Hello, lovely, I'm Maria.

And my name is Rory, and we're the host of the IELT Speaking for Success podcast,

the podcast that aims to help improve your speaking skills, as well as your listening skills along the way.

We've started this podcast to give you gorgeous grammar and fabulous vocabulary for a high-ailed school.

Your bad ninth score.

Oh, Rory, you look tired.

Yeah, I am a little bit.

The joys of owning a small business.

Ooh, a small business.

Let's talk about small businesses.

Yes, dear listener.

Again, this topic, small businesses. We've had it

before, so it's a comeback. Like, the usual story, I'll tell people keep repeating the same

topics, so make sure you'll listen to our previous episode about small businesses, okay?

Do you know many small businesses where you live?

Yeah, the main street near my home is chock full of them, to be honest.

I think it's one of the few places where independent businesses are still alive and thriving,

at least in my time.

Do you prefer buying things in big companies or small businesses?

Well, usually it's places like supermarkets or chains,

since they have, well, a more reliable supply line or supply chain,

and they have exactly what I need.

...