In this episode, co-hosts Franck and Kim Mamhende engage with Mari Arthur, founder of Tetrim Teas, a not-for-profit tea company based in Trimsaran, Carmarthenshire. Mari discusses how Tetrim Teas blends traditional Welsh ingredients with innovative approaches to create unique tea blends that include both caffeinated and non-caffeinated options.

The conversation explores Tetrim Teas' commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and local sourcing. Mari shares insights into the company's collaborations with local growers, efforts to reduce food miles, and initiatives aimed at revitalizing rural economies in Wales. The episode also delves into the challenges of running a small business, the importance of community support, and the role of Welsh identity in shaping the brand.

Listeners can learn more about Tetrim Teas and connect with them through their official website, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

In this debut episode of The Small Business Voice, Franck takes a deep and honest look into the real reasons small local businesses in Wales — and beyond — often struggle to survive.

Drawing from his own experiences as a business founder and community advocate, Franck unpacks the structural, cultural, and behavioural challenges that small traders, producers, and entrepreneurs face every day. From empty farmers’ markets to half-empty independent cafés while supermarket chains flourish — why is it so hard for small businesses to thrive, even when we claim to love them?

This episode explores:

• How local attitudes and buying habits can unknowingly hurt small business growth
• The dominance of big brands and how they squeeze out independent producers
• What it’s really like to try to start a business in Wales — including why people told Franck to “go to London or Manchester” instead
• How the culture of consumerism, celebrity entrepreneurship (think Dragons’ Den and The Apprentice), and instant success stories distort reality
• What communities and policymakers can do to create a better environment for local businesses to grow
• The role of local education, media, and public support in shaping a healthier business ecosystem
• Why buying local isn’t just “nice to do” — it’s essential for resilience, identity, and economic stability

Plus, Franck shares why he takes his children to farmers’ markets — not just to shop, but to instil a mindset that values small-scale, local entrepreneurship.

This episode isn’t just about business. It’s about culture, values, and how we can all do our part to build a Wales where small business owners can thrive — not just survive.

Tune in, reflect, and if it resonates, share this episode with someone who believes in backing local.

Listen now, and let’s raise the voice of small businesses together.