The Referral Effect - a podcast from Essex Business Forum

Episode 9 - Catherine Foley: Educating with Impact, One Student at a Time

In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu speaks with Catherine Foley, a dedicated educator with nearly 30 years of experience teaching English. Catherine shares her journey from a passionate teacher to the founder of English Tutor Plus, a tutoring service aimed at helping students thrive academically. The conversation explores her memorable moments in the classroom, the challenges of transitioning to self-employment, and the importance of tailoring education to individual learners. Catherine emphasizes the rewarding nature of one-on-one tutoring and the impact it has on students' confidence and understanding. She also discusses her future aspirations for her business and the significance of networking and referrals in her success. The episode concludes with a light-hearted quick-fire round, revealing Catherine's personal insights and aspirations for writing.

Episode 8 - From Freelance to Full Agency with Matt Barry

In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu sits down with Matt Barry, founder and creative director of Blue Serif – the design and branding agency known as much for its warmth and curiosity as its creative brilliance.
From his roots in Ballymena and a globe-trotting childhood to founding one of the region’s most respected agencies, Matt shares how dyslexia, ambition, and family values shaped his journey. He explains why good branding goes far beyond a logo, how discovery and strategy underpin his work, and how trust and relationships – not quick wins – have powered Blue Serif’s growth through referrals.
We explore everything from rugby shirts to charity campaigns, and why the infamous ‘Blue Sheriff’ is more than just a nickname. If you care about branding, storytelling, networking or just want to hear a creative business journey told with honesty and humour, this one’s for you.
💼 Learn more at blueserif.co.uk🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Want to network with professionals like Matt? Join us at EssexBusinessForum.com
 
Music from: https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/happy-days
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Episode 7 - A Cup of Kindness – Afternoon Tea Wisdom with Jane Malyon

In this delightful episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu is joined by the inspiring Jane Malyon, founder of the English Cream Tea Company. Jane is a true expert in all things afternoon tea, but her talents don’t end there – she’s a Guinness World Record holder, a best-selling author, a social media sensation on TikTok, a public speaker, and even a black belt in karate!
Join Paul and Jane as they explore the heart warming origins of the English Cream Tea Company, the joy of delivering ‘hugs in a box’ with her famous afternoon tea hampers, and how a simple cup of tea can bring people together in powerful ways. Jane shares stories of her viral TikTok journey, her all-year-round Christmas home, and her incredible TEDx talk on how afternoon tea could save the world.
You’ll hear fascinating insights about the etiquette of afternoon tea, the soft skills it can teach, and why Jane’s home is always ready for Christmas. Plus, don't miss Jane's quick-fire answers to questions about her favourite tea, scone etiquette, and the best place she’s ever had afternoon tea.
This episode is full of warmth, wisdom, and a touch of whimsy – perfect for anyone who loves a good story and a great cuppa.
Listen now and let Jane Malyon bring a little sweetness and a lot of inspiration to your day.
 
Music from: https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/happy-days
License code: DZVHDQVSFDDGB0W8
 

Episode 6 : Howard Bullock, Clear Financial Advice

Episode 6: From Trading Floors to Trusted Advice – Howard Bullock’s Financial Wisdom
In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu sits down with Howard Bullock, founder of Clear Financial Advice, for a candid and insightful conversation. From the adrenaline-fueled chaos of a City trading floor to the calm, client-focused world of financial planning, Howard shares his remarkable journey – and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Discover how Howard helps clients of all backgrounds secure their financial futures, why building trust is at the heart of his business, and how smart financial planning can transform lives.
Tune in as Paul and Howard explore:
Howard’s journey from city trader to trusted financial advisor.
The biggest financial mistakes business owners make – and how to avoid them.
Why diversification is the secret to financial resilience.
The powerful impact of networking and relationship-building.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional, or just someone who wants to make smarter financial decisions, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice.
#BusinessNetworking #Entrepreneurship #IFA #ClearIFA #TrustedAdviser #EssexBusinessForum #EBF #Essex
Music from: https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/happy-days
License code: DZVHDQVSFDDGB0W8

Episode 5 - From West End to Utility Wizard – A Life of Performance, Purpose and People - Ben Golding

In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu sits down with the ever-energetic Ben Golding – a man of many hats. From the bright lights of the West End to helping people save money with Utility Warehouse, Ben brings heart, humour, and a theatrical flair to everything he does.
We talk about his time performing at the London Palladium, getting drunk with Shirley MacLaine, launching his new business as a professional skills coach, and why he gets up at 4am every Thursday for EBF. Along the way, Ben shares how goal-setting, networking, and a strong sense of community have shaped his journey.
Authentic, inspiring and full of great takeaways. This is one not to miss.

Episode 4 - The Power of Networking and Business Growth - Toby Acton

Episode Title: The Power of Networking and Business Growth with Toby Acton
In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu sits down with Toby Acton from Pole Position Business Solutions. Toby is a personal business mentor who helps entrepreneurs take control, scale up, and create businesses that truly work for them.
They dive into key strategies for business growth, including the importance of clarity, direction, and focus. Toby shares his insights on how business owners can escape the trap of working in their business rather than on it, and how networking has been a game-changer for his own success.
From mindset shifts to outsourcing and leveraging networking effectively, this conversation is packed with valuable advice for business owners at any stage. Whether you’re looking to scale, regain life-work balance, or maximise the power of networking, this episode is for you.
Tune in and discover how to build a business that supports your life - not the other way around!
Music from: https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/happy-days
License code: DZVHDQVSFDDGB0W8

Episode 3- From Policing to Locksmithing: Jon Foster’s Entrepreneurial Journey

From Policing to Locksmithing: Jon Foster’s Entrepreneurial Journey 🔑
In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu sits down with Jon Foster, former Metropolitan Police officer turned successful locksmith and business owner at Lockfit Bishop’s Stortford.
Discover why Jon made the leap from law enforcement to running his own business and how his background in problem-solving, communication, and crisis management helps him serve his community in a whole new way.
Jon shares the biggest challenges he faced starting out, the lessons he’s learned about marketing and customer trust, and the unexpected joys of being his own boss. Plus, hear why he believes networking—especially with the Essex Business Forum—has been a game-changer for his growth.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or just love inspiring career-change stories, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
Listen now and find out how Jon turned his passion for helping people into a thriving business.
#BusinessNetworking #Entrepreneurship #Locksmith #CareerChange #EssexBusinessForum #EBF #Essex
Music from: https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/happy-days
License code: DZVHDQVSFDDGB0W8

Episode 2 - International Women's Day Special

A special episode to mark International Women’s Day and what better way to celebrate than by speaking with some of the incredible women in business from the EBF community? We’ll be discussing their journeys, the challenges they’ve overcome, the role networking has played, and is playing, in their success, and their advice for other women in business.
 
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License code: DZVHDQVSFDDGB0W8

Episode 1 - The Beginning - With Scott Griffiths

In our first episode, we talk with Scott Griffiths, a director and founding member of Essex Business Forum. Scott explains how EBF came about and how it has adapted, and continues to adapt, to meet its members' needs. He also shares some impressive figures on the revenue EBF generates for its members each year and explains why it is so much more than "just a business networking group."
Music from: https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/happy-days
License code: DZVHDQVSFDDGB0W8