The Digital Circles Podcast

The Digital Circle podcast recently went on the road to meet another podcast guest.Nick Durbin who hails from Merseyside has taken a hobby and developed it into a business. Mr Drone, as he is now commonly known has become a massively popular source of visual information on his Youtube channel. With over 36,000 subscribers on his channel Nick combined his part time hobby with another passion, Everton Football Club.The building of Everton's new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock in Liverpool peaked Nicks personal interest in the build itself. Taking his drone down to what originally started as a traffic cone on the ground, Nick has followed every part of the build and brought the footage online to a raft of passionate Evertonians, general football fans, architectural enthusiasts and beyond. People wait on each update week by week and become consumed by the building process. Brick by brick the supporters get to see their clubs new home taking shape.It also gives great coverage to the many contractors involved and a lifetime visual representation to their work which will stand long after they lay down their tools.Nick has managed to monetise his Youtube channel through the sheer volume of subscribers and in turn has been approached by local councils to cover other building works.Hobbies and passion combined can become both lucrative in monetary terms and in personal achievement.To check out Nick's Youtube channel go tohttps://www.youtube.com/@misterdroneuk

This weeks guest is Bob McGouran from Strangford Roastery and The Coffee Port in Strangford, County Down.In trying to help his daughter find a little part time income Bob decided why not set up a coffee hatch next to his family home in Strangford just a stones throw from the ferry port.The passing trade and the fantastic location right next to queues of cars waiting to board the short trip across The Narrows to Portaferry meant that very quickly Bob and his full family were all hands on deck trying to make coffee before the sound of the ships horn on its regular departures.Taking his background in engineering and combining it with his entrepreneurial mind Bob decided it would make sense to purchase his own roaster and roast his own brand of coffee beans that would supply his own business and if all went well many others.Fast forward and Bob now has a successful family business both supplying and making coffee under his Strangford Coffee branding.A recent agreement means you will be seeing Bob's products in a very well known Supermarket across the island of Ireland.We talk to Bob about how he finds working in the coffee business and randomly about his Columbian supplier. You can find out more about Strangford Roastery here https://strangfordcoffeeroastery.com/Like this episode please subscribe to out podcast or follow us on Youtube.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIg_3swzIiLBBqPxE9s_WqA

On this weeks Circle Back Show we cover our previous guest Alan Teggart from Sport Changes Life.We discuss how the age old schooling system isn't for everyone and discuss how sport can be a great pathway for young people to greater things.There is lots of other nonsense about part time jobs and cooked ham, along with this weeks town of focus, Cookstown.

Ever feel your child more sporty than academic? Embarking on a compelling mission in Northern Ireland, The Sport Changes Life Foundation uses the power of sport to steer young people and recently, more mature individuals, away from conventional education struggles and towards personal advancement and community spirit. The foundation’s attention to holistic development has led to a focus not only on physical health enhancement but on significant improvements to educational attainment, employment prospects, and overall mental wellbeing through their various programmes.Traditionally seen as a mere physical activity or game, sport has a unique capacity to unite, motivate, and serve as a medium for personal and community advancement. The Sport Changes Life Foundation exploits this unique power of sport, using it to inspire social improvement. The Foundation’s engaged and targeted programmes focus on four key areas: education, employment, health and wellbeing, and peace and reconciliation, with the ultimate goal of aiding those reaching for larger life objectives.Here, their CEO Alan Teggart chats with us about their work across Ireland.

On this weeks show we talk about our previous guests Lee Opticians and give some random facts about eyesight.Our town of interest this week is Ballymena. Know what a poghle is? Listen to the podcast and you will.Our favourite businesses also get a mention, all in this week Circle Back Show.To find out more about Digital Circles go to www.digitalcircles.co.ukIf you'd like to be a guets on the show contact yes@digitalcircles.co.uk

Here we go, it's The Circle Back Show.On this weeks podcast we cover a range of topics.Where was that one place your parents dragged you to when you were young that you hated more than anything?We kick off our Big names from small towns section with the wonderful Cathedral City of Armagh in the Orchard County of Ulster.Robert tells us about his love for shopping checkout roulette and Paul shares his love for planting unexpected items in unsuspecting shoppers trolleys.We speak about how kids these days seem to get everything they want on a given weekend.Following on from last weeks business guest Chris Morgan, we discuss How leisure wear changed over the years and how it is now seen an something you can go to the office in and not just the gym.Our local businesses this week are Helens Bay Organic, the age old institution that is Barrys in Portrush now known as Currys much to Roberts disapproval, The Grand Opera House and Cloud 9 restaurant in Newtownards.Over reliant on the Hight Street? Have you thought about taking your products online? Whether it's looking at your website and advising on how to set it up for the ultimate consumer experience or advising you on how to sell your products on online stores such as Amazon, Ebay, Shopify etc.Private Label People takes care of all of that. They can look at any product and advise if there is a demand online, help with listings, help with orders, help with shipping and fulfilment, opening up a whole new revenue stream for your business.Go to www.privatelabelpeople.com to find out more

Ever felt like your passion for sportswear is more than just a hobby? You're not alone. 😎 From the office to the footy pitch, sportswear has become a lifestyle. But here’s the twist – imagine if your love for the game could directly fuel grassroots sports? 🚀Gone are the days when sportswear was just for the gym or the pitch. Today, it's not only about brands like Nike; it's about lifestyle. From walking into the office to grabbing a pint with mates post-match, sportswear defines versatility and style.👕 Whether you're cheering at a football game on Saturday or facing a Monday meeting, your sportswear is your statement. It’s more than a kit; it’s part of your identity. It’s not just about supporting your local club; it’s about wearing that pride every day.🚀 Clubs and communities have embraced this shift, turning tracksuits and club badges into symbols of unity and pride beyond the game. It's a movement that's brought us closer, turning casual wear into a badge of honour you wear with pride in every walk of life.Chris also shares an insightful journey of how collaboration with the FA and support from Nike has launched a game-changing initiative: providing bursaries for 60-70 coaches in the last 18 months alone. These coaches now boast qualifications they dreamt of, without the financial burden.In the early days, it wasn't just about hitting financial targets but living the day-to-day grind, accepting mistakes, and daring to dream big despite the hurdles. Chris Morgan's reflections remind us of the importance of resilience in the face of challenges and the power of mentorship to steer through stormy weathers.As ClubSport NI celebrate 🎉 10 years in business, we're reminded that success isn't just measured in numbers, but in the lessons learned, the relationships built, and the ability to stand tall after every fall.#DecadeOfSuccess #BusinessJourney #Gratitude #GrowthMindset #MentorshipMattersSponsor:Over reliant on the Hight Street? Have you thought about taking your products online? Whether it's looking at your website and advising on how to set it up for the ultimate consumer experience or advising you on how to sell your products on online stores such as Amazon, Ebay, Shopify etc.Private Label People takes care of all of that. They can look at any product and advise if there is a demand online, help with listings, help with orders, help with shipping and fulfilment, opening up a whole new revenue stream for your business.Go to www.privatelabelpeople.com to find out more

In a world where certainty is a luxury, Orchardville and similar organisations are setting a pioneering example by infusing business into charity. It’s not just about generating revenue; it’s a strategic move towards sustainability.💡 By reinvesting profits instead of distributing them as dividends, these charities are able to expand their impact and ensure their services continue, even in tough times.This approach is a beacon of hope, proving that with innovation, dedication, and a bit of business acumen, we can overcome the challenges of dependency on external funding. It’s about creating a resilient ecosystem that can support the most vulnerable among us, no matter what.But why should businesses and individuals get involved? Beyond the moral imperative, there’s a ripple effect of positivity that benefits us all. Supporting such initiatives not only contributes to a thriving community but also evokes a profound sense of satisfaction and loyalty among consumers and partners.🎓🌍 Do you remember your first GCSE exam? For many, it's a memorable moment, especially if it was a language exam! Speaking portions could be nervy, but also pretty amusing when you think back on it. From getting a little 'help' from your teacher to speaking French with an unexpected voice chiming in – it's all part of the GCSE experience.We also discuss why driving into Dublin feels like navigating through a population of "150 million." 😅 But jokes aside, choosing public transport can be a real eye-opener to the ease and simplicity it brings into our daily lives.On top of that we talk about a number of other subjects and review our recently sampled local businesses.#CharityInnovation #SocialImpact #SustainableCharity #PartnershipForChangeTo enter our free giveaway please go to https://digitalcircles.click/giveIf you like the Circle Back Show you may also enjoy The Players Podcast where we interview a range of local sporting legendshttps://open.spotify.com/show/4KNY5fFkGMweo7fVz7jHbNSponsor:Over reliant on the Hight Street? Have you thought about taking your products online? Whether it's looking at your website and advising on how to set it up for the ultimate consumer experience or advising you on how to sell your products on online stores such as Amazon, Ebay, Shopify etc.Private Label People takes care of all of that. They can look at any product and advise if there is a demand online, help with listings, help with orders, help with shipping and fulfilment, opening up a whole new revenue stream for your business.Go to www.privatelabelpeople.com to find out more