A career can pivot on a single moment. For Graeme Clark, watching his father’s late-career redundancy lit a fire to build on his own terms—first as a self-employed joiner, then as a sales professional, later as the owner of a 50-year-old wholesale brand management agency, and finally as the founder of Oakal Fudge, a handmade confectionery brand supplying iconic distilleries, luxury hotels, and farm shops across Scotland.

We explore how Oakal Fudge balances craft and growth without losing its soul. Graeme walks us through making butter fudge by hand, batch after batch, and why the team refuses to industrialise the core process. Instead of chasing supermarket volume, they choose partners who value provenance, flavour, and story—think Glen Eagles, St Andrews, and malt whisky distilleries where spirit is added to the fudge for a distinct, place-based product. With fifteen Great Taste Awards, SALSA accreditation, and capacity to scale production fivefold through packaging automation, the business proves that artisan and ambition can coexist.

The conversation ranges from culture and leadership to finance and resilience. Graeme shares how accelerators, mentors, and winning Scottish EDGE reshaped his approach, sharpening unit economics, planning, and accountability. He explains the traction system his teams use across both companies, why culture beats strategy for long-term execution, and the lessons he’d give his younger self: know your numbers, start with the end, and take time to celebrate progress. If you care about scaling a product the right way, building teams that take pride in their craft, and turning values into daily operations, this story will stick.

Enjoyed the conversation? Follow and share the show, leave a review to help others find it, and connect with us to continue the discussion.

We map out a clear, honest guide to menopause with an NHS specialist, from definitions and ages to impacts on work, relationships, and long-term health. We compare lifestyle strategies, HRT and alternatives, and share how community spaces like Menopause Cafe change the journey.

• defining menopause, perimenopause, and surgical or medical menopause
• average age ranges and premature menopause realities
• symptom patterns across the body and brain
• diagnosis via history, checklists, and targeted FSH use
• work, sleep, libido, and relationship impacts
• vaginal oestrogen access and why it matters
• long-term bone and heart health risks
• lifestyle foundations for strength, sleep, and stress
• HRT forms, risks, dosing, and reviews
• testosterone for libido and the research gap
• non-hormonal and complementary options
• Menopause Cafe purpose, ribbons, and global reach

Attend a Menopause Cafe or start one: www.menopausecafe.net
Wear a menopause awareness ribbon to show support: menopausecafe.net

#menopausecafe #HRT #Hotflushes #coldflushes #perimenopause

This Podcast was brought to you by Johnston Media Podcast & Premier Properties Perth as part of our commitment to the community.

We map how Stirling plans to turn momentum into durable local wealth through new sectors, smarter procurement and a stronger startup culture. Alan Connery shares what the council’s economic development team is building, from a film studio to an events‑ready City Park.

• remit and scope of economic development in Stirling
• sector focus across manufacturing, life sciences, digital health and tourism
• leveraging external funding to unlock property and infrastructure
• inward investment aligned to local value add
• demographics, talent pipeline and connectivity advantages
• partner coordination across STEP, Chamber, FSB, CodeBase, BID
• definition and pillars of community wealth building
• plural ownership models and fair work principles
• land use for social value and productive assets
• anchor procurement to retain local spend
• film studio impact on supply chains and hospitality
• City Park enabling major, lower‑friction events
• next‑12‑month priorities and business support routes

Check out the council website. Contact Business Gateway Stirling or your local BID, CodeBase, Chamber or university—whoever you reach first will connect you back to us

Stirling Business Podcast, Studio King Street, BID, CodeBase, Forthvalley Chamber of Commerce, ApartHotel, Giving Back Program, 45 King Street, Lumo Trains.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Studio-King-Street/61581099163683/

Email: enquiries@studiokingstreet.com

Website: https://studiokingstreet.com/

Host: Paul Murray - ApartHotel & Studio King Street

Producer: Iain Johnston - Johnston Media Podcasts

#StirlingBusiness #BusinessGateway #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSupport #Podcast #Lumo #StirlingtoLondon