In this episode of The Founders Blueprint, James sits with Marcus Hollingsworth and Sophie Adens, the duo behind Hydro, a leading web design company based in Manchester. As co-founders and life partners, Marcus and Sophie share their unique insights into the challenges and rewards of running a successful business together while also living under the same roof.

Listeners will discover how their shared background in sales and creative flair have fueled their company’s growth and success. Marcus delves into his experience juggling multiple successful ventures and the importance of wearing different hats to effectively manage business operations.

This episode provides an inspiring look into the balancing act of personal and professional life, highlighting how Marcus and Sophie have mastered collaboration to maintain an edge in the competitive world of web design in the North West.

Welcome to episode 14 of The Founders Blueprint. In this episode, James sits down with Paul and Joe Murphy, the duo behind the popular menswear brand Lanka Clothing. So inspired by their cherished memories and deep admiration for Sri Lanka, they decided to name their designer label after the beautiful island nation. Paul and Joe take us on a journey through their entrepreneurial adventure, starting out in their parents' garage.

They share candid stories of investing thousands in samples, only to receive items that were far from their original designs. Through persistence and a commitment to quality, they have refined their suppliers and transformed Lanka Clothing into a widely recognised brand, both regionally and nationally. Tune in to hear about their early struggles, the importance of making mistakes, and their strategic approach to organic growth and advertising.

Discover how they balance affordability with high quality, and gain insights into their upcoming collections, including coats, trainers, sliders, and more. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a fashion enthusiast, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice on launching your own clothing brand. "Don’t procrastinate, just get started."

Lankaclothing.com

In this week's episode of The Founders Blueprint podcast, James is joined in the studio by best friends Dom Talbot and Oliver Cooke, founders and CEOs of Venture Finance in Liverpool. Offering end-to-end accounting services for small to medium-sized enterprises, they discuss how their unique way of working, makes their clients feel like they’re an extended member of their team.

Dom and Ol recount their first meeting, when playing on the football fields of north Liverpool, where they discovered a shared passion for business and accounting. Fast forward a few years, Dom was working with HMRC and Ol had completed his studies, the covid pandemic struck. During this challenging time, Ol convinced Dom to leave his secure corporate job and take the leap to establish Venture Finance. It’s a decision they’ve never regretted.

In this engaging conversation, the pair discuss the hurdles they've encountered on their entrepreneurial journey and reveal exciting future plans. With their motto of "it's quality over quantity," they've built a stellar reputation that has clients lining up to work with them.

venturefinancemanagement.com