An innovative new podcast is providing a platform for the people shaping Stirling’s business community to share their insights, stories and vision for the city’s future.
Stirling Business Podcast, produced by Studio King Street in collaboration with Johnson Media, gives a voice to Stirling’s entrepreneurs, innovators and civic leaders with one of the initial conversations featuring Go Forth Stirling BID’s Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith.
The Stirling Business Podcast is hosted by local entrepreneur Neil Munday, whose businesses include Studio King Street, WorKing Flexispaces, King Street Events and King Street Aparthotel, with guests so far including Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce President Lynn Harris and Stirling’s former Lord Provost Elaine Watterson.
The podcast with Ms McRorie-Smith details the history of BIDs (Business Improvement Districts) which run for five-year terms and involve business owners working together collectively to improve their town or city for the benefit of all those who live, work and visit there.
She also describes the background to her own involvement with Go Forth Stirling and the services and projects the organisation has provided to the business community since it was set up in 2017.
She said: “It was a fantastic experience and an opportunity to talk directly to business owners, residents and everyone who enjoys the podcast about the work we’ve been doing at the BID in recent years and our aims and ambitions for the future.
“We’re currently planning objectives and strategy for our new five-year plan as we prepare for the upcoming reballot next summer so it was interesting to reflect on how far we have come and to share insights about how the power of collaboration can help drive growth locally.”
Ms McRorie-Smith’s conversation with Mr Munday describes how the BID supports retailers and enhances the city’s visitor experience through projects such as an online training platform; free city centre Wi-Fi; the provision of festive lighting and the bespoke Independent Stirling campaign dedicated to showcasing independent traders.
The interview – which can be found here www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYrqs9yRiw4 – also highlights how the BID works in partnership with a variety of local organisations, including Stirling Council, Retailers Against Crime and STEP Business Gateway, to tackle the varied challenges faced by high street businesses together.
Mr Munday said: “As a local business owner and passionate supporter of the city centre, I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Danielle and it was interesting to learn more about Go Forth Stirling and the valuable work the BID does to help businesses thrive.
“Since launching Stirling Business Podcast, produced at Studio King Street’s professional recording studio at 45 King Street, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing a wide range of inspiring business leaders who have given our listeners a fascinating look behind the scenes of the city’s business community.
“We’re proud to give companies and business support organisations across Stirling and Forth Valley a voice to talk about what they do and a platform to share their views and experiences.”
Further Stirling Podcast episodes feature Stuart Jones, Managing Director at First Rail Open Access, talking about the future of rail and plans for Lumo Trains’ upcoming Stirling to London service which launches this year.
Another inspiring interviewee is Alan Thomas Carmicheal, CEO of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum, who shares his insights on leadership, business growth and the challenges of navigating a historic institution in the modern world.
All interviews can be found on YouTube and Spotify – www.youtube.com/@StudioKingStreet-o1i
Meanwhile, Studio King Street, founded by Mr Munday and his business partner Paul Murray, offers a high-quality podcast and video recording studio where local voices can professionally record, edit and share their content – including podcasts, audio books, and corporate video voiceovers. For more details visit www.studiokingstreet.com
Go Forth Stirling represents around 600 business owners with a key objective of increasing visitors to the city and devising initiatives to help make it a more welcoming destination for businesses and shoppers.
