The Small Business Sessions podcast (series four, episode five): A tale of two businesses

It's time for another episode of the Small Business Sessions, Enterprise Nation's podcast powered by Xero.

For series four, a brilliant line-up of entrepreneurs and experts share insights and inspiration on how to start and grow a brilliant business.

Hosted by Enterprise Nation head of content Dan Martin, we're covering issues including business growth, retail, late payment, mental health and alternative finance over 12 episodes.

Episode five: A tale of two businesses

This week we're all about business growth with two entrepreneurs telling us how they've scaled their companies and what you can learn.

Gary Turner is the co-founder and UK managing director of Xero. He grew the accounting software firm from a three person start-up with £50,000 revenue to a £40m+ business and hundreds of staff.

Joining him is Sidonie Warren, the co-founder of independent stationery retail chain Papersmiths. What started as a studio space in Bristol became a small shop with a budget of £500 and a lot of elbow grease. That business now has five stores in Brighton, Bristol and London.

While Papersmiths and Xero are very different businesses, Gary and Sidonie have similar experiences and views on business growth.

In an insights-packed episode, listen out for tips and advice on:

• finding great talent from the start

• growing and maintaining a strong company culture

• the vital importance of social media

• creating an effective brand identity around your business

• why consumers want an experience as well as great products

• why leaders need to accessible and accountable

Listen to the podcast and rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher and other podcast platforms.

Whether you're having trouble finding the numbers you need in spreadsheets, or looking for funding, having beautiful accounts is a must. That's why we've teamed up with Xero to offer you online accounting software to help you manage your cashflow and finances. If you're a start-up earning less than £50,000 per annum, sign up to Xero for Startups with an exclusive 50% off for 12 months!

Ths podcast was recorded and edited by Enterprise Nation member and audio production service, Podraffi.

To hear previous episodes of the Small Business Sessions, go here.