Show notes
May 7, 2025
In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, Kevin Brent is joined by Liz Graney, founder of Escape the Village, a marketing business born out of her own career pivot from corporate life. Based in rural Britain, Liz has a passion for helping small, often-overlooked rural businesses overcome unique challenges to thrive in a digital-first world.
Founded in October 2023, Escape the Village specialises in marketing support for what Liz describes as “well-kept secrets” – rural businesses that struggle with infrastructure limitations, visibility issues, and digital accessibility. From building websites and crafting social media strategies to offering tailored training, Liz and her small but growing team – including her daughter and two virtual assistants – are on a mission to bring rural businesses into the spotlight.
The conversation is structured in three parts:
- The Business & the ScaleUp
Journey
Liz shares the story behind Escape the Village, how it came to life following a redundancy, and the specific services they offer to rural entrepreneurs. We explore the real-world hurdles rural businesses face, including patchy mobile coverage, poor road access, and even payment processing challenges – all of which make Liz’s work incredibly relevant and impactful. - Scaling Challenges & Entrepreneurial
Insights
Drawing from her corporate background, Liz outlines how she has applied high-level marketing strategies – like geo-targeting and awards recognition – to help small businesses grow. She talks candidly about the transition to entrepreneurship, the importance of outsourcing early, and the mindset shift needed to view support as an investment rather than a cost. - Quickfire Questions
From work-life balance aspirations to her vision for the business (including her plan to make her daughter a director within the year), Liz offers insightful, honest reflections on scaling a purpose-driven company.
The one key thing from this episode? You don’t need to be in a city to build a strong brand – rural businesses can thrive by combining authenticity, digital tools, and community engagement.
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For now, continue listening for the full story from Liz.
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Most founders I speak to feel busy but stuck; plenty happening, but not always clear on what genuinely matters most this quarter. If that’s you, the G90 Summit is worth a look. A structured half-day where we work through everything competing for your attention, get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, then commit to them and build the system to make sure they actually happen. Quarterly, virtual, £97 a seat.
Liz can be found here:
https://www.escapethevillage.com/
Resources:
Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/eat-that-frog-get-more-of-the-important-things-done-today-brian-tracy/427987?ean=9781444765427
The Three Spoonies podcast - https://3spoonies.co.uk/watch/
To Doodle Do app - https://www.toodledo.com/