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Podcasts
Universities scramble to catch up with the side hustle generation
Universities scramble to catch up with the side hustle generation
15 May 2026
12 min
15 May 2026
12 min

Britain’s freelance revolution heads for the classroom Universities scramble to catch up with the side hustle generation A new national push to legitimise freelancing is gathering momentum across Britain’s colleges and universities as educators race to support a generation of students already building businesses before they graduate. FreelancerClub.net founder Matt Dowling says the old education model is failing thousands of aspiring freelancers by treating them like startup founders chasing inv...

Britain's freelance revolution
FreelancerClub.net
Freelance Education Framework
side hustle generation
startup programmes
service-based entrepreneurs
Mental health and small businesses: the bigger picture
Mental health and small businesses: the bigger picture
16 Dec 2025
11 min
16 Dec 2025
11 min

In the Business 111 Coffee Pod, Liz Barclay and Matthew Knight discuss the mental health challenges faced by small business owners, freelancers, and sole traders. Barclay, a freelancer herself, highlights the feelings of isolation and the difficulty in finding help. Knight, who runs Leapers.co, shares insights from his eight years of research into mental health issues for small business owners and freelancers. He emphasizes that issues such as isolation, late payments, and 'ghosting' by clients ...

Liz Barclay
Matthew Knight
mental health challenges
small business owners
freelancers
sole traders
What pressures are damaging small business mental health?
What pressures are damaging small business mental health?
15 Dec 2025
11 min
15 Dec 2025
11 min

In the latest episode of the Business 111 Coffee Pod, the discussion focused on the changing workplace and its impact on the mental health of small business owners and freelancers. The guest, Matthew Knight, shared his insights from eight years of research in the small business sector. He highlighted the significant changes brought about by COVID-19, including shifts in work location, expectations, and availability. The pandemic also led to a drop in self-employment as people sought more stable,...

Business 111 Coffee Pod
changing workplace
mental health
small business owners
freelancers
Matthew Knight
Taking care of yourself when business feels isolating
Taking care of yourself when business feels isolating
14 Dec 2025
7 min
14 Dec 2025
7 min

The video discusses the importance of mental health and well-being for small business owners, freelancers, and the self-employed. Matthew Knight from leapers.co.au emphasizes the need for employers to have a holistic strategy for taking care of all their workers, regardless of their employment contract. He suggests that treating self-employed individuals well not only benefits their mental health but also enhances productivity and commercial outcomes. However, he also warns of potential complica...

mental health
well-being
small business owners
freelancers
self-employed
holistic strategy
 Coping mechanisms: the ABC approach
Coping mechanisms: the ABC approach
13 Dec 2025
7 min
13 Dec 2025
7 min

In the Business 111 Coffee Pod or Tea Break podcast, the focus is on the mental health of self-employed individuals, sole traders, freelancers, and small business owners. The guest, Matthew Knight, provides insights into the resources and support available for mental health issues. He emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, as everyone's situation is unique. Knight introduces the ABC of mental health for small businesses. 'A' stands for Awareness, which involves self-reflection o...

Business 111 Coffee Pod or Tea Break podcast
mental health
self-employed individuals
sole traders
freelancers
small business owners
BEIS – Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace Report
Visit Resource
Government review with practical recommendations for SMEs on integrating wellbeing policies into day-to-day operations.
British Business Bank – Mental Health and Financial Wellbeing
Visit Resource
Guidance and research on supporting entrepreneurs experiencing financial stress or business-related anxiety.
Business Debtline – Emotional and Financial Support for the Self-Employed
Visit Resource
Free, confidential advice for business owners dealing with financial stress, debt, and emotional pressure.
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) – Wellbeing Hub
Visit Resource
Dedicated support for small business owners including mental health helplines, financial wellbeing guidance, and work-life balance tools.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Work-Related Stress Guidance
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Official guidance for employers on identifying and managing stress at work, including assessment templates and management standards.
Mental Health Foundation – Workplace Wellbeing
Visit Resource
Evidence-based resources for employers and the self-employed on reducing stress, improving resilience, and supporting healthy workplaces.
MHFA England – Mental Health First Aid for Small Businesses
Visit Resource
Accredited training and resources helping small employers and entrepreneurs recognise and support mental health challenges in the workplace.
Mind – Mental Health at Work (Supported by Deloitte and BEIS)
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Practical advice, resources, and toolkits for small business owners and managers to promote good mental health in the workplace.
Mindful Employer (NHS Initiative)
Visit Resource
Voluntary charter encouraging employers to promote mental wellbeing and access support for employees and owners alike.
NHS – Every Mind Matters (Public Health England)
Visit Resource
Official NHS-backed resource providing self-help tools, mental health plans, and stress management advice for individuals and employers.
Small Business Commissioner – Wellbeing and Resilience Resources
Visit Resource
Government-backed advice for small business owners facing stress related to late payments and business uncertainty.
The Samaritans – Small Business Support Line
Visit Resource
Confidential 24/7 helpline offering emotional support to anyone struggling to cope with the pressures of running a business.
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