Best Howarth Timber Podcasts (2025)

1
Running a £300m turnover business with Nick Howarth, Howarth Timber Group 46:59

3h ago46:59

46:59

Today’s guest runs a 1000 staff, 45 location, £300m turnover business. AND he’s a 6th generation family owner. Hear the fascinating story of Howarths Timber, the successes and failures of the business, how you manage such a huge entity and the family-owned aspects that power it. There's also learnings from the failures the company have experienced …

1
David Campion - sports coaching lessons applied to business & personal development 1:05:29

1d ago1:05:29

1:05:29

In episode 20 of the 1840 podcast, host Paul Bullivant is joined by David Campion, the former England Squash Coach. Under his leadership, England secured 25 medals across four Commonwealth Games, became World Team champions five times, and European Team champions 42 times at both junior and senior levels. We talk about some of the lessons David has…

1
Sixth form to £mm exited tech founder in 10 years - with Jordan Appleson, Founder, Hark 54:22

7d ago54:22

54:22

Jordan Appleson left school to go into employment at 17. He then went on to found, and sell, one of the most successful Leeds tech businesses. Listen as a chance conversation sparks a business idea, how a pivot really changed the business, the reasons for an abandoned PE raise and how a cold email turned into a business sale. Along with the undoubt…

1
A Day In The Life - Sales Executive 56:19

9d ago56:19

56:19

Host: Paul Bullivant Guests: Nicola Ryan and Jason O'Hara In episode 19 of the 1840 podcast, host Paul Bullivant is joined by Nicola Ryan (Rochdale) and Jason O’Hara (Fallowfield) to discuss a day in the life of a sales executive. We talk about the highs and lows of the role and what the crucial traits are to being successful and interestingly wher…

1
From banker to business owner to Charity Chair - Tracy Fletcher, Smart Works Leeds 1:00:37

14d ago1:00:37

1:00:37

Today’s episode with Tracy Fletcher covers her time in banking and recruitment, with some great advice for YOU when YOU recruit staff, and then we discuss Smart Works Leeds where she is The Chair. Listen not only to what Smart Works Leeds does but, more importantly, how you can support and get involved with this much-needed and highly effective cha…

1
Let's Talk Air Source Heat Pumps 58:21

16d ago58:21

58:21

Host: Paul Bullivant Guests: Jim Stafford, John Houston. Paul is joined by Tim Whitehead and Jim Stafford from E.Tuplings and our P&H Category Manager John Houston to talk Air Source Heat Pumps and dispel some common myths about them. We also look back at the history of builders merchants and ask the question - where have all the builder merchant s…

1
Everything you need to know Angel Investment & Angel investing with Martin Avison of Angel Groups 43:48

21d ago43:48

43:48

Angel Investment. What is it? Who needs it? What should you include in your agnel pitch deck? What are the pitfalls to look out for? And much more. Martin Avison heads up Leeds-based Angels Groups and gives us some insight into the complex world of Angel Investment. INTRODUCING MARTIN AVISON Martin Avison is the founder of angelgroups and Incluziv,…

1
The psychology of colour with Anjie Carless from Cortex Training 36:06

25d ago36:06

36:06

Host Gavin Knowles Guest: Angie Carless Explore the language of colour with Anjie Carless from Cortex Training. By recognising customers, colleagues or even family members' different colour energies, it can help you to improve your own communication and how you come across to others. Anjie helps guide us through the Insight Discovery psychometric t…

1
What's it really like running a bar? - John Gyngell North Bar 44:48

28d ago44:48

44:48

How many times have you thought, ‘wouldn’t it be cool to run a bar’. Today we talk to someone who’s done exactly that…. And owned a brewery too. As you might expect it’s not as easy as you might think…. He also drops a few truth bombs like ‘As a start up business owner you do roles that you a) haven’t been trained for, b) don’t like and c) aren’t v…

1
How to get the younger generation to choose the construction industry as a career 26:21

1M ago26:21

26:21

Host: Alix Maude Guest: Ginny Brown Ginny Brown, Regional Sales Manager at Restec Roofing Systems, joins us to discuss how we can encourage young people to choose the construction industry as a career. From her own second-career journey to her work promoting the industry in schools, Ginny shares insights on changing perceptions and attracting fresh…

1
Building an AI business - Jeremy Smith, Neural Voice 44:11

1M ago44:11

44:11

Two letters are dominating business at the moment. A and I. But what is it and more importantly, how can it help your business? Today we speak to Jeremy Smith, Founder of Neural Voice about his AI business, how it came about, what it can do and the stresses and strains of raising the funding for it. If you're looking for a business and entrepreneur…

1
Plumbing & Heating in the Builders Merchants World 57:40

1M ago57:40

57:40

Host Paul Bullivant Guests: John Houston, Matt Binney & Simon Parker In this episode, we’re getting into the history of Plumbing and Heating at HTBS: how it all kicked off, when it started, and how it’s grown over the years. With Plumbing & Heating Category Manager John Houston, Barnsley P&H Manager Matt Binney & Grimsby P&H Manager Simon Parker th…

1
From corporate events to premium ice cream - Dirk Mischendahl, Northern Bloc 46:53

1M ago46:53

46:53

From nightclubs to huge corporate events and how a 1970s ice-cream van led to the launch of a premium ice cream brand. Meet today’s guest, Dirk Mischendahl, MD of Northern Bloc. As well as the devastation that Covid caused on the business, there’s also loads more fascinating tales, and learnings. If you're looking for a business and entrepreneurshi…

1
What is Behavioural Science? 35:59

2M ago35:59

35:59

Host: Gavin Knowles Guest: James Ballinger Supermarkets deliberately ensure the smell of fresh bread makes it way on to the aisles to encourage us to buy fresh bread. James Ballinger from the Behavioural Agency takes us on this journey to briefly explains of how businesses use behavioural sciences and customer bias' to influence behaviour.…

1
The Apprentice winner one year later - Rachel Woolford, North Studios 50:05

2M ago50:05

50:05

What happens after the cameras stop rolling when you win The Apprentice? After hearing her story last year (give it a listen If you haven’t yet - link below) we caught up with 2024 Apprentice winner, Rachel Woolford, to find out what’s been happening in the business since she won, how she spent the £250,000, the ups (and downs) of being a winner an…

1
How Do We Attract More Young People Into The Building Materials Industry 1:01:42

2M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Host: Paul Bullivant Guests: Hayley Parker & Tom Howe Our heritage goes back all the way to 1840 with some members of staff serving over 40 years of service but how do we encourage the younger generations into this old-school, well-established industry. Hayley and Tom are two of our youngest Branch Managers both completing the BMF diploma in mercha…

1
A concierge service for the rich and famous, with Matt Cheshire, Needs Group 41:35

2M ago41:35

41:35

Matt Cheshire, CEO of the Needs Group offers a VIP concierge service to the rich and famous. Matt has over 25 years of experience providing quality services to a variety of clients. Matt tells us how he got into this fascinating niche sector, how he deals with people who never get told no, the ups and downs caused by Covid and the importance of pam…

1
The Evolution of IT in HTBS – 1987-Today 58:58

2M ago58:58

58:58

With Paul Cornford and Jonathan Read they talk about how IT has changed since they joined the business in 1987…pre smart phones and the internet! What challenges they faced to get PC’s in each branch and the various systems we’ve adopted between then and now.By Howarth Timber & Building Supplies

1
From failing business to multi-award winning success - Graeme Hall, Brandon Medical 50:35

2M ago50:35

50:35

This week we speak to Graeme Hall, Executive Chairman of Brandon Medical. Graeme shares with us a great template for turning around a failing business, navigating selling into the NHS, the importance of company culture and values and also gives a simple, but really useful guide on how to start exporting. If you're looking for a business and entrepr…

1
Landscaping, What Do Merchants & Suppliers Think of Each Other? The Impact of Social Media on Children, with Ben Jewell – Holcim 59:19

2M ago59:19

59:19

Ben Jewell joins Paul Bullivant to talk about his experiences on both sides of the merchant and supplier fence. And, very topically with the news at the moment, Ben also discusses social media and the adverse impact that it can have on our children.By Howarth Timber & Building Supplies

1
The entrepreneur within - Mark Roberts 49:26

2M ago49:26

49:26

Mark Roberts is an entrepreneur, investor, innovation coach and now a published author. Listen as Mark explains the unique trigger that made him quit corporate life to launch his start up, how appearing on This Morning created huge problems for his business and a secret fact you never knew about Pringles. There’s also a brilliant ‘How to’ if you're…

1
Branch Spotlight - Wakefield 48:02

2M ago48:02

48:02

With Martyn Hughes and Steve Baxter, a Wakefield branch focus talking about what makes the branch stand out in the business. Learning all the stories of the branch past and present!By Howarth Timber & Building Supplies

1
From Ukrainian refugee to Dragons Den star - the amazing story of Yana Smaglo, MD Nenya 1:00:39

3M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

What would you do if you had 15 minutes to get out of your home? Listen to the amazing story of Ukrainian refugee, Yana Smaglo. Yana discusses the business she built, and had to leave behind, in Ukraine, how she set up a new business in the UK and how she ended up on Dragons Den, getting four offers and winning investment from Stephen Bartlett and …

1
Customer Focus with CatioKing 57:54

3M ago57:54

57:54

Paul is joined by Chris Allen, our 1st customer focused episode where he talks about his transition from his time in the Army to creating bespoke timber cat enclosures and the mental effects that had on him. Chris also talks about the importance of social media is promoting his business.By Howarth Timber & Building Supplies

1
How to solve these four business problems - the Business Surgery 23:57

3M ago23:57

23:57

Do you have one of these common Business Problems? And looking for a solution? Welcome to the latest bonus episode of the Leeds Business Podcast, featuring our most recent Business Surgery problems. If you're a Business Owner, have a listen; you've probably experienced at least one, or more, of these problems..... and now you have a potential solut…

1
How to create a business from a hobby - Dan & Michael, The Square Ball 1:06:23

3M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

The most popular Leeds Business Podcast episode ever. For many, turning a hobby that they love into a paying business is the ultimate dream. This week I speak to Dan Moylan & Michael Normanton of The Square Ball, who’ve made that dream come true. Listen how they describe how personal financial problems demanded that it became a paying success, the …

1
A Business Owner's Masterclass with Daniel Priestley 1:06:00

3M ago1:06:00

1:06:00

The second most popular episode to date, featuring Daniel Priestley. On April 23rd 2024 I wrote a post on Linked in, titled ‘I hate Daniel Priestley’. See https://www.linkedin.com/posts/philfraser_i-hate-daniel-priestley-im-sueing-activity-7185564354442854400-nVXA/. The post went viral! Off the back of it Daniel agreed to be a guest on the podcast.…

1
Women in Merchanting - Part Two 30:20

3M ago30:20

30:20

Host: Alix Maude Guests: Rebecca Hughes & Lauren De Meester With special guest host Alix, she is joined by Rebecca Marketing Director at Talasey and Lauren De Meester, National Account Manager at Soudal. They talk about the challenges they have faced during the course of our careers, as well as how things have changed over the years, from being pre…

1
Women in Merchanting - Part One 37:49

3M ago37:49

37:49

Host: Danielle Boyle Guests: Ashley Rice & Alice Stafford With special guest host Danielle, she is joined by two Assistant Branch Managers, Ashley and Alice. The topics include what it’s like to be a female working in such a male dominated industry, the pro’s and the con’s and how do we make the industry more friendly to female staff and customers.…

1
Branch Spotlight - Enfield 48:35

3M ago48:35

48:35

Host Paul Bullivant Guests: Aron Ford & Adrian Kaczor A spotlight on our Enfield Branch with Regional Director for the South and new Branch Manager. Learn about how our branches in the south differ to the north.By Howarth Timber & Building Supplies

1
A day in the life - Regional Manager 56:23

4M ago56:23

56:23

Host: Paul Bullivant Guests: Cameron Reid & Rob Bailey Join our newest Regional Managers, Cameron Reid and Rob Bailey, as they share a day in their lives and reflect on the challenges of transitioning from Branch Manager to Regional Manager.By Howarth Timber & Building Supplies

1
The history of Howarth 43:44

4M ago43:44

43:44

Host: Paul Bullivant Guest: Nick Howarth Learn the story behind Howarth Timber & Building Supplies and its history, straight from our Managing Director, Nick Howarth.By Howarth Timber & Building Supplies

1
Branch Spotlight - Oldham 47:26

4M ago47:26

47:26

Host: Paul Bullivant Guests: Jang Yunis & Paul Fearns A Spotlight on our Oldham branch—hear the real story from the Branch Manager and the new Sales Executive.By Howarth Timber & Building Supplies

1
Welcome to The 1840 Podcast 39:18

5M ago39:18

39:18

Host: Paul Bullivant Guests: Gavin Knowles & Stephen Hudson Why would a builder’s merchant start a podcast? And who would even want to listen? In this episode, we share the story behind the podcast, and most importantly, our ‘why.’By Howarth Timber & Building Supplies

1
The 1840 Podcast is coming soon! 1:10

5M ago1:10

1:10

Paul Bullivant quickly introduces Howarth Timber & Building Supplies new podcast, The 1840 Podcast. The first episode follows shortly, so stay tuned. For more information on Howarth Timber, please visit: www.howarth-timber.co.ukBy Howarth Timber & Building Supplies

1
Dinosaurs, Bear Hunts and Monopoly with Andrew Cooper, Chief Exec of LeedsBID 56:15

6M ago56:15

56:15

Dinosaurs, Bear Hunts and Monopoly. This week we have a slightly different episode as we speak to Andrew Cooper, Chief Exec of LeedsBID. LeedsBID has recently been voted in for a third term after a resounding endorsement from businesses in Leeds city centre - its Chapter 3 to run from April 2025-March 2030 will see the BID invest £18.2m back into t…

1
All you need to know about Private Equity - Jamie Roberts YFM 45:08

6M ago45:08

45:08

This week we speak to Jamie Roberts Chief Investment Officer at YFM Equity Partners. I took the opportunity to ask Jamie everything we all need to know about taking Private Equity in your business. Even if you’re not looking at inward investment right now, there’s tons of great stuff in here including what PE houses look for, where the power really…

1
4 more business problems solved in the Business Surgery 16:48

6M ago16:48

16:48

Have you got one of these Business Problems? Welcome to the monthly, bonus episode of the Leeds Business Podcast, featuring the latest Business Surgery problems. If you're a Business Owner, have a listen; you've probably experienced at least one, or more, of these problems..... and now you have a potential solution. This month’s round up features t…

1
A different Leeds media - Dan Murray, LeedsList.com 44:04

6M ago44:04

44:04

This week's guest is Dan Murray of Leeds-List.com Dan tells us about the step from freelancer to business owner with just a ‘back of a fag packet business plan, how not being the same as other media owners causes problems, incoming growth pains and the benefits of the Chamber of Commerce and LeedsBID. The business surgery segment answers the questi…

1
I sold my business... then immediately launched another one - Anna Sutton, The Data Refinery 1:01:10

7M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

This week we speak to Anna Sutton, Co-Founder of the Data Refinery. For most of us building then selling one business would be enough. Not with today’s guest who, having sold one business, immediately launched a second one. Anna also shares with us the complexities of being the leader rather than the do-er, business growth pains and a chastening fu…

1
How to turn a hobby into a 'proper' business - Dan & Michael, The Square Ball 1:08:55

7M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

For many, turning a hobby that they love into a paying business is the ultimate dream. This week I speak to Dan Moylan & Michael Normanton of The Square Ball, who’ve made that dream come true. Listen how they describe how personal financial problems demanded that it became a paying success, the multiple revenue streams that power the business, the …

1
Counter-terrorism, breaking records and building a business - introducing Mike Bates 52:40

7M ago52:40

52:40

Today we have the most amazing guest in Mike Bates. Ex Covert Counter-terrorism Operations Leader turned entrepreneur, public speaker and venturer. Mike talks about his learnings from 20 years in the Royal Marines and counter-terrorism, what high performance looks like, the benefit of ‘hot debriefs’, the power of trust and so, so much more. You hav…

1
4 'must solve' business problems - Bonus Episode 18:49

7M ago18:49

18:49

Business Problems? Welcome to the monthly, bonus episode of the Leeds Business Podcast, featuring the latest Business Surgery problems. If you're a Business Owner, have a listen; you've probably experienced at least one, or more, of these problems..... and now you have a potential solution. This month’s round up features the following business prob…

1
All about B2B, green-hushing and company culture with Georgia Halston, Halston Group 50:13

7M ago50:13

50:13

This week we speak to Georgia Halston, Group CEO of the Halston Group. Georgia tells us about launching her own business, buying another one to add on to it, how she established her company culture pillars BEFORE she employed any staff, all about ‘green hushing’ and some incredible stats about our Very own NHS. The business surgery answers the ques…

1
All you need to know about selling your business - Intelligent Business Partners 50:34

7M ago50:34

50:34

We ask everything you need to know about selling a business with Mark Fitzgerald-Cooke of Intelligent Business Partners. Even if you’re not looking at selling right now, there’s tons of great stuff in here to get your house in order in preparation were you to ever do so. For more information on our sponsors, YFM Equity Partners, please visit www.yf…

1
May the force be with you - Adam Oldfield, Force 24 1:02:16

8M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

This week we speak to Adam Oldfield, Founder & CEO of Force 24. Adam tells us about ‘forming, storming, norming and performing’, the dangers of having too much money in the business, how market pressure forced him to change the business offering and how he rejected, perhaps wrongly in hindsight, an offer to sell the business. The business surgery s…

1
Solving a problem with a start-up - George Fairhall, WAC 55:39

8M ago55:39

55:39

This week we speak to start-up founder George Fairhall all about her business journey to date with WAC. If you'd been cheated out of £200 in wages over a two week period, what would you do? This week's guest used it as the inspiration for her business.... Hear how George has gone all the way from problem to solution via paper mock ups, pandemic lau…

1
From family tragedy to Dragons Den success - Kate Ball, Mini First Aid 58:55

8M ago58:55

58:55

Kate Ball founder and director of Mini First Aid shares with us the family tragedy that inspired her to launch her business, tells us all about her successful appearance on Dragons Den (and how a McDonald's bribe helped seal the deal) and explains how, and why, the business is built as a franchise. The business surgery segment answers the question;…

1
A great business idea executed badly and other tales - Mark Fitzgerald-Cooke, Intelligent Business Partners 1:03:21

8M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

This week we speak to Mark Fitzgerald-Cooke, MD of Intelligent Business Partners. Mark tells all about the difficulties in moving from print to online, a great business idea that didn’t work and how owning the process gives you power in a sector. The business surgery segment answers the question; "I'm currently doing my business planning. How far i…

1
What's it like being fourth generation in the family business? - James Kempley, Troy Foods (Salads) 53:14

9M ago53:14

53:14

For more information on YFM equity Partners please visit www.yfmep.com (and tell them Phil from Leeds Business Podcast sent you!) This week we speak to James Kempley, Managing Director of Troy Foods (Salads) Ltd. James tells us about the stresses and strains of being 4th generation in a family firm, the perfect storm that forced part of the busines…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Howarth Timber Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen