An Hour With An Indie Podcast – Documenting the journey of hospitality leaders

Independent business is a very important section hospitality industry. It represents a substantial proportion of the businesses in the industry, employs millions of people and contributes a huge amount of GDP. 

But, financials aside, independent hospitality is what provides us with our identity, both nationally and locally. It’s the small restaurants, coffee shops, bars, clubs, chip shops and other amazing businesses which set the culture of our cities, suburbs, seaside towns and rural villages. Without them, everywhere would be the same – and who wants that?

These independent hospitality businesses are only possible because of the entrepreneurs who set them up. The risk-takers, the doers, those who have a dream and make it happen. But, let’s be honest – it’s tough. Hospitality is a tough industry to succeed in and there are challenges and hurdles at every corner. 

I also host a popular industry podcast called An Hour With An Indie (AHWAI) and honestly, recording this podcast is my favourite part of my job. Once a week I’m fortunate to sit down with a hospitality business owner and talk about their business – what’s gone well, what has been challenging and tips they have for anyone crazy enough to give it a go! 

Every conversation is inspiring to me because it’s a weekly reminder, that we are all human, we are all trying our best, making mistakes and making improvements. That to me is the essence of independent business. Each leader I speak to is on their own journey, and each has its own challenges, successes, obstacles, and opportunities. 

The podcast has become a resource for industries to learn from each other, to appreciate that the journey is difficult for everyone and a reminder that the effort is rewarding enough for the effort. 

If you’re interested in the hospitality industry and want to deep dive into some of the most popular indie brands around, give the show a listen here.

Liam Jones

An Hour With An Indie Host