Things took a darker turn with the story of DePuy’s ASR hip replacements, a medical device that promised mobility but ended up causing chaos inside the body.

The ASR model used an all-metal design, which turned out to be a massive problem. Over time, metal debris would shed into the bloodstream, leading to serious health issues like metallosis, pseudo tumours, and even cognitive decline. The worst part? It skipped the usual rigorous safety checks thanks to a fast-track approval route known as the 510(k) pathway.

By 2008, more than 100,000 of these devices had been implanted around the world, raking in over $1 billion in sales. But the fallout was huge. Thousands of patients suffered, and DePuy eventually had to pay out $2.5 billion in settlements.

It’s a case that raises big questions about medical ethics, corporate responsibility, and how something so dangerous made it into so many bodies.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

Let’s talk about BrewDog! The punk of the beer world that’s built its brand on disruption, bold claims, and a whole lot of attitude.

Founded in 2007, they went from a small start-up to striking major deals, including one with Tesco, all while shaking up the industry with rebellious marketing and unapologetic messaging. In 2020, they bought 2,000 acres of Scottish land for their “Buy One Get One Tree” campaign, aiming to go carbon negative. It sounded impressive, but by 2023, things weren’t looking great. Over half the Scots pines, nearly all the broadleaf oaks, and half the birch saplings had died.

Despite receiving nearly £700k in Scottish forestry funding, the failed project sparked some serious questions. Still, BrewDog’s ability to pivot quickly, with launches like their alcohol-free “Nanny State” beer, and their ongoing commitment to ethical practices keep them relevant.

This one’s got it all: ambition, controversy, clever branding, and a few very dead trees. Grab your brew of choice!

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.

We got into the glossy world of luxury brands and asked the question no one really wants to answer: how much of what we buy is about status, and how much is actually about ethics?

Dior and Armani took centre stage after a 2024 report revealed they’d been slapping “Made in Italy” labels on goods actually produced in China. Bit awkward, considering the whole luxury vibe rests on craftsmanship and authenticity. Then there’s the price tags. A Dior bag that sells for $2,800? Costs just $57 to make. We’ll let that sink in.

We also talked about the big gap between what people say they care about, like ethical sourcing and sustainability, and what they actually do when there’s a shiny logo involved. It’s easy to judge until you’re staring at a designer label in your dream colour.

It’s a chat about branding, consumer psychology, and whether luxury can ever really be ethical without losing its high-end sparkle.

About Simon and Danielle:

Simon and Danielle are both business owners, based in the East Midlands, who met through mutual business contacts and who share a love of all things business.

Simon runs Skylight Media – Award-winning experts in Website Design, E-commerce & Marketing running since 2003.

Danielle runs Goldspun Support – a multi-faceted support service for fractional directors and small business owners across the globe, running since 2009.

Since they first met Simon and Danielle have spent a ridiculous amount of time talking about the subjects that interest them – usually over a drink in the pub – and they decided that now was the time to bring these conversations to a wider audience and invite them to join the chat.

Both Simon and Danielle are successful business owners in their own rights with big plans for the future but will never lose their love of talking all things business… and the pub.