{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"","title":"1. James Williamson - Art With Glass","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/62cd26d7711d670012fa48d9/1677075753480-4b515c8f2e76e981d5a645c02343e779.jpeg?height=200","description":"Our very first interview is with James Williamson, 41, who runs Art With Glass, a stained glass studio in South London. Check out some of the beautiful designs on Instagram Art_With_Glass_ and on their website https://artwithglass.co.uk/.
We hear a candid account from James from key life events leading up to becoming a business owner - from travelling to selling doors to running a franchise to overcoming disappointment and divorce, to then coming across an opportunity to buy a stained glass workshop in 2018. He then explains how he and his comedian wife, Lucy Frederick, were able to grow and improve the operation including a big move to its spacious premises today in Penge.The interview is full of useful takeaways so happy listening.
Topics covered: Sales tips, persistence and luck, running a franchise, working with your other half, valuing a business, growing a business by doing things better, disciplined project management and upselling, the surprising effect of the pandemic on a stained glass business, negotiating with landlords and estate agents, moving premises - making the decision, challenges and benefits, look after your employees, marketing tips, learning from your mistakes but NOT dwelling on them.
","author_name":"Joanne Douglas"}