THE BUSINESS LESSONS BEHIND 10 COUNTRYSIDE CAFES| With Matthew Jackson | The Business Spotlight

What does it take to turn a simple idea into a growing business? In this episode, Simon sits down with Matt Jackson, founder and CEO of Cadence, a growing chain of countryside cafés designed for cyclists, runners, dog walkers, hikers and anyone enjoying the great outdoors. Matt shares the story behind Cadence, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic when he and his business partner noticed a simple problem: people exercising in the countryside had nowhere to stop, refuel and relax. What started from a coffee truck on a farmyard in 2020 has grown into 10 countryside café sites across the Southeast of England. But Matt’s entrepreneurial journey started long before Cadence. He discusses his first business supplying promotional products and aircraft models to airlines around the world, before launching a sports travel business in 2006. In this conversation, Matt shares practical business lessons on: • Spotting business opportunities in everyday problems • Why you don't need to be an expert to start a business • Surrounding yourself with people who have the right expertise • Taking calculated risks and being in control of your own destiny • Building a business during challenging times • Dealing with challenges you can't control • Hiring and developing young people • Growing a business without losing its identity • Creating strong local communities around your brand • Why customer satisfaction should come before profit • The future growth plans for Cadence Matt also explains why Cadence deliberately chose a different approach to traditional cafés — locating its sites in countryside destinations rather than on busy high streets — and how the business aims to grow while maintaining the feel of a small, independent café. With ambitions to grow Cadence to around 20 sites across the Southeast, Matt shares what the next stage of the journey could look like. If you're interested in entrepreneurship, business growth, leadership, starting a business, or finding opportunities in everyday life, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Watch the full conversation and hear Matt Jackson's lessons from more than 25 years in business. #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Cadence #BusinessLessons #Entrepreneur #SmallBusiness #Leadership #BusinessOwner #StartABusiness #CafeBusiness You can get in touch with Matthew Jackson here on LinkedIn:   / matthew-jackson-7523068b   🔔 Want your business to be featured as our next Business Spotlight? Book in your FREE podcast slot today via our website: https://www.businessspotlightseries.com #business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #thebusinessspotlight #success This channel explores everything from UK business strategies to starting your own business in the UK. Gain exclusive insights for UK-based entrepreneurs and learn how to manage your own business, understand any business, and promote your business effectively. Discover tips on how to market your service business, start a restaurant business in the UK, and even how to start your own business with no money. Follow along for valuable advice on building, managing, and growing your business.