BOOM7 - Marketing that hits different.

In this episode, we sit down with Steven to explore the story behind Boom 7, MK Eats, the Milton Keynes Food Awards and the wider world of local marketing, events and entrepreneurship. Steven shares how his success has been shaped by decades of relationships, reputation and community connection in Milton Keynes. Having lived in the area for 45 years, he has built a powerful local network and uses that understanding to bring energy, attention and strategy to the businesses he works with. The conversation explores how Boom 7 began after Steven returned from a holiday and made the decision to start a business, even before he knew exactly what that business would become. After settling on marketing, he threw himself into learning, reading more than 100 self development books on networking, influence and business growth. That commitment helped him build the confidence, mindset and practical approach that now sits behind his work. Steven also talks about the importance of LinkedIn as a platform for storytelling, client promotion and relationship building. Rather than simply selling services, he uses LinkedIn to create excitement around the people, brands and businesses he supports. Over time, this has developed into a more strategic approach, helping clients stand out through personality, visibility and momentum. A major part of the episode looks at Steven’s event work, including a high pressure pitch for a prestigious venue launch and his collaboration with Michelle, whose background in major events helped bring the project to life. From live music and entertainment to memorabilia auctions, sponsorship, street food and VIP experiences, Steven explains how strong partnerships and the right people can transform an event. We also discuss Steven’s wider business interests, including MK Eats, the Milton Keynes Food Awards and Naughty Nachos. He shares how the nacho concept came together with support from a chef who helped create the menu and pricing, turning a simple food idea into a successful venture. Beyond the businesses themselves, Steven speaks openly about lifestyle, family and priorities. He explains why he builds his work around his own needs first, then his family, and then the business. For him, routine, structure and flexibility all have their place, especially when balancing work with parenting and family life. The episode also explores the values Steven wants to pass on to his children, including hard work, responsibility and understanding that success rarely comes from shortcuts. He reflects on the influence of social media on younger generations and the importance of teaching children the reality behind building something properly. Towards the end of the conversation, Steven shares one of the clearest lessons from his journey: networking is not about asking people for business. It is about helping people, being dependable, standing by your word and building the kind of reputation that makes people want to work with you. This is a brilliant episode for anyone interested in marketing, local business, networking, events, food brands, Milton Keynes entrepreneurship, LinkedIn strategy, reputation building or the realities of creating several businesses around your lifestyle and values. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:47 Steven’s businesses, Boom 7, MK Eats and the Milton Keynes Food Awards 02:58 Building success through local relationships and reputation 04:47 Using LinkedIn to create energy around client marketing 09:21 Starting Boom 7 after deciding to build a business 10:04 Learning through self development, networking and influence 10:56 Pitching for a major venue launch project 12:09 Working with Michelle to deliver a successful event 18:42 Becoming a third director and improving the event model 19:34 Music acts, sponsors, street food and VIP experiences 21:00 The story behind Naughty Nachos 28:38 Building a business around lifestyle, family and personal needs 29:46 Routine, structure, flexibility and balance 30:13 Parenting, hard work and teaching children business values 39:01 Why networking should be about helping people first 40:45 Reputation, dependability and standing by your word 42:41 The ideal client for events and marketing 44:54 Staying open minded and delivering consistent quality 46:44 How to contact Steven and find out more about Boom 7 Check out our website and apply to be a guest speaker: https://business-growth-show.com Audio Only - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... Thank you for watching. Please like, comment, follow and subscribe for more conversations with business owners, founders and local leaders building meaningful businesses with energy, reputation and purpose. #Boom7 #MKEats #MiltonKeynesBusiness #Steven #BusinessPodcast #MarketingPodcast #LinkedInMarketing #EventMarketing #Networking #LocalBusiness #Entrepreneurship #FounderStory #MiltonKeynesEvents #FoodBusiness #BusinessGrowth