In this lively and eclectic episode of the Destination Basingstoke Ambassador Community (DBAC) “Amazingstoke” Podcast, host Mark Jones sits down with long-time friend and respected hotelier Paul Fearon, General Manager of the Apollo Hotel.

Paul shares his 10-year journey at the independent, family-owned Apollo Hotel, his deep roots in the Basingstoke community, and the surprising history of the hotel site—from its days as the Mercury and even earlier as a cinema that once screened Star Wars and E.T.

From community impact to business awards, local partnerships, chamber life, and Basingstoke’s ever-growing potential, Paul offers a heartfelt look at what makes the town—and the people—special. And in true Amazingstoke fashion, the conversation takes delightful tangents involving Bill Clinton, Rod Hull and Emu, Gladiators’ Wolf, test cricket jelly-bean controversies, heavy metal, Gaelic football, and the joys of coaching youth rugby.

A warm, funny, surprising conversation that shows exactly why Paul is such a valued member of Basingstoke’s business and ambassador community.

What We Talk About

• Paul’s journey from Ireland to Old Basing
• How he accidentally discovered the Apollo Hotel
• Life managing one of the town’s best-known independent hotels
• The hidden history of the Apollo site
• Supporting community groups, charities, expos and Chamber events
• Winning Business in the Community and Place to Be Proud Of awards
• Hospitality stories featuring Bill Clinton, Sven-Göran Eriksson, Lady Gaga and more
• Jelly-Bean Gate at Trent Bridge (yes, really!)
• Gaelic football, coaching at Basingstoke Rugby Club, and local sport
• Heavy metal, Slayer, Megadeth and Paul’s eclectic music taste
• Why Basingstoke’s future is bright—and the magic button waiting to be pressed
• Paul’s final message: support local and be inspired by those who “walk the walk”

Key Quotes

“There’s something in the water that keeps us here.”

“It’s all about supporting our town and making ourselves better by helping each other.”

“Everyone in Basingstoke has a story connected to the Apollo.”

About Our Guest

Paul Fearon is the long-standing General Manager of the Apollo Hotel in Basingstoke. A proud Irishman, community advocate, Chamber of Commerce stalwart, youth rugby coach and heavy-metal lover, Paul has spent a decade helping the hotel become a true hub for local business, events, and partnerships.

In this episode of the AmazingStoke Podcast from the Destination Basingstoke Ambassador Community, host Mark Jones talks with Mark Henderson, Principal of Queen Mary’s College (QMC) — one of Basingstoke’s most cherished institutions.

Mark shares his journey from being a struggling student to leading a college that has educated over 100,000 students in its 50-year history. He talks about what makes QMC special, the changing face of teaching, and the importance of confidence, community, and curiosity in education.

You’ll also hear:

• How Mark discovered his passion for teaching while travelling abroad
• What makes QMC an open-access college serving every level of learner
• The story behind winning the Inspire “Best Place to Work” Award
• Why confidence matters more to employers than just grades
• Mark’s life advice for young people: “Life is not a race.”
• His reflections on joy, music, favourite books, and the small things that make work meaningful

This is a warm, thoughtful conversation about education, leadership, and finding fulfilment — both in work and in life.

What happens when you invite a cybersecurity expert on your podcast… and the power goes out?

In this episode, Mark Jones chats with Chris Cooper, founder of Rougemont Security, about why cybersecurity isn’t just for big corporations anymore — and how small businesses (and even households) can take simple steps to stay protected.

Chris has over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity across industries from healthcare to aviation. He shares practical advice, his entrepreneurial journey, and a few surprising thoughts about AI, quantum computing, and Back to the Future!

In This Episode

• ⚡ The “spooky” start to the interview (and why power cuts aren’t always a cyber attack!)
• 🔐 Why every business — big or small — needs a cybersecurity plan
• 🧰 The basic hygiene steps that protect most companies from disaster
• 💡 The truth about ransomware and why so many SMEs never recover
• 🧠 How to keep cybersecurity front of mind all year round
• 🚀 Chris’s entrepreneurial leap: from corporate cybersecurity to founding Rouge One Security
• 💬 His advice to his younger self — and to any business leader ready to take the leap
• 🪄 Why Richard Branson and Tim Berners-Lee are his business heroes
• 🤖 The coming impact of AI and quantum computing on how we secure data
• 🎬 Plus: Chris’s love for Back to the Future, his eclectic music tastes, and what helps him sleep at night!

Key Takeaways

• 52% of businesses experience a cybersecurity incident each year — and SMEs are often hit hardest.
• Start with the basics: strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and keeping software up to date.
• Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time project; it’s an ongoing process that evolves as technology changes.
• Understanding your risks is the first step to real protection.

About the Guest

Chris Cooper is the founder of Rougemont Security — an independent cybersecurity consultancy helping small and medium businesses protect themselves from digital threats.

Follow Chris on LinkedIn for insightful, jargon-free posts about cybersecurity, technology, and leadership.

In this episode, host Mark Jones sits down with Lou Eddy, a local marketing consultant and franchise owner with activ Marketing.

After more than two decades in corporate IT marketing, Lou took the leap to run her own business — and now helps local organisations grow with clear, down-to-earth marketing support.

Lou shares her journey from secretary to marketing leader, the mentor who changed her life, and why she’s passionate about helping Basingstoke businesses thrive. You’ll also hear about her community involvement, her love of a good to-do list, and her exciting plans for a Boho-meets-Disco festival next year!

Key Takeaways

• 💬 “Don’t fear failure — it’s just feedback.”
• 💡 “Marketing doesn’t have to be scary — it’s about common sense and knowing your audience.”
• ❤️ “Community and connection make business better.”
• 🚀 “There’s no perfect moment — just go for it.”

About Lou Eddy

Based in Old Basing, Lou Eddy works with businesses of all sizes to simplify marketing — from strategy and planning to campaigns and digital delivery.

Through activ Marketing, she connects clients with a national network of creative and digital experts, providing everything from SEO and design to web development and social media.

🌐 activmarketingloueddy.com

In this episode of the Amazingstoke Podcast, Mark Jones sits down with Jez Nash, Chief Executive of Centerprise International, a major IT solutions provider headquartered in Basingstoke.

Jez shares his fascinating journey: from growing up in North Wales to joining the RAF at just 16, serving for over two decades, then moving into the world of business and eventually leading Centerprise. He talks openly about the challenges of leaving the military, why he trusted his instincts to join Centerprise, and what being a CEO really means to him.

You’ll also hear Jez’s reflections on leadership, company culture, and why values and community matter so much in business. Plus, we go personal—covering his love of Liverpool FC, his eclectic music tastes (from Andrea Bocelli to Stereophonics), and the books that have shaped his outlook.

Highlights from the conversation:

·       Why Jez joined the RAF at 16 and how it shaped his life and family’s future

·       The challenges of leaving a military career after 24 years of service

·       How he ended up at Centerprise through a serendipitous conversation

·       His philosophy on leadership, culture, and looking after people

·       Giving back to the community in Basingstoke and beyond

·       His sporting loyalties, music, and book recommendations

·       The advice he’d give to his younger self

Links:

• Destination Basingstoke
• Centerprise International

Follow the Amazingstoke Podcast for more conversations with inspiring members of the Destination Basingstoke Ambassador Community.

In this moving episode of the Amazingstoke Podcast, host Mark Jones sits down with the remarkable Fiona Eastman, CEO and co-founder of Victoria’s Promise.

Born out of a daughter’s wish to support young women through their cancer journey, Victoria’s Promise has grown into a beacon of hope across Basingstoke, Winchester, and beyond. Fiona shares her deeply personal story — the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Victoria, her husband, and brother to cancer — and how these experiences fuel her mission to ensure no young woman faces cancer alone.

Fiona explains how the charity provides tailored, holistic support: from family days out and respite stays to counselling, cleaning, and peer connection groups. She opens up about the challenges of running a small but mighty team, the importance of community, and why embracing vulnerability can be a source of strength and service.

Whether you’re part of the Destination Basingstoke community, a local business leader, or simply someone inspired by resilience and compassion, this episode will move you to reflect — and perhaps take action.

👉 Find out how you can support Victoria’s Promise at: victoriaspromise.org

Timestamps:

• (00:15) Welcome and guest introduction
• (02:00) The story behind Victoria’s Promise
• (05:00) Tailored support for young women and families
• (08:15) The power of community and peer connection
• (10:10) Why no government funding means every donation counts
• (12:20) How local businesses can help
• (14:20) Supporting women “through cancer and beyond”
• (16:05) Victoria’s lasting presence
• (17:50) Fiona’s final thought: the power of vulnerability

Links & Resources:

• Victoria’s Promise website: victoriaspromise.org
• Destination Basingstoke: destinationbasingstoke.co.uk
• Follow Victoria’s Promise on socials: @VictoriasPromise

The Basingstoke Bison are back! In this episode of the Destination Basingstoke Amazingstoke Podcast, host Mark Jones sits down with Danny Kimber, co-owner of the newly revived Basingstoke Bison Ice Hockey Team.

Danny shares the journey of bringing the Bison back to the NIHL, rebuilding the team and rink, and why community is at the heart of everything the Bison do. From the excitement of the first fans’ forum to the buzz of the upcoming season opener, this episode is packed with insight, pride, and plenty of reasons to get behind one of Basingstoke’s most-loved sporting clubs.

👉 Topics covered:

• The return of the Basingstoke Bison and what it means for the town
• How the ice rink has been brought back to life with Planet Ice
• Building a competitive squad with a mix of returning favourites and fresh talent
• Why match nights are more than just sport – they’re family-friendly community events
• How local businesses can get involved through sponsorship and partnerships
• The vital role of volunteers and supporters in the Bison’s success

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the sport, this episode is your perfect intro to the exciting new era of the Bison.

Resources & Links:

• 🎟️ Tickets & fixtures: www.basingstokebison.com
• 📧 Contact Danny: danny.kimber@basingstokebison.com
• 📱 Follow the Bison on social: Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram
• 🌐 Learn more about Destination Basingstoke: www.destinationbasingstoke.co.uk

In this special episode of the Destination Basingstoke Ambassador Community (DBCA) Podcast, Mark Jones sits down with Luke Murphy MP, Basingstoke’s first-ever Labour MP, to reflect on a whirlwind first year in office.

🎤 Topics covered include:

• What it’s really like being a new MP
• Balancing national challenges with local priorities
• Behind the scenes at PMQs – including the mysterious art of “bobbing”
• Luke’s proudest local wins – from NHS support to community casework
• Firewalking, skydiving, and other unexpected MP duties
• His vision for Basingstoke’s future – and how you can get involved

👀 Plus, we get personal with Luke’s passions outside politics:

⚽ Chelsea fan & Basingstoke Town supporter

🎶 Music from Tina Turner to Florence + The Machine

🎬 A love for cinema (and strong views on Mission Impossible)

💬 Final thought from Luke:

"Get in touch and tell me how I can do more to back Basingstoke. Let’s work together to realise our town’s full potential."

👉 Don’t miss Luke’s original Q&A from last year on the Destination Basingstoke website for even more context.

Mark Jones visits the heart of community rugby in North Hampshire — Basingstoke Rugby Football Club — and sits down with its passionate chairman, James Jagged.

James shares his journey from sideline dad to club chairman, how he accidentally "got the job," and the challenges and triumphs of running a grassroots sports club in the modern era. From post-COVID recovery to funding challenges, sponsorship strategies, and the importance of volunteers — this is a must-listen for anyone who cares about local sport, community spirit, and leadership.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• The unique, volunteer-driven culture at Basingstoke RFC
• How community resilience turned a rugby field into the biggest beer garden in Basingstoke during lockdown
• The club’s approach to sponsorship: real value and return for local businesses
• James' grassroots philosophy: no paid players, just pure passion
• Ambitions for 2025: growing the women’s game and increasing participation across all age groups
• The importance of coaching the coaches and keeping kids coming back for more
• Why James believes in growing, not fixing, something already special

🔈 Plus:

• A shout-out to the legends of the club and a nod to the future
• Music, books, comedy... and the word “Shazam” makes its podcast debut!

📣 Call to Action:

If you're a local business, a curious supporter, or just someone who loves a good pint and a better story, visit Basingstoke RFC — whether it's to support, sponsor, or simply enjoy the rugby family vibe.

In this episode of the Destination Basingstoke Amazingstoke Podcast, Mark Jones chats with Ryan Houston, a born-and-bred Stokie and founder of Houston Broking Group. Ryan shares insights on his journey from starting out in insurance in 1998 to launching his own successful business in 2023.

They discuss the vibrant and evolving business scene in Basingstoke, the importance of supporting local businesses, and how grassroots sport plays a vital role in community spirit.

Ryan also opens up about his passion for golf, football, and coaching youth cricket, and reveals why he believes Basingstoke is a thriving place full of opportunity. Plus, get some behind-the-scenes stories about golf networking, cycling charity rides, and even a favorite film recommendation!

Key Topics Covered:

• Ryan’s career path and founding Houston Broking Group
• The growth and business community of Basingstoke
• Benefits of supporting local businesses
• The link between golf and business networking
• Ryan’s involvement in grassroots sports and coaching
• Challenges and joys of running your own business
• Personal insights: football, golf handicap, charity cycling
• Final thoughts: supporting local business & grassroots sport

Connect with Ryan Houston:

Website: www.houstonbroking.co.uk

About Destination Basingstoke Ambassador Community (DBAC):

A growing community of over 100 local businesses committed to supporting each other and the Basingstoke economy.

In this episode of the Amazingstoke podcast, host Mark Jones welcomes Kimberley Barber, Regional Editor for Newsquest, who oversees seven local newspapers, including the beloved Basingstoke Gazette. Kimberley shares her journey from holiday rep to senior journalist, offering candid insights into how local journalism has changed over the years—technologically, culturally, and physically.

Tune in for stories from the newsroom trenches, tales of cat photo contests and Cornflake globetrotters, and a passionate defense of why local news still matters more than ever.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Kimberley’s unexpected path into journalism
• How local newsrooms have evolved (and shrunk)
• The importance of trusted, local reporting in today’s digital chaos
• What keeps a regional editor up at 5am (hint: it’s not just deadlines)
• Why supporting your local newspaper is an investment in your community

Quote of the Episode:

"Being your local newspaper is a great honour… It’s about recording, reporting, and reflecting our communities — accurately and permanently." – Kimberley Barber

Resources & Mentions:

• Basingstoke Gazette
• Newsquest Media Group titles mentioned: Andover Advertiser, Romsey Advertiser, Hampshire Chronicle, Salisbury Journal, The Forest Journal, Hampshire Chronicle Light

Connect with Us:

• 🎧 Subscribe to Amazingstoke on your favourite podcast app
• 🗞️ Got a story for Kimberley’s team? Reach out to the Basingstoke Gazette

In this jam-packed episode, Mark Jones heads out to the countryside to meet with Roger Walker, the founder of Experience Hampshire, a platform that curates hundreds of unique experiences across the county.

From alpaca walking to penguin feeding, foraging to wing-walking, and even exploring hidden medieval vaults under Southampton, Roger shares how his passion for Hampshire evolved into a thriving business.

You’ll learn:

• How Roger pivoted from international travel to local experiences post-COVID
• The challenges of building a tech-based business from scratch
• The most surprising and unusual Hampshire experiences you probably didn’t know existed
• Why it's time to explore your own backyard and fall in love with local life again

🎁 Highlights Include:

• 🎨 Pottery painting & wreath making
• 🐧 Penguin feeding at Bird World
• 🏰 Secret medieval vault tours in Southampton
• 🚲 Roger’s love of cycling the Hampshire lanes
• 🎶 Favourite tunes from the Buzzcocks to Human League

🌐 Find Out More:

👉 ExperienceHampshire.uk

📲 Stay Connected:

📸 Follow @DestinationBasingstoke & @ExperienceHampshire on social media

🗓️ Subscribe for more Amazingstoke adventures, every other week!

🎤 Final Thought from Roger:

“Don’t wait for a holiday to explore – there’s magic right here at home. Discover something amazing in Hampshire today.”

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the DBAC AmazingStoke Podcast, host Mark Jones is joined by Marie Greenhalgh, Innovation and Development Director at Inclusion Education and local lead for Baton of Hope Basingstoke.

Marie shares the story behind the Baton of Hope – a national campaign raising awareness around suicide prevention and mental health – and details the exciting plans for Basingstoke's role in the 2025 UK-wide Baton of Hope Tour.

From canal boats to tractors, Tai Chi flash mobs to art exhibitions, this is more than an event – it’s a community movement for change, hope, and connection.

💙 Save the date: Thursday, September 25th, 2025

📍 Route Highlights: Basingstoke Canal, Festival Place, Belvedere House, The Tea Bar, and more.

🔗 Learn More & Get Involved:

• Baton of Hope: batonofhope.org
• Inclusion Education: inclusioneducation.org.uk

🎧 Topics Covered:

• The origin and message of Baton of Hope
• Why suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility
• How Basingstoke is getting involved in the 2025 tour
• How to volunteer, donate, sponsor or participate
• The Workplace Pledge and how employers can lead change
• The significance of the Baton design
• Building a legacy beyond the event

Final Thought from Marie:

"Every statistic is a person. Suicide is not inevitable. With the right conversations and the right actions, it is preventable. Let’s create a culture where no one feels they have to suffer alone.”

In this episode of the Destination Basingstoke AmazingStoke podcast, Matt Holman, founder of Simpila Wellbeing, shares his personal journey with mental health and the importance of community support.

He discusses with host Mark Jones, the significance of Mental Health Awareness Week, the need for ongoing education, and the role of training in breaking down stigma.

Matt emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health and wellbeing, both personally and within organizations, and offers practical advice for local businesses to support their communities.

In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode of the Amazingstoke podcast, Mark Jones is joined by Andy Brown, Business Partnerships Manager at Treloar’s in Holybourne near Alton, a unique place supporting young people with complex physical disabilities and communication needs from across the UK.

Treloar’s isn’t just a school or a college—it’s a community, a launchpad for independence, and a place where the focus is not on what students can’t do, but what they can achieve. From on-site therapy to assistive technology and residential care, it empowers young people to thrive.

Andy also dives into how businesses can get involved—not just through donations, but by contributing skills, offering internships, and building meaningful partnerships.

You'll also hear about inspiring success stories, including students training for the Paralympics and working at places like Southampton Airport.

In this episode of the Amazingstoke podcast, Mark Jones chats with Darren Higgs about the growth and future plans of Swingate Marketing and Design, a company he acquired four years ago.

He shares insights on the importance of Basingstoke as a business hub, the challenges and rewards of networking, and his personal interests outside of work.

The conversation highlights the company's focus on lead generation and marketing services, emphasizing the demand for effective marketing strategies in today's business landscape.

Following up on our special episode about local government, Mark Jones speaks more to Cllr. Paul Harvey, leader of Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council about his 23 years of public service, how the area has changed over the years and much more.

In this special episode of the podcast, with changes coming to the way local government in the Basingstoke & Deane area and across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Mark Jones speaks with council leader Cllr. Paul Harvey about what this will mean for the area.

In this episode of the Amazingstoke podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Stevens, the head of marketing at Castle Trust Bank, based in Basingstoke.

Jeremy shares his journey in the financial services industry, from starting as an administrator to leading marketing initiatives at a bank that has become a staple in Basingstoke.

We discuss Castle Trust's community involvement, including their support for local charities and events, and their commitment to sustainability through tree planting initiatives.

Join us as we explore the impact of Castle Trust Bank in the local community and hear Jeremy's insights on making a difference, both personally and professionally.

In this episode of the Destination Basingstoke Ambassadors Community 'Amazingstoke' podcast, we welcome Matthew Cleaver, the chief executive of Anvil Arts.

Matthew shares his journey from marketing director to leading one of Hampshire's largest performing arts organisations.

He discusses the evolution of the Anvil, Haymarket, and Forge venues, their diverse programming, and the significant impact they have on the local community.

Listen to discover how the arts contribute to Basingstoke's cultural fabric and economy!