When I started Bwlb back in 2019 I remember feeling the "zero clients" situation very strongly. As a new business, you have to go and create your own market and find your own customers. No one is doing that for you. It's really hard. 

You hope that one customer brings two, then three, four and so on. That's why your first customer is so crucial. As Peter Thiel would say, going from zero to one is the hardest step. That's why in the 'Work' section of this website I've written the full story on how I met and worked with Bwlb's first client (Alex from FinCo Coffee) - it was a key moment.

Writing this post now, it's a special day for Bwlb. The newest addition to the stable of ongoing podcasts I make for clients has tipped over from 3 to 4. The first episode of 'Arts & Culture' (a podcast for The Association for Cultural Enterprises) went live today. Host Tom and I are having great fun making it and we've had to be patient - for a whole load of reasons it has taken a while to go from initial chats to published first episode. That patience has paid off today. Only a few hours in to launch and the episode is getting some lovely comments.

I can genuinely say that I really enjoy making all 4 of Bwlb's regular podcasts - Planet Possible, The 17, the Crack On Podcast and Arts & Culture. I learn a lot, I still love the process of audio editing (even after 20 years!) and the people I work with to make them (Niki, Al, Kate, Jonathan, Jon and Tom) are all people who I like, respect and look forward to working with.

I feel very grateful for this little company Bwlb. I've put a lot of work into it - sure - but it continues to give me so much back. Work I enjoy, a living and, crucially, the chance to live my day-to-day professional life according to values I have chosen and believe in:

Be creative. Make high quality stuff. Try to be a positive voice.

Monday 21st November, Cardiff, Wales, UK

Welsh tech startup Accordion Innovation Ltd (a new company spun out of Bwlb Ltd) has made a leap forward in audience convenience technology with the creation of Accordion Video.

Accordion Video is an evolution of the original audio Accordion technology developed by Bwlb to solve the problem of "too many podcasts, not enough time". It lets users control the duration of visual media to make it fit their available viewing time without losing the structure, tone or feel of the original.

This means content like online lectures (Education), keynote speeches (Conferences), all-staff updates (Corporate Internal Comms) and video podcasts (exploding as both Spotify and YouTube compete to own the space) can now be presented to the users with never-before-seen levels of control and convenience.

At the moment, viewers with less time than the original content length need to either speed the video up (unnatural and un-engaging), pick snippets or highlights (loss of context) stop before the end (unsatisfying and less likely to return) or not watch the content at all (loss of revenue).

With Accordion, content can fit the users time perfectly. The tech works by dynamically re-versioning the original so that the structure remains but the level of detail becomes controllable, using a slider bar beneath the video.

Shortest versions (usually around a third or a quarter of original duration) still have a beginning, middle and end... plus all the best / essential parts (as chosen either by the content producer, Accordion itself via automation or an adjustable mix of both). Further up the slider bar, the versions get longer (moving toward the original duration) and the detail gets added back in.

The result is a barely-believable seamless experience that leaves viewers feeling as if they have watched the original content in full... just in the perfect amount of time to suit them. As one user tester put it:

"I don't know how this is possible, but I want it on all of my podcasts from now on, please."

Accordion Video is currently being trialled in higher education in the UK and in the multinational corporate context as a way to increase staff engagement with internal comms messaging.

CEO of Accordion Innovation Ltd, Andy Taylor said:

"The possibilities that Accordion Video opens up are virtually endless. Anywhere there is video content and users or audiences under time pressure, Accordion comes into its own. People have decreasing amounts of time. Meanwhile their desire for convenience increases, as do the demands on their time. Accordion can get your company's message / product / content to your ideal consumer in a more efficient way that makes your customer feel valued. With the technology so new, there is an opportunity to create a distinct competitive advantage and increase revenues."

For more information, or to discuss a trial, collaboration or customer relationship, contact Andy Taylor - [email protected]

​Accordion and Accordion Video are protected via the International Patent Process

ENDS

Bwlb, a tech startup from Cardiff, Wales, UK has invented a new piece of software that gives users the ability to adjust the length of content to fit the time they have available.

Accordion doesn't speed content up, instead it dynamically re-versions audio and video to deliver the exact amount of detail wanted by each individual listener, watcher, customer, student, work colleague or audience member.

Originally developed with podcast listeners in mind (to solve the ever-increasing issue of "too many podcasts, not enough time") Accordion is now picking up customers, trials, collaborations and buzz across multiple sectors including:

Education - as a way of addressing new pedagogic challenges raised by the rise in hybrid learning.

Internal communications - to make meetings and staff briefings more accessible, time-efficient and increase engagement and understanding. 

Audio editing - as part of a totally re-imagined workflow that can deliver a broadcast-ready edit in a third less time than traditional methods.

Conferences - as a way for delegates to absorb the essential content of keynotes and panel sessions in as little as a quarter of the original session duration.

Audience Research - to assess the impact of a campaign or series by giving testers a quicker way to get across content while still accessing the tone and feel of the original full-length versions.

Accordion's sector of origin - Podcasting - is waking up to the scale of innovation and  transformative potential of this new technology.

Journalist, Podcast critic and influencer Nick Hilton said this about Accordion:

“As someone who now has about ten thousand unheard episodes of Red Box and Coffee House Shots, I would definitely use this functionality… this tech will be ubiquitous in podcasting within a few years.”

"Every time I see a new podcast company emerge, it’s simply reworking an old idea: a new spin on ad-placement, a new spin on paywalling, a new spin on networks, a new spin on just making a good ol’ fashioned podcast. Companies like Accordion which challenge the idea of what a podcast is are vanishingly rare."

As the pace of change in the media sector increases, new tech like Accordion can play an important role in helping long-established and traditional media organisations and platforms futureproof themselves and reach new young audiences in a way that gives them the control and convenience they want.

​To see Accordion in action on the current season of one of the UK's most listened-to climate podcasts 'Planet Possible' go to www.accordion.live/planetpossible

The recent conference 'Flood and Coast' used Accordion to make keynotes and panel sessions deliver extra impact and be more accessible to press and wider industry members who weren't in the room. Go to www.accordion.live/floodandcoast to have a look.

For more information on Accordion, to discuss a trial, collaboration or to get started as a new customer, contact Andy Taylor - [email protected]

August 10th 2022, Cardiff, Wales, UK.

There's a word that is absolutely key to startups. Momentum. Bwlb has plenty of it at the moment, and the trick is to maintain it. That can be challenging when you're a one-person operation, but, really, we/I wouldn't have it any other way. Plus, Bwlb is not really a one-person operation...

We have Matt, our lead developer, who, though freelance, has worked on Accordion ever since it was an early prototype. And I've been very grateful recently for the input of Nick Hilton, a podcaster and podcast journalist who has been working for Bwlb in a consultancy capacity recently. As a solopreneur, it is so useful to have someone objective with good knowledge and a sharp mind to bounce off.

Choosing who to work with is one of the best things about founding your own company. I recently re-connected with a former BBC colleague who has just started their own business, and I'm honoured to be their first client as they lead some timely user testing on Accordion.

Connecting is something I am putting time and effort into. I've never felt myself to be a natural networker but I see how crucial it is to giving Accordion the platform(s) it needs to develop and shine. I'm at the stage now where I need to show its potential to the world. That means talking to people. Being open. Going for it. Knocking on doors. Picking up the phone. 

With a bit of luck, we could have Accordion appearing in some pretty cool places in the next few weeks and months. But no chickens are being counted yet. The good thing is that I have complete belief in its potential, and I think I'm able to get that across to potential partners.

When I explain Accordion to people, the most common reaction I get is... "Sounds great - I'd use it", and that's a massive encouragement. The encouragement fires the rocket, and what helps me point the rocket in the right direction is the support, coaching and resources I'm accessing via Business Wales' Accelerated Growth Programme (another thing I am very grateful for).

These are exciting times. That's a phrase I find myself using in every one of these blog posts. And that has to be good sign... 

So much to update on in the world of Bwlb. Research & Development has become a key part of what this company does. With the support of Clwstwr, Bwlb has created a new product for the podcast industry - Accordion.

Accordion enables manipulation of podcast duration whilst maintaining structure, tone and listenability. For listeners, that means any and every podcast episode can perfectly fit the time they have available to listen. No more incomplete listens. No more missing the funny bit everyone else is talking about because you didn't have the time to reach that part. The ability to catch up on the back catalogue of your new favourite pod in good time.

For producers, Accordion effectively makes automation of re-versioning possible. But - and this is crucial - this isn't another step away from the art of audio production and a step towards A.I. at all costs. I'm an audio person through and through. I want this tool to help people make great audio, and help listeners better enjoy great audio, not replace the art of the the Producer.

Accordion is about to be introduced to the world via its first real-life application, in a  collaboration with Belgium-based podcast company Bulle Media, supported by  Stars4Media, a European initiative to boost continent-wide media innovation.

Bulle Media's upcoming podcast series about Angela Merkel will be available to listen to using Accordion functionality - listeners will be able to manipulate the duration of every one of the 10 x 20 min episodes as they are released. We're super keen to get people using Accordion, collect data and feedback, learn and improve.

We're in the engine room of this project now. Designing landing pages, enjoying great logo design, employing new freelancers, firing up our old friend Accordion and getting her to flex her muscles by working on some original audio against the clock.

And, in the background, the international patent process is ongoing. This is an innovative product with, hopefully, vast potential, so everything is being done properly to protect it.

I'm passionate about Bwlb being a home-grown Welsh company, operating in Cardiff, my home. I'm excited about what the future can bring. I'm sure there will be highs and lows, but we're going to enjoy the ride.

Pob lwc pawb!

Andy

This is the last of my three blogs about my Clwstwr-funded seed project ‘SMART Podcasts’. It has been an eventful month.

First things first. Black Lives Matter. Recent events, protests and debate have made me think, learn and grow. I want things to improve, starting with me, then my company, my industry, my country and beyond. Bwlb currently only has one person working for it (me). I’m hoping I will have the chance to grow the business, create jobs, create a team and create a company ethos. I want to make the right choices. Bwlb has signed up to the Equality In Audio Pact.

In the context of my Research & Development project, here are 5 things I’ve learnt this month:

ONE - Candescent Cardiff

Ok, I may have searched “positive words beginning with C”. One definition of candescent is “illuminating or reflecting light”. I moved to Wales 3 years ago now and I can’t say enough good things about this country and its capital city, Cardiff. As a place to work and live, it’s brilliant. The fact that a scheme like Clwstwr even exists, giving freelancers and micro-businesses the chance and resources to innovate, is impressive enough. The extra level of good stuff comes from the people involved. During this whole process I have had the chance to meet, collaborate with and learn from a huge variety of people in Cardiff, Wales and beyond. Without fail they have been positive, forward-thinking, encouraging, knowledgeable and fun. I’ve worked in the media industry for nearly 20 years now, most of that time living in London. I’ve never felt in a better environment to succeed than right here right now, in Cardiff in 2020. The people I have worked with during this project have either illuminated me with knowledge or inspiration, or reflected back encouragement and support. So, there you go, candescent, my new favourite word to describe my much-loved home city of Cardiff.
Photo by Ryan Everett on Unsplash

 TWO - Deadlines need re-branding

​Deadline is such a horrible word. It makes me think of essays being due in, time running out, panic and impending doom should a project not be completed and handed in by a certain time. The ‘line’ part feels immovable and inflexible and ‘dead’ is obviously not very cheerful. We need to come up with something better because a deadline can be a positive as I was reminded of this month.

As part of my project I wanted to deliver some kind of prototype of an accordion podcast (one that could expand and contract to the listener’s available time). Now I am not a coder or a developer, so I was struggling to take the crucial leap from the concept in my head to a bit of tech that did what I wanted. The nominal mid-June deadline for the end of this Clwstwr funded project made me take action. I asked for help from my project mentors and got it. Gavin Johnson from Clwstwr suggested I speak to Matt Brealey, a talented young web developer, and after an illuminating chat, I commissioned him to make one of my pilots. The BBC’s Robin Moore suggested I talk to Ian Forrester in BBC R&D and he kindly put me in touch with a great young coder called Rebecca Saw. After another illuminating chat I commissioned her to make the other one of my pilots (there are two pilots because they each demonstrate a different key part of accordion functionality). Things got going because of the deadline.

​Due to Rebecca and Matt's quick and quality work, I had two working prototypes in place on Friday June 12th. To have gone from not knowing what to do next, to having two working prototypes, in a matter of a few weeks, was exhilarating. I’ve never used that word to describe a deadline before. I decided to make a quick podcast with Matt and Rebecca, to capture the energy of that "It works!" moment with both of them. If you want to find out more about the prototypes and what they are capable of, just get in touch with me by clicking on the 'Contact' link at the top of this page.

THREE - Work with your audience

​I’ve spent most of my career working with and for brands which try to serve young audiences. When I started out, I was young, now not so much. I knew that as I got older I needed to meet with, listen to and understand young people more and more in order to still have a chance of serving them properly. I didn’t spend enough time doing it. Fortunately, in the last few weeks, I made a small step towards putting that right. I was lucky enough to be asked to collaborate with 10 young co-creators as part of Yvonne Murphy’s brilliant ‘The Box’ project (also a Clwstwr seed-funded R&D project). I learnt so much from the experience. One big lesson, right on cue given my current R&D focus, was to 'learn, evolve, act' quickly. It felt like the teenagers and people in their early twenties I was working with would grab a concept, throw it around, take it on board and then do something with it all in fast-forward, displaying a natural creative confidence. It energised me and helped me a lot.

​On reflection, I think it is so important that anyone aiming to serve a particular audience spends time actually WORKING with them. That means actively doing something with them - collaborating, creating, producing - not just interviewing them, observing them, or worse, reading ‘trend reports’ about them. It’s a positive two-way street. The co-creators seemed to enjoy picking my brain for advice and experience and I came out energised, informed and inspired. Young audiences are the key growth area for podcasting, so the time I spent with these young co-creators was really valuable. I created a very quick ‘mini-podcast’ (previously known as a ‘package’ for any radio people reading) for Yvonne with some of the reflections of co-creators plus part of a brilliant podcast pilot created by one of the participants, a 17 year old who just emailed his local MP and interviewed him using a slick and effective format. Learn, evolve, act. Quickly. You can listen by clicking the Soundcloud image below.

FIVE - Simple, fast, done

Back at the beginning of this blog (a long time ago I know - sorry, I’m getting into this now) I mentioned how I had resolved to put myself in different podcasting contexts to enable me to ‘play’ better within the podcast world. One thing I did was take the chance to be a guest on a podcast, something I had never done before. After helping me out with an interview for my project, Josh Chapman, host of the excellent ‘Star Wars Spelt Out’ pod, chatted to me about my time in the media. We discussed my Star Wars world experiences like meeting some of the actors when I was Head of Movies & Gaming Content at BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra and also producing ‘The Secret Of Star Wars’ visual documentary (with the brilliant Phill Deacon) for BBC iPlayer back in 2015. So weird that I have arranged, produced or conducted many hundreds of interviews but have rarely been interviewed myself. There’s something about the warmth and positivity of podcasting as a medium that I imagine makes it a better experience than being interviewed for radio or TV. I certainly enjoyed it, and you can click on the episode image at the end of this section to have a listen. 

It was how Josh turned the podcast around which intrigued me. We even joked about it in the episode as all my BBC training kicked in with level checks, edit points and re-takes, but Josh just got it done. The more pernickety levels of production were just not needed to give the audience of this podcast what they wanted. 'Simple, fast, done' was the way to go. And it sounded great (even taking in to account having me as a guest). It’s nice to take time to craft and perfect, but sometimes the approach has to be more direct and speedy. This lesson comes at a good time as I move towards delivering my pilot version of the accordion podcast functionality (a podcast which can stretch and contract to fit the listening time available). I had already learnt, thanks to an excellent session on prototyping (provided by Clwstwr and delivered, remotely, by the impressive team at PDR) about the different levels of prototypes and their benefits and limitations. Just this week I had two breakthrough conversations about the technical work needed to deliver accordion functionality. Throw these three things together - prototype theory, technical breakthroughs and the timely lesson to deliver simply and quickly - and it's going to be an exciting final few weeks of my project. 

I was extremely happy to become one of the nine 3-month Research & Development Projects funded by Clwstwr. It was a key milestone for my little company, Bwlb. In my head, I would devote as much of my working hours (between the school runs) as possible to the project during March, April and May 2020. And then Coronavirus happened. And my family entered 12 week lockdown due to one of us being high-risk. And school got cancelled. And I became a 'home-schooler' stay-at-home-Dad, not a 'working between the school runs' stay-at-home-Dad. So Month 1 of my Clwstwr R&D project has been a little different from what I imagined. Still, Month 1 has happened, and here is my first of three monthly blogs about the project, where I will present 5 key things I have learned. 

A bit of background. My Research and Development Project is about SMART Podcasts. I believe that innovation in podcast functionality is lagging behind the current explosion in content and consumption within the sector. I want to research how new functionality could be provided and I want to develop, specifically, a pilot of an 'accordion podcast' (one that can expand or contract its length to fit the time available to the listener).

So, what have I learned in Month 1? Before I start, a note of explanation. As my project cranks up I'm sure these blog posts will be focused almost exclusively on the R&D, but in Month 1, the world and all of our lives changing grabbed centre stage, so these five things are a bit of everything.

1. Remote working can actually be BETTER

Unbelievably, this picture helped me go 'a bit' viral on LinkedIn. I think my post was no.1 trending under #podcast for a few days, which was a completely new experience for me. It was just before lockdown really kicked in and I happened to be doing some creativity and podcast consultancy with the lovely people at Axia Origin and UK Power Networks. Something about us all being in the same boat not quite knowing how to best do a remote video session mixed with the informality of being in our own homes instead of a soul-less boardroom made the whole experience brilliant. We achieved more, we had more fun, we found it easier to think in fresher ways. I had been worried that having to do my Clwstwr R&D project remotely - due to Covid-19 lockdown - was going to make it harder. After this experience my mindset flipped, I now think the project will benefit from the new ways of working I will have to create, starting with a brainstorm over Zoom, which will be happening as soon as possible.

2. Without Clwstwr, Bwlb might not be here any more

My company is small and young. It doesn't fit the brief for any government Coronavirus financial support. I have a small network of clients and at the moment most of them are scrabbling around to work out how they work now, not commission new bits of work from start-up companies like mine. So to have a 3 month project just starting out, where the funding is secure, that is just incredibly lucky. Without this funding, I could see a situation where I would be looking for full-time employment now and Bwlb could be folding before it ever had the chance to flourish. So THANK YOU Clwstwr. I am so relieved that when I started Bwlb I made a promise to myself to go for any opportunity I could, talk to anyone and everyone, be interested, be ambitious and just keep trying, keep applying, keep asking. I first heard about Clwstwr when I was at the BBC Writersroom Festival in Cardiff (in another life I'm an Oscar-winning screenwriter, honest) and I saw no-one was talking to the guys at the Creative Cardiff stand, so I talked to them and they told me about Clwstwr. I didn't think I'd get the chance to go on the Ideas Lab, and if I did, I didn't think I'd get funding for a 3 month project. But here I am. It can be done. But the old "you've got to be in it to win it" cliche applies. Clwstwr currently have an open call window, so get involved here.

3. If you can, do something helpful, or a tiny bit useful