How do you build a business that doesn't just grow, but lasts?

00:00 Introduction
01:07 From Corporate to CEO
08:33 The Power of Networking
13:26 Leading a Growing Business
20:55 Scaling with EOS
32:47 Organic Growth vs Acquisition
40:13 Life After CEO
44:54 Leadership Mindset
48:40 Tom's Next Chapter
51:31 The Future of Business
54:01 Tom's Formula for Success

In this episode of the Brand to Scale podcast, Jess sits down with Tom Wood to explore what it really takes to scale a business through strong leadership, strategic acquisitions and a culture that stands the test of time.

After nearly 15 years as CEO of Rawlings Group, Tom reflects on growing the business from a team of just 10 people into a £35 million organisation with multiple sites across the UK. He shares the lessons he learned about leading people, scaling sustainably and why the businesses that last always put people before processes.

From mergers and acquisitions to company culture, EOS, leadership and long-term growth, this conversation is packed with practical insights for founders, CEOs and business leaders looking to build businesses that thrive for years to come.

In this episode

• How Tom scaled Rawlings Group from 10 people to a £35 million business

• The difference between organic growth and growth through acquisition

• Why company culture becomes more important as you scale

• Building leadership teams that drive sustainable growth

• Using EOS to create accountability and clarity

• The biggest mistakes businesses make during periods of growth

• Why networking is one of the best investments a leader can make

• Transitioning from CEO to advisor and helping other businesses grow

• The mindset needed to lead through uncertainty and change

• Why great businesses are built by great teams

Brand to Scale is the podcast from Alchemy, where we speak to founders, CEOs and business leaders about the real stories, lessons and strategies behind building exceptional businesses.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, founders and business leaders who are scaling brands, building high-performing teams and creating lasting impact.

#BrandToScale #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #businesspodcast

🔗 Connect With Us
Website - https://alchemybranding.studio/
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What happens after you build and sell a successful retail business?

In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jess sits down with Helen, a founder who grew and exited a major retail business, then rebuilt her career around supporting other women in business.

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00:00 Intro & Welcome
00:30 Growing Up in Family Business
03:20 From Property to Flying Tiger
09:50 Starting the Retail Venture
17:10 Fast Growth and Hard Lessons
20:50 Becoming Someone Else to Lead
26:00 Fertility, Burnout and Business Pressure
32:00 Moving Into Coaching and Support
35:20 Why Female Founders Lose Confidence
44:50 Building She Thrives Collective
52:50 What’s Next for Helen
56:00 Helen’s Personal Formula for Success

Helen shares the real story behind her entrepreneurial journey, from working on her parents’ market stall in Cardiff to helping launch and grow Flying Tiger Copenhagen across Wales and Bristol. She talks openly about ambition, burnout, fertility struggles, confidence, identity, and what it really takes to build a business without losing yourself in the process.

This is a powerful conversation about what success looks like after the exit, and why support, boundaries and self-awareness matter just as much as strategy.

In this episode, Helen talks about:

• Growing up around family business and market trading
• Launching and scaling a retail business in Wales
• Building Flying Tiger Copenhagen through a joint venture model
• The pressure of fast growth and leadership
• Burnout, fertility struggles and running a business through hard seasons
• Why confidence drops for many female founders
• The importance of boundaries, rest and real support
• Creating She Thrives Collective to support women in business
• Why what is missing matters more than what looks broken
• How to build a business that actually fits your life

If you are a founder, entrepreneur, business owner or ambitious woman building something of your own, this episode will give you honest insight and practical perspective.

This is a conversation about growth, identity, business support and creating success on your own terms.

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From One-Man Band to £20M Business: Jay’s Scale Strategy

What does it really take to scale from a one-man operation to a £20M tech business in under four years?

In this episode of Brand to Scale, Jay Ball, CEO of Flotek, shares the real story behind building and exiting his first company, retiring at 35, then returning to build something even bigger.

This is not overnight success. This is disciplined growth, bold acquisitions and relentless focus.

Jay talks openly about:

• Growing organically versus growing through acquisition
• The mindset shift from solo founder to board-led CEO
• Raising debt to scale faster
• Integrating 14 acquisitions while protecting culture
• Why most businesses misunderstand AI
• Leading by example and staying grounded

Flotek has grown from zero to nearly £20M in revenue in just three and a half years. Much of that growth has come through acquisition. But behind the numbers is a clear strategy, strong financial discipline and a deep commitment to people.

Jay also shares:

• Why he failed at retirement
• The difference between an entrepreneur and a business owner
• How AI should actually be used inside SMEs
• What small businesses must understand about cybersecurity
• Why leadership is learned but instinct cannot be taught

If you are a founder, CEO or ambitious business leader looking to scale properly, this episode is packed with practical insight.

This is growth done with intention.

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