What does it really take to walk away from a successful corporate career and build something of your own?

That's the question at the heart of our latest podcast episode. Paul and Scott from Stables Coffee Co. sat down with Toby, co-founder of an indoor golf centre and coffee shop in Bourne End, for an honest conversation about leaving Channel 4, joining the family business and learning to run an independent business in today's UK.

Toby's golf hub is also one of our wholesale partners, serving Stables coffee to everyone who walks through the door. Here's a taste of what we talked about.

Taking the leap from corporate life

Leaving a secure role at a big organisation like Channel 4 is no small decision. Toby talks openly about what made him take that step and swap broadcasting for business ownership.

For Toby, it was also about family. Joining the family business brought a sense of legacy and shared ambition, alongside the pressure of making it work. He reflects on what it's like to build something with the people closest to you, and how he balances business life with family life.

The realities of running a small business in the UK

Owning a business brings challenges nobody warns you about. We get into the ones that keep independent owners up at night:

• Rising costs. Operating costs keep climbing, and every independent feels the squeeze on margins.

• New revenue streams. Pairing indoor golf with a coffee shop is one way to make a space work harder and give customers more reasons to visit.

• Recruitment and staffing. Finding the right people, and being a good employer, is one of the toughest parts of the job.

It's a candid look at why running a small business in the UK feels harder than ever, and how owners adapt to keep going.

Building a community, one customer at a time

Social media has its place, but Toby and the team agree that nothing beats word of mouth. A happy customer telling a friend is still one of the most powerful ways for a local business to grow.

That's where great coffee comes in. A brilliant cup gives people a reason to come back, stay a little longer and bring someone with them next time. We chat about our relationship with the golf hub and how Stables supports its wholesale partners. For us, it's about more than delivering beans. It's about helping independent businesses serve something they're proud of.

We also talk about why supporting other local businesses matters. When independents back each other, the whole community benefits.

Creating opportunities for young people

One of the most rewarding parts of the conversation is about giving the next generation a start. We discuss working with local colleges and offering young people training and employment.

A first job can shape someone's confidence and future. For independent businesses, investing in young talent is a chance to give back to the community while building a strong, loyal team.

Watch the full episode

Whether you're dreaming of starting your own business or already running one, this episode is full of honest insight and real-world experience.

Watch From Channel 4 to Indoor Golf on YouTube

Pop in for a round of indoor golf and a great cup of Stables coffee. 

Visit the Bourne End Golf Hub for more information.