Small businesses in the UK face unique challenges, including limited resources and intense competition. Productivity is critical for maximizing efficiency and achieving growth. Podcasts are an accessible way to learn from experts and successful entrepreneurs, offering insights that can be applied directly to your business. This report presents five UK-based podcasts that focus on productivity for small businesses in 2025.
Why Productivity Podcasts Are Valuable
Small business owners often wear multiple hats, managing everything from marketing to finances. Productivity podcasts provide:
- Time-Saving Tips: Learn how to prioritize tasks and streamline operations.
- Expert Insights: Hear from UK-based experts who understand local challenges.
- Inspiration: Stories from successful entrepreneurs motivate action.
- Accessibility: Listen while working, commuting, or relaxing.
These podcasts are particularly valuable for UK small businesses, as they address local market conditions and regulations.
Selection Criteria
The following podcasts were chosen based on:
- UK Relevance: Hosted or produced in the UK, with content tailored to the local business landscape.
- Productivity Focus: Direct or indirect emphasis on productivity, including time management, efficiency, or resource optimization.
- Small Business Applicability: Content relevant to small businesses, including startups and SMEs.
- Authority and Popularity: High ratings, recent activity, and recognition in 2025 sources.
- Actionable Content: Practical advice that listeners can implement immediately.
Top 5 UK Small Business Productivity Podcasts
1. Productivity Puzzles
Host: Bart van Ark, Professor of Productivity Studies at the University of Manchester and Managing Director of The Productivity Institute.
Description: Productivity Puzzles, produced by The Productivity Institute, investigates why UK productivity lags behind other countries and how to improve it. Hosted by Bart van Ark, the podcast features discussions with academics, policymakers, and business leaders. It covers productivity at national, regional, and business levels, including strategies for small businesses to enhance efficiency.
Key Features:
- Expert interviews with leading figures in productivity research.
- Topics include technology adoption, workforce management, and business efficiency.
- Focus on UK-specific productivity challenges and solutions.
Why It’s Great for Small Businesses: Small business owners can learn how to apply research-backed productivity strategies to their operations. The podcast’s UK focus ensures relevance to local market conditions. Listen here.
Example Topics:
- Improving business efficiency through better resource allocation.
- Addressing productivity gaps in UK regions.
- Practical policies for small business growth.
Source Information: The podcast is noted for its 27,500 downloads in its first season and reached third in Apple Podcasts’ government category in July 2022, indicating strong credibility.
2. The Next 100 Days Podcast
Hosts: Kevin Appleby, a business coach, and Graham Arrowsmith, an entrepreneur.
Description: The Next 100 Days Podcast is tailored for small business owners aiming to improve their businesses in 100 days. Each weekly episode provides practical advice on topics like time management, process optimization, and goal setting. The hosts draw on their extensive experience to offer actionable steps and real-world examples.
Key Features:
- Weekly episodes focused on small business challenges.
- Practical strategies for immediate implementation.
- Real-world insights from the hosts’ own businesses.
Why It’s Great for Small Businesses: The 100-day framework encourages focused, short-term improvements, making it ideal for busy entrepreneurs seeking quick productivity wins. Listen here.
Example Topics:
- Streamlining daily operations for efficiency.
- Setting achievable short-term business goals.
- Managing time to balance multiple roles.
Source Information: Recognized in sources like PR Superstar for its practical advice and long-running status, with a 5/5 Apple rating.
3. The Diary of a CEO
Host: Steven Bartlett, founder of Social Chain and former Dragons’ Den judge.
Description: The Diary of a CEO is a leading UK business podcast hosted by Steven Bartlett. It features in-depth interviews with CEOs, founders, and thought leaders, covering productivity, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Bartlett shares his own experiences, offering insights into optimizing business operations and personal efficiency.
Key Features:
- High-profile guest interviews with actionable insights.
- Topics include productivity methods, mental health, and business growth.
- Engaging storytelling with practical takeaways.
Why It’s Great for Small Businesses: Small business owners can apply lessons from Bartlett and his guests to improve productivity and decision-making. The podcast’s UK perspective makes it highly relevant. Listen here.
Example Topics:
- Productivity techniques from successful entrepreneurs.
- Balancing work and personal life for better efficiency.
- Lessons from building a multi-million-pound business.
Source Information: Noted for its rapid growth and popularity, with sources like early.app highlighting its productivity content and 700 million+ downloads.
4. ReThink Productivity
Host: Simon Hedaux, founder of ReThink Productivity.
Description: ReThink Productivity focuses on improving productivity in retail and hospitality, sectors with many UK small businesses. The podcast offers strategies for streamlining operations, managing resources, and enhancing customer experiences through expert interviews and case studies.
Key Features:
- Industry-specific advice for retail and hospitality.
- Practical tips from experts and real-world examples.
- Focus on measurable productivity improvements.
Why It’s Great for Small Businesses: Small business owners in retail or hospitality can gain targeted advice to boost efficiency and profitability. Listen here.
Example Topics:
- Optimizing workforce management in retail.
- Improving customer service efficiency.
- Using technology to streamline operations.
Source Information: Highlighted in 2025 sources for its industry-specific focus and relevance to small businesses.
5. Your Dream Business
Host: Teresa Heath-Wareing, a UK-based business and marketing consultant.
Description: Your Dream Business helps entrepreneurs build their ideal businesses. The podcast covers marketing, business growth, and productivity topics like time management and goal setting. Teresa’s approachable style and expert guests provide practical advice and inspiration.
Key Features:
- Weekly episodes with actionable business advice.
- Focus on productivity and marketing strategies.
- Interviews with UK entrepreneurs and experts.
Why It’s Great for Small Businesses: The podcast combines productivity tips with business growth strategies, making it a comprehensive resource for entrepreneurs. Listen here.
Example Topics:
- Time management for busy entrepreneurs.
- Setting goals to drive business success.
- Balancing marketing and operational tasks.
Source Information: Recognized in 2025 podcast lists for its high Apple rating (5/5) and over 300 episodes.
Podcast Comparison Table
| Podcast Name | Host(s) | Focus Area | Frequency | Average Length | Apple Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Productivity Puzzles | Bart van Ark | Productivity (business/policy) | Seasonal | 30-60 min | Not listed | Broad productivity insights |
| The Next 100 Days | Kevin Appleby, Graham Arrowsmith | Small business productivity | Weekly | 47 min | 5/5 | Practical small business tips |
| The Diary of a CEO | Steven Bartlett | Entrepreneurship/productivity | Weekly | 60-90 min | Not listed | Inspirational business advice |
| ReThink Productivity | Simon Hedaux | Retail/hospitality productivity | Varies | 30-60 min | Not listed | Retail/hospitality businesses |
| Your Dream Business | Teresa Heath-Wareing | Business growth/productivity | Weekly | 39 min | 5/5 | Marketing and productivity |
How to Maximize Podcast Benefits
To get the most value from these podcasts:
- Select Relevant Podcasts: Choose based on your industry (e.g., ReThink Productivity for retail) or needs (e.g., The Next 100 Days for quick wins).
- Subscribe and Schedule: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or the podcast’s website. Schedule listening time during commutes or breaks.
- Take Actionable Notes: Write down one or two key takeaways per episode to implement in your business.
- Apply Gradually: Test one strategy at a time, such as a new time management technique, to measure its impact.
- Engage with Hosts: Follow the hosts on X or their websites to stay updated on new episodes and resources.
Addressing Common Questions
- Are these podcasts free? Yes, all listed podcasts are free on major platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
- Do they focus only on productivity? Some, like Productivity Puzzles and ReThink Productivity, focus heavily on productivity, while others, like The Diary of a CEO, cover it alongside other business topics.
- Are they suitable for startups? Yes, all podcasts are relevant for startups and SMEs, with practical advice for early-stage businesses.
- How often are new episodes released? Most release weekly, though Productivity Puzzles is seasonal.
Conclusion
These five UK-based podcasts offer a wealth of knowledge for small business owners aiming to boost productivity in 2025. From Productivity Puzzles’ research-backed insights to The Next 100 Days’ practical tips, each podcast provides unique value. By listening regularly and applying the strategies shared, you can improve your business efficiency, manage time better, and achieve your goals. Start with one podcast, subscribe, and take the first step toward a more productive business today.
