Interior design, Leeds United and aliens with Amanda Cook, Design Tonic
Amanda Cook launched her business after a failed MBO followed by a discussion over a pint of Guinness.
Listen how she tells us about the importance of networking in the building of her business, how much support there is out there for businesses and and why cash is king.
We also discuss Leeds United and aliens…. Although not in the same sentence!
If you’re looking for a business and entrepreneurship podcast that will inspire, motivate and educate you, through the personal business journeys and entrepreneurial lessons learnt of Leeds business owners then this is the podcast for you.
INTRODUCING AMANDA COOK
Amanda Cook has worked in commercial interior design and fitout for over 20 years.
In 2019, she launched DesignTonic Ltd with Joe Darcy. They create amazing commercial spaces to work, rest and play in. From advice and inspiration through to full design, fit and furnish, their bespoke services give you exactly what you need to fit your timescale and budget.
DesignTonic Team’s expert knowledge, precise attention to detail and friendly approach have already seen them complete fantastic projects for clients like Leeds United, Yorkshire County Cricket, Caddick, Vastint and Relentless.
The business has now expanding adding their DT sports and DT projects brands.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
[00:00:00] Introduction to Design Tonic
[00:05:00] Creating a Business Plan and the first clients
[00:11:00] Navigating COVID-19 challenges
[00:14:00] The current state of the hospitality market
[00:17:00] Expanding into sports and concert venues
[00:23:00] Overcoming business challenges
[00:26:00] How to build brand recognition
[00:26:00] Supporting Smart Works
4 KEY TAKEAWAYS & BUSINESS LEARNINGS
- If you’ve got a business idea talk to as many people as you can. They’ll be willing to help.
- In the bars and restaurants, they now HAVE TO nail their service offer
- Do a good job. Do what you say you’ll do, and be nice to people.
- Don’t leave it as a customer-supplier relationship; you become partners
3 MOMENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR
“We went to every single event we were invited to”
“Covid was a perfect time for bars and restaurants to do a refit”
“It’s all through connections. Asking the right people”
VALUABLE RESOURCES FOR YOU
Website: www.leedsbusinesspodcast.com
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/leeds-business-podcast/
Work with Phil – www.philfraser.co.uk
Website: https://designtonic.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atkinsonamanda/ www.linkedin.com/designtonic-ltd
Shout out: https://www.littlebaoboy.com/
DON’T FORGET THE LEEDS BUSINESS PODCAST ‘FAIR DEAL’
My half of the agreement; Every week I bring you inspiring Leeds Business people FOR FREE.
Your half of the deal – Share this episode with just ONE person who you think will get value from it
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Tracey Fletcher, Smart Works (as mentioned) https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/tracy-fletcher-smartworks/
LUFC podcast The Square Ball https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/the-square-ball/
Yana Smaglo – Dragons Den ‘ winner’ https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/yana-smaglo/
https://leedsbusinesspodcast.com/podcast/phil-fraser/
ABOUT YOUR HOST
Phil Fraser went from an accidental kitchen table start up, with no investment, all the way to multi-million pound sale to a PLC 18 years later. He’s travelled the full SME business journey of launch, growth, scale and exit.
As well as hosting the Leeds Business Podcast, Phil now works with ambitious SME-owners as a Business Sounding Board (think somewhere between Business Coach and Business Mentor). In simple terms, he’s ‘a pair of ears and an extra pair eyes’ for SME Owners helping them to be better at what they do. Phil’s mantra is It doesn’t need to be ‘lonely at the top’. He helps Business Owners to be better business owners, by helping with their clarity and focus.
As a Business Sounding Board, he gives SME Owners the time & space to regularly discuss their challenges and opportunities, with no sense of judgement or bias, and in complete confidence. This allows them to explore their options in full, culminating with a list of issues to address/clarify, a clear target in mind, a roadmap to success, and a renewed enthusiasm and confidence for the challenges ahead.
Want to work with Phil to help you? See www.philfraser.co.uk.
LEEDS BUSINESS PODCAST
Leeds, Business in Leeds, Leeds Business, Business in Leeds, Nous of Fraser, Business Sounding Board, Business Coach, Business Mentor,
