The Evolving Accountant

In this episode, we chat to Paul Scanlon, Co Founder & Managing Director of Mahala Botanical

Born in France of Irish parents, Paul has lived in many countries including France, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, Ireland, South Africa and now, the UK.

He joined the Alcohol Industry in 1996 as a Commercial Manager for Jameson Irish Whiskey, part of Pernod Ricard, where he held various senior commercial roles. Paul subsequently moved to the UK to become International Commercial Director of Chivas Brothers, working extensively across Europe, the Americas and Asia.

In 2014, Paul became the Managing Director of Pernod Ricard South Africa. Following over 20 successful years at Pernod Ricard, Paul set up his own Beverage Consultancy and since then has worked with both Start Ups as well some leading premium Gin, Rum, Hard Seltzer and Alcohol Free spirit brands.

Combining his passion for impeccable quality, the No/Low beverage category and South Africa, he partnered with Danielle to launch the Mahala Botanical brand.
“Mahala” is the Zulu word for “free”... Mahala Botanical is free from sugar, alcohol, colourants and artificial flavours. Mahala is also gluten and vegan friendly.
Free from sugar, alcohol, colourants and artificial flavours. Mahala is also gluten and vegan friendly. It offers health-conscious and mindful consumers a great tasting premium drink.

The all-natural botanicals undergo a triple-distillation process in her custom-built vacuum stills. This ensures abundant flavour and results in a complex, layered finish. The end product is a beautiful premium drink that delivers a sophisticated alternative to alcoholic beverages.

In its year of creation, Mahala Botanical was awarded the Trophy for Best Low/No Alcohol Spirit at the prestigious Michelangelo International Spirit Awards

During the interview, we chat to Paul about:

• His drive and career to date
• All about Mahala and its purpose
• Personality traits for someone who would need to work and be a success in the FMCG sector
• Seeking advice as an entrepreneur
• Launching a new flavour for winter
• Recommended reading and mindset

Contact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant

• Tweet us at @Harlands_NE
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• Email us at [email protected]
• Don't forget to leave us a review

Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Darren is joined by longtime friend Sam Reynolds, who by day is a chartered engineer but by night is doing something special in the North East with supporting men on their journey with mental health.
Sam is one half of the recently launched The Head Shed alongside The Head Shed Podcast seeking to improve the mental wellbeing of men across the North East and the UK now via the Podcast, Meetings and social events.
In a recent survey, the stats behind the condition are not good reading;

• 77% of men polled have suffered with common mental health symptons like anxient, stress or depression
• 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health
• 29% of those who haven't done so say they are "too embarrased" to speak about it, while 20% say there is a "negative stigma" on the issue
• The biggest cause of mental health issue in men's lives are work (32%), their finances (31%) and their health (23%)
• 40% of men polled said it would take thoughts of sucide or self-harm to compel them to seek professional help.
• Three times as many men as women die by suicide
• Men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK

During the episode Darren and Sam talk about;

• Sam's journey from being in a succesful band, being played on Radio 1 by Fearne Cotton, touring the UK and supporting well known bands across Europe to suffering with depression and not understanding it.
• The counselling process and the ship analogy.
• The story behind the group, the drive and ambition
• Strategy going forward, why the podcast was launched and what the podcast will evolve into and the opportunity to connect and support people without them having to attend a face to face session.
• Sam's recommendations for other listening and books to read on the topic

Useful links:

• The Head Shed Podcast Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-head-shed-the-relatable-mental-health-podcast/id1664761391
• The Head Shed Podcast Spotify -https://open.spotify.com/show/24hbj3ajjsXjs5QaeInfsD
• The Head Shed Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheHeadShed
• The Head Shed Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/theheadshedgroup
• The Head Shed Instagram Page -https://www.instagram.com/theheadshedgroup

Contact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant

• Tweet us at @Harlands_NE
• Give us a follow on LinkedIN
• Give us a Like on Facebook
• Email us at [email protected]
• Don't forget to leave us a review

Thanks for listening!

In this episode, we are joined by Dom Dalton, EMEA Director of TRIP Drinks
After Uni, Dom started his journey at Nestle, spending 5 years in export, logisitcs and distribution working his way up then moving on to Urban Fresh foods (BEAR Nibbles) as director of international distributiors after success in that role he moved on to set up and run the Soulfresh UK businesses, launching three brands (Lo Bros, Nutty Bruce and Pico) in the UK and various markets across EMEA before joining TRIP in Nov 2021 to lead the international expansion efforts.
A little bit about TRIP, who they are and what they do!
Dan and Liv created TRIP to share a bit of calm in the everyday chaos. CBD experiences that are just as enjoyable to taste as the feeling after. Products with amazing flavour that leave you more productive, less stressed and more you.

They found CBD in 2018 when weeks before their wedding, Dan was injured playing football and needed knee surgery - nightmare. Told he wouldn’t be able to walk down the aisle, They tried everything. He discovered CBD oils were a real game changer - he finally found some calm and got a good night's sleep at last. Against the odds, Dan made an incredible recovery and was last man standing on the dancefloor!

They then started using CBD oils for those smaller everyday stresses...loving the results but hating the bitter taste. The passion for CBD grew, eventually leaving careers in finance and law to launch TRIP. They designed a CBD range that fits effortlessly into their lives and they hope yours too.

Since launching in 2019, The TRIP team has grown and added two more family members to the business, growing to become the UK’s leading premium CBD brand. Dedicated to sharing only the highest quality products with all of you - so you can relax into your best self.

Dom's journey so far and expertise in the drink space is an insight for anyone wishing to learn more or what to expect when stepping into this industry to launch a product.
During the chat we discuss:

• Dom's journey to date
• The early stages
• Getting the funds
• Understanding the market
• Your supprt network and communities such as Young Foodies and FADNE
• Dom's Top 3 tips!
• Dom's recommended reading - Phil Knight - Shoe Dog - https://amzn.to/3xDwpne

Contact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant

• Tweet us at @Harlands_NE
• Give us a follow on LinkedIN
• Give us a Like on Facebook
• Email us at [email protected]
• Don't forget to leave us a review

Thanks for listening!

Since 2012, Mon Dessert have been curating and collecting the most exquisite dessert recipes and ingredients from around the world, so you can create them yourself at home.

Started by self-taught patisserie chef, Samina Courtin, Mon Dessert was founded upon her passion for baking. Having realised there was an opportunity to teach the everyday person how to make complex treats easily at home, the Mon Dessert kit was born.
Mon Dessert are on a mission to be as sustainable as possible whilst delivering you perfection. That's why they're in the midst of ensuring that everything in our kits is either recycled, recyclable or reusable and aim to use responsibly sourced, fairtrade ingredients wherever possible.

What's more, they give back 1% of their revenue where it is most needed. This means that 1% of everything you spend with us goes towards our planet and our future. As a new company, they know we still have a way to go.
During the chat with Samina, we discuss:

• Samina's journey to date
• Taking investment quicker
• Challenges of listing in offline stores
• Strengths required for working in the FMCG sector
• Business reflection and what's around the corner for Mon Dessert
• Recommended reading and mindset

Contact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant

• Tweet us at @Harlands_NE
• Give us a follow on LinkedIN
• Give us a Like on Facebook
• Email us at [email protected]
• Don't forget to leave us a review

Thanks for listening!

Nowhere on earth compares with Soho in its heyday. Here’s the story of how they bring all the feeling and flavours from London’s trendiest cocktail scene to the comfiest corner of your living room.
Soho. The home of good times since times began. If times began in the 1950s. Because that’s when this little village became the drinking capital of the capital. A hazy haven of jazz clubs, coffee houses and cocktail bars. Loved by people who know their drinks. And by people who love drinking them.
Fuelled by a mutual misspent youth exploring bars around the world, the founders Paul Scarratt and Grant Walker eventually brought all their accidental knowledge back to the UK, and into the drinks industry. Paul’s led some of the country’s biggest beer, wine and spirits businesses for over 25 years. And Grant spent his surveying career in and around Soho, before heading up a company that puts the sparkle, fizz and froth into bar drinks. But when they finally teamed up in 2020, they knew that no amount of cocktail knowhow would be a match for the true masters of mixology.
Every cocktail is made using the finest ingredients and purest fruit purees, so they taste just as good as back in the day. But with one tiny twist... they cram all of that cocktail magic into recyclable pouches, which stay fresh for up to 6 weeks after opening. So whether it’s a night in with friends or a big garden party, you’ll spend less time faffing around, and more time having fun with your favourite people, and your favourite cocktails. Just pour, shake and serve.
During the chat with Paul we discuss:

• How Soho Street Cocktails came around
• Paul's career covering the 25 years in the food and drink sector
• What it takes to become a success in the FMCG Industry
• Pauls Productivity hack
• Reflecting on good things that's happened
• Lessons in life
• What's coming next for Soho Street Cocktails

Contact Harlands Accountants / The Evolving Accountant

• Tweet us at @Harlands_NE
• Give us a follow on LinkedIN
• Give us a Like on Facebook
• Email us at [email protected]
• Don't forget to leave us a review

Thanks for listening!