Elephant Gin was born from adventurous trips across Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.Unsure what the future held, they decided to take action and make an impact to help protect the African elephant - even from afar. Back in Europe, they came up with the idea for an African-inspired gin while reminiscing about the so-called ‘sundowner’ G&Ts they enjoyed during the trips.Our Elephant Gin sundowners bring like-minded people together - and 15% of bottle profits or 2% of revenue (whichever is higher) are donated to elephant conservation projects!For this episode, we are joined by James Le Grys, Sales Director. and during the chat we discuss:James career, drive and ambitionBuilding a brand on sustainability and it being at the heart of each decisionThe different products and the unique values each of the bottles brings with flavours.The acquisition of Elephant GinThe Elephant Gin FoundationContact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at [email protected] Don't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we are joined by Candice Bannister, MD of Candy's Cupcakes.Candy's Cupcakes was formed from a Kitchen but now in a designated unit and selling thousands of cupcakes per week via their website and TikTok Shop.Candice began making cupcakes and cakes as a hobby from her home kitchen in 2011 and grew a local loyal customer base via social media.In February 2012, Candice decided to turn her passion for bakery and art into a business and gave up her full-time job in social housing. Candy's Cupcakes was open to all.During the global pandemic in 2020, the online store began to grow in popularity with customers opting to ship gifts nationwide when they were unable to be with loved ones and friends. Over the years, Candy's have been honoured to make a wide variety of bespoke orders, wedding cakes and large branded orders working with well-known companies and celebrities like Blue Peter and will.i.am.During the conversation, we discussed:The journey of the business, from side hustle to full time role.The various stages of a growing business and the challenges that comes with itBeing a female leader and the support network around Candice.Selling cupcakes via the TikTok ShopWhat the future looks like for Candy's Cupcakes.Contact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at [email protected] Don't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we speak to Dr. Adrian Massey, Founder of Earth'd Drinks and his journey for creating the Earth'd cereal drink.If you’re thinking, not another plant-based company, then you’re exactly right! Earth’d is something truly different and what makes them so truly different is their Foodlosophy. This is essentially the belief that food should taste delicious, be nutritious, and not only do no harm, but contribute positively to wellbeing of the planet. Simple, right? So, why isn’t everyone doing it? Dr. Adrian Massey. Founder, a food technologist with a PhD in Food science and a 1st Class (Hons) in Food Science & Nutrition and, most proudly, a father. When his first child was born at 29-weeks, Adrian received a shock to the system that made him change the way he thought about the  food we eat, the world we live in, and the future we hope for. Travelling back-and-forth to NCIU, he subsisted on convenience foods that offered neither the taste nor the basic nutrition he needed to keep his energy and hopes up. He realised that we all need and deserve more, and he knew that with his expertise and experience, he could, in a small way, create a big change that was positive and absolutely necessary.And that’s how Earth’d started. Just a new dad wanting more – more deliciousness, more nutritiousness, and a healthier, happier world for his family to live and thrive in.During the chat with Adrian we discussed:Adrian's career and journey to dateMore on what the brand does and why it was createdBiggest challenges of a new FMCG brandGetting British Airways as a first customerNext stages for the business journeyMaintaining a strong company culture durng periods of growthContact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at [email protected] Don't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we talk to Jack AKA The Balding Reefer on Youtube and  owner of Reefer Oasis Koi Farm in the UK. With over 35,000 subscribers on YouTube currently and growing at a very fast rate.During the chat with Jack, we discuss:Why failing gets Jack out of bed in a morning.Jack's career before the koi days.Understanding Koi farming and why you need to be insane to keep high grade koi.How being a YouTuber has influenced the business.The most expensive being sold for $1,8MDay to day challenges of running a heavy cash to heavy stock swing businessLessons that other business owners can take from a YouTuber or Social InfluencerReflecting on given the opportunity, would Jack do it all againContact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at [email protected] Don't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!

Discover your new favorite Prosecco brand in this episode as we chat with Michael Goldstein, the dynamic mastermind behind Prosecco Ventures and Bella Principessa.A spirited entrepreneur and connoisseur, Michael's ambitious mission is to transform Bella Principessa from merely 'bubbles in a bottle' to a universally loved lifestyle brand.Michael's obsession with Prosecco began during a trip to Venice, where he was startled to learn that despite Prosecco's sales dominance over Champagne, few could name their preferred Prosecco brand.Recognising the importance of presentation alongside quality, he found this aspect lacking in competitors.This gap sparked the creation of Bella Principessa Luxury Prosecco, a brand embodying Italian charm and hospitality, designed to take pride of place at your table, as a treasured gift, and enhance any special occasion.But as Michael reminds us, "being an entrepreneur is like leading a mission to the moon. We don't just aim for the stars; we also build the rockets that take us there."Throughout this interview, Michael provides a raw, candid look into the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial journey, making this episode an inspiring listen.In this podcast, we delve into:Michael's intriguing career path and his journey crafting Bella Principessa, including overcoming legal challenges.The discrepancies between authentic Italian Prosecco and what usually reaches the UK market.The art of getting the most bang for your buck in the wine industry.Tactics for brand growth, unforgettable moments, and future brand expansion plans.Contact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at [email protected] Don't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we speak to Rachel Hicks, Co - Founder of Sky Wave Gin. It took over 6 months, more than 40 recipe variations, and over 300 expert testers to get to the smooth flavours you can now enjoy in Sky Wave’s award winning Signature London Dry Gin -–officially The World’s Best Contemporary London Dry Gin. Sky Wave Gin distil exactingly to the London Dry style using the ‘one shot’ method to create their multi-award winning signature gin. The perfect quantity of 13 botanicals from around the world for each single batch are added directly to the wash, resulting in a fabulous, full-flavoured mouth feel. They add absolutely nothing afterwards except the finest Oxfordshire natural mineral water from Blenheim Palace, so that they can absolutely guarantee the flavours going in to your glass. It is distilled gently in very small batches, only a few hundred bottles at a time allowing them to manage the flavour precisely and results in a remarkably smooth gin.During the recording, we discuss:Rachel's career from being a journalist in the BBC to creating the worlds best ginChallenges faced while building the brand and productDefining moments that impacted the brands growthMaking sure the brand resonates with consumers and stays relevant in an ever-changing marketInnovative strategies and unique marketing approaches to promote your brandStepping up to a super premium Gin brandContact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at [email protected] Don't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!

In this episode we speak to Paul Hayes, Co-Founder of Vivir Tequila.VIVIR Tequila was born from the love of the Agave based spirit that two good friends (Paul and Nav) shared. A number of years ago they started to question why it was so difficult to find quality 100% Agave Tequila in the UK without going to a specialist bar or retailer. This was especially important for Paul as cheaper Mixto Tequilas are the only thing in the world he’s allergic to meaning he found it hard to drink any Tequila in the UK full stop.Paul had already been working with Agave for over 16 years and knew the industry well. In 2016 they finally made the decision to change perceptions of Tequila in the UK and create their own line of premium 100% Agave Tequilas. It took them 3 years to develop as they wanted to get it right and in 2019 they finally introduced VIVIR Tequila to the UK.During the recording, we discuss:Paul's journey through the FMCG sector until the launch of VivirThe Tequila boom on 2022 and 2023The GOOD Tequila and the BAD TequilaThe community spirit of the FMCG sectorSupporting other start-ups and the challenges that some have facedHaving unexpected pivots due to COVIDContact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at [email protected] Don't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we speak to Mark Harrison, Managing Director of The Protein Partners and producer of CNP Products. At CNP they have one mission, and that is to support you in reaching your goals. Whether that’s powering through your next training session, keeping on top of your health focused nutritional needs or when it’s time to get serious and take your sport to the next level. They know achieving goals like these becomes part of a lifestyle, your lifestyle, and that it is important to get the right sports nutrition made convenient, great tasting and formulated to be as effective as possible so reaching them is that one step closer. Which is why they have taken the high end formulas provided to athletes and made them theirselves in house, meaning you get the best quality products at affordable prices.During the conversation with Mark, we discuss:Mark's career to becoming the MD of The Protein PartnersFormed by British Bodybuilding Champion Kerry Kayes and 'that' famous photo of Kerry being between Ricky Hatton & Floyd Mayweather at the weigh-in before the fight during the time Kerry was training Ricky.Bad decisions and money being wastedThe Business Journey and recovering from a £1.1M EBIDTA LOSS in 2018Deciding on your marketing budget, spliting it between on and offlineBest marketing tactic vs ROI in the last 12 monthsForgetting about your customers whilst other products on the market are targeting them2023 product launches and info on a future product release - the CNP marketing team are now hunting us down!!Taking the next step in your own personal developmentContact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at [email protected] Don't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we talk to Kathryn Bricken, Founder of Doughlicious.Doughlicious aims to be inclusive. Every cookie dough flavour is 100% gluten-free thanks to our unique blend of gluten-free flours. There are also dairy-free, organic and vegan flavours. Everything is made with the finest ingredients and no artificial additives or preservatives. They produce cookies that are better for you and the environment (in a factory powered by renewable energy). Their ingredients are sourced from reputable suppliers who adhere to high standards of quality, animal welfare and sustainable production methods. The dough is individually portioned so you only bake what you need in order to minimise food waste (from chilled or frozen).Kathryn Bricken, Mum and now entrepreneur, has a passion for baking. From an early age she understood how food is more than fuel; it is a way of bringing people together and making magical memories. After moving to London, Kathryn became famous amongst her friends for baking the best American-style cookies using the finest natural ingredients. She was often asked to make extra dough so that her friends could bake cookies at home. In 2014 Kathryn decided to share her secret with the rest of the UK … Thus, Doughlicious was born.Whether you’re a cookie lover wanting to get your hands on their Ready-To-Bake Cookie Dough, a keen chef waiting to get your bake on with the Savoury Biscuits, a dessert fanatic looking to cool down with their Dough•Chi or a busy body trying to satisfy your cookie cravings on the go with Snackable Cookie Dough – there’s a lot of Doughlicious products for everybody!During the chat with Kathryn, we discuss:- Founder Fatigue- Trying to launch a Female led brand and the challenges that it brings- Challenges that come when launching frozen products into hot countries (Australia & Saudia Arabia)- The B (Brexit) Word and the challenges that it brings to a FMCG business- Running a business whilst battling breast cancer- Question from a previous guestContact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at [email protected] Don't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we talk to Laura Rosenberger,  Co-Founder of Laylo.Laylo was created to make environmentally conscious drinking a no-brainer... Delicious wine, fresh for 6 weeks in beautifully designed packaging - which just so happens to be better for the planet. We know we still have further to go, and we’re busy working on ways we can reduce our impact even further.The design of glass wine bottles has barely changed in 200 years. But the amount of bottles and how we ship them around the world really has - and it has become unsustainable.Laylo believe that drinking great wine is a joy we all deserve. Boxed wine is the smartest alternative, and improvements in the materials used to create the bags means great quality wines will stay tasting great.Wine in glass bottles doesn't work for how we drink wine today. The half empty bottles turned to vinegar in the fridge door… The guilty hangovers because you felt obliged to polish off the last drop… And (the worst!) the I-wanted-wine-but-couldn’t-justify-it G&Ts. After working together at one of the UK’s largest wine companies, Laura and Laura decided to search for a better solution. The answer had been under our noses the whole time - boxed wine! So they set out to make boxed wine better, by sourcing fantastic wine and creating beautiful boxes you’d be proud to share with friends.Since then they have won awards, been featured in national newspapers, and sold boxes at Selfridges. During the chat with Laura, we discuss:- From Zero to business in the FMCG Sector- The opportunites, fundraising and challenges of running your own business- Focussing on 3 things as a business owner to make sure your business is going in the correct direction- Sustainability - the decision to not use glass bottles- What the next 12 months for Laylo look like- Listening to advice, but you don't always have to take it- Question from a previous guestContact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant Tweet us at @Harlands_NE Give us a follow on LinkedIN Give us a Like on Facebook Email us at [email protected] Don't forget to leave us a review Thanks for listening!