Expanding on the recent news that business.connected now stands as Vodafone Business’s leading programme for digital transformation among small businesses, the company is unveiling a brand-new social-first video series. This initiative is purpose-built to reach small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) where they are most active, delivering hands-on advice and inspiration through engaging, easily digestible formats that today’s entrepreneurs find most relatable.
Vodafone Business has joined forces with Diary of a CEO host and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett’s FlightStory Studio to unveil the dynamic new business.connected social-first content series. This initiative is designed to inspire, support, and empower entrepreneurs and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) throughout the UK.
As part of Vodafone’s broader business.connected initiative, which aims to equip one million SMEs with new skills by the end of 2025, this innovative series adopts a fresh approach. Each episode features a dynamic, rotating panel of entrepreneurs and experts who engage in lively and honest discussions about the real challenges faced by SMEs today. Importantly, they share experiences, tips, and actionable insights on navigating digital opportunities and change.
The series also marks a significant shift in Vodafone Business’s media planning strategy – moving to an always-on, social-first model. Tailored to engage SMEs across platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, the series focuses on concise videos, mobile-friendly storytelling, and high relevance to the audience.
“As the Nations Network, we’re dedicated to finding fresh, innovative ways to engage with entrepreneurs across the country. That’s why we are delighted to collaborate with Flight Story Studio on this ground-breaking video content series designed specifically for the entrepreneurial community. We understand the many demands small business owners juggle daily and have crafted this series to engage them during their everyday digital moments – offering a space to feel acknowledged, supported, and inspired.”
Maria Koutsoudakis, Brand Director, VodafoneThree
“By adopting a panel format with guests rotating episodically, we offer a variety of perspectives and experiences. This approach ensures the content remains honest, practical, and relatable. Often, the most valuable lessons come from those actively navigating the challenges daily, and we are thrilled to provide them with a platform to share their unique journeys and inspire the next wave of aspiring business owners.”
“This partnership with Vodafone Business is unlike anything we’ve done before and that’s exactly why it’s so exciting. It represents the first time we’ve opened up our proprietary FlightStory blueprint – the very same tools, methodologies, and experimentation engine that powers The Diary of a CEO – to an external partner. Together, we’re removing the editorial guesswork and giving Vodafone Business access to a system designed to pre-test and optimise everything from content themes to promotional hooks, all in the name of earning attention and building real connection. With Steven serving as Vodafone’s Digital SoS ambassador in 2024, this partnership is underpinned by real alignment in mission and mindset. At its core, it’s about helping more entrepreneurs feel seen, supported, and less alone – and we’re proud to help Vodafone Business become the go-to network for the nation’s SMEs.”
Christiana Brenton, CRO and Co-Founder of FlightStory Studio
Episodes will be developed in collaboration with FlightStory’s FlightLab, testing framework and using experimentation to shape everything from the topics to the visual identity – ensuring the series genuinely resonates with its audience. Topics are based on real concerns voiced by UK entrepreneurs, and content is crafted for maximum relevance and relatability.
The first four episodes of the series explores topics that matter most to the UK’s entrepreneurial community:
- Episode 1: How to be creative in digital marketing
Guests: Marisa Poster (Perfect Ted Co-Founder), Will Little (Littles Coffee Founder), Georgia Gibson Co-Founder, .Tbc)
- Episode 2: AI Tools to work smarter & scale
Guests: Christiana Brenton (Flight Story Co-Founder), Kirstie Kavanagh (AI trainer for SME’s), Leo Harrison (Chapter 2 Founder)
- Episode 3: How to build an online business
Guests: Raphael Sofoluke (Black Business Show Founder), Nicola Gunby (Clinq co-founder), Teddie Levenfiche (Perfect Ted co-founder).
- Episode 4: How to sell online
Guests: Lucy Hitchcock (Partner in Founder founder), Lorna Bladden (Enterprise Nation CMO), Giles Atwel (Atwel & Russel co-founder).
To watch and learn more, visit: https://www.vodafone.co.uk/business/sme-business/business-connected
