The MAP Room

Employee Ownership - What is an EOT and is is right for me and my business? - Paul Barnes

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

In this latest episode of The MAP Room, Stuart Brown interviews MAP founder and MD, Paul Barnes, about employee ownership trusts (EOTs)

Having just lead his own transition to Employee Ownership, we explore the rise in EOT popularity, benefits, governance, and why they might be the right exit strategy for your business.

The conversation covers the legal process, cultural impacts, and long-term considerations of transitioning to employee ownership.

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The role of Commercial Contracts in your Agency - Alison Bell

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:20:12 GMT

In this conversation, Stuart Brown and Alison Bell discuss the critical role of commercial contracts in agency operations.

They explore the structure of contracts, the importance of negotiation, and how to manage scope and changes effectively.

The discussion also covers dispute resolution, intellectual property considerations, and the impact of freelancers and AI on contracts.

The conversation emphasises that well-structured contracts are essential for protecting both parties and maintaining healthy business relationships.

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Growth - The How with Freia Meuhlenbein

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Season 4 continues with the subject of Growth.

Many agency owners want it, but are not sure how to get it!

In this conversation, Stuart Brown and Freia Muehlenbein discuss the intricacies of agency growth, focusing on the importance of execution, the relevance of KPIs, and the balance between creativity and financial accountability.

They explore the role of finance in operations, common challenges agencies face, and the significance of conducting growth audits.

Freia emphasises the need for commitment when engaging with external advisors and the value of agile change management.

Additionally, they touch on the importance of mental health first aid in the workplace, highlighting the need for awareness and support in when the pace of change can create stressful environments.

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Savings & Investment - New Year Resolutions or planning? Adam Downes

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The MAP Room returns for a 4th season, with regular guest - Adam Downes.

In this conversation, Stuart Brown and Adam Downes discuss the importance of goal setting, investment psychology, and financial planning for entrepreneurs.

They explore the thinking based around the entrepreneurs journey and business lifecycle.

The discussion emphasises the importance of planning for both short-term and long-term financial goals, including retirement, while also highlighting the need for flexibility and options in financial decision-making, to achieve a balanced portfolio.

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Leanne Consiglio: Data Rooms - How to create and use one for your business

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:00:00 GMT

In this final episode of the season, Stuart Brown and Leanne Consiglio discuss the critical importance of exit planning for small business owners.

They delve into the complexities of the due diligence process, emphasising the role of data rooms in facilitating smooth business sales.

The conversation highlights the differences between the seller's and buyer's agendas, the risks of deal fatigue, and the value of leveraging technology for data management.

Leanne also introduces the Align 9 process, designed to streamline due diligence and ensure businesses are well-prepared for potential sales.

The episode concludes with a call to action for business owners to start building their own Data Room, whether or not they're preparing their businesses for sale early, ensuring they are organised and ready for any future challenges and opportunities.

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The Strategic Orbit - Paul Barnes & Stuart Brown

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Paul Barnes and Stuart Brown delve into the intricacies of building a business that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

They explore the concept of a "strategic orbit," a tool designed to help business owners map out their long-term vision and make more intentional decisions.

Whether you're aiming for a lifestyle business or preparing for a capital event, this discussion offers valuable insights into strategic planning, the importance of aligning your business with your values, and the sacrifices involved in different business models.

You can have a business that not only thrives, but also supports the life you want to lead.

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The Capital V Lifestyle Focused business? - Paul Barnes and Stuart Brown

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 07:40:00 GMT

In this conversation, Stuart Brown and Paul Barnes discuss how business owners can align their business goals with their lifestyle choices. They explore the concept of option planning, distinguishing between lifestyle and capital businesses, and the importance of strategic planning for achieving desired capital events. The discussion emphasizes the need for intentional decision-making and the balance between lifestyle and capital focus, ultimately guiding business owners on how to engage with MAP for support in their journey.

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Theo Louw - How do you stop your agency from leaking profits?

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Stuart Brown and Theo Louw discuss the critical balance between creativity and financial success in agency management. They explore the common pitfalls that lead to profit leaks, the importance of visibility and discipline in operations, and the necessity of real-time data for informed decision-making. Theo introduces the Profit First Agency framework, emphasising the need for structured processes to ensure sustainable growth. The discussion also covers managing scope creep, ensuring timely billing, and the importance of operationalising data to enhance agency performance.

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Ben Potter - Does your positioning give you the business you need, for the life you want?

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Stuart Brown and Ben discuss the critical importance of agency positioning, exploring common pitfalls, the benefits of specialisation, and the impact of AI on agency strategies. They emphasise the need for clarity in positioning to attract the right clients and improve profitability. The discussion also covers the challenges of repositioning and the journey agencies must undertake to achieve successful outcomes.

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Robert Craven - GYDA

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT

Summary

In this Episode, Stuart Brown and Robert Craven explore the complexities of growth in agencies, emphasising the importance of a process framework, and a clear positioning strategy.

We learn that highly performing agencies are obsessed with the numbers.

They discuss the entrepreneurial mindset versus agency ownership, the significance of accountability, and the role of workshops in facilitating tough decisions.

The dialogue highlights the need for clarity and simplicity in business strategies to navigate challenges and achieve sustainable growth.

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Caroline Canty - How is our memory of Covid affecting our decision making?

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:00:00 GMT

In this Episode, Stuart Brown and Caroline Canty explore the critical aspects of decision-making in business, emphasising the importance of intentionality, alignment of the mind, body, and soul, and the impact of external factors like COVID on business mindset. They discuss the challenges of reactive decision-making, the significance of a growth mindset, and the role of coaching in implementing effective strategies. The dialogue highlights the need for clarity, accountability, and a supportive culture to foster intentional growth and navigate change successfully.

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Stephen Mann - Parker Neal

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 07:00:00 GMT

In this Episode we talk to Stephen Mann about the reality of Cyber Security and the smaller business.

How much of the headlines are industry hype and fearmongering aimed at selling costly solutions?

And what, as an Agency Owner, can you do today to de-risk your business?

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Adam Downes - Pura Vida FP

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 07:00:00 GMT

In this Episode we discuss how many Agency Owners have so much of their value tied up in the single asset of their business, but with less than 10% of Agency Owners achieving a successful exit, what can you do to de-risk yourself by creating and ringfencing some value through the ownership journey.

Our Subject Matter Expert is Adam Downes of Pura Vida Financial Planning - www.puravidafp.com

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Ben Davies Praetura Ventures

Sun, 04 May 2025 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode Stuart is joined by Ben Davies from Praetura Ventures to discuss investment and in particular the role of venture capital.

We discuss the timing of raising funds, and how you may be best to treat it as a sales pipeline. What a VC looks for in an agency, and how to best make your pitch.

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Peter Maratos - Former practicing Barrister

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Stuart is joined round the MAP table by Peter Maratos, former practicing barrister with 17 years post practice experience in tribunal advocacy.

We learn the errors that small business owners still make, why the changing scope of freelancers within agencies represents its own issues and what considerations must be made as we navigate the remote / hybrid working that is now the norm.

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Rob Borley CEO at Dootrix

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:24:13 GMT

As we return with Series 3 of The MAP Room, we hear from long standing MAP client, Dootrix.

We learn how applying Financial Confidence supports the ambition of the shareholders, why a Board is necessary for a small business and also when opportunity knocks, are you best placed to respond, without losing your way.

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Jonathan Davies OBE

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 05:00:53 GMT

Series 2 of The MAP Room closes with host Stuart Brown and legendary Welsh Rugby Union and League player turned BBC commentator, Jonathan Davies OBE. In an inspirational episode, we hear why believing in your own ability was crucial to Jonathan’s success, the resilience and resourcefulness gained from the hardest times in his life and Jonathan’s ambassadorial work for Velindre Cancer Centre.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Financial Confidence for Digital Agencies

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 04:00:43 GMT

In the penultimate episode of Series 2 of The MAP Room, host Stuart Brown quizzes author and Managing Director of MAP, Paul Barnes, about his upcoming book, “Financial Confidence for Digital Agencies: A framework for building the business you’ve always wanted”. The conversation touches on why Paul chose now to write the book, the inspiration behind it and the key topics that listeners can look forward to reading when the book is released early next year.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Matt Johnson - The Founder and Managing Director of Form

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 04:00:02 GMT

The latest episode of The MAP Room sees Stuart Brown joined by Matt Johnson, Founder and Managing Director of Form. In this fascinating discussion, Matt opens up about his mental health following the sale of his first business, the importance of recognising the need for an external advisor and the subsequent benefits and risks of using one, plus the conversation turns to the emergance and prevelance of using an executive coach.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Trenton Moss - Founder of Team Sterka

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 03:00:05 GMT

Episode 9 of The MAP Room sees Stuart Brown joined by Trenton Moss, Best Selling Author, Leadership Coach & Founder of Team Sterka. In this discussion, Trenton explains how he got everyone in his organisation to interact with clients, how he brought in new business without having to pitch and how he used a senior advisory board to support his growth ambition . Also, Trenton talks of his book ‘Human Powered’.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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The Risks and Responsibilities of Being a Director and Shareholder

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 04:00:34 GMT

In Episode 8 of Series 2, Managing Director of MAP, Paul Barnes turns the tables once more on host Stuart Brown, as they unpick the concept of company or corporate governance. Also in this episode, Stuart reflects on the seven duties of a company director, how you can actually benefit from the things that you have to do and why implementing a practice of rigour and cadence will give a company the best chances to succeed.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Brian Cullen - Co-Founder at The MAPD Group

Fri, 03 May 2024 03:00:44 GMT

Episode 7 of The MAP Room sees Stuart Brown joined by, Brian Cullen, Co-Founder of The MAPD Group. In another fascinating and varied discussion, Brian talks of MAPD’s accelerate program, how sub-cultures are useful within a group framework as long as it fits into the overarching purpose and why he wants MAPD (Making a Positive Difference) to become a verb in the dictionary.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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James Ashford - Founder of GoProposal

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 05:00:39 GMT

In episode 6 of The MAP Room, Stuart Brown is joined by James Ashford, Founder of GoProposal, for the latest conversation in our ‘Difficult Truths’ series, where we discuss the less glamorous areas of business ownership. After selling his business to a FTSE 100 company, James opens up about his experiences after an exit, the pitfalls of the ‘I’ll be happy when’ mindset and the importance of having alignment at home throughout this life changing process.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Professor Damian Hughes - Speaker, Best-Selling Author and Co-Host of The High Performance Podcast

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 05:00:52 GMT

Episode 5 of The MAP Room sees Stuart Brown joined by award-winning author and co-host of The High Performance Podcast, Professor Damian Hughes. In this fascinating discussion, Stuart asks Damian to talk through his “Five STEPS to a Winning Mindset” principles and describes why he believes ambiguity is the enemy of high performance. Also, Damian explains the one characteristic of leadership that inspired the formation of his charity, Coats4Kids.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Jimmy Fish - Licensed Insolvency Practitioner and Partner at Cowgills

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:00:18 GMT

In another ‘Difficult Truths’ episode of The MAP Room, host Stuart Brown is joined by Insolvency Practitioner, Jimmy Fish. This informative discussion opens up the often misunderstood area of business insolvency. We learn the definition of insolvency, discuss the most common cause of insolvency, the errors often made by small business owners and what needs to be addressed in relation to creditors, assets and your conduct as a director.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Six Lessons Learned from Scale

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:00:20 GMT

Episode 3 of Series 2 sees host Stuart Brown and Managing Director of MAP, Paul Barnes reflect back on a Digital Roundtable Q&A session in which Stuart presented his framework of ‘Six lessons learned from scale’, and see if any of those lessons have changed or evolved over the years, and which remain constant in our ever changing business environment.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Louise Carr - Employment Partner at Bexley Beaumont

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 06:00:18 GMT

Series 2 of the MAP Room continues with host Stuart Brown being joined by Louise Carr of Bexley Beaumont. In this episode, Stuart introduces the first in a theme of ‘Difficult Truths’ with employment tribunals, why it is vitally important to invest in good advice and what can be at stake for organisations when “informality bites”.

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Adrian Lomas - Founder of Blueleaf

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 04:00:20 GMT

The MAP Room returns for Series 2 with host Stuart Brown joined by Adrian Lomas, Founder of Blueleaf and Professional EOS Implementer. In this heartfelt and emotional episode, Adrian and Stuart touch on overcoming the obstacles and challenges of growing a business, taking personal responsibility at the top despite outside factors and the power of rewriting your values.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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The MAP Room: Best of Series One

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 05:00:13 GMT

In a special episode of The MAP Room, Paul Barnes and Stuart Brown reflect on some of the most important conversations from Series One.

Featuring contributions from Karen Reyburn, Jon Woodall, Adam Downes, Hannah Johnson, Leanne Elliott, Amanda Walls, Daniel Priestly, Simon Landi and Jon Davage.

Please follow and subscribe to ensure you don’t miss an episode of Series Two of The MAP Room, returning in October 2023.

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Karen Reyburn - Owner of The Profitable Firm

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 05:00:55 GMT

Series 1 of The MAP Room closes with host Stuart Brown and Karen Reyburn, owner of PF and author of The Accountant Marketer. In another fascinating episode, we hear why The Profitable Firm unapologetically chooses to operate remotely, how the culture of PF is one of the key drivers behind their success and how years of documenting coaching sessions has led to Karen’s first book, The Accountant Marketer.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Leanne Elliott - Co-Founder of Oblong HQ

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 05:00:54 GMT

In episode twelve of The MAP Room, host Stuart Brown welcomes Leanne Elliott, Business Psychologist Co-Founder of Oblong HQ and Host of the Truth, Lies & Workplace Culture Podcast. We hear how businesses find, engage and empower great people, the negative impacts of the Superstar effect and dive into the fascinating psychometrics of entrepreneurship.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Lou Cordwell OBE - Chief Creative Officer of Magnetic

Fri, 05 May 2023 05:00:04 GMT

In episode eleven of The MAP Room, Stuart Brown is joined by Lou Cordwell, Chief Creative Officer of Magnetic, Director at ID Manchester and Chair of the GM LEP. We hear of Lou’s passion for the relationship between business and government. Why innovation led economies matter and why the challenges of education, skills, gender equality and representation, alongside climate risk, remain.

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Amanda Walls - Director at Cedarwood Digital

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 05:00:57 GMT

Joining our host Stuart Brown in episode ten of The MAP Room, is Amanda Walls, Director at Cedarwood Digital. We hear how to create, structure and develop a successful lifestyle business. How understanding your portfolio of needs matters and how through carefully screening, retaining and building longstanding relationships as a key element of your culture, you can match your clients to those needs.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Daniel Priestley - Bestselling Author 24 Assets

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 06:00:25 GMT

Episode nine of The MAP Room, sees Stuart Brown joined by entrepreneur, author and international speaker, Daniel Priestley. In a fascinating and enlightening interview, they discuss how to recognise where you are in your entrepreneur journey, how best to accelerate that process and most importantly how to enjoy the journey itself.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

And for more information about Daniel, visit https://www.dent.global/

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Paul McGee - The S.U.M.O Guy

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 06:00:03 GMT

In episode eight of the MAP Room, Stuart is joined by international speaker and best selling author, Paul McGee. Perhaps better known as the S.U.M.O guy, Paul talks of the obstacles and battles faced on the journey to writing S.U.M.O, and discusses the core principles of the book. In an incredibly informative conversation, we learn how mindset, resilience, motivation and inspiring leadership happens most effectively when you Shut Up and Move On.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

And for more information about Paul and his work, visit https://www.thesumoguy.com/

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Stuart Brown - Chairman at MAP

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 07:00:26 GMT

Episode seven of The MAP Room sees Founder and Managing Director of MAP, Paul Barnes, turn the tables on our usual host, Stuart Brown. Stuart is Chair at MAP and an experienced Non Executive Director, and in this varied and open discussion, we hear about his own experiences of selling businesses directly and as an advisor, why roles and responsibilities can help avoid inertia and stalemate, and also the 4 P’s that demonstrate a healthy culture in business.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Jon Davage - Head of Corporate at Bermans

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 07:00:55 GMT

Episode six of The MAP Room sees host Stuart Brown joined by Jon Davage, Head of Corporate at Bermans. In an informative conversation with unique insight, we learn how best to combat and prepare for the perils of due diligence, and how acting early can help avoid disappointment later, especially in a data driven age. Also, Jon discusses his contribution to the book From The Factory Floor: We Build Tech Companies.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Hannah Johnson - Director of Xcel Business Psychology

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 07:00:38 GMT

In episode five of The MAP Room, host Stuart Brown welcomes Hannah Johnson, Founder of Xcel Business Psychology. We discuss the psychology of decision making, and hear of the emergence of psychology in a modern day workplace and how it can enable a culture of kindness and empathy, especially as businesses adapt to a hybrid way of working. Also, they discuss the importance of having a methodology in place that empowers senior leaders to let go and employees to make autonomous decisions.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Jon Woodall - Managing Director of Space 48

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 07:00:46 GMT

Joining host Stuart Brown in episode four of The MAP Room is Jon Woodall, Managing Director of Space 48. In a genuine and honest conversation, we hear the origin story of Space 48 and the meaning behind the name, the importance of getting a supportive investing partner in your corner, and the unique insight of starting a business from the ground up, where any step you take forward is progress. Sometimes it’s not what you what do, it’s what you don’t do.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Adam Downes - Founder of Pura Vida (Part Two)

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 15:30:00 GMT

Episode three of The MAP Room sees the second part of the conversation between host Stuart Brown and Adam Downes, Founder and Director of Pura Vida. In a varied and fascinating discussion, we learn how identifying your desired lifestyle and mapping that out over time is crucial for your financial confidence, and the importance of recognising how much you want, versus how much you need.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Adam Downes - Founder of Pura Vida (Part One)

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 15:24:11 GMT

In episode two of The MAP Room, Stuart Brown is joined by Adam Downes, Founder and Director of Pura Vida. Part one of the conversation hears Adam talk of helping clients live their best lives through financial planning, and how balance and collaboration are the key to ensuring options and financial independence in the future.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Simon Landi - Managing Director at Access

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 06:00:07 GMT

In the first episode of The MAP Room, Stuart Brown sits down with Simon Landi, the Managing Director of Access. In an open and candid discussion, they talk about Simon’s transition from owner to employee, the concept of consequential decision making and the importance of getting outside advice and support when selling any business.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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Introducing The MAP Room

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 15:25:56 GMT

In a special preview episode of The MAP Room, Stuart is joined by Paul Barnes, Founder and Managing Director of MAP, to set the scene on what to expect from the podcast. They talk about MAP as an outsourced finance function, the importance of intentional and circumstantial decision making and the choices that business owners have to make throughout their journey.

For more information on MAP, visit wearemap.co.uk or follow @WeAreMAP_ on socials

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