In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Judith Dugdale from PM+M Accountants, a Lancashire-founded firm that has been supporting businesses for over 100 years, with offices across Lancashire.

Judith explains what “modern accountancy” really looks like today, from the familiar essentials like accounts, tax, payroll and audit, to more specialist support such as corporate finance for fundraising, growth, acquisitions and business sales. We also chat about PM+M’s cloud team, using software and automation to make finance functions quicker, smarter and more efficient for clients.

Judith shares her own journey into accountancy (which started with a dream of becoming a PE teacher), and why her client base often centres on family businesses, where people dynamics and succession planning can be just as important as the numbers.

She also talks about PM+M’s Positive Impact Team, which puts charitable giving decisions into the hands of staff, supporting causes across Lancashire through donations, volunteering and initiatives like their Christmas present appeal.

Finally, Judith explains why PM+M sponsors the Hospitality Business Award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, and how judging entries helps them stay connected to the real challenges and innovations happening across local businesses of every size.

www.pmm.co.uk

To find out how YOU could start YOUR very own podcast please go to my website: https://www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Kath Lord-Green - Your Fairy Podmother

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Molly, Marketing Manager at Mytton Fold, to reveal why it is so much more than a hotel.

Molly shares how her role covers every part of the business, from promoting the bedrooms and restaurant to working closely with the weddings team, events, and day-to-day guest experience. We talk about Mytton Fold’s story through COVID, the transformation after being bought by local businessman Colin Mustoe, and the relaunch in 2021 following a full refurbishment.

You will hear what makes Mytton Fold a true destination in the Ribble Valley, with its wedding and function spaces, 34 bedrooms plus two master suites, an on-site restaurant open to the public, and its newest addition, outdoor padel courts that are already drawing in families, groups, and new visitors.

Molly also explains why Mytton Fold proudly sponsors the drinks reception at the Ribble Valley Business Awards each year and why supporting local business matters.

From proms and corporate stays to coffee catch-ups and weekend celebrations, this episode captures the atmosphere, community feel, and growing ambition behind one of the Ribble Valley’s best-known venues.

www.myttonfold.co.uk

To find out how YOU could start YOUR very own podcast please go to my website: https://www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Kath Lord-Green - Your Fairy Podmother

In this Ribble Valley Business Awards Special, I’m joined by Ann Lord, founder of Artisan Escapes, an office-based travel agency in Whalley built around personal service and thoughtfully planned holidays.

Ann shares her journey through the travel world, starting at just 14, moving into travel management, then living her dream as cabin crew, before a career twist into teaching. That blend of experience and people skills eventually led her to launch Artisan Escapes in 2017, creating a business that focuses on giving clients time, attention, and expert planning through an appointment-led approach.

We chat about the huge variety of trips Artisan Escapes arranges, from simple sunshine getaways to tailor-made itineraries, cruises, safaris, honeymoons, destination weddings, city breaks, and everything in between. Ann also speaks honestly about the challenges of the pandemic for the travel industry, and how the business rebuilt and grew into a team of five as travel returned.

Finally, Ann explains why Artisan Escapes proudly sponsors the Micro Business Award at the Ribble Valley Business Awards, highlighting the value of community, relationships, networking, and local collaboration that helps businesses support each other and grow together.

To find out how YOU could start YOUR very own podcast please go to my website: https://www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Kath Lord-Green - Your Fairy Podmother