This week we meet the driving force behind the gym revolution that is sweeping London with a new way to work out.

In a market full of big-box gyms, boutique studios and crowded workout floors, Ben Alderton spotted a gap: what if you could rent a fully equipped, high-end gym space entirely to yourself, by the hour?

That idea became Solo60 – a fast-growing chain of private gym and treatment spaces built for PTs, gym-goers and fitness creators.

Ben joined me to talk about launching during Covid, raising millions in investment, building custom tech, surviving critical business moments, and learning how to lead as the company scaled across London.

It is a candid story about timing, resilience, and turning a simple frustration – never getting on the squat rack when you need it – into a brand with international ambitions.

The SATT Team :)

#podcast #business #swimagainstthetide #growth #entrepreneurship

In this week’s fascinating episode, Humphrey Bodington, the co-founder of Conka, along with his business partner Harry Glover, discusses the journey of creating a unique cognitive performance product that combines plant extracts and nootropics – with a supporting app that can actually measure the success of their products.

Inspired by their history and love of rugby the conversation delves into the science behind brain health, the importance of cognitive performance in sports, and the trials conducted with professional athletes.

The discussion also highlights the transition from recovery-focused products to those aimed at enhancing overall performance, as well as the potential for expanding the product's reach beyond professional sports to everyday decision-makers in the commercial world.

Finally, Humphrey openly shares the challenges and successes faced in their entrepreneurial journey, emphasising the significance of passion, resilience, and strategic planning for future growth.

The SATT Team :)

#podcast #business #swimagainstthetide #growth #entrepreneurship

In this episode of Swim Against The Tide, Steve talks to Gillian Ridley Whittle, founder of Peachaus, a women’s underwear and leisurewear brand with a mission far bigger than fashion.

After a hugely successful career in corporate retail — including senior roles at Marks & Spencer, Topshop and major Australian retailers — Gillian stepped away from a world that no longer felt aligned and set out to build something rooted in care, comfort and purpose.

Peachaus is now taking bra fittings into workplaces, festivals and communities, helping women understand their bodies, feel comfortable, and step into their confidence.

This is a conversation about fear, reinvention, women’s health, purpose-led business, and why Gillian believes comfort can be the start of a movement she is passionate to deliver.

The SATT Team :)

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This week we meet Jay Worthy, Group CEO of MyZone, who takes us on a remarkable journey - from sofa-surfing in London after trying out for the Royal Marines, to running a billion-dollar fitness equipment business, to hitting rock bottom with burnout. This wonderful episode has everything.

He shares how nature healed him, why he walked away from the corporate jet lifestyle, and how he rebuilt himself as a leader with what he calls a "SustainableOS."

A raw, honest conversation about identity, recovery, and what it really means to lead well.

The SATT Team :)

#podcast #business #swimagainstthetide #growth #entrepreneurship

This week Sahil Verma, co-founder and CEO of Cookaway, joined the podcast to share his journey from an economics background to becoming an accidental entrepreneur.

Together with his wife, he built Cookaway - an innovative food experience platform that brings authentic world cuisines into people's homes.

The conversation explores how the couple developed a brand rooted in culinary authenticity, cultural storytelling, and the joy of shared human experiences, while navigating real-world challenges such as market confusion, scaling, and global expansion.

Sahil's story is one of purpose and fulfilment, arriving at a place where personal passion and professional success go hand in hand.

The SATT Team :)

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In this inspiring discussion, Antonia Johnstone, the CEO and Re-Founder of Sign of
the Times as she shares her journey from university economics student to leading
the luxury resale marketplace in the UK.
Discover how resilience, innovation, and strategic partnerships, including a
groundbreaking deal with John Lewis, have driven her success in the sustainable
fashion industry.
Antonia shares her journey from building a small team at Timpanys, her first venture
post university, to acquiring and growing the market leader in this exciting sector.
She discusses the importance of brand heritage, innovative growth strategies, and
the power of community and resilience in business success.
The SATT Team :)
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Today we meet the fascinating, budding social entrepreneur Julian Warowioff, the UK MD of Lemonaid Beverages.

He shares his inspiring journey from a desire to build a career on good foundations to being part of the senior leadership team of a successful global social enterprise brand.

We discover insights on social business, branding, market entry strategies, and the importance of authenticity and design in building a beloved product.

We find out how Julian and trusty suitcase hit the streets of Switzerland and the UK to build brand awareness and a retail footprint.

Julian shares insights on leadership, work-life balance, company culture, and growth strategies, emphasising the importance of self-care, authentic branding, and strategic expansion.

The SATT Team :)

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Barnaby Edwards didn't set out to be a farmer. After nearly two decades as a product designer, he found himself back on the Isle of Wight - and accidentally into the leadership of his wife's family business, The Garlic Farm.

With no background in food, farming or hospitality, he did the only thing that made sense: admitted he knew nothing, listened hard, and got to work.

In this episode, Barnaby talks about navigating a family business turnaround, transitioning the farm from conventional to certified organic, achieving B Corp status after a five-year journey, and why not knowing anything turned out to be his biggest competitive advantage.

He also reflects on the emotional complexity of leading a business that carries generations of family history — and why, given everything, he'd do it all again without hesitation.

The SATT Team :)

#podcast #business #swimagainstthetide #growth #entrepreneurship