Growth Lab Sunderland: Podcasting Special

Turn up the volume on your business growth

Growth Lab is back with a brand-new format!

Love podcasts? What if your business had its own? Now it can!

Podcasting isn’t just for influencers and big brands. It’s one of the ways for small businesses to build trust, promote their personal brand and connect with audiences. But for many, it still feels out of reach. What kit do you need? What would you even talk about? And how do you make sure people actually listen?

This special edition, hosted by Debbie Simpson and delivered in partnership with Howell Studios, will answer all of these questions and give you the confidence to make podcasting part of your marketing mix. Whether you want to be a guest on other podcasts, launch your own or take an existing channel to the next level, you’ll leave with practical tips, insider insights and even some hands-on experience in our pop-up podcast studio.

What to expect

Keynote: The Power of Podcasting

Issy Howell from Howell Studios kicks things off with why podcasting matters to your business.

Panel of podcasters

Hear from people who’ve done it: from DIY podcasters using just a phone to those running polished studio productions. We’ll cover:

Planning and researching content
Building confidence
Technical setup – DIY vs professional studio
Distribution strategies for maximum reach
Podcast marketing tips

Speed podcasting and networking

Step into a pop-up podcast studio and experience being behind the mic. You’ll have two minutes to answer quick-fire fun questions and will walk away with your own short recording ready to share on social media. We’re aiming for the most guests ever featured on a single podcast episode. Will you be part of it?!

Meet the speakers

Real people, real businesses, real stories.

Keynote Speaker

Issy Howell

Director, Howell Studios

Issy is a professional content creator and marketing strategist with a passion for helping businesses amplify their voice through podcasting. As Director of the North East’s first TV studio designed for podcasting, Issy will share her unique insight into how to make podcasts really stand out.

Jo Long

The Responsible Marketing Podcast

Jo is the creator and host of The Responsible Marketing Podcast, a series of relaxed conversations all about marketing, sustainability and building a fairer future for us all. Through her podcast, Jo chats to entrepreneurs to explore the trials and rewards of running a small business. It’s her way of sparking meaningful discussions while showcasing her consultancy as a go-to partner for sustainable growth and impactful brand strategies.

John Forth

Is This You? Podcast

Growth Lab attendees will know John for his big energy as our usual event host in his BIC role. But this time, he’s in the hot seat as part of the panel. John is co-founder of Is This You?, a coaching business and freshly launched podcast, sharing stories of transformation, achievement and overcoming adversity from founders, leaders and sports personalities. The podcast is a powerful way to raise the profile of his business by celebrating change.

Mart Tweedy

Canny Crystals Podcast

The UK’s #1 podcast in the spirituality chart, the Canny Crystals podcast is focused on manifestation, mindset, spirituality, and personal growth. With over 200 episodes recorded, Mart has interviewed a wide range of bestselling authors, thought leaders, and experts in the wellbeing and self-development space, while also delivering solo episodes that blend real-life experience with practical guidance.

What is Growth Lab Sunderland?

Growth Lab Sunderland is a hugely popular series brought to you by the North East BIC, created to inspire and empower local businesses with ambition to grow.

Held at venues across Sunderland, these events are all about making growth feel achievable – whether that’s personal growth, business growth, or just being one step ahead of where you were yesterday.

Book your place