A Ledbury-based podcast that features local business owners is celebrating its first anniversary.

Thriving Three Counties Podcast is presented by Dan Barker, who himself runs a video production and photography business in Ledbury.

The show sees Dan interview other business owners from across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire about their work and careers.

Described by some listeners as a way to network without leaving their home, the aim of the podcast is to inspire and connect people in the three counties. Dan talks to his guests about their lives and about their journey to running their own business.

The podcast launched in February 2021 and Dan has released an episode a week since, amassing more than 5,000 downloads in total.

Guests over the past 12 months include Malvern tech entrepreneur Matt Atkinson, former radio presenter Rich Hurst and another Ledbury business owner, furniture and guitar maker Stuart Houghton.

Aleksandra Moore, who runs Evendine Sourdough Bakery in Malvern, Sue Vaughan of Herefordshire cider makers Celtic Marches and bestselling author Sonja Leason have also appeared on the podcast.

'Everyone has something unique to share'

Dan featured as a guest himself when he was interviewed by the organiser of the Malvern Festival of Innovation, Adrian Burden, live in front of a theatre audience about his journey from aerospace engineering to photography and video production, specifically in the manufacturing, engineering and technology industries.

“It’s been fantastic to meet all these local business owners and hear their stories,” said Dan.

“Everyone has something unique to share and I know from feedback I’ve had that we’re managing to inspire people in the region who either want to start a business, or who already run their own business.

“There are so many interesting and inspiring businesses in our region.”

You can find the podcast on all of the main podcast apps or download it from Dan’s business website at www.danbarkerstudios.com/podcast.

If you know anyone who’d make a good guest on the podcast, you can email Dan at dan@danbarkerstudios.com