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Episode #503 - Why Knowing Your Ideal Customer Changes Everything for Growth - with David Allen — ScaleUp Radio Episode #503

Episode #503 - Why Knowing Your Ideal Customer Changes Everything for Growth - with David Allen

Episode #503 4 Aug 2025

Show notes

Hi, I’m Granger Forson, business coach at www.bizsmart-gloucestershire.co.uk. You can also find me on LinkedIn. In this episode of ScaleUp Radio, I’m joined by Dave Allen, Managing Director of Square One Network, a B2B telecoms provider based in Bristol.

Dave’s journey is a great example of leadership growth in action.

 

Having fallen into the telecoms world in the late 90s, Dave has built his career around the belief that communication is at the heart of all good business. Since becoming MD of Square One Network, he’s steered the company through significant cultural shifts, focusing on building a local-first, people-centred telecoms business.

 

In this conversation, Dave shares how taking the time to properly define their ideal customer profile transformed their marketing and growth strategy. He speaks openly about the importance of getting the right people into the business, often hiring on personality first and skills second. His philosophy is simple: people buy from people.

 

We also dive into the financial disciplines Dave adopted after inheriting a company that had experienced several rounds of private equity investment. His lessons on forecasting, cash flow management, and building sustainable growth are invaluable for any business leader.

 

Finally, you’ll hear Dave’s vision for growing Square One Network organically, without losing the personal service that’s become its trademark. If you want inspiration for building a business that balances heart and performance, this episode is for you.

 

To ensure you don’t miss any inspirational future episodes do subscribe to ScaleUp Radio wherever you like to listen to your podcasts.

S

o, let’s now dive into the inspiring journey of communication, clarity and culture with Dave.

 

Scaling up your business isn't easy, and can be a little daunting. Let ScaleUp Radio make it a little easier for you. With guests who have been where you are now, and can offer their thoughts and advice on several aspects of business. ScaleUp Radio is the business podcast you've been waiting for.

 

If you would like to be a guest on ScaleUp Radio, please click here:

https://bizsmarts.co.uk/scaleupradio/kevin

 

Book a call with Granger - 30 minutes value add conversation for Business owners with Staff.
https://api.goexela.com/widget/bookings/catchupgrangerugx7zl

 

You can get in touch with Granger here:

grangerf@biz-smart.co.uk

 

 

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.

Smart90 Summit

 

David can be found here:

https://www.squareone.network/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-allen-03b3135b/

 

Resources:

The Go To Market Playbook by Paul Watson - https://www.amazon.co.uk/MARKET-HANDBOOK-B2B-SaaS-LEADERS-ebook/dp/B0CJ9BPCDK

Cookie Jar Golf podcast - https://www.cookiejargolf.com/podcast-episodes/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/

 

 

Liked this conversation? Bring the same thinking to your business.

ScaleUp Radio is hosted by Kevin Brent — founder of Smart90, author of the Entrepreneurial ScaleUp System (ESUS), and the same Kevin who works directly with founders inside the G90 Summit.

The Summit is a structured half-day — quarterly, virtual via Zoom — where founders and their teams get clear on the three to five things that must happen in the next 90 days, and leave with a plan committed to making them happen.

Reserve Your Place at the G90 Summit →

Next session: 26th June 2026 · £97 for a standalone seat · smart90.co.uk/summit