Episodes

In this episode, Colin is joined by Alan Nicholls from Moneyhelper.org.uk, the government-backed service that provides free, impartial and independent guidance to help people make informed decisions about their money and pensions. Alan explains why MoneyHelper is an ideal starting point for anyone facing a financial decision, whether it’s planning for retirement, managing day-to-day finances, navigating a major life event, or simply looking for reassurance that they’re on the right track. Drawin...

Colin and Lou are back for Season 8, kicking things off with a practical, no-nonsense look at how to get your finances working harder for you. Whether you're looking to tidy things up or make smarter long-term decisions, this episode is packed with straightforward tips you can act on right away. They dive into seven key areas that can make a real difference: • Taking a fresh look at your household subscriptions and monthly bills and cutting the waste • Making sure you're getting the most out of ...

It’s been a real song and dance producing our latest podcast, which is all about the wonderful team at CTC (Children’s Theatre Company)! Kevin Burch went to see them rehearse for their upcoming production of Annie Jr and met CTC principal, Bridie Rowe and, some of the very talented cast. Bridie explains all about the quality of CTC’s work and how this has impacted the hundreds of young people who have been part of its journey, since she launched the company 16 years ago. Starting as a Summer Sch...

Each one takes about a week to make and they truly are things of beauty. They’re the hand-made and hand-painted teapots, produced by the talented team at Carters of Suffolk. Based at Stonham Barns Park, the business is now in the hands of John and Val Baldry. For our latest podcast Kevin Burch went to meet them and to see their extraordinary range, which is highly sought after by collectors around the world. John, Val and the team are rightly very proud of what they do, as the only company in th...

As many an entrepreneur will tell you, the key to success is spotting an opportunity and taking a leap of faith. That’s what happened with Ian and Sarah Williams, who took on an unloved patch of land on the banks of the River Stour and have transformed it into a highly successful holiday and leisure park. In this episode, Kevin Burch meets this dynamic duo, to find out all about Constable Park. Set in the heart of Constable Country overlooking Dedham Vale and the RSPB nature reserve in Brantham,...

Ipswich is about to stage its first ever Book Festival. Taking place over three days (from Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th October), this will involve an incredible 43 events across 11 of the town’s top venues. So for our latest podcast Kevin Burch sat down to chat with Tony Felgate, one of the team behind this event, as it gathers momentum and promises to be the start of something quite special. Tony is a big fan of Ipswich and its rich history and cultural heritage. He explains why Ipswich needs a boo...

It’s all aboard the Orwell Lady in our latest podcast, as Kevin Burch meets director Emma Lightfoot, and Skipper, Gareth, to find out all about this dedicated family business. For more than twenty years, this historic vessel has been chugging up and down the River Orwell, giving day-trippers the chance to savour the beauty of the water and its wildlife. Appealing to locals and tourists alike, the Orwell Lady’s river trips are enjoyed by people of all ages, and their dogs! Emma and her team are p...

In our latest podcast, we discover that, when it comes to brewing, small really is beautiful. Colin Low took a trip behind the scenes at Bruha Brewing to meet the team – Barry and Henry Chevalier Guild and Marc Medland – and learn about their three breweries, cask, keg and nitro stout. Based on the Suffolk border, right in the heart of barley growing country, Bruha Brewing was started by head brewer Marc, who is known for being one of the most skilled and adept brewers in the region. Marc and th...

As a crime that affects both individuals and businesses alike, we all need to be vigilant when it comes to cybercrime. So in our latest episode, Colin Low chats to Gemma Theobald, Cyber Security Advisor for Norfolk & Suffolk Police, about her role in trying to prevent it from happening and the many ways we can all reduce the risk. With around 99% of crime involving some kind of digital element, Gemma explains the difference between cybercrime, cyber-enabled crime and cyber-dependent crime. Demys...

What inspires a rock star? In this week’s episode Kevin Burch speaks to author and 1960s icon, Jenny Boyd, who will be bringing her new book to Suffolk next month. Jenny is set to join a fabulous line-up of speakers at the annual Felixstowe Book Festival, and tells Kevin all about how she came to write “Icons Of Rock: In Their Own Words”, following her many interviews with the stars. Having been married to Mick Fleetwood (of Fleetwood Mac) and with George Harrison and Eric Clapton as brothers-in...

Nestled along the shores of most British seaside towns, the traditional beach hut provides a time-honoured form of escapism. Though never much bigger than a garden shed, they are highly sought-after and often command high prices. So in this episode, Kevin Burch takes a trip to the coast to find out more about their enduring appeal, by talking to an owner, an expert on seaside culture and an estate agent. Barbara Grace and Alan Sarfas tell Kevin all about their beloved Felixstowe hut, “Idle Hours...

So many charities are doing such brilliant work, but almost all, without exception, are struggling finding the money, to not just continue doing what they’re doing, but to grow. One example is the Shelley Centre for Therapeutic Riding, based near Hadleigh, which uses horses to help children and adults who have disabilities. Kevin Burch has been to meet the team for our latest podcast, including chairman Debs Bennett, Martha (a regular, long-term rider at the centre) and Jan Derbyshire (Hon Presi...

Emma Waddell is a very different kind of entrepreneur. She firmly prioritises being truly happy above money, and her happiness comes from creating beautiful dolls houses to the very highest standard. In this week’s episode, Kevin Burch visits Emma in her ‘paradise’ workshop, as Emma explains how she left the world of finance to set up her own business, Dolls House Grand Designs. With over 40 years of experience with dolls houses and miniatures, Emma is recognised as one of the best in her field....

In the first episode of our new series, we look at the work of the dedicated youth charity, Inspire Suffolk, which helps thousands of young people realise their potential every year. Colin Low chats to Terry Baxter about how Inspire came to be and, his role in leading the team of this independent charity. Starting from a sporting background in 2013, Inspire now works with more than 7,000 young people each year, empowering them to achieve a better future. For those who have little support, the tr...

Welcome to the first episode of 2025. We’ve now produced over 100 podcasts since we launched Suffolk Money four years ago, all supported by Kingsfleet. Ahead of a new series starting next month, we look back on some of the memorable moments from 2024, with our sincere thanks to all the guests who joined us last year.

In the run-up to Christmas we test the mood on the High Street, in our latest podcast from Suffolk Money, supported by Kingsfleet. For our last episode of 2024, Kevin Burch took a trip to Bury St Edmunds to talk to Mark Cordell, who works with his team to promote the town and Julian Milton, who runs a gift shop called Loft and Spires. Despite all the financial challenges the retail industry has been through and is currently facing, both remain optimistic about this festive season and beyond. Jul...

In this week’s Suffolk Money podcast, supported by Kingsfleet, we look at the hospitality industry, as it prepares – post Budget – for the hectic and financially critical festive period. Kevin Burch meets someone who knows the industry better than most; Jamie Smith, who runs Jamie Lee Smith Catering and who’s currently celebrating a landmark 25 years in the business. Many will also know Jamie for the outstanding reputation he’s built at 16 Steakhouse; one of the highest-rated restaurants Ipswich...

Ahead of Remembrance Day, we have a fitting guest for our latest podcast from Suffolk Money, supported by Kingsfleet. Kevin Burch meets Adam Simpson-York, who has set up an initiative online, to try to reunite wartime medals and memorabilia with the families of the veterans who owned them. Adam’s story is a truly philanthropic one and his reputation now proceeds him, due to the success he’s had this far in "returning the lost property that should never have really been lost". He finds and resear...

How do you breathe new life into neglected buildings? One man who knows is property developer and investor John Howard, who’s our guest in the latest podcast from Suffolk Money, supported by Kingsfleet. Having worked on more than 4000 schemes in 88 different towns and cities across the UK, John’s career spans more than 40 years. In this episode, he tells Kevin Burch all about how it all began, lessons he’s learnt and advice he’d give to others, in what has become a highly competitive industry. M...

Earning money from doing what you love is something many us aspire to and, in this weeks’ episode of Suffolk Money, Kevin Burch meets somebody who is doing this with remarkable success. Cally James runs Hippy Hut Pottery, near Bury St Edmunds, which she opened in 2022. Here, from her beautiful garden studio, Cally runs workshops and weekly classes for her pottery students. Most are regulars, who enjoy doing something fun, creative and therapeutic. Cally also makes sure she has time in her week t...

We have a wonderfully uplifting story in the latest podcast from Suffolk Money, supported by Kingsfleet, as Lesley Dolphin takes us on a tour of the Pathways Care Farm near Lowestoft. Described as ‘an oasis of calm’ it supports countless vulnerable people, helping them to build confidence, learn skills and ultimately be part of something really special. Founder and Director, Geoff Stevens, tells Lesley how his past experiences of running a business, working with disadvantaged people, and also ca...

Welcome to the first episode of season six of our Podcast, Suffolk Money. Today, Kevin Burch takes a deep dive into the story of the Broomhill; from its magnificent past, through to the exciting regeneration scheme that has secured its future. Recognised as one of the finest outdoor pools in the country, Broomhill first opened in 1938. However, as Mark Ling (Chairman of the Broomhill Pool Trust) explains, when indoor, heated pools became more fashionable, the town struggled to financially suppor...

While having a baby is wonderful, the initial costs of sourcing newborn essentials can actually be quite overwhelming for those who may be struggling financially or have little support. Here, the Moses Project Suffolk plays a vital role. So for our final episode of Season 5, Colin Low went to meet team members Becky and Nicky, to find out more about this incredible project and how the volunteers support families in Suffolk . They explain how the Moses Project provides a moses basket, full with e...

We have a fabulous guest for this episode of the Suffolk Money podcast, supported by Kingsfleet, and one who is well-known for her energy, enthusiasm and positivity. Bridget McIntyre, MBE, has lead an incredibly successful business career, but is now focussed on helping to bring out the best in others, through the social enterprise venture and charity she founded in 2010. As Lesley Dolphin went to find out, dream on is a ladies’ boutique with a remarkable difference. Based in the delightful mark...