The Referral Effect - a podcast from Essex Business Forum

The Referral Effect is the podcast that explores how business owners in Essex grow and thrive through the power of networking. Hosted by Paul Dulieu, each episode features real conversations with local entrepreneurs and professionals, sharing their journeys, insights, and the connections that have shaped their success. Whether you’re an established business owner or just starting out, tune in for practical advice, inspiring stories, and tips on making networking work for you. Brought to you by Essex Business Forum, the most successful business networking group in Essex.Find out more about Essex Business Forum and get in touch with the show via https://www.essexbusinessforum.com/

The Referral Effect - a podcast from Essex Business Forum is a business podcast hosted by Essex Business Forum, with 12 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Essex Business Forum hosts The Referral Effect - a podcast from Essex Business Forum, a business show with 12 episodes published.

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  Episode #12

  Season 2 - Episode 12:International Women's Day 2026 Special: Give to Gain

  Mar 8, 202636 minS2

  <p>Season 2 of The Referral Effect begins with a special episode marking International Women’s Day 2026.</p> <p>Hosted by Paul Dulieu, this conversation brings together a group of inspiring women from Essex Business Forum to explore this year’s International Women’s Day theme: Give to Gain.</p> <p>In business communities like EBF, success rarely comes from asking “What can I get?” Instead, it often starts with a different question: “Who can I help?” In this episode, the panel shares real stories about generosity in business, supporting others, and how unexpected opportunities often grow from simply showing up and helping.<...

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  Episode #11

  Episode 11 - Scott Griffiths: AI, Icebergs and the Future of Websites

  Dec 3, 202535 minS1

  <p>In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu sits down with Scott Griffiths, founder and director of ESEYO (E-S-E-Y-O), the Brentwood-based website design and digital strategy expert trusted by businesses across the UK. Scott first appeared on Episode 1 to talk about the origins of Essex Business Forum, but this time Paul dives deep into Scott’s entrepreneurial journey, web design expertise and how the digital landscape has transformed over 25 years. </p> <p>From building early websites to pay his way through university to unexpectedly launching his own company after the Millennium Bug era, Scott shares the twists, tur...

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  Episode #10

  Episode 10 - Sarah Smith: How Saying Yes and Figuring It Out Later Led to Success

  Oct 15, 202537 minS2

  <p>After a prolonged summer break, The Referral Effect is back! In this episode, host Paul Dulieu sits down with Sarah Smith, founder of Orbital Assistant Services, a premium virtual assistant and business support company based in Chelmsford.</p> <p>Sarah shares her journey from asking for carbon paper and business stationery for Christmas, to 25 years in top international law firms, and finally taking the leap into self-employment - and why swapping a corporate IT department for DIY tech support has been both liberating and mildly terrifying. She talks about learning sales the hard way, the power of saying “yes” and...

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  Episode #9

  Episode 9 - Catherine Foley: Educating with Impact, One Student at a Time

  Jul 2, 202531 minS1

  <p>In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu speaks with Catherine Foley, a dedicated educator with nearly 30 years of experience teaching English. Catherine shares her journey from a passionate teacher to the founder of English Tutor Plus, a tutoring service aimed at helping students thrive academically. The conversation explores her memorable moments in the classroom, the challenges of transitioning to self-employment, and the importance of tailoring education to individual learners. Catherine emphasizes the rewarding nature of one-on-one tutoring and the impact it has on students' confidence and understanding. She also discusses her future aspirations for her business...

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  Episode #8

  Episode 8 - From Freelance to Full Agency with Matt Barry

  Jun 11, 202541 minS1

  <p>In this episode of The Referral Effect, host Paul Dulieu sits down with Matt Barry, founder and creative director of Blue Serif – the design and branding agency known as much for its warmth and curiosity as its creative brilliance.</p> <p>From his roots in Ballymena and a globe-trotting childhood to founding one of the region’s most respected agencies, Matt shares how dyslexia, ambition, and family values shaped his journey. He explains why good branding goes far beyond a logo, how discovery and strategy underpin his work, and how trust and relationships – not quick wins – have powered Blue Serif’s...

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