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Chris and Helen from Mr and Mrs in Business share their top 10 business growth strategies that have transformed their companies from chaotic operations into efficient, scalable enterprises. This episode reveals practical time management tips and leadership strategies that busy entrepreneurs can implement immediately to drive meaningful business growth.
The couple discusses their proven goal setting framework that keeps them accountable while managing multiple successful businesses including Thread a Pixel and Two Krakens. They share how effective team accountability sessions every Wednesday have become the cornerstone of their business efficiency approach, allowing them to focus on growth activities rather than getting stuck in daily operations.
Key leadership tips include creating a culture where constructive feedback flows freely, implementing systems that separate growth activities from operational tasks and building trust with team members who can handle day-to-day responsibilities. The hosts reveal how they use specific business growth techniques like their two-criteria filter for new projects and their annual goal setting process that has consistently delivered results across their companies.
The discussion covers practical business efficiency methods including their weekly accountability meetings, the importance of leaving cash reserves for growth opportunities and why they're not afraid to fail fast and pivot when strategies aren't working. Chris and Helen also share personal insights about maintaining team morale, handling criticism as leaders and why traditional business plans don't work for their fast-moving companies.
This episode provides actionable time management and leadership advice for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses without sacrificing quality or burning out their teams. Perfect for business owners seeking proven strategies to improve efficiency while maintaining sustainable growth.
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Chris and Helen from Mr and Mrs in Business are joined by HR expert Emma Cromarty from EC Human Resources for an in-depth discussion about navigating HR laws and hiring tips for small businesses. This episode provides essential guidance on how to hire employees while avoiding common legal pitfalls that could cost your business thousands.
Emma shares crucial insights about upcoming changes in HR laws, including the controversial day one rights legislation expected in October 2026. Business owners learn practical hiring tips that can protect them from expensive tribunal claims, with Emma explaining how the current two-year protection period for unfair dismissal claims will be eliminated. The conversation covers essential employment contracts, the importance of proper documentation, and why every business needs comprehensive HR policies regardless of size.
The discussion delves into how to hire employees effectively, emphasising the importance of thorough recruitment processes, proper onboarding, and regular performance reviews. Emma reveals why hiring friends and family can be particularly risky and shares real examples of businesses facing tribunal claims from relatives. The episode also addresses common misconceptions about HR laws that cost businesses money, including settlement agreements and harassment prevention requirements.
Listeners gain actionable hiring tips including the importance of detailed job descriptions, skills testing, and getting potential employees to spend time in the business before making final decisions. The conversation explores workplace culture changes, remote working challenges, and why proper HR documentation is more critical than ever. Emma introduces her HR Chest platform, designed to help small businesses stay compliant with employment law without breaking the bank.
This episode is essential listening for any business owner looking to understand current HR laws, implement effective hiring tips, and learn how to hire employees while minimising legal risks in an increasingly complex employment landscape.
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In this episode of the Mr & Mrs in Business podcast, Chris and Helen dive into a hot topic for small business owners: is growth always the goal? Drawing from their own journey running two businesses, Thread A Pixel and Two Krakens they discuss whether a bigger team or higher turnover really equals success. With candid stories, lessons learned, and a few laughs along the way, they share how finding the sweet spot in business size helped them create happier teams, better customer relationships, and more freedom.
They also reflect on the realities of managing staff, the pressures of scale, and why lean businesses can actually offer more flexibility and faster decision-making. If you’ve ever questioned whether to expand or stay small, this episode offers relatable insights, honest truths, and practical advice. Whether you’re a startup founder or an established business owner, this conversation is packed with value.
Plus, they reveal how business priorities have shifted post-COVID and how changing expectations around team culture, automation, and agility are reshaping the future of small business. With exciting updates on their podcast and content studio in the West Midlands, you’ll also get a glimpse into what’s next from Two Krakens and Thread A Pixel.
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In this milestone episode of the Mr and Mrs in Business podcast, Chris and Helen take you behind the scenes of their brand-new podcast and content studio, built right here in the West Midlands and now available to hire. They reflect on their own podcasting journey, how it unexpectedly helped grow their business, and why launching a podcast is one of the smartest moves a business can make in 2025.
From building trust with customers to showcasing your expertise and generating content that lasts, this episode breaks down the real value a podcast brings to your marketing strategy. You’ll hear why podcasts help filter the right-fit customers, how they improve visibility, and why they’re a must-have if you're serious about standing out in a competitive market.
Whether you’re a marketing manager, business owner, or just curious about where to start, Chris and Helen share their honest experience setting up a studio that’s as welcoming as it is professional. No hard sell, just real advice from two business owners who know first-hand the power of podcasting. If you’re in the West Midlands and have been thinking about starting your own show, this episode is your sign.
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In this episode of Mr & Mrs in Business, Chris and Helen are back with a relaxed, unscripted chat from their usual podcast corner, sharing the kind of raw honesty that keeps listeners coming back. Helen's under the weather, but that doesn’t stop them from bringing warmth, humour, and plenty of real talk to the mic.
With the grand opening of their Two Krakens Podcast Studio just days away, the couple reflect on how far they’ve come in business and how perfectionism can sometimes be both a blessing and a curse. They also reveal how the new studio will soon be available for other businesses to hire for podcast and video content.
As a growing number of new listeners tune in, this episode takes a more personal turn. Chris and Helen pull questions from a mystery jar to reveal everything from why they started in business to how they navigate working together, arguments and all. It's a candid dive into their dynamic as business partners, parents, and a married couple.
They discuss the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, how their different strengths help balance the business, and how separating their roles has strengthened not only their company but also their relationship. There's laughter, honesty, and even the occasional loving dig as they share what really goes on behind the scenes.
This episode gives listeners a deeper glimpse into what makes them tick, both as individuals and as a couple building multiple businesses side by side. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like running a business with your partner, or just need a little reassurance that you’re not alone in the chaos, this one’s for you.
And yes, their next episode will be filmed in their brand-new studio space, which they can’t wait to show off. Until then, it's business as usual… with a few coughs, giggles, and plenty of truth.
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In this powerful and emotional episode of Mr & Mrs in Business, Chris and Helen dive into the extraordinary Netflix series Adolescence and unpack the artistry, storytelling, and emotional impact that has left audiences speechless. With their usual light-hearted approach, they reflect on the series' technical brilliance and the deeper social questions it raises.
The conversation quickly turns into an appreciation of Adolescence's raw, unfiltered intensity and how Stephen Graham's masterful performance elevated the series to something unforgettable. As business owners with a deep appreciation for storytelling and production, Chris and Helen also geek out over the show's cinematography, direction, and seamless single-take sequences.
From the ripple effect of teenage decisions to the under-discussed dangers of misinformation, they touch on important themes raised by Adolescence, including the realities of growing up in the digital age. The couple also explores how Netflix and Stephen Graham have created something that transcends entertainment, sparking national conversations on education, responsibility, and empathy.
With their signature honesty, Chris and Helen share how the series made them reflect on their own parenting and the kinds of open conversations they're trying to have with their son. They advocate for Adolescence to be shown in schools, not just for its entertainment value, but for its real-life relevance and educational potential.
This episode is a break from the usual business tips, but one that’s deeply personal and packed with valuable insight. It's a reminder that impactful content can change perspectives and start meaningful conversations, whether it's on Netflix or in everyday life.
Whether you're a fan of Stephen Graham, fascinated by the craft behind filmmaking, or curious about the cultural ripple effects of Adolescence, this episode offers something for everyone. And yes, Chris and Helen will be watching it again this weekend.
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In this episode the pair have travelled to Morocco, Marrakesh for their next podcast. The different setting is starting to become a theme although both Chris & Helen are happy to get back into their own studio soon.
It's also their first holiday without their son so a very different experience, instead they're known as Chris & Helen instead of mom and dad.
Today they're talking about when is it the right time to take a break from work and how important it is to not feel bad for working all the time but to ensure you listen to your own body for when a break is needed.
Chris again talks about his frustrations with people selling courses online with them saying you can earn 10 figure monthly salaries working only a couple of hours a day.
They also explain what sweat equity is. Chris goes further to say for most businesses he doesn't believe you needs lots of money to get started, explaining they started a business with only £30 that turned over in its peak around £400k per year.
The pair also decided to mix in some of their footage from the holiday, with seeing how the locals live from pottery making, to drinking mint tea in the home of a village.
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On this episode the pair are all out of sorts as they aren't in their usual comfy studio. Instead they're in a building site, well not literally.
Chris has been busy building a purpose built Podcast Studio that will be available to hire. And normally they do a live one take episode however as both are out of sorts, this is their third attempt.
With the new studio launching soon Chris & Helen thought it would be great to show you a behind the scenes view of the studio being built.
On the next episode the pair return to their normal format.
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This weeks podcast starts a little differently as there is some tension between Chris & Helen. Chris calls it out and the pair start this weeks episode with let's say some disagreements.
They discuss what an Entrepreneur is, both the actual definition but also how the pair see this person differently.
They ask each other if they would start a business again knowing what they know now.
Chris gives a little insight into what it's actually like running a business, it isn't all a bed of roses as many people would have you believe.
Helen shares how she had to make a difficult call at the start of her business owner journey and how it's shaped her for dealing with similar situations.
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In this weeks episode Chris finds his inner Victor Meldrew and complains about how he is still feeling ill after weeks and is totally fed up of this awful weather. And why is January the longest month of the year?
Helen talks about her passion for fashion and how women are subjected to negative comments about how they look and what they wear where as men seem to not to have these comments.
Helen goes on further to talk about how impactful what you wear actually is, not only does it change how people perceive you but also it can have an positive or negative impact on how you feel.
Why do we all use acronyms and how many of us just make them up on the spot? And is it okay to say to someone you don't know what that means?
Chris's quick tip of the day is to stand when making phone calls and he explains why and how it can help.
Helen's constant thread throughout is can I sing this section 🤣.
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The pair are back with their first episode of 2025 in the same studio, discussing the same topics relating to business but a few pounds heavier after all the Christmas festivities.
In this episode Chris & Helen talk all about the importance of brand consistency, how you can achieve it and why if you haven't already need to make time to get this right before it's too late.
Chris talks about a current customer of Two Kraken's that is going through a re-brand at present and how the customer understands the true value of getting it right where so business owners unfortunately don't. Is that due to a lack of education on design agencies part?
The pair briefly touch on SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures) and why it's important to have them, even when you only have 1 staff member as well urging all listeners to build at least a word document for a basic brand guidelines document to get them started.
Helen ends the show telling Chris that her mom listens to the podcast and says and quote "We waffle". How will Chris react?
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The pair get all festive as Christmas draws closer and this being the last episode of 2024. Wearing their Christmas jumpers and Helen making the effort to put on Rudolf's antlers.
Talking about Christmas traditions, the things you only do or have at Christmas whilst Helen talks about how she punishes herself when she forgets to take a bag when shopping.
They talk about everything that has happened in 2024 and a new document they implemented to help them track changes and also help in reflecting on the year with all the amazing things they've achieved.
And last but not least, Chris & Helen thank all their amazing customers for their support yet again in 2024. Wishing everyone a fantastic Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
It's Chrismasssssss
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This week the duo talk all about customer service and how important it is but so many companies get it so wrong as well as customer reviews.
They talk about how long it takes to edit the podcasts & Chris battles with his cushion and is convinced it's been changed.
We've all good service and bad, the pair discuss past experiences and how they have impacted purchasing decisions.
Chris asks Helen if during a buying decision if she likes being called Madam or is just old fashioned and not needed now?
Chris goes on to talk about his experience when working for Apple and how they prepare all their sales floor team before they can engage with customers.
Helen gives us some states including 93% of people say online reviews impact their purchasing decisions.
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It’s been eye opening to Helen how many of her peers in their 40s who don’t know anything about perimenopause and that it was even a thing!
Luckily enough Helen’s doctor is a menopause specialist and she was treated from her symptoms but all too often women are not listened to and are left to deal with this with no support for long periods of time.
Helen shares the tips she’s learning so far to help others.
With there being as many as 52 symptoms it can be hard to navigate but listening to our bodies and talking to others will help tremendously.
Tracking certain behaviours helped Helen to also identify some of her regular new symptoms.
Whilst HRT may not be for everyone for whatever their personal reasons there are so many natural ways in which to navigate this journey too.
Helen and Chris discuss how these new behaviours and emotions can also affect many relationships and work environments too and so everyone having a better understanding can only be helpful for everyone involved. -
In this weeks episode Chris & Helen talk open and honestly about whether or not bootstrapping their business was the right decision to make? Exploring past decisions and seeing what impact they have had on the business years later.
Now they’re filming the podcast in the office it makes life easier but they always end up jumping on the pod only half ready each week.
Did Chris overstep the mark when he made an “investment” as he puts it in some lego for him and his son, Helen seems to think not.
They discuss Chris & Helens different approaches to money, saving and spending it. Who’s is right? And they look at would they do it differently if they had to do it all over again.
Chris finally agrees that maybe he should listen to Helen a little more but will he regret saying this as Helen goes onto tell more?
Chris goes on to say that learning as much as you can means you’re in a much better position to be able to hire and buy in services.
They end by discussing looking at secondary schools for their son and how they always get a guy feeling when they enter a building, spooky or a sixth sense?
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This week Helen and Chris touch on mental health, but more specifically mental health for business owners. They discuss the limited support that seems to be available for business owners and mental health and that we all need to make sure we’re taking care of ourselves.
The podcast studio has moved finally from the garden office and is now at Thread A Pixel HQ with a dedicated podcast studio space as they now threaten to have guests on the show. And Helen is finally stating to keep her audio levels down as she is now conscious she is recording the podcasts at work.
Chris is suffering from the dreaded man flu, the worst kind as he goes on to tell us, and tells us briefly why podcasts are so important and how you can leverage them for great social media content.
And finally, the dog Bella is getting in on the action and trying to distract Chris & Helen. Will she ruin the podcast? Will she be allowed on the set again? You’ll have to find out.
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It's been a hot minute and Chris is feeling a little bit nervous about starting the podcasts again. However Helen and Chris do both agree they enjoy the podcasts together as they see them as therapy.
It's been a good few months since their last podcast together. There's a new look to the podcast, a new look to them both with a little bit more timber and there is just a new vibe.
It's only just begun and Chris is telling Helen off for the way she has moved her initial mic position and so it will effect the way her voice sounds on the microphone so she must correct herself. First argument on camera and counting!
Since they released their season one podcasts there were a couple of negative nancy comments from some, but on the most part everyone has been so supportive and very positive and this has really spurred them both on to carry on with their therapy sessions, we mean podcast sessions!
Helen and Chris explain how they've been busy with new team members, completely changing the look of the showroom and have felt really humbled and supported by their customers with many of them becoming from trusted friends.
They're filming in the same location as season one, in the back of their garden in their converted office, where it's a complete mess behind the scenes with Chris' tools and Christmas decorations in the background.
They’re excited about a potential new business idea that they would love to do with the podcast but that's a secret for now. But we can let you into that secret because it was so long before they filmed the next episode after this one that we can confirm that the new podcast set is now located in their Two Krakens and Thread a Pixel office space now with the podcast area that you can rent for podcasts or video interviews that you wish to carry out. Exciting times!
They share a laugh with the new pouting facial expression they've taken on since watching the apprentice series and have a giggle about how silly they look. You kind of have to see the video for this one. However it's now become habit to them both. They discussed their admiration for the team that run the apprentice and how they both have a crush on Karen Brady!
Helen discusses the different change in her personal circumstances entering perimenopause and how she wants to be open with others going through this as it's such a huge life change to women as they get older and how so many women and men don't know much about it. So she's very passionate about discussing what she learns along the way in order to help others feel a little more at ease going through this huge change in women's lives.
After Helen and Chris briefly explain what they've been up to for the last couple of months along with the new vibe and look to the podcast and how they've managed to create it on a tight budget, Chris shares his passion about how he wants to share on their podcasts how you can create new marketing material for your business and change things in your business that don't need to cost the earth. They want to continue to be open honest and share the good and bad about business and life. It is not always easy and being vulnerable can be really helpful. Chris explains how he feels businesses in America are so much more honest and open and seem more willing to work and support each other more than some businesses in the UK.
They wrap up with some songs with some rude words in that their son had heard and discuss some old school past time songs before signing off until another two weeks time to discuss more business and personal aspects in life.
Hope you liked the new look, the new intro, the few songs, the arguments, the honesty and the new vibe! -
In this weeks episode we welcome back Helen & Chris from their Christmas break and talk about change in both work and in their personal lives.
But before they get into change they fumble their way from an intro as Chris struggles to get in podcast mode with awkward silences and lots of deep thinking.
When is it too late to say to someone “Happy New Year”? Helen thinks it’s already too late where as Chris isn’t quite sure.
Chris goes onto to discuss change at work and how it’s inevitable that change will come and both try not to burst into song every-time they say change.
To sum it all up Chris forgets to check the batteries on the mic recorder but doesn’t realise until the recorder switches off just as they start to wrap up the podcast.
Chris promises to do better next time and be better prepared.
Enjoy!
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Today, Helen and Chris are in the festive spirit with their branded Christmas jumpers on for Thread A Pixel and reflecting on the year 2023. Both feeling grateful for various things in life and how we can learn to enjoy the small things in life and pat ourselves on the back for what we have all achieved in the last year. It’s not been easy for anyone, but sometimes we need to all reflect upon what we have all achieved both personally and professionally.
Chris wants to share about the movie documentary that he watched recently about David Holmes who was the stunt man for Harry Potter Daniel Radcliffe and how his life was turned upside down when he became unable to fulfil his normal role after a tragic accident.
His positive outlook on life even after this horrendous event was enlightening and truly inspiring and we would highly recommend to watch the program called The Boy Who Lived.
What a true inspiration he is. A coming-of-age documentary of Harry Potters Daniel Radcliffe and his stunt double David Holmes, whose close friendship endures a life-changing accident.
We all know life can serve us lemons, but what do we have to do? Make lemonade!
Whilst it’s certainly not always easy, it’s more than likely something we can all work on.
Shout out this week from Helen and Chris is to everyone. Well done for everything you’ve achieved this year. Take a few minutes to give yourself a pat on the back and reflect on what you’ve achieved. If things haven’t gone the way you want there’s always something to learn from it and take away from that experience.
Wishing you all a wonderful Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and we will see you all in the New Year after a nice break and time to plan for the New Year ahead in business. Cheers!
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In this weeks podcast, Helen and Chris discuss how they have found running more than one business at the same time, and the pros and cons for this.
Running your own business is an additional rollercoaster in life, and in true Helen and Chris style they naturally jump in with both feet to run more than one business together alongside their family life too.
They both discuss honestly, the pros and cons they have found through running more than one business. Not only alongside each other but also working very closely with each other for all their businesses.
For them, they have found that it has worked well in the fact that the two different businesses being personalised gifts goes hand-in-hand with branded clothing and Workwear. Although they are B2C and B2B. They have been able to share resources between the two companies, as well as unit space and even staff which they have found worked beneficially towards both businesses.
As we know all too well through life, we can only learn from our mistakes and so this is what they have both done along the way in life, generally as well as running businesses from the ground up and have been able to learn from running various businesses what works well for them and what doesn’t and apply these to the new businesses that they have and will set up.
They both have an exciting chapter ahead with more focused plans for Thread A Pixel’s branded, Workwear services and Krakens media video productions and they are putting in extra ground work over the next few months to really power these businesses ahead.
Todays shout out is Hayley Windows , Kelly and Laura run a fantastic business there fitting some beautiful windows and doors across all sorts of buildings and Helen and Chris were lucky enough to have the buildings opposite their home renovated by the team at Hayley Windows and the workmanship of their team, completely transformed the buildings and allowed Helen and Chris to have a much more pleasant outlook from their home! So they wanted to thank the team at Hayley Windows for this.
This weeks challenge for Helen Vs Chris. Is are you a dog or a cat person? Helen used to be a cat person having cats when she grew up however, however since having dogs together for the past over 10 years, Helen is now converted to be the same as Chris, and to be more of a fan of dogs so for the first time ever, they’re on the same page in that they both agree they are now dog people as Helen is a convert but what are you! Are you a dog or a cat person?
And for those listening the email address is [email protected]
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