers on the Case | EP 9

In this episode of Fishers on the Case, host Amanda Payne speaks with Simon from Utility Warehouse about how networking can help grow a business and build long lasting professional relationships. Simon shares his career journey from spending 38 years in the Royal Navy, including 20 years at sea, to running his own business helping people reduce their household bills. They discuss the value of networking groups, why face to face conversations still matter, and how events such as Ashby Connect can lead to genuine business opportunities. Simon also explains why helping people and building relationships is the most rewarding part of his work.