The Bristol Business Podcast

Changing the narrative on Will making - Bristol Business founder Jim Emsley

In this episode of The Bristol Business Podcast ,our host sits down with Jim Emsley, founder and managing director of ELM Legal Services, to explore his 25-year journey building one of the South West’s most trusted estate planning firms. Jim shares how he went from being a mature law graduate to running a nationwide business based right here in Bristol, helping over 50,000 clients across England and Wales with wills, trusts, and probate.
We discuss: ✅ The surprising reason so many people still don’t have a will
✅ Why ELM’s personal, down-to-earth approach makes legal planning less intimidating
✅ How Jim built his business from scratch — and what he’s learned about leadership and delegation
✅ The future of the legal industry, from AI and blockchain to the need for digital signatures
✅ His passion for giving back through local charities like Bristol Animal Rescue Centre and The Cinnamon Trust ✅ How he uses TikTok and social media (often while walking his seven dogs!) to make legal advice accessible and entertaining.
Whether you’re a Bristol business owner, a young family thinking about your future, or simply love hearing real stories from local entrepreneurs — this episode will make you rethink how you approach life planning and legacy. 🔗 Connect with Jim: Website: https://elmlegalservices.co.uk
TikTok: @jimjam (ELM Legal Services)
YouTube & Facebook: ELM Legal Services 🎧
 
About The Bristol Business Podcast: Real conversations with the people behind Bristol’s businesses.
Each episode showcases the stories, lessons, and impact of local founders and entrepreneurs shaping the city’s business community.
Follow us for more content on
Insta @bristol_business_podcast
Facebook: Bristol Business Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bristol-business-podcast
TikTok:  @bbp805 
Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-bristol-business-podcast/id1816687278?utm
👇 Subscribe for more stories from Bristol’s business leaders.
#BristolBusiness #EstatePlanning #WillsAndTrusts #LegalServices #Entrepreneurship #BristolPodcast #SmallBusinessUK #AIinLaw #Blockchain #BristolCommunity #Wills #ElmLegalServices #BristolBusinessPodcast

The Personal cost of running a successful Personal Training Business - With Biel Casey

In this episode of The Bristol Business Podcast, our host sits down with Biel, founder of BCPT (Body Conditioning Performance Training) — one of North Bristol’s most inspiring fitness and coaching facilities.
 
Biel shares how he turned a simple passion for coaching into a thriving local business that helps nearly 100 members each week transform not just their bodies, but their mindsets, confidence, and wellbeing.
🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:
✅ How Biel built BCPT from mobile home workouts to a premium gym in Aztec West, Bristol
✅ The power of community-based fitness and how it transforms mental health
✅ Lessons from six years of entrepreneurship, sacrifice, and consistency
✅ How investing in a business mentor reshaped his model and doubled client impact
✅ Why success in fitness and business both come down to discipline, mindset, and small daily wins
Biel also opens up about the challenges of being a young business owner, finding balance, and the importance of creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and inspired. Whether you’re a Bristol business owner, fitness professional, or simply someone looking to improve your mindset and motivation, this episode delivers real, relatable lessons from someone living them every day.
🔗 Connect with BCPT: Website: https://www.bcpt.co.uk
Instagram & Facebook: @BCPT
 
🎧 About The Bristol Business Podcast: Real conversations with the people behind Bristol’s businesses. Each episode showcases the stories, lessons, and impact of local founders and entrepreneurs shaping the city’s business community.
Follow us for more content on
Insta @bristol_business_podcast
Facebook: Bristol Business Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-bristol-business-podcast
TikTok:  @bbp805 
Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-bristol-business-podcast/id1816687278?utm
👇 Subscribe for more stories from Bristol’s business leaders. #BristolBusinessPodcast
#BristolBusiness #BCPT #FitnessCommunity #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessUK #Mindset #Wellbeing #NorthBristol #AztecWest #BusinessGrowth #Coaching #GymOwner #Leadership #Motivation

Challenging the norm of Construction - The Bristol Business Podcast - Gary Fisher - Mode Consult

In this episode of The Bristol Business Podcast, host Wayne Sargent sits down with Gary Fisher, founder of Mode Consult, to explore his journey from Loughborough graduate to leading one of Bristol’s most forward-thinking construction consultancies.
 
Gary opens up about how he built Mode from the ground up in 2019, just before COVID hit — and how he used that challenge to rethink traditional consultancy models. He shares honest insights on leadership, recruitment, technology, and the value of creating a people-first culture in an industry known for long hours and tight deadlines. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll discover: ✅ Why Gary left big firms to launch Mode Consult — and what he’d do differently today
 
✅ How Mode is “challenging the norm” in construction and changing how projects are delivered
✅ The importance of transparency, teamwork, and culture in winning client trust
✅ How technology, AI, and new digital tools are reshaping the future of consultancy
✅ Why investing in young talent and training the next generation is central to Mode’s mission
✅ And how managing a local football club helps Gary unwind (sort of!) while building relationships and community.
 
This is a brilliant listen for Bristol business owners, construction leaders, and entrepreneurs looking to build resilient teams and lead with purpose.
🔗 Connect with Gary & Mode Consult: Website: https://www.modeconsult.com
LinkedIn: Mode Consult
Instagram: @modeconsult
 
🎧 About The Bristol Business Podcast: Real conversations with Bristol’s business leaders. We dig into the stories, strategies, and lessons that drive local founders, helping to inspire the next wave of entrepreneurs across the South West. 👇 Subscribe for more stories from Bristol’s business community.
 
Follow us for more content on
Insta @bristol_business_podcast
Facebook: Bristol Business Podcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brist...
TikTok: @bbp805
Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-...
#BristolBusinessPodcast #BristolBusiness #ConstructionLeadership #ModeConsult #Entrepreneurship #BuiltEnvironment #QuantitySurveying #ProjectManagement #BristolConstruction #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #AIinConstruction #PeopleFirstCulture #SouthWestBusiness

Helping Bristol Businesses owners grow, scale and exit

Luke Harris from Harris Business Advisory talks us through his journey from selling and exiting his own company through to starting his own business consultancy company.
The lessons learned from his own children to helping others in various stages of their business journey.
You can find out more about Harris Business Advisory by visiting: https://harrisba.com
If you are looking to appear on the podcast or would like to speak to us about sponsoring a batch of episodes please contact us at info@refreshvideo.co.uk
with Bristol Business Podcast in the subject title. The podcast is produced by Refresh Video Productions who specialise in commercial video content for businesses across the south west and beyond. You can find out more by visiting: www.refreshvideo.co.uk
 

Growing an accountancy company from a bedroom to looking after 400+ Bristol Businesses.

Ben Steele came from humble beginnings and now runs one of the areas most respected accountancy firms.
But he's not done there. Ben wants to change the narative of accountancy and offer top end services to to all local bristol business owners.
Find out more about his journey, tackling the covid crisis and his plans to help Bristol businesses negotiate the upcoming HRMC changes. Learn more about Vifi here: https://ukfinanceteam.co.uk
If you are looking to appear on the podcast or would like to speak to us about sponsoring a batch of episodes please contact us at info@refreshvideo.co.uk
The podcast is produced by Refresh Video Productions who specialise in commercial video content for businesses across the south west and beyond. You can find out more by visiting:
www.refreshvideo.co.uk
 

From Police Force to Wellness Gardens. How Nathan took the leap into Bristol Business Owner

Nathan talks us through his journey from Police officer in the Avon & Somerset Police Force to business owner alongside his son. He talks about his how his previous career shaped the focus of his Landscaping business, his biggest struggles and how he can help transform residential and commercial garden spaces into a place of calm.
 
For more info on Naru Landscaping visit: https://narulandscaping.co.uk
If you are looking to appear on the podcast or would like to speak to us about sponsoring a batch of episodes please contact us at info@refreshvideo.co.uk
with Bristol Business Podcast in the subject title. The podcast is produced by Refresh Video Productions who specialise in commercial video content for businesses across the south west and beyond. You can find out more by visiting:
www.refreshvideo.co.uk
 

Building a Family Business: Trust, Teamwork, & Profit Sharing - CIS Exterior Cleaning

Tom, The managing director of CIS Exterior Cleaning talks about the responsibility of running the family business, keeping his staff and the public safe and coping strategies for his and his employees mental health.
To find out more about CIS visit: www.cis1976.com
If you are looking to appear on the podcast or would like to speak to us about sponsoring a batch of episodes please contact us at info@refreshvideo.co.uk with Bristol Business Podcast in the subject title. The podcast is produced by Refresh Video Productions who specialise in commercial video content for businesses across the south west and beyond. You can find out more by visiting: www.refreshvideo.co.uk

Empowering Electricians: Mark on Building MJP Electrical's Success - Bristol Business Podcast

In this episode of The Bristol Business Podcast, we sit down with Mark Parry, founder and director of MJP Electrical, one of Bristol's most highly reviewed electrical companies.
Mark shares his journey from working with British Gas to establishing MJP Electrical, emphasising the importance of customer service, team development, and leveraging technology to enhance client experiences. We delve into the company's growth, their commitment to quality workmanship, and how they foster a supportive environment for their staff and apprentices. Mark also discusses the significance of maintaining high standards and the role of continuous improvement in their operations.
 
Tune in to discover how MJP Electrical is setting new benchmarks in the electrical services industry and contributing positively to the Bristol community. For more information on MJP Electrical and their services, visit mjpelectrical.com. You can also follow them on social media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mjp-electrical/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjpeletrical/
 
 If you are looking to appear on the podcast or would like to speak to us about sponsoring a batch of episodes please contact us at info@refreshvideo.co.uk with Bristol Business Podcast in the subject title. The podcast is produced by Refresh Video Productions who specialise in commercial video content for businesses across the south west and beyond. You can find out more by visiting: www.refreshvideo.co.uk

How a Bristol Fitness coach is helping busy Dad's get fit & improve their mental health.

Paul Sloggett, the founder of Refocus Coaching in Bristol, is dedicated to helping dads enhance their physical and mental well-being through personalised, sustainable strategies.
Drawing from his own transformative journey, losing over six stone in his 40s, Paul offers a range of services tailored to busy fathers. These include one-on-one nutrition and mindset coaching, strength and fitness sessions, and group programs like the 5-Week Dads Health 'Reset' Course.
His approach emphasises holistic wellness without restrictive diets or exhaustive workouts, focusing instead on building lasting habits that align with each individual's lifestyle. By fostering a supportive community and providing flexible coaching options, Paul empowers dads to regain energy, improve health, and become positive role models for their families.
You can learn more about Refocus Coaching by visiting the website www.refocuscoaching.co.uk
or by following him on social media
Instagram: @refocus_coaching
Facebook: ReFocus Nutrition Coaching
TikTok: @refocus_coaching
LinkedIn: Refocus Coaching
Twitter (X): @sl0ggs
If you prefer to watch your podcast, you can view this episode HERE
If you are looking to appear on the podcast or would like to speak to us about sponsoring a batch of episodes please contact us at info@refreshvideo.co.uk with Bristol Business Podcast in the subject title. The podcast is produced by Refresh Video Productions who specialise in commercial video content for businesses across the south west and beyond. You can find out more by visiting:
www.refreshvideo.co.uk

Tackling Loneliness in Bristol: A Conversation with Tara Fisher of Marmalade Trust

In this episode of The Bristol Business Podcast, we sit down with Tara Fisher, Chief Operating Officer of Marmalade Trust, the UK's leading loneliness charity based right here in Bristol. Tara shares insights into the charity's mission to raise awareness about loneliness and empower people to make new connections.
We delve into the impactful initiatives like Loneliness Awareness Week and Christmas Cheer, exploring how these programs have evolved and their significance in today's society. Tara also discusses the role of local businesses and volunteers in supporting Marmalade Trust's efforts and how community involvement is crucial in combating loneliness.
Tune in to learn how Marmalade Trust is making a difference and discover ways you or your business can get involved in fostering a more connected Bristol.
For more information on Marmalade Trust and how to support their mission, visit marmaladetrust.org.