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२६३ एपिसोड · en
Big Boss Interview is where the most high-profile chief executives and entrepreneurs come to give you their insights and experiences of running the world's biggest and well-known businesses. The series is presented by Sean Farrington, Felicity Hannah and Will Bain, who you'd normally hear presenting the business news on BBC Radio 4's Today programme as well as BBC 5 Live's Wake Up To Money. Each week they'll be finding out just what it takes to run a huge organisation and what the day to day challenges and opportunities are. You can get in contact with the team by emailing bigboss@bbc.co.uk
२०२६ जुन २४ · ४४ मिनेट
Britain should stop taxing workers and start taxing robots, according to the chief executive of one of the country's biggest recruitment firms, who says the UK's tax system is pointing in entirely the wrong direction at the worst possible moment. James Reed, CEO of Reed Recruitment, told the Big Boss Interview that the government is taxing employers who hire young people "to pick up beer glasses in gardens" whilst letting AI and automation — the technologies actively replacing those workers — go entirely untaxed. His mantra: "Back humans, tax robots." And he wants the next prime minister and chancellor to make it the centrepiece of a wholesale redesign of how Britain raises revenue. Reed argues this is not a fringe idea but an inevitability. "Taxation follows wealth," he said. "When you see these companies being valued at over a trillion, that's where the action is. So that's where the taxation should follow." He envisions transaction-based levies on AI services and automation — "rather like VAT" — or surcharges on businesses that replace human workers with machines. He acknowledged it would "take some designing" but said the principle is simple: the robots are generating the wealth, so the robots should be taxed. The urgency, he said, is driven by the collision of two forces. The first is the October 2024 budget, which Reed described as a "historic mistake." The £25 billion employers' National Insurance increase was, in his words, "a tax on jobs" that caused clients to cancel hiring within a week and has driven businesses towards automation and offshoring at precisely the moment AI makes both easier than ever. The second force is AI itself. Reed warned it is "burning through entry-level jobs," destroying opportunities for young people at a pace the country is not prepared for. He said Britain is behaving like "rabbits looking into the headlights" of these changes, with no collective strategy for what happens when the jobs disappear — and with them, the income tax, employees' National Insurance and employers' National Insurance that fund public services. Reed was unequivocal about the political response required. Asked whether there should be a new chancellor, he said: "Yes, absolutely. The incumbent made the decisions that caused the damage." He called the current period one of the toughest in his 30 years as chief executive, ranking alongside the financial crisis of 2008 and the early days of the pandemic — but worse in one respect. "In 2008 and 2020, there was a sense that we need to sort this out. I don't see that at the moment." The consequences are already visible in the data. Vacancy numbers on reed.co.uk have been in decline for three years. National statistics show vacancies have fallen from over a million to around 700,000 — fewer than before the pandemic. But it is the graduate jobs market that tells the starkest story. Graduate vacancies on Reed's platform have collapsed from 180,000 to 50,000 in four years, and are still falling. The hardest-hit group is 21 to 25-year-olds, many of whom emerged from university with degrees that have, in Reed's words, "no currency out there in the world." This led Reed to question the value of university itself. He said many graduates feel "mis-sold," that apprentices in their early twenties are now "way ahead" of their university-educated peers, and that the idea of half the country's young people attending university is "very outdated." Britain, he said, has been "ridiculously snobby about trades" — which he believes are the jobs of the future. He proposed a "three-lane superhighway" in which a third of school leavers go to university, a third do apprenticeships, and a third go straight into work with a short-term employer subsidy to help them get started. Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor Henry Jones Image Courtesy of Reed Recruitment 03:05 A real moment of opportunity and good opportunity for a reset. 04:18 The need for a new Chancellor 10:25 The need to change course on taxation around jobs 12:05 AI is burning through entry-level jobs 13:09 One of the toughest periods since 2008 (the financial crisis) 13:47 Back humans, tax robots 23:03 Is University still worth it? 35:40 Applicants being ghosted by employers 41:00 Spelling mistakes on CVs now positively sought after 44:01 Big tech companies need to pay more tax: "back humans, tax robots" pt 2
२०२६ जुन १६ · ४६ मिनेट
Mondelēz International, the company behind Cadbury, Oreo, Toblerone and Ritz, has warned that future European investment could bypass the UK if regulatory instability persists. Chief executive Dirk Van de Put says the UK is the company’s second-biggest market globally and contributes more than £2.3 billion to the economy each year, supporting 12,000 jobs and spending £1.3 billion with more than 1,000 UK suppliers. But he is sharply critical of food and drink being left out of the government’s industrial strategy, despite representing around a quarter of industrial turnover. He says the sector is being taken for granted and warns that repeated policy shifts have already cost Mondelēz £40 million in reformulation work that was then superseded by further changes. Asked whether future investment could go elsewhere in Europe because of government policy, he says: “Yes, of course.” Van de Put also defends Mondelēz’s decision to continue operating in Russia, despite acknowledging the company pays taxes there that contribute to the war in Ukraine. He argues that withdrawal would have put 3,000 employees out of work, left 10,000 farmers without a buyer, and likely handed confiscated plants to Kremlin-linked interests that could generate even more money for the Russian state. He says: “I’m not pleased about that,” but maintains that staying was “not the most popular decision” but “the right decision”. The conflict in Ukraine is not theoretical for Mondelēz. Van de Put reveals that the company’s office building in Ukraine was hit on the morning of the interview, and its factories have been struck and rebuilt twice at a cost of tens of millions. He also said staff were evacuated to neighbouring countries during the worst of the fighting. More broadly, he describes the past two years as the toughest of his 30-year career. Wars, inflation, oil prices, packaging costs, fertiliser markets and weak household budgets have created cascading pressure across the business. He says global consumer confidence is among the worst he has ever seen. The cocoa supply chain has also suffered its worst disruption in at least 40 years. Concentrated production in Ghana and Ivory Coast, endemic crop disease and back-to-back extreme weather events drove an 18 per cent fall in harvests and sent prices soaring. Two stronger crops have eased the immediate pressure, but Van de Put says the structural fragility remains and the sector needs long-term intervention from governments, companies and farming communities. He also pushes back against the backlash against processed food, saying: “The world cannot live without processed foods.” He argues that processing is essential to food preservation and global food security, though he accepts the industry must continue to make products healthier. On GLP-1 weight loss drugs, Van de Put says Mondelēz is not yet seeing a material impact, but expects the trend to reshape consumer habits over time. He sees the drugs as broadly positive and says the company is adapting through acquisitions in protein and health snacking, including Grenade, Clif Bar and Perfect Snacks, as well as developing products with more protein, fibre and cleaner ingredients. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Olie D’Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 0:00 Will and Leanna intro the podcast 03:01 Dirk Van de Put interview begins / His background as a vet 08:53 Forces shaping the business: wars, tariffs, climate, cocoa, regulation, GLP-1 drugs 13:25 Europe as a difficult market / Consumer confidence at historic lows16:28 Continuing operations in Russia / Moral decisions & taxes funding the war 21:51 Cocoa supply chain crisis, El Niño & prices 24:27 Consumer pricing, shrinkflation & recipe integrity 29:30 UK industrial strategy: food industry left out 33:00 Future investment in UK & HFSS regulation 36:07 Education vs. regulation on obesity & weight loss drugs 41:48 Acquisitions (Grenade, Clif Bar) & protein/fibre trends 43:50 Chocolate tasters & "tasting Neanderthal" confession
२०२६ जुन ११ · २३ मिनेट
The next great wave of demand for artificial intelligence chips could come not from chatbots, but from humanoid robots caring for ageing populations. That is the prediction of Wendell Huang, chief financial officer of TSMC, the Taiwanese company that manufactures the world’s most advanced semiconductors. As countries grapple with rapidly ageing societies, Huang sees robot carers and autonomous vehicles as major commercial frontiers beyond the current boom in AI data centres. TSMC is already struggling to keep pace with demand. Huang says the company is expanding as fast as it can across Taiwan, the United States, Japan and Germany, but new fabrication plants take two to three years to build and a further year or two to reach full production. Despite concerns about overinvestment, he rejects the idea that AI is a bubble, describing it as a “multi-year structural megatrend” backed by the financial strength of the world’s biggest cloud and technology companies. The most advanced chips will continue to be ramped up in Taiwan, Huang says, because research and manufacturing teams need to work in close proximity. Recreating Taiwan’s semiconductor ecosystem in the US will take at least five to ten years, even though TSMC’s Arizona lab has now matched the yield of its mother lab in Taiwan. Huang is also pointed about Elon Musk’s stated ambition to manufacture chips. “There’s no shortcut in semiconductor manufacturing,” he says, arguing that government subsidies alone cannot guarantee success in the foundry business. TSMC’s advantage, he suggests, rests on technology, execution and nearly four decades of customer trust. Geopolitics remain unavoidable. TSMC sits at the centre of US-China tensions over technology and Taiwan, but Huang declines to be drawn on the politics, insisting the company builds capacity according to customer demand rather than government instruction. On export controls and reports of chips reaching China through third parties, he says TSMC has robust compliance systems, while acknowledging the limits of tracing products once they leave its facilities. Presenter: Suranjana Tewari Producer: Jaltson Akkanath Chummar& Olie D'Albertanson Picture Courtesy of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, LTD 3:10 The AI chip landscape 5:21 Is the AI boom a bubble? 7:28 Humanoid robots and the future of AI demand 8:14 Will AI replace jobs? 10:25 Will cutting-edge chips stay in Taiwan? 13:27 Huawei and Chinese chip ambitions 19:08 TSMC on receiving US government subsidies 19:27 Elon Musk's chip-making ambitions 20:45 Middle East, supply chains and stockpiling 21:35 Talent challenges and cultural adjustment in Arizona
२०२६ जुन ९ · ३८ मिनेट
Debenhams was once one of the biggest names on the British high street. Founded in 1778, it collapsed into administration before being rescued in 2024 and rebuilt as a digital-only marketplace. Now, under chief executive Dan Finley, Debenhams Group is back to growth after reporting a £350 million loss in the year to February 2025. Finley argues the business is now one of the biggest turnarounds in recent UK retail history, with the Debenhams brand generating £654 million in annual revenue and a marketplace model built around 25,000 brands across fashion, home and beauty. But his biggest fight is not just with the legacy of the high street. It is with China's fast fashion giants. Shein and Temu have disrupted the UK market, and Finley says the brands in his group — Boohoo and PrettyLittleThing among them, once the original online fashion disruptors — have taken a hit. He admits they have had a tough time but says the fightback is under way, with the group dusting itself off and competing again. The challenge is compounded by the de minimis tax exemption, which allows low-value parcels to enter the UK without import duties. Finley says this gives Chinese platforms a structural cost advantage over British retailers, which pay UK taxes, employ British workers and comply with domestic safety regulation. The government has committed to closing the loophole by 2029, but Finley wants action within 12 months, pointing to the United States, which moved in six months, and the EU, which begins rolling out changes from July. There is also pressure closer to home. Frasers Group, controlled by Mike Ashley, owns close to 30 per cent of Debenhams Group and recently blocked the formal company name change from Boohoo to Debenhams Group. Finley says the business already operates as Debenhams Group in practice, trades under the stock market ticker "DEBS", and remains focused on delivering value for all shareholders. His own incentive plan is tied to a dramatic target: taking the share price from around 23p to £3, an 18-fold increase sustained over two years, creating more than £4 billion in shareholder value. Finley calls it a big challenge, but says he is determined to get there. The next stage of the turnaround is built around AI and agentic commerce. Debenhams has struck a partnership with Meta and is preparing for a future where consumers shop through platforms such as ChatGPT and Perplexity. Internally, AI is being used to scale marketing content from a single photo shoot into millions of personalised assets, while a partnership with Multiverse will deliver more than 100 AI apprenticeships for staff. Finley describes AI as a "snakes and ladders moment" for both companies and individuals. What is not coming back is the department store. Finley rules out a return to physical retail and says Debenhams' future is entirely digital. His ambition is for the brand to become "to retail what Spotify is to music": a curated marketplace where shoppers can discover thousands of brands in one place. Presenter: Will Bain Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 00:00 Will and Sean intro pod 02:00 Dan Finley on the Debenhams turnaround 13:57 Frasers/Mike Ashley standoff 17:19 18x share price target 18:26 De minimis loophole benefitting Shein/Temu. 21:15 Fast fashion fight-back & influencer growth 27:50 AI and agentic commerce push 33:13 No return to physical stores
२०२६ जुन ३ · ५८ मिनेट
Jackie Jantos, CEO of Hinge, says the cost of living is reshaping dating habits, with daytime meet-ups becoming more common and traditional drinks dates becoming less popular as younger people look for cheaper ways to meet in person. She argues that AI should help users express themselves rather than speak on their behalf, rejecting suggestions that AI is making online dating less authentic. Hinge has introduced a range of AI-powered tools, including features that help users improve profiles, start conversations and reconsider potentially offensive messages before sending them. Jantos defends these interventions, saying they encourage reflection rather than creating a filtered version of users online. Jantos says it "breaks her heart" that some young people are turning to AI chatbots for emotional support instead of confiding in friends, arguing that difficult conversations and human connection remain essential parts of building relationships. She points to research showing high levels of loneliness among Gen Z and says younger generations are spending significantly less time together in person than previous cohorts. Jantos also discusses the wider dating-app industry, arguing that Hinge is continuing to grow despite broader challenges across the sector. She attributes that growth to the company's focus on helping users to meet in person and ultimately leave the app altogether. Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Jeevan Nerwan Editor: Olivia Baron 03:18 Gen Z loneliness and isolation 07:19 Hinge’s growth compared to other dating apps 09:18 Growth in the UK and the gender balance 15:20 AI features on the app and authenticity 32:37 The younger generation's relationship with AI 36:12 Age restrictions on social media usage 39:20 Tinder and other Match Group apps 42:25 Is “Designed to be deleted” at odds with the business model? 46:20 The cost of living crisis is leading to growth in daytime dating as opposed to traditional bar dates 54:46 Her career in tech, including roles at Spotify
२०२६ मे २७ · ४८ मिनेट
David Thomas, the outgoing chief executive of Barratt Redrow, says bricklaying robots are already being deployed on commercial building sites and predicts a revolution in how homes are built over the next decade. Factory-built timber frames, off-site manufacturing and “brick-simulation” cladding are beginning to reshape the construction industry, reducing the amount of labour required on site and changing how developments are assembled. Thomas believes the biggest transformation will come beyond ten years, as automation and factory production become increasingly embedded across housebuilding. The industry has struggled with recruitment for more than two decades, with far fewer young people entering trades such as bricklaying, plumbing and electrical work than in previous generations. Drone technology and AI are also becoming more common across large developments, helping with surveying, infrastructure monitoring and site security — though Thomas sees technology augmenting workers rather than replacing them entirely. He also explores the mounting pressures facing Britain’s housing market, warning that conditions for first-time buyers are now as difficult as they have been since the Great Financial Crisis, but without the government support schemes that existed in 2009. Student debt, higher borrowing costs and rising interest rate expectations following the recent Middle East conflict are all reducing affordability and pushing the average age of home ownership higher. At the same time, the cost of building homes has surged. Thomas says construction costs have risen by around £75,000 per typical property in just five years, driven by inflation, supply chain disruption and tightening environmental regulation. The shift away from gas boilers towards air source heat pumps is adding thousands more to the cost of new homes, whilst repeated periods of 40-degree heat are forcing the industry to rethink how houses are designed for a warmer future. Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 03:40 Climate change and overheating homes 11:12 Rising build costs 18:32 Housing demand, affordability and regional challenges 21:18 First-time buyers: toughest market since the financial crisis 26:20 Supply and demand: a whole generation at risk 28:18 Interest rates, the war in Iran and market uncertainty 38:21 Skills shortages and the future of construction 40:20 Bricklaying robots, factory production and modern methods 42:57 AI, drones and technology on building sites
२०२६ मे २५ · ३० मिनेट
Lord Wolfson, Chief Executive of Next and a Conservative peer, warns Britain is facing a crisis in entry-level employment. Applicants for every shop vacancy at Next have almost doubled from 10 to 19 in just two years — a trend he describes as “indicative of just how big the crisis is in youth unemployment.” Across retail and the wider economy, he says there has been “a dramatic fall in entry-level employment opportunities” as rising National Insurance and National Living Wage costs push up the cost of hiring younger and less experienced workers. UK youth unemployment has now reached 15%. The crisis, he argues, will deepen under the Employment Rights Bill. Restrictions on flexible part-time working mean retailers risk being locked into permanent contracts when offering extra hours at Christmas or during university holidays. The result, Lord Wolfson says, will be fewer opportunities for students and reduced service for customers — consequences, he says, the government never intended. The legislation was “cobbled together very quickly”, he argues, reflecting a broader problem in British politics: governments arriving in office with slogans rather than detailed plans. “Becoming prime minister is not an achievement. Being a great prime minister, that’s an achievement.” Lord Wolfson also makes the case that Britain’s planning system is the single biggest drag on economic growth. He says an acre of agricultural land worth around £15,000 rises to £1.5 million once planning permission is granted — wealth he argues is being extracted from the economy rather than invested in better homes and infrastructure. His solution is to replace the planning system with principle-based building regulation, allowing development provided it does not damage neighbouring property values or overload local infrastructure. He also argues for pay-per-mile road pricing, warns against government industrial strategy becoming “the referee becoming the player”, and says reopening the Brexit debate would distract from the structural reforms — planning, energy and transport — that could do far more to drive economic growth. Presenter: Simon Jack Producer: Ollie Smith & Olie D'Albertanson 02:00 Entry-level jobs crisis and youth unemployment 05:30 Employment Rights Bill and seasonal work 07:00 Shareholders vs workers benefitting from profits 09:56 Brexit and closer ties with Europe 11:02 Planning reform and the cost of development land 13:15 Road pricing and transport policy 15:13 Industrial strategy and government intervention 20:44 AI and the future of jobs 25:37 Winning office vs winning government
२०२६ मे २१ · ५० मिनेट
Amazon's UK boss has called for work experience to be made mandatory for everyone aged sixteen and over, describing it as "the most transformative thing" he has seen for young people entering the workforce. John Boumphrey argues that the education system is not producing work-ready school leavers and that the blame should fall on the system rather than on young people themselves. The cost of living crisis and its effect on retail pricing is a constant theme. Just this week the govenment called on supermarkets to cap the price of some goods to help consumers. Boumphrey - who is the UK Country Manager - sets out how Amazon aims to match the lowest price among national competitors and resists the suggestion that government intervention could do a better job than competitive markets. He acknowledges the impact of National Insurance increases and global disruption, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, on business costs, while insisting these have not yet fed through to customer prices. Amazon's record as a supplier is challenged directly. The Groceries Code Adjudicator ranks Amazon worst among retailers for supplier complaints, and Boumphrey, UK country manager at Amazon, accepts the company has "a lot more to do," particularly around delayed payments in its grocery division. He points to recent changes including named contacts for every grocery supplier. A pilot drone delivery service in Darlington, the first outside the United States, is delivering products within two hours. Boumphrey suggests the service will initially suit rural and remote areas rather than city centres, and expects the timescale to shorten towards thirty-minute delivery. The conversation addresses the near-miss union recognition vote at Amazon's Coventry warehouse, where the result fell just short of the threshold. Boumphrey says he personally values the existence of unions but prefers direct engagement with employees, adding that if workers choose union recognition, the company will comply. Amazon's UK tax contribution of more than five point eight billion pounds is set out, though Boumphrey resists calls to publish a standalone corporation tax figure, citing the volatility of that number during periods of heavy investment. He also addresses illegal streaming on Fire Stick devices, confirming that sideloading has been restricted on newer products and that Amazon is working with a global anti-piracy coalition. And could Ai soon be ordering your shopping for you? Amazon is piloting a service in the United States called Buy For Me, where an AI agent can purchase products on a customer's behalf — buying items automatically when they hit a specified price, without the customer needing to place the order themselves. Boumphrey confirms there are no immediate plans to bring it to the UK but describes it as part of a broader shift in how retail is evolving. Boumphrey acknowledges the responsibility that comes with holding a customer's payment details and acting on their behalf, but stresses that the customer remains in control at every stage. Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 03:44 Cost of living & pricing 05:00 Government & price intervention 15:15 Supplier complaints & Groceries Code 21:48 AI, Alexa Plus & agentic shopping 25:53 Drone delivery in Darlington 29:40 Robots, automation & the jobs market 31:28 Mandatory work experience & skills crisis 37:08 Union recognition & Coventry vote 42:46 Tax transparency 45:48 Fire Stick piracy
२०२६ मे १४ · ४५ मिनेट
Eben Upton, founder and chief executive of Raspberry Pi, joins the Big Boss Interview to discuss artificial intelligence, British manufacturing, semiconductors and why he believes there is a growing tendency to overestimate what AI tools can currently do. AI tools are “genuinely incredible”, Upton says, and he uses them regularly himself. But he warns against assuming they remove the need for human judgment, engineering skill or technical understanding. His concern is that the current enthusiasm around AI risks creating the impression that deep technical understanding is becoming less important, when in reality the opposite may be true. Raspberry Pi itself was originally created to reverse collapsing computer science applications at Cambridge University by giving children affordable programmable computers that could encourage them to “accidentally slide into engineering”. Upton’s message to young people is simple: “do more maths”. Despite advances in AI, he argues the world will need more engineers, not fewer, and describes engineering as “the most incredible job” where “they pay you money to mess about”. He also reflects on the persistence required to build successful companies, revealing that during Raspberry Pi’s early years he repeatedly drifted towards other ideas before family members — particularly his wife and co-founder — pushed him back towards the business that would ultimately become one of Britain’s biggest technology success stories. The interview also explores the future of British manufacturing and industrial policy. Upton argues that high energy prices are now the single biggest threat to manufacturing in the UK. Raspberry Pi designs its computers in Cambridge, builds them in Bridgend, South Wales, and carries out plastics moulding in Dudley — operations that rely heavily on automated production and energy-intensive manufacturing. Britain, he warns, risks “quietly electing to move manufacturing and heavy industry out of your country” without properly accounting for the embedded carbon emissions in imported goods. The deeper issue, in his view, is political. Upton describes Britain as suffering from a “distributed failure of will” — an inability to sustain long-term decisions across successive governments. He points to decades of indecision over Heathrow’s third runway and repeated delays to nuclear power projects as examples of a country that struggles to commit to major infrastructure over time, despite possessing world-class engineering and industrial capability. The conversation also examines Raspberry Pi’s decision to list on the London Stock Exchange rather than in New York. The company floated in June 2024 at a valuation of £542 million and has since grown to more than £1.3 billion. Upton reveals he initially expected to favour a US listing, but meetings with American investors changed his mind. They argued the perceived valuation premium in New York was largely a “cohort effect” and warned that a business of Raspberry Pi’s size risked disappearing into the “noise floor” of the US market. Geopolitics also looms large over the semiconductor industry. Raspberry Pi’s chips are manufactured by TSMC in Taiwan, and Upton acknowledges the strategic risk posed by tensions around the island. However, he argues the United States cannot realistically allow access to Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturing to disappear, because advanced chipmaking now underpins not only the global economy but the AI revolution itself. Presenter: Fliss Hannah Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 02:10 What is Raspberry Pi? 03:25 The decline in computer science students 04:56 AI and overestimating these tools 06:26 Startup intensity and pacing yourself 08:08 Listing on the London Stock Exchange 09:21 Luck and serendipity in business 10:23 UK optimism and industrial strength 12:32 Energy costs and manufacturing 15:03 UK infrastructure and political will 18:59 The IPO journey and the multiples gap myth 26:14 Industrial & embedded growth 30:00 Taiwan, TSMC, and geopolitical risk 32:38 Agentic AI and the reality vs the hype 36:57 Advice for young people and the case for maths Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones
२०२६ मे ७ · ३७ मिनेट
Andy Briggs, chief executive of Standard Life, joins the Big Boss Interview to discuss the war in Iran, pension reform,and the growing risk that millions of people are not putting enough aside for later life. Briggs says pension savers should not panic about the conflict in the Middle East, arguing that most economists expect short-term volatility rather than lasting structural damage to investments. Standard Life, which looks after 12 million customers and manages more than £300 billion in assets, believes pensions should be viewed over decades. Workplace retirement saving continued through COVID, the Ukraine inflation shock and the Liz Truss mini-budget fallout, because contributions are taken from gross pay before workers see their wages. Briggs addresses concerns about a potential AI bubble, noting that much of the funding flowing into artificial intelligence is now debt-based, which could create risks if companies fail to generate sufficient cash to service that debt. The new Pension Schemes Act — the biggest overhaul of the sector in more than a decade — has his broad support, particularly the push for greater scale and investment in productive assets such as infrastructure and growth equity. UK pension savers have generated real returns of around 4% per annum over the past decade, compared with 5.2% in Canada and 5.5% in Australia. The biggest difference, he says, is exposure to private assets. He draws a clear line at mandation, however, arguing that investment decisions should remain a matter of customer choice rather than government compulsion. Briggs is emphatic that pensions policy needs long-term, cross-party consensus rather than budget-cycle speculation. He points to the damage caused by rumours ahead of Rachel Reeves's budget, when thousands of customers withdrew their tax-free cash prematurely — only for the policy to remain unchanged, leaving those savers worse off. The current auto-enrolment minimum of 8% of salary is no longer sufficient, he warns, calling for a gradual increase to 12%. Without change, 60% of people could reach retirement in the 2040s without enough for a decent standard of living. The crisis is partly hidden because today's retirees still benefit from defined benefit pensions built up earlier in their careers — a cushion that is rapidly disappearing. Briggs concedes the UK is "not sufficiently financially literate" on pensions and expresses concern for younger generations struggling to find secure work. Greater pension investment in the UK economy, he argues, could stimulate growth, improve infrastructure and create better jobs — benefiting both savers and the wider economy. Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 01:54 Andy Briggs joins the pod - discusses political upheaval. 06:00 War in Iran impact on pension savers 08:19 AI bubble concerns & tech stock exposure 09:58 Pension drawdowns around the Reeves budget 11:32 Pension Scheme Act & mandation 17:02 Returns gap vs Canada & Australia 22:20 Pension adequacy & the case for 12% 24:05 60% face inadequate retirement by the 2040s 26:35 Young people & the retirement challenge 30:50 Financial literacy admission 36:10 Personal reflections on careers & opportunity
२०२६ अप्रिल २७ · २४ मिनेट
Sarah Breeden, Deputy Governor of the Bank of England for financial stability, joins Big Boss Interview to discuss risks in the global financial system, the rapid growth of private credit, and whether markets are prepared for the next economic shock. She tells BBC Business Editor, Simon Jack the private credit market has grown to around $2.5 trillion in less than two decades, and says the BoE is watching the sector closely. She warns it has “never been tested at this scale” and that aspects of the market carry echoes of the period leading up to the 2008 financial crisis — including rising leverage, complex interconnections between funds, insurers, pension schemes and banks, and limited transparency compared to traditional lending. There are already signs of strain. Investors have begun pulling money out of some funds, while others have been gated or marked down. Breeden warns this could lead to what she describes as a “private credit crunch”, where companies reliant on this form of financing may struggle to refinance their debt. While distinct from a banking-led crisis, she says the consequences for the real economy could still be significant. At the same time, she highlights a growing disconnect between financial markets and underlying economic risks. Asset prices in some areas remain close to record highs despite geopolitical instability, persistent inflationary pressures and vulnerabilities within parts of the financial system. Breeden says the Bank expects an adjustment — meaning prices will fall — but stresses the key question is not whether this happens, but when and how sharply. A further concern is the reduced capacity of governments to respond to future crises. Sovereign debt levels are at historic highs, limiting the scope for large-scale fiscal intervention of the kind seen during the 2008 financial crisis or the energy shock following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. That places greater emphasis on ensuring the resilience of the financial system itself. Breeden says the scenario that most concerns her is a combination of risks materialising simultaneously — a macroeconomic downturn, a loss of confidence in private credit, and a sharp repricing of risky assets. It is this kind of convergence, she says, that “really keeps me awake at night”. The Bank is actively stress-testing such scenarios and working with international counterparts to ensure the system is prepared. While she notes that the banking sector is significantly better capitalised than before 2008, reducing the likelihood of a repeat of that crisis, the interview makes clear that new forms of risk are emerging in parallel — and that understanding how they interact will be critical in determining how resilient the global financial system proves to be. Presenter: Simon Jack Producer: Ollie Smith & Olie D'Albertanson Picture: Bank of England
२०२६ अप्रिल २२ · ४९ मिनेट
Pano Christou, CEO of Pret, joins Sean Farrington for this episode of Big Boss Interview to discuss fuel volatility, salads, and subscriptions. Pret is starting to see inflation from the war in the Middle East, with fuel price volatility affecting the business. Prices aren’t currently set to rise, but he says they may have to if disruption continues. Some exports into the Middle East business are taking longer, but that’s not hampering Pret’s growth ambitions in the region. He says Pret’s revised £5-a-month drinks subscription has grown by close to 25% over the past year, after the original COVID-era offer had to “evolve”. Its newer large salad range has been a “roaring success”, selling 40% more units than expected, especially in the evening, as consumers move away from bread. He says he never set out to become chief executive, having worked his way up from assistant manager after earlier roles at Pret and McDonald’s, and says career progression comes from focusing on the job in front of you. Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Jeevan Nerwan Editor: Henry Jones 00:12 Fliss and Sean set up the interview 01:58 Pano Christou joins the pod/return to the office 09:12 Pret's subscription offer 14:12 Career history - from assistant manager to CEO 31:15 Impact of the US-Israel war with Iran 38:15 Salad success/Brits moving away from bread 43:38 Weight-loss drugs 45:07 Listing
२०२६ अप्रिल ८ · ४१ मिनेट
Nathan Coe, CEO of Autotrader, joins Sean Farrington for this episode of Big Boss Interview to discuss how rising fuel prices, the rapid growth of Chinese carmakers and advances in AI are reshaping the UK car market. Coe says the recent spike in petrol prices has triggered an immediate shift towards electric vehicles, with enquiries on Autotrader up 30% month-on-month. He says higher fuel costs are pushing more buyers to reconsider the total cost of ownership, accelerating interest in EVs. He also highlights the rapid rise of Chinese manufacturers in the UK market, describing their growth as “mind-boggling”. Firms such as BYD, he says, have scaled in a year what took Tesla six to seven, helped by competitive pricing and a shift in consumer behaviour - with EV buyers showing less loyalty to traditional brands. Coe is also asked about the Competition and Markets Authority investigation into online reviews, stressing the company’s focus on acting with integrity. On AI, Coe says Autotrader is working with firms including OpenAI, Google Gemini and Meta, and argues that while investor concerns about AI have weighed on the company’s share price, it has not seen a fall in traffic and believes the technology will strengthen its offering rather than disrupt it. Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Jeevan Nerwan Editor: Henry Jones 00:12 Fliss and Sean set up interview 01:47 Nathan Coe joins the pod/Iran war impact on EV demand 09:10 Chinese car sales in the UK growing faster than expected 16:08 The UK's EV transition 18:42 CMA investigation 23:53 AI
२०२६ मार्च २९ · ४२ मिनेट
Wholesale gas prices have roughly doubled in three weeks amid instability in the Middle East, and Greg Jackson, co-founder and Chief Executive of Octopus Energy, the UK's biggest household energy supplier, says it is "very likely" that energy bills will rise from July. The energy price cap is set to fall in April due to government tax cuts on electricity, but Jackson warns that fixed tariffs and business tariffs are expected to climb in the summer quarter. He compares the situation to Groundhog Day — just three years after Russia's invasion of Ukraine triggered a fossil fuel crisis. Consumer behaviour has shifted sharply in the three weeks since the crisis began. Octopus has recorded a 50% increase in rooftop solar sales, a 30% rise in heat pump sales, a 40% jump in heat pump orders, and a 30% increase in demand for electric vehicle charging points. He says a dramatic shift is needed in the UK. China's approach to energy offers a stark contrast. Some 75% of all renewables being built globally are in China, more than half the cars sold there last year were electric, and the Chinese state oil company is planning for no petrol stations by 2040. He describes China's energy investment as "breathtaking" and sees "a lot of talk and no action" in Europe. Octopus has raised around $3 billion in investment, but Jackson reveals that roughly $2.9 billion of that came from outside the UK. He blames pension and fund management regulations introduced around 2000, which he says have caused UK pension funds to cut their allocation to UK equities from about 40% to roughly 3%. The result, he argues, is that British pensioners receive lower returns while overseas investors capture the growth of British companies. Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 00:13 Fliss and Sean set up interview 02:01 Greg Jackson joins the pod/ Iran war impact on energy. 05:07 Bills likely rising from July. 08:42 Consumer response. 50% solar surge, heat pumps. 14:40 Tesla & Musk's business entering the UK energy market. 16:07 Future of energy and cars. 19:18 Europe "torturing ourselves" over electrification.. 24:33 Overseas investment and UK consequences 27:57 Next election. Reform, Greens, and the future of energy policy 31:22 The entrepreneur. How Jackson became passionate about energy 36:45 AI and the next generation. Impact on young people's prospects 41:39 End of pod
२०२६ मार्च २५ · ३५ मिनेट
Larry Fink, is Chairman and CEO of BlackRock - the world’s largest asset manager, overseeing more than $14 trillion in investments on behalf of governments, pension funds and individual investors globally. He tells BBC Business Editor Simon Jack that oil prices could remain above $100 a barrel for years — and rise to $150 — if the Iranian conflict is not resolved, a scenario he says would trigger a “stark and steep recession”. Higher energy costs would ripple through agriculture, fertiliser, and global supply chains, acting as a regressive tax that disproportionately affects the poorest. Fink calls for “energy pragmatism”, arguing countries should use all available energy sources — from oil and gas to renewables and nuclear — to build resilience. He highlights Europe’s fragmented power systems as a structural weakness, particularly as energy demand rises with the expansion of AI infrastructure. On trade, Fink says globalisation is being recalibrated rather than reversed. Post-war trading systems that favoured certain economies are shifting towards greater symmetry, though he acknowledges tariffs are inflationary. He dismisses comparisons to the 2008 financial crisis, arguing the $2.2 trillion private credit market is transparent, with clearly defined liquidity limits. Artificial intelligence, he says, will be transformational — driving demand for massive infrastructure investment while creating large numbers of skilled blue-collar jobs. Fink argues societies have overemphasised university education and must reassess the value of skilled trades in the AI economy. Presenter: Simon Jack Producer: Olie D'Albertanson & Ollie Smith 00:15 Will Bain and Simon Jack set out who BlackRock/Larry Fink is 03:30 Larry Fink joins the podcast - discuss oil price scenarios 12:04 Globalisation and tariff impact 19:07 Are we reliving the Financial Crisis of 2008? 22:53 AI Investment: Bubble or necessity? 30:28 The case for blue-collar careers 32:58 AI, demographics, and the future of taxation
२०२६ मार्च १६ · ३६ मिनेट
Mark Neale, founder and chief executive of Mountain Warehouse - the outdoor clothing company - joins Will Bain for this episode of Big Boss Interview to discuss how conflict in the Middle East, tariff volatility and UK economic policy are affecting retailers and the wider economy. Disruption to global shipping routes is already pushing up costs for businesses importing goods from Asia. Prior to the latest US/Isarael war against Iran ,attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea had effectively closed the Suez Canal to many freight ships for nearly a year, forcing cargo to travel around the Horn of Africa instead. That detour adds roughly two weeks to delivery times and significantly increases freight costs. Neale says companies have built greater resilience into supply chains since the pandemic, but sustained disruption in from the latest conflict will eventually feed through into higher prices if the situation continues. Trade policy is creating further uncertainty due to the impact of American tariffs. Neale questions what such tariff policies are designed to achieve, arguing that no realistic trade regime is going to bring garment manufacturing back to the United States. He also says they've tried diversify away from Chinese made clothes as a result. The interview also examines the state of the UK economy. Neale argues the country has lost “the best part of a year of growth” because the government repeatedly emphasised how broken parts of the country were — from the NHS to the economy — without setting out a clear positive vision for growth. When the new administration arrived, he says, inflation and interest rates were already beginning to fall and there were early signs of recovery emerging. Neale compares the situation to a new chief executive taking over a struggling company: you acknowledge the problems, but you also need to rally the workforce with a plan. Hiring and labour regulation are another concern. Neale describes the government’s proposed Employment Rights Bill as “the let’s make it more difficult for people to get a job Bill”, warning that additional regulation may make businesses more cautious when recruiting. With around a million people in the UK currently out of work due to long-term sickness, he argues that policies which increase perceived hiring risk could make it harder for people trying to re-enter the workforce to get an opportunity. Competition for jobs is already intense. When Mountain Warehouse opened a new store in Wigan, 493 people applied for just ten roles, including more than 100 applicants for the store manager position alone. Neale says that when employers face such large applicant pools alongside stricter employment rules, they are more likely to choose the safest candidate — potentially shutting out those who most need a chance. Presenter: Will Bain Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 00:00 Sean and Will start the show 01:45 Mark Neale joins BBI 02:28 From rollerblades to Mountain Warehouse 08:17 Freight concerns & Middle East disruption 11:38 Diversifying supply chain away from China 17:44 Government stamping out green shoots of recovery & lost year of growth 25:39 Employment Rights Bill impact & unintended consequences for hiring 29:33 De minimis, ideal high street & long-term confidence
२०२६ मार्च १३ · ४० मिनेट
Marco Amitrano, European boss of PwC, joins the Big Boss Interview to discuss the UK economy, artificial intelligence, business confidence and the case for loosening the government’s fiscal rules to unlock infrastructure investment. Amitrano makes a direct appeal to Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reconsider the government’s borrowing limits, arguing that strict fiscal rules risk preventing the investment needed for long-term economic growth. He says the UK faces what has been described to him as a £2 trillion infrastructure gap, spanning transport, digital networks and the energy grid. Relaxing borrowing restrictions, he argues, could allow government to invest alongside business in the technology, talent and infrastructure needed to make the UK globally competitive. Amitrano acknowledges that markets may initially react with higher borrowing costs, but says a transparent plan showing how spending would drive growth could reassure bond investors. Artificial intelligence is already reshaping the professional services sector, with Amitrano revealing that more than 80% of chief executives globally are making material investments in AI, and around 60% now see it as critical to their organisation’s survival. He discusses how the technology is transforming how businesses operate, while pushing back against claims that AI is already replacing large numbers of graduate jobs. PwC recently reduced its graduate intake from around 1,500 to 1,300, but Amitrano says that decision was driven by a slowdown in demand following the November 2024 Budget, not automation. The firm still receives roughly 400,000 applications each year and uses AI only in the early stages of screening before human interviews. Before the recent escalation in the Middle East, Amitrano says business confidence had been showing signs of recovery. Falling finance costs, strong corporate balance sheets and wage inflation running ahead of cost inflation had created conditions for what he describes as potential economic “lift-off”. However, geopolitical tensions have reintroduced uncertainty, particularly around energy prices, where the UK remains the most expensive country in Europe for energy. He also reflects on the impact of the November 2024 Budget, which he describes as a miscalculation that combined several policies — workers’ rights reforms, minimum wage increases and higher employer National Insurance contributions — in a way that made hiring feel riskier for businesses. Amitrano says that damaged the relationship between government and business, although dialogue has begun to improve through initiatives such as Keep Britain Working, which aims to bring economically inactive people back into the labour market. Presenter: Simon Jack Producer: Ollie Smith & Olie D'Albertanson 02:32 AI transformation imperative for business survival 06:15 Graduate recruitment cut due to economic slowdown, not AI 10:07 AI in recruitment: screening 400,000 applications for 4,000 jobs 14:07 Value of university education beyond qualifications 19:37 November 2024 budget damaged business confidence 21:57 Middle East conflict derails UK economic recovery 26:32 Call for Rachel Reeves to relax fiscal rules for infrastructure 28:07 £2 trillion infrastructure gap: technology, talent and infrastructure spending needed
२०२६ मार्च १० · ३७ मिनेट
Charles Stewart, chief executive of Sotheby's, joins the Big Boss Interview and discusses the scrutiny facing the art market over money laundering, the growth of digital art and NFTs, the expansion of sports collectibles, and how the conflict in the Middle East could affect the industry. Stewart, who previously served as chief executive of a small bank before joining Sotheby’s, describes the characterisation of the industry as working with illicit money as a “misjudged notion”. He argues the company’s client base consists largely of established collectors, museum trustees and philanthropists who buy works to live with them rather than to obscure wealth. Russian buyers — often cited in discussions about opaque art transactions — represented less than 1% of Sotheby’s global business when sanctions were imposed following the invasion of Ukraine, he says, challenging assumptions about the role of Russian money in the market. Geopolitics is also shaping the art market. The Middle East has become an increasingly important region for Sotheby’s, with auctions in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi reflecting years of market development across the Gulf. Stewart says the company’s immediate priority amid escalating regional tensions is the safety of staff working there, though he notes market reaction to the latest conflict has so far been “somewhat muted”. Stewart notes that countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in cultural infrastructure as part of longer-term economic diversification strategies. Institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi — open for nearly a decade — and the forthcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi form part of plans to establish new global cultural destinations. Despite these shifts, London remains central to Sotheby’s global operations. The company’s New Bond Street headquarters reflects more than 280 years of British heritage and the city continues to function as Sotheby’s second-largest sales centre after New York. A recent London auction achieved a 100% sell-through rate with bidders from 40 countries, demonstrating sustained international participation despite post-Brexit complications around import and export logistics. The conversation also examines how technology is changing the art market. Stewart argues digital art represents a natural evolution in artistic practice rather than simply a speculative phenomenon linked to the boom and collapse of NFTs. He distinguishes between cryptocurrency speculation, the blockchain technology underlying NFTs, and the broader creative shift as artists adopt digital tools. Sports memorabilia has also become a growing category for Sotheby’s. The market now extends beyond historic trophies and medals to include game-worn shirts and collectibles authenticated through technology that can match items to specific moments in matches. Stewart attributes the expansion partly to generational wealth transfer and to younger collectors’ interest in pre-owned objects with personal and cultural significance. Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 02:12 - Middle East conflict impact 15:30 - Anti-Money laundering regulations 17:29 - Russian sanctions 19:30 - "Misguided Notion" of art world bad behaviour 23:34 - Digital Art as natural evolution 29:30 - Sports memorabilia growth
२०२६ मार्च ५ · ४३ मिनेट
Anthony Houghton, Chief Executive of Holland & Barrett, joins the Big Boss Interview as social media and online self-diagnosis reshape how consumers approach health and wellness. He describes a retail landscape where customers increasingly arrive in store — or online — having already decided what they need based on influencer content or digital health advice, not all of which is accurate or appropriate to their individual circumstances. In a £110 billion global health and wellness industry, the challenge for established retailers is navigating the gap between what customers believe products do and what they are legally permitted to claim. Holland & Barrett’s response has been a major internal reset. Three years ago, the company invested in a dedicated science team to review its entire range. Of approximately 4,500 core products, 2,700 have since been reformulated or upgraded. More than 1,000 own-brand products have been completely overhauled in the past 18 months alone. Labelling presents particular complexity. Products marketed for perimenopause, for example, may feature the term prominently on packaging to help customers find relevant items. Yet detailed ingredient information states that vitamin B6 contributes to hormonal regulation and iron supports normal cognitive function — without referencing perimenopause directly. Strict Advertising Standards Authority rules limit what retailers can claim about specific conditions, creating a disconnect between searchable labels and regulated ingredient statements. Houghton acknowledges many customers may not understand this distinction. The transformation has coincided with strong financial performance. Holland & Barrett reported 11% sales growth — its third consecutive year of double-digit increases — with digital sales up 20% overall and accounting for 21% of total revenue. However, £300 million invested over three years in store refits, supply chain upgrades and internal capability building has weighed on profit margins. Houghton describes the investment as “fixing the foundations”, with efficiency gains expected to restore profitability as the transformation programme matures. Despite digital growth, physical retail remains central to the strategy. The company operates 809 stores across the UK and Ireland, opened nine new sites this year and has completed a major refit programme. Houghton rejects suggestions that the High Street is dead, arguing that physical and digital channels are complementary rather than competitive. Stores now offer personal consultations, experiential elements such as yoga studios in selected locations, and partnerships with diagnostic provider Randox to deliver health MOT blood testing in a growing number of sites. Cost pressures remain acute. Minimum wage increases affect the majority of staff across hundreds of stores. Holland & Barrett pays above the statutory National Living Wage and plans to announce another rise shortly. Rather than passing those costs directly to customers through price increases, the strategy focuses on driving operational efficiencies elsewhere. At the same time, the company has increased investment in colleague training — requiring staff to complete health and wellness training before advising customers — even as many retailers are cutting back. Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 00:16 Will and Sean intro pod 01:40 Anthony Houghton joins BBI 02:00 The growth of H&B 03:30 Self-diagnosing via social media 05:17 Decision to invest in dedicated science team 05:56 2,700 products reformulated in last couple of years 08:42 Which? found supplement doses higher than recommended intake 12:31 Product & label concerns 18:40 Growth in magnesium, creatine and fibre. 23:40 Loyalty schemes 29:31 The High St isn't dead 34:00 Impact of National Living Wage 41:00 Retail as a career choice
२०२६ फेब्रुअरी २६ · ४५ मिनेट
Nicole Melillo Shaw, Managing Director of Volvo UK, joins Big Boss Interview at a pivotal moment for the electric vehicle market, as the company recalls 10,500 EX30 electric cars following four battery fires globally. “It’s against everything we stand for,” she says, reflecting on a situation that challenges a brand built on nearly a century of safety leadership. Despite a global failure rate of just 0.02% and no fatalities, Volvo identified the root cause in late December and immediately instructed owners not to charge beyond 70% while a fix is implemented. Repairs are scheduled to begin in late March. For Volvo, the response reflects what she describes as a precautionary, safety-first culture, even when the commercial implications are uncomfortable. Melillo Shaw examines what the recall means for consumer confidence in electric vehicles — a technology already under heightened scrutiny — even though petrol vehicles statistically present a greater inherent fire risk due to flammable fuel systems. The recall comes as electric vehicle adoption remains slower than manufacturers once anticipated, despite annual growth exceeding 20%. Volvo’s UK electric sales peaked at 28% following the EX30 launch but have since stabilised at just over 22 per cent as more than 160 additional models enter the market and buyers opt for “one more petrol” or hybrid before fully switching. Range anxiety, she argues, is no longer the central issue, but infrastructure concerns persist. Confusing government messaging — pairing incentives with discussions of pay-per-mile charges and benefit-in-kind changes — continues to add to consumer hesitation. Global instability adds further complexity. Volvo has been regionalising production, partly in response to tariff pressures, building vehicles closer to the markets in which they are sold. That turbulence elevates the UK’s importance as Volvo’s third-largest market, where a direct-to-consumer model has delivered 40% growth and lifted market share from 2.5% to 3.5%. Government Zero Emission Vehicle mandates now require manufacturers to meet steep electrification quotas or face fines of £12,000 per non-compliant vehicle from November. Volvo discontinued diesel models in the UK in 2023 and says it could sell 100% electric vehicles tomorrow if demand existed. However, meeting regulatory targets while absorbing development costs and discounting pressures presents a commercial balancing act. Finally, Melillo Shaw reflects on her own trajectory — from Scunthorpe through healthcare brands to automotive leadership. Volvo deliberately recruited her because she had never bought a car, valuing the perspective of someone who understood the anxiety of a major purchase. She argues the industry must broaden access and challenge assumptions about who belongs in automotive careers, creating clearer pathways for talent from working-class communities.
२०२६ फेब्रुअरी १८ · ५२ मिनेट
Mark Allan, CEO of FTSE 100 property giant Landsec, tells Will Bain that much of the narrative around the UK’s commercial property market isn’t quite right. Demand for office space is robust: businesses are signing 15 to 20 year leases, and firms that downsized after COVID are reversing course. Even the fear that artificial intelligence will trigger mass job losses isn’t materialising just yet in leasing behaviour. He is bullish on the future of retail. Allan believes the shopping centre is firmly “back”, with sales and rents climbing again at major destinations such as Liverpool ONE and Bluewater. Retailers, he says, have become more selective - closing weaker sites while doubling down on the biggest and strongest locations. And with no new centres being built, the most successful ones are only becoming more valuable. But Allan is blunt about the challenges facing large scale development in the UK. The affordable housing market won’t improve until private development becomes financially viable again. Rising construction costs, slow and unpredictable planning processes and persistently high interest rates are making major projects far harder to get off the ground. His sharpest criticism, though, is for Westminster. Allan argues that political instability is damaging investor confidence and making long term planning extremely difficult. Allan says the business rates system is "crazily out of date". He welcomes the government’s ambition for planning reform, but says the UK keeps being dragged back into cycles of “permanent drama” that undermine efforts to fix the system. Presenter: Will Bain Producer: Jeevan Nerwan Editor: Henry Jones 00:00 Sean and Will start pod 01:35 Mark Allan joins BBI 03:09 What does Landsec do? 04:56 Diversification into residential property 10:02 Gentrification 13:15 Investment outside of London and the South East 16:15 Affordable housing & planning 22:39 Demand for office space & AI 32:48 Shopping centres & the future of retail 39:43 Business rates 41:09: Government decision making & political instability 50:16 End of pod
२०२६ फेब्रुअरी १२ · ४५ मिनेट
Clive Chesser, chief executive of PureGym, says surviving cancer fundamentally changed him as a leader — deepening his empathy and reshaping how he approached life, including changing career.. His diagnosis came during an extraordinarily difficult period in December 2021. While leading his then pub business through a complex private equity transaction, he was experiencing persistent breathlessness and fatigue he initially attributed to long COVID. After noticing swollen lymph nodes in his neck, members of his family — several of whom are senior doctors — urged him to undergo further tests. He completed them just before finalising the business deal. Christmas brought what he describes as an unimaginable sequence of events. On Christmas Day, his father-in-law died while his wife isolated at home with COVID. Shortly afterwards, Chesser received confirmation that he had cancer in his lymph nodes. The following day, he says, he faced the hardest moment of his life: telling his three teenage children he had cancer. At the time, Chesser was marathon-fit, training regularly and running annually. That physical condition proved critical during treatment. His fitness enabled him to tolerate more aggressive radiotherapy and additional chemotherapy rounds, improving his chances of full recovery — which he ultimately achieved. The experience, he says, transformed his sense of purpose and made his subsequent appointment as PureGym’s chief executive feel profoundly aligned with his personal journey. That personal conviction underpins what he describes as a broader fitness revolution reshaping the UK gym industry. Nearly half — 47% — of PureGym’s January 2025 joiners were aged 25 or under, reflecting what Chesser sees as a generational shift in attitudes to health. Younger members, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are integrating fitness into their social identity. Gyms are becoming social hubs, not simply places to exercise, where mental wellbeing and community sit alongside physical strength. He describes a trend he calls “fitness snacking” — members moving fluidly between gyms, boutique studios and fitness events before returning to a core membership. Despite this apparent transience, average tenure stands at 19 months and is rising. Most new joiners are returning members, a notable fact given PureGym’s no-contract, month-to-month model, where members actively choose to stay. Women are driving another significant shift in the market, moving away from cardio-dominated routines towards strength and conditioning. In response, PureGym has introduced more than 50 women-only workout spaces across the UK after research showed many women prefer environments where they feel more comfortable and less exposed. These areas exist nationwide and sit alongside screened lighter-weight zones designed to reduce intimidation for first-time users. While the majority of PureGym’s 456 UK sites remain mixed-gender spaces, Chesser argues that offering choice has been critical to growth and inclusion. Chesser also delivers a critique of the Labour government’s economic performance, arguing it has failed to deliver the long-term growth strategy promised before taking office. He points to National Insurance rises and the continued burden of business rates on bricks-and-mortar operators — including gyms and pubs — while online businesses face comparatively lighter structural costs. He draws a stark comparison between government and business leadership, noting that the UK has had six Prime Ministers in ten years — instability he likens to running a football club rather than a company built on rolling five-year strategies and careful succession planning. In his view, the government remains trapped in short-term crisis management rather than long-term economic planning. Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 00:00 Fliss and Sean intro pod 01:50 Clive joins BBI 03:30 Growth on Gen Z gym users 10:20 Women only spaces and safety 16:00 Low cost model 25:20 Govt's 10 Year Health Plan 28:40 Clive's cancer journey 39:15 Frustration at govt's growth promises
२०२६ फेब्रुअरी ५ · ४० मिनेट
Timo Boldt, founder and chief executive of Gousto, believes Britain’s food system is broken. He points to the growing economic burden of diet-related disease with Government figures suggesting obesity alone costs the NHS more than £11 billion a year, while broader estimates put the total economic cost of overweight and obesity at more than £100 billion annually once lost productivity and reduced quality of life are included. Boldt argues the problem begins with what Britons eat. Research suggests more than half of the calories consumed in the UK come from ultra-processed foods, rising to around two-thirds among children and adolescents. He says these products are often engineered for what the industry calls the “bliss point” — the combination of salt, sugar and fat that keeps people coming back for more — and that the result is rising levels of obesity and diet-related illness. He defends Gousto’s typical price point of about £3.20 per meal per person, arguing that it compares favourably with supermarket shopping once household food waste, time spent planning meals and convenience are taken into account. The company cannot compete with the very lowest-cost diets, he admits, but says it is targeting the large proportion of households already spending similar amounts on evening meals. Boldt also argues that farmers sit at the weakest point in the food chain, squeezed by large manufacturers and retailers who dominate what ends up on supermarket shelves. He says the system would look very different if incentives favoured fresh produce rather than heavily processed foods. Government action so far — including the sugar tax and restrictions on junk-food advertising — is, in his view, only a start. He calls for a broader approach combining taxes on unhealthy products with subsidies for more nutritious farming, alongside tighter rules on product placement in supermarkets. If diet-related disease could be reduced, he argues, the savings for the NHS and the wider economy would be enormous. The long-term solution, he says, is to “go upstream” and change what people eat by reshaping the food system itself. Gousto grew rapidly through the 2010s, with annual growth of around 90% in its first decade. But the business faced a very different environment in 2022, as interest rates rose sharply and household budgets tightened. Boldt responded by expanding the range of recipes and focusing on value, while pushing the company towards profitability and self-funding. He started the business fifteen years ago after long hours in the finance industry left him eating poorly. In the early days he delivered boxes himself, handing out his personal mobile number to customers. Today, after expansion into Ireland, he says the next phase will be international — once the company has fully cracked its home market. Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 00:00 Fliss and Sean start pod 01:39 Timo Boldt joins BBI 02:25 Obesity caused by ultra processed food and its impact 03:50 The cost of Gousto and whether it's too expensive 11:15 Farmer not paid enough. 19:56 Discount model in the industry 23:17 Setting up Gousto and hand delivering food 27:24 Tougher times and how they were navigated 32:20 Why is Gousto only in the UK and Ireland? 39:40 End of pod
२०२६ फेब्रुअरी २ · २६ मिनेट
Brian Niccol took over at Starbucks in 2024. He became CEO at a time profits had been falling and customers going elsewhere. He says Starbucks had got too distracted on efficiency and technology and lost focus on customers and experience. Starbucks has re-introduced things like handwriting on cups and ceramic mugs in a bid to win back customers, and has also given the menu and stores a makeover. It's already seen sales improve but Brian Niccol says they still need to do more.. Technology is playing a big part in Starbucks plans to improve efficiency. It's using AI to take orders and allowing people to schedule their orders. It's also using technology to simplify the ordering process and stock. Niccol says this is allowing staff to spend more time to chat with customers. Presenter - Michelle Fleury Producers - John Mervin and Justin Bones Editor - Henry Jones 01:40 Getting customers back to Starbucks. Says had lost focus and got distracted 07:22 Using technology such as AI taking orders and scheduling orders for customers 15:30 Partnering with 2028 LA Olympics 19:16 Should investors expect a slow rebuild or will the pace pick up this year 22:20 Giving power back to the store Picture: Reuters
२०२६ जनवरी २८ · ४९ मिनेट
As CEO of financial services giant Legal & General, António Simões plays a huge role in the UK economy, not to mention in the financial wellbeing of tens of millions of people. From managing pension funds to massive infrastructure spending around the country, he oversees well over a trillion dollars’ worth of UK assets. Simões took the top job at the beginning of 2024, and he tells Will Bain how from the start he has been dedicated to maintaining a corporate culture with a healthy work-life balance. Bullish on the UK economy, Simões says the country sometimes spends too much time ‘talking itself down’ and that with its fundamental strengths the UK is one of the most stable economies in the world. But, he says, there are still big worries for young Britons’ futures. He tells Will he’s concerned about the low levels of pension enrolment around the country and says more financial education is needed for people to understand the “eighth wonder of the world”: compound interest. He also tells Will about L&G’s massive investments around the country, from digital infrastructure and energy storage to affordable homes. And he says that despite a backlash against ESG and diversity programmes in recent years, he believes those are essential to ensuring returns for investors, and the country, far into the future. Presenter: Will Bain Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 00:00 Sean Farrington and Will Bain introduce the episode 02:00 António Simões interview begins 02:21 Maintaining work-life balance and corporate culture 05:30 Britons not saving enough into their pensions and the need for more financial literacy 08:40 Addressing low pensions auto-enrollment, challenges for employees and SMEs alike 20:30 UK Growth - how to get there? 24:30 AI investments and 'bubble' fears 26:30 Government and private investments in new infrastructure around the UK 40:00 The continued value of diversity schemes and ESG amid backlash 41:30 The politicisation of the economy 42:30 Low gender and LGBT representation in the C-suite
२०२६ जनवरी २० · ४२ मिनेट
Britain's education system stands accused of failing to prepare young people for careers by Neil Clifford, Chief Executive of Kurt Geiger. He tells Will Bain in this episode of BBI that the current education system is "not really fit for purpose" in preparing people for life after education. His own school journey saw him leave with a single O-level in art, achieved by drawing a Dunlop Green Flash trainer that he now keeps displayed in his office. The spurred him on to create the Kurt Geiger Academy, a government-recognised educational institution built within the company's London HQ. Clifford questions the usefulness of teaching history in school and wonders if the emphasis on mathematics - championed by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak - is wise, seeing as "we can't out mathematics India or China". Instead he says the UK should focus on sectors where it maintains global leadership, pointing to creative industries as areas where Britain would be World Champions. Clifford describes how the company has moved from a struggling British shoe retailer into an international fashion company. The brand has undergone a dramatic shift, with American operations now generating 70% of sales from handbags rather than shoes and individual stores producing twice the profit per square foot compared to UK locations. This was a move that saved the company as he says the COVID-19 pandemic brought the company within weeks of bankruptcy, with profits collapsing from £41 million in 2019 to just £6 million. Presenter: Will Bain Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 00:00 Fliss Hannah and Will Bain introduces the episode 01:31 Neil Clifford interview begins 02:46 Kurt Geiger's transformation from shoes to handbags 05:18 ADHD and dyslexia impact 07:52 Failed attempts at handbags and US expansion 09:30 Strategy acceleration during pandemic 11:29 Trump tariffs discussion 15:34 UK vs international growth 20:03 50% higher conversion in US stores 23:21 Russell and Bromley discussion 24:05 One O-level in art 27:26 Academy origins from COVID 29:45 Education system "not fit for purpose" 35:37 UK hasn't grown in 10 years 35:54 - Brexit: "wasted 10 years"
२०२६ जनवरी १६ · ३९ मिनेट
John Vincent, founder and chief executive of Leon, joins the Big Boss Interview to explore how the rapid rise of weight-loss medications could reshape the food industry—and how Leon intends to position itself to benefit. Vincent returned to the business in October 2025, four years after selling it, having grown disillusioned as a minority shareholder. He says he lacked the board control needed to run the company how he wanted. Following its sale to the Issa Brothers and subsequent ownership by Asda, Vincent argues Leon became an “orphan child” inside a larger corporate structure, losing what he describes as its “chutzpah, leadership and confidence” and drifting away from its original sense of purpose. So, Vincent has returned, and immediately put the company into administration, but says all suppliers have been protected and will be paid in full, though admits landlords are “probably less happy”. His strategy now involves scaling the business back initially, before rebuilding to around 100–200 restaurants focused largely on London, alongside expansion through franchise partnerships at service stations, airports and train stations, and growth in grocery and direct-to-consumer channels. He also delivers a blistering critique of government policy towards hospitality, describing what he calls an “incredibly toxic tax regime”. His warning is stark: only restaurants “selling crap food” will survive, because quality ingredients are no longer economically viable, and further chain failures are inevitable. Presenter: Will Bain Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 01:40 John Vincent joins the pod 03:00 Establishing Leon in 2004 11:20 Selling Leon to Issa brothers 15:00 Repurchasing Leon and taking it into administration 19:00 "Toxic tax regime" impacting industry 23:30 Expanding to direct to consumer model 24:40 Winner and losers of going into administration 25:50 Impact of weight loss medications on industry 32:00 Vincent's love of music and impact of ADHD
२०२६ जनवरी ७ · ४९ मिनेट
Tom Beahon, co-founder and co-chief executive of premium sportswear firm Castore, joins Sean Farrington on this week’s BBI to tackle some of the most contested questions facing sport, retail and work—including a debate that many families and fans discuss: why replica football kits now cost what they do, and whether supporters are being priced out of the game. Beahon pushes back against the idea that brands are inflating prices arbitrarily, arguing that higher costs reflect inflation, rising material prices and unprecedented global investment in elite sport. He maintains that if consumers genuinely could not afford official merchandise, the market would force prices down. He also outlines how Castore is responding to affordability concerns through entry-level product ranges designed to keep official kits within reach, while defending the idea that premium pricing reflects economic reality rather than corporate opportunism. The conversation then turns to how technology could reshape fan engagement and brand loyalty. Beahon explores the potential for embedded chips in official merchandise—technology that could unlock exclusive digital access to teams and events, while also helping brands combat the growing problem of counterfeit kits. He suggests this convergence of physical products and digital experiences may become increasingly central to how sports brands connect with supporters. Beahon also describes a striking shift in consumer behaviour: the resurgence of physical retail at a time when many brands are retreating from the high street. Castore has seen bricks-and-mortar stores outperform its e-commerce channels in recent months, reversing a trend that dominated much of the past decade. Rising footfall and in-store spending have prompted significant investment in the company’s retail estate. Founded in 2016, Castore is approaching its tenth anniversary as a billion-pound business, following its acquisition of heritage brand Belstaff. Beahon reflects on the balance between legacy and agility, explaining how established brands bring credibility and depth, while Castore’s rapid ascent demonstrates the value of entrepreneurial speed and a willingness to challenge convention. Positioning itself against global giants such as Nike and Adidas, Castore sees its challenger status as an advantage. On the future of work, Beahon delivers one of the starkest warnings of the interview arguing that artificial intelligence and automation are already reshaping how businesses think about staffing, predicting that 2026 could mark a tipping point for job losses in the UK. He says that as many as 80% of the chief executives he speaks to are planning for leaner workforces. These decisions, he suggests, are being driven by rapid advances in AI alongside rising employment costs, including national insurance—raising difficult questions about how workers, businesses and policymakers adapt to a rapidly changing economy. Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 00:00 Pod start 02:04 Tom Beahon joins the pod & discusses Xmas performance 07:12 Physical stores outperforming e-commerce 08:46 Technology, AI, and the future of retail 13:43 CEOs are preparing for AI-Driven Job Losses in 2026 23:57 The Northwest as a hub for innovation 35:37 The challenger brand mindset 39:47 The cost of replica kits and counterfeits
२०२५ डिसेम्बर २२ · ४२ मिनेट
Mark Constantine, founder and chief executive of Lush, discusses the Christmas rush, family run businesses, being "woke" and his love of birdsong in an amazing interview for Big Boss. He offers a festive perspective on the realities of retail during the Christmas season and describes the intense preparations for the holiday rush as akin to “preparing for war,” highlighting the logistical challenges and the need for resilience as customers descend on shops in the final days before Christmas. He also discusses the importance of personal support in business, revealing that he works with a psychologist who helps him navigate the complexities of leadership and decision-making. He explains how regular sessions provide accountability and clarity, underscoring the value of ongoing self-development for business leaders. Mark founded Lush with his wife, Mo, and their children have all been involved in the company in various ways. He reflects on the significance of family businesses in the British economy, outlining the strengths and challenges of running a family enterprise and considering succession, longevity, and the unique dynamics that shape these organisations. Mark has followed in the footsteps of his business mentor and confidante Anita Roddick (Body Shop founder) and decided early on that you can run a business and be outspoken about the issues you care about. As well as shutting his shops in the UK for 24 hours to protest against the war in Gaza, Lush has also been vehemently opposed to animal testing from the outset, and even closed down its social media presence—despite costing the company £9 million annually in lost revenue. He explains the reasoning behind this move, citing concerns about the impact of social media on young people and the company’s commitment to ethical responsibility. He also reveals a deep personal interest in both poetry and birdsong, describing the former as a source of wisdom and a means of distilling complex thoughts into concise, memorable lines, noting its value for those in business. He is a self-confessed nerd who loves learning and maintains one of the world’s largest private collections of birdsong recordings
२०२५ डिसेम्बर १५ · ४२ मिनेट
Rupert Soames speaks to Felicity Hannah for his final interview before he stands down as Chair of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). He describes his surprise at the limited understanding many ministers and policymakers have of the realities faced by business leaders, particularly when it comes to employment, investment, and economic growth. With the Employment Rights Bills ping-ponging its way between the House of Lords and the House of Commons, Soames expresses concern over measures that have increased the cost and risk of employing people, particularly younger workers. He points to the Bill as a source of uncertainty, saying that while compromise was reached on some aspects, the overall effect may be to discourage job creation and make it harder for those with gaps in their employment history to find work, especially post-covid. Brexit and its economic consequences are explored with Soames describing the outcome as “really, really, really bad" for the UK’s economic prospects. However, he acknowledged the need to move forward and reset the UK’s relationship with the European Union, but expresses concern about the slow pace of doing so, and the persistence of unproductive patterns in UK-EU relations, calling this "Code Red". Soames does credit the Labour government with progress in areas such as global trade agreements and regulatory reform, insisting they've done better in this regard than many before, but highlights a persistent gap between rhetoric and action. The interview also covers the challenges faced by Soames when he joined the CBI in 2024, following allegations of sexual abuse that were reported April 2023 in the Guardian. He reflects on restoring the reputation of the organisation and convincing swathes of major organisation to re-join, after many quit or suspended their memberships. Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 00:00 Sean Farrington and Fliss set up interview 02:40 Rupert Soames joins pod and discusses CBI scandal 13:40 Budget impact on business 20:00 Employment Rights Bill 23:55 Is government creating climate for growth? 25:00 Civil service has grown too large 27:15 Shocking how little government understands business 29:00 Government doing better than EU and US on AI adoption 30:00 Some people were seduced by then opposition govt; It was performative 32:53 Brexit has played out really, really, really badly 38:00 What is Rupert optimistic about?
२०२५ डिसेम्बर १० · ३६ मिनेट
Dame Emma Walmsley, Chief Executive one of Britain's biggest pharmaceutical companies GSK (GlaxoSmithKline), says the company is prioritising the United States for product launches and investment, citing its scale, commercial opportunities and favourable business environment. She confirms GSK will invest four times more in the US than in the UK over the coming years, making America the company’s primary growth and innovation focus. Explaining GSK’s investment strategy, Dame Emma Walmsley points to the US market’s scale and competitiveness, boosted by recent government policy. She welcomes a new UK-US agreement removing tariffs and recognising pharmaceutical innovation, but warns of challenges for Britain’s life sciences sector. Despite the UK’s strong scientific heritage, she notes it accounts for just 2% of GSK’s sales, compared with more than half in the US. Dame Emma Walmsley stresses the UK must stay competitive to attract foreign investment, warning that other countries increasingly treat life sciences as a strategic industry. She confirms the UK will pay more for medicines under the new agreement, with NHS costs for new drugs expected to rise by 25%. While medicines make up only 9% of NHS spending—lower than in many countries—she acknowledges budget pressures and the need for careful prioritisation. Dame Emma Walmsley also reveals GSK is close to winning approval for the world’s first six-monthly asthma drug, expected to cut the most severe attacks requiring hospitalisation by more than 70%. She calls the breakthrough a major advance for patients and healthcare systems, with the potential to deliver significant cost savings and improve quality of life for millions worldwide. She also comments on the surge in obesity and weight-loss treatments, noting GSK is not a major player but admires the scientific progress. Instead, the company is focusing on high-burden diseases such as liver disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with trials under way and hopes for further breakthroughs. Finally, Dame Emma Walmsley reflects on a turbulent period when activist investors questioned her leadership and forced her to reapply for her own job, amid concerns over GSK’s share price performance versus rivals. Presenter: Simon Jack Producer: Ollie Smith/ Olie D'Albertanson 00:00 Sean Farrington and BBC Business Editor Simon Jack intro pod 03:00 Dame Emma Walmsley joins the pod 03:53 Change agenda & US market focus and investment 07:18 New asthma drug approval on the horizon 08:19 GSK’s scale and global impact 12:03 GSK to invest four times more in the US than the UK 14:54 UK to pay more for drugs after UK-US deal 16:56 GSK new asthma drug breakthrough 19:48 GSK’s approach to obesity and weight loss drugs 28:23 Women in leadership at GSK 32:47 Shareholder revolt and leadership challenges
२०२५ डिसेम्बर ४ · ४० मिनेट
James Daunt, CEO of Waterstones and Barnes & Noble, offers his take on the evolving landscape of bookselling in the United Kingdom and United States. Whilst he has a "natural and instinctive disdain" for literature generated by AI, he says that if they are clearly labelled as such he would sell them, if people wanted them. The conversation also examines the economic environment for bookshops, with Daunt commenting on Chancellor Rachel Reeves' budget and its implications for the high street. He acknowledges what he see's as the positive impact of government policy on business rates and retail sustainability, suggesting that these measures could contribute to a more vibrant and resilient high street. Daunt also covers the reading habits of young people, noting a sustained interest in books among younger generations, despite the proliferation of digital media. He says young readers continue to engage with literature, supporting the ongoing relevance of physical bookshops, but he bemoans the closure of libraries as this has stopped some younger people being able to access free books. And as a self proclaimed "professional reader" also tells us what books he's currently reading, and flags up some to be aware of in 2026; but also admits he has a terrible habit of not finishing books he's started. Presenter: Fliss Hannah Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones
२०२५ डिसेम्बर ३ · ४० मिनेट
Speculation surrounding the UK budget hurt the UK pension industry, that's according to Mark Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of St. James’s Place, the UK's biggest wealth management company. He highlights how uncertainty in government policy has led to premature pension withdrawals, with many individuals acting on speculation rather than long-term strategy. Fitzpatrick also delivers a comparison between the UK and the USA investors saying there's a marked difference in cultural attitudes towards investing. He observes that Americans are more likely to discuss and celebrate investment, viewing wealth as a sign of progress and success, while in the UK, there is a greater tendency towards risk aversion and reluctance to talk about money. This cultural divide is reflected in the proportion of adults investing in stocks, with the US showing much higher participation rates. The conversation also turns to the role of technology and the potential for an artificial intelligence bubble and its impact on the investment world. He considers whether current enthusiasm for AI could lead to overvaluation and what measures they've taken to soften the impact of any AI bubble bursting. The interview explores the impact of AI on personal finance, the importance of human relationships in financial advice, and the need for balanced perspectives as technology continues to shape the future of investing and pensions. 0:00 – Fliss and Sean welcome 2:30 – Mark Fitzpatrick joins the pod & discuss UK attitudes toward investing 10:00 – Growth of female investment 14:00 – Crypto investing & generational wealth 18:00 – Budget impact on pensions 27:00 – SJP fees issue and cultural changes 36:00 – Ai bubble Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones
२०२५ नोभेम्बर २४ · ३७ मिनेट
Vodafone’s chief executive, Margherita Della Valle, highlights the growing risks to Europe’s submarine cables, and calls for international cooperation to ensure the security and resilience of digital infrastructure. Addressing the recent threats posed by Russia, she calls for cross-border collaboration, and the implications for national and European security. Discussing the impact of the merger with Three, Della Valle examines the UK’s persistent “not spots”—areas with little or no mobile coverage—and the company’s commitment to eliminating these gaps through an £11billion pound investment. Della Valle also notes that Vodafone is set to launch a rival to Elon Musk's Starlink in 2026, providing total broadband coverage to the UK via satellite to standard mobile phones. Launching this first in the UK, she says you will even be able to get the internet at sea and in the most remote parts of the UK. The demands of artificial intelligence on telecoms infrastructure are also addressed, with Della Valle acknowledging that while progress has been made, the UK’s mobile networks are not yet fully prepared to support the scale and speed required for widespread AI adoption. The interview also addresses the reduction in the number of female chief executives in the FTSE 100, and the ongoing challenges faced by women in senior roles, with 00:00 Sean Farrington and Will Bain introduce BBI 02:04 Start of Interview with Margherita & early days at Vodafone 07:56 Impact of the UK merger with Three 09:29 Eliminating Not Spots in the UK 11:12 Satellite Technology & competition to Elon Musk's Starlink 19:00 Infrastructure for mobile use of AI is not there yet. 26 - Female FTSE CEOs 34 - the need to work closer with Europe on sea-cable/telecoms security co-operation Presenter: Will Bain Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones
२०२५ नोभेम्बर २० · ३२ मिनेट
The UK automotive sector is navigating a period of significant change, with government policy, economic pressures, and international competition shaping the landscape. Ford UK boss Lisa Brankin outlines the risks posed by reported government measures, including a “pay per mile” on EVs, one of the measures the Chancellor is supposedly looking to address. Brankin tells Sean Farrington that these changes could further suppress demand for electric vehicles at a time when the market is already fragile. She also draws attention to the role of employee car benefit schemes, explaining that any reduction in these incentives could have a substantial impact on the auto industry. Ambitious climate targets set by the government are juxtaposed with the realities of consumer demand, as Brankin describes a market where regulatory ambition outpaces public appetite for electric vehicles. She calls for a coordinated and consistent approach to policy, stressing that ongoing government support is essential for the industry to meet net zero objectives. The interview also addresses the effects of economic uncertainty and the increasing influence of Chinese car manufacturers, which present additional challenges for established brands like Ford. Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 00:00 Introduction and welcome from Fliss and Sean 02:39 Lisa Brankin joins pod discusses tough UK car industry 06:36 Electric vehicle targets and government policy impact 15:29 Chinese car manufacturers and competition 21:21 Brand loyalty and UK manufacturing footprint 26:16 Northern Ireland’s economy and opportunities
२०२५ नोभेम्बर १८ · २९ मिनेट
Sundar Pichai, chief executive of Google and Alphabet, acknowledges that no company is immune from the risks of an AI investment bubble, including Google itself, and warns that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence will lead to significant societal disruptions. Speaking to BBC Economics Editor Faisal Islam he explains that, despite the company’s scale and diversified approach, overinvestment in artificial intelligence could still require Google to navigate challenging phases, just as any other business would. This admission comes as Google’s annual AI infrastructure spending surpasses $90 billion, reflecting the extraordinary scale and pace of global investment in the sector. The interview explores the implications of this rapid growth, with Pichai highlighting the unprecedented demand for energy and the need for new sources of power to support AI development. He outlines Google’s efforts to invest in renewables, nuclear, and geothermal energy, and describes the company’s commitment to achieving 95% carbon-free operations in the UK by 2026. Pichai notes that the speed of AI expansion is testing the limits of existing sustainability targets, but maintains that technological progress can support both economic and environmental objectives. He also addresses the evolution of copyright frameworks, and the responsibilities of technology companies. He discusses the UK’s ambition to become an AI superpower, the importance of scaling energy infrastructure, and the need for responsible development to ensure that the benefits of AI are widely shared. 00:20 Felicity and Faisal set out interview 02:00 Sundar Pichai joins the interview 03:30 Google now spending 90 billion dollars annually on AI 04:05 Is AI a Bubble? 05:51 Google’s AI strategy 07:03 The power and potential of AI agents 08:34 Automation, jobs, and societal Impact 11:07 Advice for the next generation 11:50 AI accuracy, and truth 14:22 Energy demands & climate impact 16:48 Google’s UK investments 18:25 Copyright issues 22:26 Immigration, talent, and innovation 23:12 AI as Open Source 25:31 Quantum computing & future technologies
२०२५ नोभेम्बर १३ · ४० मिनेट
Centrica CEO Chris O’Shea provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the UK energy sector. He begins by addressing the recent collapse of Tomato Energy, emphasising that when energy suppliers fail, the costs are ultimately borne by consumers. He calls for stronger regulation and greater financial resilience among energy companies, criticising Ofgem for a lack of transparency. He argues that the current system allows "profits to be privatised while losses are socialised". O’Shea discusses the government’s net zero by 2030 target, describing it as “unbelievably ambitious” but necessary to drive progress in the industry. He stresses the importance of a balanced and paced transition, warning that moving too quickly could leave communities behind, as happened with the closure of coal mines in Fife. The interview explores the decline of the North Sea oil industry and its impact on Aberdeen, with O’Shea noting that the full effects on jobs have yet to be felt. He highlights Centrica’s commitment to job creation and apprenticeships, aiming to take on one apprentice every day for the next decade. Drawing on his own experience of job insecurity as a graduate, he underscores the need for careful planning and investment in skills to ensure a just transition. He also addresses the challenges of the energy transition, acknowledging that it will be neither cheap nor easy, but insisting that it is essential for the country’s future. Presenter :Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones Timecodes: 02:54 Collapse of Tomato Energy 05:52 Regulation and financial resilience in the energy sector 12:05 Centrica’s investment strategy and shareholder returns 14:07 Profits in energy retail vs. other business segments 21:15 Net Zero 2030 aspirations 24:36 Government policy on renewables, net zero, and North Sea licenses 29:39 The impact of the North Sea’s decline on Aberdeen and job creation 34:00 Graduate programs and youth employment 37:19 Redundancies and management cuts
२०२५ नोभेम्बर ७ · ३७ मिनेट
Julian Dunkerton co-founded Superdry and took it to a £2billion market cap at its height in 2010 - within years the company was fighting for survival, and in 2018 he walked away. A decision he says he regrets. But with Superdry now valued at just £8million and looking like it might fail, he returned just one year later and wrestled back control of the company he set up, and began turning it around. After a restructuring, renegotiating rent, and now a rebrand, Superdry has just turned a profit once again. This is the story of that turn around. In it he calls for town centre regeneration and a High Street Renaissance, warning that current policies and Brexit have left British retailers at a disadvantage. He highlights the economic impact of leaving the EU, citing lost free trade and increased costs, and argues that the UK has “gone backwards” since Brexit. In fact he believes a free trade relationship with the EU is possible, and also imperative. Dunkerton also challenges the narrative that young people only shop online, stating that teenagers value physical retail and social experiences, and credits this demographic with driving Superdry’s renewed success on the high street. 00:00 Sean Farrington and Will Bain introduce the podcast 02:30 Julian Dunkerton joins the podcast, discusses the rise of Superdry 05:25 Stepping aside as Chief Executive & company changes 06:35 Return to profitability 08:44 The turnaround and rebrand of Superdry 10:56 What makes a good shopping experience 13:20 Branding & product quality 14:42 Policy, Brexit & business challenges 20:35 High street policy ideas & town centres 27:24 Tax, globalisation & retail trends 32:13 The future of Superdry & personal projects Presenter: Will Bain Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones
२०२५ नोभेम्बर ३ · ३८ मिनेट
Tim Richards is the CEO and Founder of Vue International—one of Europe’s largest cinema groups. He joins Will Bain for the Big Boss Interview to share his remarkable journey from mergers and acquisitions (M&A) lawyer to major Hollywood player, all sparked by a chance ad in the Financial Times. The anonymous job listing turned out to be for a role at Paramount and Universal, leading to first-class travel on Concorde and a front-row seat in the film industry. Despite the glitz and glamour, Tim recounts a moment of reckoning when he realised his division was in trouble. That prompted him to seek a new venture—and Vue was born. Raising capital and acquiring the Warner Brothers circuit became, pardon the pun, paramount to Vue’s success. In a scene straight out of a Hollywood film, Tim describes a rival cinema boss who, over lunch, threatened to build across the street from every Vue location in a bid to run them out of town. Tim reflects on how the industry has evolved over his four decades in it, including the catastrophic impact of COVID-19, which forced all Vue cinemas worldwide to close for two years. He describes the experience as an “emotional rollercoaster,” admitting to moments of real struggle. The conversation shifts to the rise of streaming and the so-called “content wars.” Tim doesn’t see Netflix and Disney+ as direct competitors. Instead, he views other out-of-home entertainment—like theme parks and football matches—as the real rivals. He’s confident there’s room for both streaming and theatrical releases and is optimistic about the future, especially with a new wave of films and innovations on the horizon. He also addresses the challenge of attracting younger audiences and keeping cinema affordable, while criticising government policies that raise costs for the leisure sector—arguing they often hurt the very people they aim to help. Despite the hardships the industry has faced, Tim believes 2026 could break all box office records. His story has all the trappings of blockbuster movie, but it's unlikely to be streamed first. 00:18 Sean Farrington and Will Bain set out who Tim Richards is and give overview of topics 01:42 Tim Richards joins the interview 02:55 Tim's early career as a lawyer and move into entertainment 04:01 Working at Paramount and Universal; global cinema industry in the 80s/90s 06:05 Tim's transition from studio executive to entrepreneur 09:38 Identifying a gap in the cinema market 11:28 The pivotal Warner Brothers Circuit acquisition 12:48 Innovations in cinema experience: stadium seating and customer focus 14:00 The impact of the pandemic and streaming on the cinema industry 16:21 Theatrical vs. streaming releases; industry changes post-pandemic 19:45 The ongoing role of made-for-TV movies and studio strategies 22:05 The emotional toll of the pandemic and business survival 23:55 Innovations in customer experience: frictionless cinema visits 26:30 Record-breaking attendance across genres and demographics 27:30 The challenge of attracting younger audiences 28:30 Cinema pricing, accessibility, and dynamic pricing strategies 29:45 Navigating rising costs and government policy impacts 30:45 The future of cinema: upcoming films and industry optimism 32:00 Supporting British and independent films; new ventures 36:00 Closing remarks and outro Presenter: Will Bain Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones
२०२५ अक्टोबर ३० · ३६ मिनेट
Jo Whitfield, in her first chat since becoming Chair of the British Retail Consortium, tells Sean Farrington how she ended up at the organisation after a career spanning some of the High Street's biggest businesses. She shares why it’s such an important time for retail, and talks about how the sector’s changing—thanks to online shopping, social media, and shifting customer habits—and how retailers are adapting. Jo dives into the pressures businesses face, especially around business rates and taxes, and calls for a fairer system that doesn’t penalize physical stores. There’s also a look at how supermarkets, independents, and online influencers all play a role in today’s retail ecosystem. Jo reflects on being the BRC’s first female chair and why diversity in leadership—across gender, ethnicity, and background—matters for the future of retail. She also touches on tech, AI, and how retail offers flexibility and opportunity, especially for women, whilst on safety, she highlights rising retail crime, the risks to staff and delivery drivers, and what the industry and government are doing about it. Cybersecurity is another hot topic, with Jo stressing the need for constant vigilance and investment. 01:26 Jo Whitfield’s career and appointment as Chair of the British Retail Consortium 03:51 Transformation and challenges in the retail sector 07:40 Impact of business rates, taxation, and the upcoming budget on retailers 14:31 Role of large supermarkets, independent retailers, and online influencers 19:58 Inclusion and diversity in retail leadership 23:41 Women’s careers, technology, and AI in retail 25:23 Retail crime, safety for workers and delivery drivers 32:33 Threats of cyber crime and security in retail (Picture: Getty) Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Angus Tiffin Editor: Henry Jones
२०२५ अक्टोबर २९ · २६ मिनेट
Glenn Fogel, CEO and President of the world's largest online travel platform, Booking.com joins Will Bain to discuss whether the USA is witnessing a downturn in foreign visits due to the policies of the Trump administration. He also outlines his thoughts on issues that affect many Brits on their summer holidays: over-tourism. You’ll also hear how his company is positioning itself in legal disputes over some property listings, and why the rapid rise of AI could reshape the way we plan and experience our trips. Plus find out why Will got offended! Presenter: Will Bain Editor: Henry Jones 00:00 Intro from Fliss and Will 02:00 Tourists to USA down 05:00 Over-tourism 13:30 Legal cases against Booking.com 17:30 Use of AI (Picture: Getty)
२०२५ अक्टोबर २१ · ३८ मिनेट
Fiona Eastwood, CEO of Merlin Entertainments tells Sean Farrington what it is like running one of the world’s leading entertainment companies. Merlin runs over a hundred theme parks and attractions around the world from Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures, to Sea Life and Madame Tussauds. She explains how the main competition to her business is the amount of screen-time kids have, and how that influences the partnerships that they make with the likes of Lego, Peppa Pig, Bluey and now, most recently, Minecraft. But the industry has been struggling - from covid lockdowns to the cost of living crisis, in fact Merlin's credit rating was recently even downgraded; Fiona addresses this and calls for a reduction in VAT on the Tourism and Leisure industry and says that there is too much red tape when it comes to planning reforms. And despite being the Big Boss, find out which ride Fiona can't stomach. 00:00 Fliss and Sean Intro 02:15 Interview starts 03:54 Our competition is the home and screen time 04:50 Trends of customer spending 09:35 The growth and importance of Halloween 12:45 Credit rating downgrade of Merlin Entertainments 15:55 Impact of a late Autumn Budget 17:00 We need a VAT cut in Leisure and Tourism sector 20:35 How Merlin develop partnerships with Peppa Pig and now Minecraft 27:00 The role of Madame Tussauds for the business 30:20 Merlin operating in China for 25 years 31:45 How does Chief Operating Officer differ from Chief Exec Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones (Picture credit: Getty)
२०२५ अक्टोबर १७ · ३९ मिनेट
Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, has issued a direct appeal to the Chancellor ahead of the autumn budget, urging immediate tax relief for Britain’s pubs. He told Felicity Hannah in this week's Big Boss Interview that unlike the last Budget, he hopes there are no surprises this time aound. The hospitality sector has absorbed over £300 million in additional costs since 2019—driven by rising energy, food, labour and tax burdens—and he says without action on business rates and alcohol duty, investment, jobs and vital community spaces are at risk. Mackenzie, who chairs the British Beer and Pub Association, says the government must honour its manifesto pledge to reform business rates and stop blindsiding the industry with surprise tax hikes. Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones 00:00 Sean and Felicity introduction 02:00 Intro Nick Mackenzie & why the pub is important 06:35 The evolution of the pub 10:45 The issues affecting the industry 14:57 How did the last budget impact your business 18:18 Govt need to stick to manifesto 23:40 Should opening hours be increased? 26:20 Impact of Covid and latest trends 31:45 Greene King and slavery apology 36:00 Reasons for optimism
२०२५ अक्टोबर ९ · ३८ मिनेट
Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan, is the biggest name in global banking. He has a hotline to world leaders, and what he says matters. In a wide-ranging Big Boss Interview with BBC Business Editor Simon Jack, he shares his concerns about a frothy market fuelled by money boarding the AI hype train. He also admits that the USA has become a less reliable partner due to President Trump’s use of tariffs, but says NATO is a stronger force thanks to the current administration. However, he warns that the war in Ukraine has changed the world. Timecodes: 00:00 Simon Jack on Jamie Dimon 03:55 Interview starts 05:30 Why invest in the UK 08:45 Frothy markets and AI 15:00 USA less reliable partner 21:00 Ukraine war changed the world 25:58 Tariffs and inflation 30:00 President Dimon?
२०२५ अक्टोबर १ · ३१ मिनेट
If you want to sell vapes you should be forced to have a licence - that's according to Asli Ertonguc - the UK and Ireland Managing Director of British American Tobacco, or B.A.T as it's called. They're one of the world's largest tobacco manufacturers and sell the likes of Lucky Strike cigarettes, or Dunhill, and Rothmans. Asli says this approach will have a far bigger impact on reducing smoking than the Tobacco and Vaping Bill which is currently weaving its way through parliament. The Bill aims to make it so that anyone born after 2009 cannot legally buy cigarettes. 00:00 Intro from Will and Felicity 03:24 Start of interview with Alsi Ertonguc 07:02 Disposable vapes 13:05 More regulation needed 19:35 Tobacco and Vaping Bill 29:00 Will and Felicity outro.
२०२५ सेप्टेम्बर २४ · ३७ मिनेट
AO Chief Executive and Founder, John Roberts is celebrating 25 years at the helm of of one of the UK's biggest electrical retailers - he speaks to Sean Farrington in the first episode of Big Boss Interview. John says he believes the UK is entering a recession and calls on the Government to do more to allow businesses like his aid growth. Instead he feels the Employment Right Bill - which is currently making its way through Parliament - will make business leaders think twice about recruiting. He also outlines why competition from Chinese firms or Amazon is good for business. Meanwhile, with the budget on the horizon, John warns of the dangers of stealing Murray Mints from pensioners and outlines his lack of sympathy for supermarket chains. Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 02:20 Start of interview with John Roberts 06:40 The current economic climate 10:00 Impact of the Employment Rights Bill on businesses 15:00 How hard it is to be competitive today and the impact of Chinese business 19:30 Competing with Amazon 22:30 Relationship with Mike Ashley 26:50 Prospects for school leavers today 30:00 Increases to the state pension 32:00 Raising taxes on the wealthy 36:00 Sean and Will discuss the interview
२०२५ सेप्टेम्बर १८ · १ मिनेट
A new business podcast speaking to the UK's most successful CEOs and entrepreneurs.
२०२५ सेप्टेम्बर १३ · ४९ मिनेट
For the very final time, Business Matters on the BBC World Service, Rahul Tandon is joined by many of our regular guests, from India, Pakistan, Singapore, Canada and the United States. They discuss some of the biggest themes we covered, including, the COVID-19 pandemic, a cost of living crisis driven by a pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Donald Trump becoming the President of the United States. Production team: Rahul Tandon, Ahmed Adan and Stephen Ryan (Photo: A medical worker in full COVID-19 personal protective equipment in Shanghai, May 2022. Taken during lockdown in China. Credit: Edward Lawrence/BBC)
२०२५ सेप्टेम्बर १२ · ४९ मिनेट
Brazil's former president, Jair Bolsonaro, has been sentenced to more than twenty-seven years in prison after the Supreme Court found him guilty of attempting a coup when he lost the 2022 election. More than 300 South Koreans who were arrested in the raid in the Hyundai plant in Georgia have now been released from detention and flown to their country. And how can this affect the economic relations between both countries? London's underground rail system – the Tube – has been closed for five days by a strike over pay and conditions for train drivers, and this has been very stressful for commuters, but more than that, it has been very damaging for businesses. And Roger Hearing hears about the use of artificial intelligence to write speeches for politics and business and how you can detect if it's written by AI or a human. Throughout the program, Roger will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world – Nga Pham, a journalist and filmmaker based in Taipei, although she will be joining us today from Hanoi in Vietnam - and Stephanie Hare, a researcher on technology and ethics in London.
२०२५ अगस्ट ३० · ५२ मिनेट
They’ve been a key pillar of President Trump’s second term, but now a US appeals court has ruled that most of his sweeping trade tariffs are illegal. Trump says their removal would be a ‘disaster,’ but the final decision will rest with the Supreme Court. So what next for Trump’s signature policy? Our correspondent in the US explains more. Meanwhile, as Fed governor Lisa Cook fights to block President Trump firing her, a legal hearing on the matter ended without a ruling. But with ongoing tensions and concerns over the bank’s independence, who would want the next Fed chair job when the role becomes vacant next year? We hear from a former regional Fed president who says he’s up for the job. And what are your thoughts on’ blue sky thinking’, ‘circling back’ and’ diarising some thoughtification’? Love it or loathe it, workplace jargon is commonplace in many companies. We speak to authors James Schloefell and Charles Firth about their new book on the subject of workplace speak.
२०२५ अगस्ट २७ · ४९ मिनेट
Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook will file a lawsuit challenging her removal by President Donald Trump, marking a major escalation in the president's battle with the US central bank. So does President Trump have the power to fire the governor? Roger Hearing hears from a legal expert and former Cleveland Federal reserve President, to Loretta Mester. And in just a few hours’ time, unless there's a last-minute change of heart, Indians will be dealing with 50% tariffs on most exports to the United States. It's punishment for New Delhi's purchases of Russian oil, which Washington argues helps finance Moscow's war in Ukraine. Roger will be joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite sides of the world - Andy Xie, an independent economist normally in Shanghai but currently in Kamamoto, Japan on holiday - and Takara Small, National Technology Columnist, CBC, in Toronto.
२०२५ अगस्ट २६ · ४९ मिनेट
US President, Donald Trump welcomes the South Korean leader to the White House to discuss trade. He believes a deal can be done. The South African government has warned young women against taking up unverified foreign job offers promoted on social media campaigns. And make a big noise – why movie theatre audiences now seem to love singalong shows. So, we will look at why singalong movie showings are taking off in cinemas. Roger Hearing will be joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite sides of the world - Sushma Ramachandran, consulting editor at The Secretariat - who's in Delhi, and Rema Rahman, White House & Legal Affairs Editor at The Hill, and Adjunct Professor at American University, in Washington.
२०२५ अगस्ट १४ · ४९ मिनेट
Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva says more than $5 billion in credit will go to companies which face 50 per cent tariffs to export goods to the US. The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, says a controversial deal that the White House struck with chipmakers Nvidia and AMD, handing over 15% of their Chinese sales in return for export licences, could be rolled out to other industries. Startup companies in the US have started a no-shoes-in-the-office policy, meaning that you take your shoes off when you come into the office and wear optional slippers. Throughout the programme, Leanna Byrne will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world – Diane Brady, Executive Editorial Director at Fortune magazine in New York, and Han-Shen Lin, China Country Director, The Asia Group, in Shanghai.
२०२५ अगस्ट १३ · ४९ मिनेट
US inflation held steady in July despite import tariffs, bolstering bets that the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates next month. After the partial dollarisation of the economy in Cuba, the country’s peso is trading at an all-time low of 400 to 1 dollar on the informal market. And horror films are at a record high in shares of the US box office. Weapons took $42.5m in its opening weekend in US movie theatres, and Sinners has become the highest-grossing original movie of the 2020s. Throughout the programme, Roger Hearing will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world – Andy Uhler is an Energy Journalism Fellow at the University of Texas, US, and Zyma Islam is a journalist for The Daily Star in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
२०२५ अगस्ट १२ · ४९ मिनेट
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order extending tariffs on China for another 90 days. Chip giants Nvidia and AMD have agreed to pay the US government 15% of Chinese revenues as part of an "unprecedented" deal to secure export licences to China. And remember that distinctive sound of dialling in via the internet in the early days of connecting? Well. It’s days are numbered….Yahoo has announced that it will discontinue AOL Dial-up Internet on September 30th. Throughout the programme, Rahul Tandon will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world - Jennifer Pak who is China Correspondent for American Public Media, based in Shanghai; and Allie Garfinkle, Senior finance reporter at Fortune who's in the US.
२०२५ जुलाई २६ · ४९ मिनेट
It's been a busy few weeks on Wall Street's financial market, as stock valuations are close to record levels. The S&P 500 index has hit a string of all-time peaks this month, while US corporate borrowing costs are nearing their lowest level in decades, and Nvidia became the first company worth $4 trillion. The United States Treasury has lifted sanctions on several individuals and companies accused of supplying arms to Myanmar's military regime, leading to an outcry by human rights groups. And with Donald Trump doing diplomacy on the golf course in Scotland—is doing business on the green a good thing? Throughout the program, Roger Hearing will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world—Gaby Castro-Fontoura, Director, Sunny Sky Solutions, who's in Punta Del Este, Uruguay, and Michael Janda, Business Editor, ABC News Australia, in Sydney.
२०२५ जुलाई २५ · ४९ मिनेट
President Donald Trump claims further renovation budget overruns, adding pressure on US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to lower interest rates. Roger Hearing hears a reaction from Loretta Mester, the former Cleveland Fed President. World’s largest fan convention, Comicon 2025 is kicking off in San Diego, which brings over $180 million into the city. And as women’s football has been dominating the sporting agenda this week, both in Africa and Europe, we look at where women’s teams must compete for investment and coverage with the men. Throughout the program, Roger will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world—Alexander Kaufman, award-winning reporter and the author of the newsletter Field Notes on Substack, who's in New York, and Mehmal Sarfraz, journalist and analyst, normally based in Lahore but currently in California.
२०२५ जुलाई १० · ४९ मिनेट
The US president, Donald Trump, has made public the tariffs he intends to slap on imports from another group of countries, including Brazil, from the start of August. The chipmaker Nvidia has become the first company in the world to reach a market value of $4tn on Wednesday. David Harper hears from experts. And Donald Trump has said the United States is shifting from aid to trade in its relationship with Africa as he welcomed five presidents from the continent to the White House. Throughout the programme, David will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world – Zyma Islam, Senior Reporter at the Daily Star in Dhaka in Bangladesh, and Silicon Valley journalist and author Mike Malone in California in the USA.
२०२५ जुलाई ९ · ४९ मिनेट
US President Donald Trump has threatened a 50% tariff on copper imports. Sam Fenwick hears how critical the metal is in electric vehicles, military hardware, semiconductors and a wide range of consumer technology. Mass federal job cuts can proceed for now after an update from the US Supreme Court. Plus how WeightWatchers, the weight management business, has emerged from a major debt restructuring. Sam Fenwick will be joined by Jessica Khine, a business development consultant based in Malaysia, and Rema Rahman, White House and Legal Affairs editor at The Hill, in Washington.
२०२५ जुलाई ८ · ४९ मिनेट
Japan and South Korea face 25% US tariffs in August. Donald Trump also sent tariff letters to twelve other countries on Monday with details of the tariffs of up to 40% that they could face. We hear from the US Consumer Technology Association on what tariffs could mean for stores across America. Also, as the trading day starts in Tokyo and with elections on the horizon, we ask how Japan's government will interpret President Trump's latest tariff threat. And how street art is encouraging thousands of tourists back to a once-deserted village in southern Italy. Throughout the programme, Sam will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Peter Landers, Wall Street Journal Asia Business and Finance Editor in Beijing, and Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist at the Conference Board in new York.
२०२५ जुलाई २ · ४९ मिनेट
After hours of stalemate, Republicans in the US Senate have narrowly passed Donald Trump’s mega-bill on tax and spending, meaning the proposed legislation has cleared one of its key hurdles. Also, US President Donald Trump has suggested that Doge, the cost-cutting agency Elon Musk helped set up, could be used to hurt the billionaire's companies – as the former allies continue their public dispute over Trump's budget plans. And it's 25 years since one of the world's first and longest transnational bridges was opened in northern Europe – the Öresund Bridge – but it is facing new challenges. Throughout the programme, Roger Hearing will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world – Mehmal Sarfraz, the Pakistani journalist and analyst who's in Sunnyvale, California, but usually based in Lahore; and Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer at the financial technology company Circle in Washington.
२०२५ जुलाई १ · ४९ मिनेट
Global supply chains are in trouble, driven by crises due to tariffs, geopolitical shocks and Middle East instability, according to the latest survey carried out by CIPS Pulse of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. Roger Hearing hears from Ben Farrell, CIPS CEO. Also, Italian luxury fashion brand Prada has said it acknowledges the Indian roots of its new footwear line, days after the design sparked a controversy in India. Why is it that cassava, a major food source across the world, doesn't make more money for one of the biggest producers – Nigeria? And President Donald Trump blamed AT&T for technical issues in a conference call he has been holding with American faith leaders. Throughout the programme, Roger Hearing will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world – Peter Morici, economist and professor of business at the University of Maryland, who's in Alexandria, Virginia - and Jennifer Pak, China correspondent at Marketplace, usually based in Shanghai but today she's in Canada.
२०२५ जुन २१ · ४९ मिनेट
Global markets, including the US, have been quietly calm, although there have been warning signs of looming risks and uncertainty after Donald Trump’s “liberation day” tariffs announcement. What’s behind such market “silence”? Roger Hearing hears from Gillian Tett, the chair of the Editorial Board of the Financial Times and the Provost of Kings College Cambridge, who has been writing about this. And how are businesses navigating global sourcing and supply chain risks and disruptions? A Global Sourcing Risk Index, produced by Proxima and Oxford Economics, shows how much business leaders still need to do. Also, a group of economists, backed by the Vatican, are calling for a reshaping of the international financial system to help developing countries that are heavily in debt and struggling to finance important social issues in their countries like healthcare and education. Throughout the programme, Roger Hearing will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Tony Nash, CEO and founder of Complete Intelligence, an AI-based financial forecasting firm in Houston; and Nga Pham, a journalist based in Taiwan.
२०२५ जुन २० · ४९ मिनेट
A war with Iran has been harming Israel, not just in the physical effect of missile strikes but also the impact of the conflict and instability on Israel's economy. Roger Hearing hears about how the country’s economy is coping with this. Greenland's minister for business and mineral resources, Naaja Nathanielsen, tells us how she deals with threats of an invasion by US President Donald Trump. And Thailand, a country that has long kept a tight lid on gambling, could be about to change as the government is looking at legalising casinos to boost tourism. Throughout the program , Roger Hearing will be joined by Anneke Green, a Republican political strategist at Reach Global Strategies and former political speechwriter in Washington; and Sushma Ramachandran, an independent journalist and columnist with the Tribune newspaper in Delhi.
२०२५ जुन ५ · ४९ मिनेट
The new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump on Thursday to discuss tariffs and the war in Ukraine. A report by the US Congressional Budget Office in Washington found Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s tax bill adds $2.4 trillion to US debt. Also, Rahul Tandon looks at the impact that hackers are having on some of the world's best-known retailers and other brands – North Face, Cartier and Victoria Secret are the latest companies being targeted. Throughout the programme, Rahul Tandon will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Karen Percy, a senior freelance reporter in Melbourne, Australia, and Walter Todd, President & Chief Investment Officer, Greenwood Capital, based in South Carolina, US.
२०२५ जुन ४ · ४९ मिनेट
The global steel industry prepares for impact as Donald Trump signs an order for a 50% tariff on steel and aluminium. He announced the move last week in front of a crowd of steel workers in Pennsylvania. In South Korea, the liberal candidate, Lee Jae-myung, has been confirmed as the clear winner of the presidential election. The tech billionaire, Elon Musk, has stepped up his criticism of Donald Trump's planned tax and spending bill, calling it a "disgusting abomination". A White House spokeswoman said the president would not change his position on what he calls the "big beautiful bill". Throughout the programme, Rahul Tandon will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Andy Xie, an independent economist in Shanghai, China, and Anneke Green, Republican Political Strategist at Reach Global Strategies in Washington, US.
२०२५ जुन ३ · ४९ मिनेट
It's election day in South Korea, where voters are choosing the country's next president after months of unprecedented political turmoil affecting the country’s economy. For South Koreans, today's vote offers an opportunity to restore stability and forge ahead. US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold a phone call to discuss tariffs and trade issues, according to the White House. In Canada, the Prime Minister is meeting with regional leaders to remove interprovincial trade barriers and making it easier for Canadians to trade with each other. Also, the Microsoft founder Bill Gates says improving the health and education of people in Africa will be the priority when he gives away most of his two hundred billion dollar fortune over the next twenty years, the majority of which will go to Africa. Throughout the programme, Rahul Tandon will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Peter Morici, economist and professor of business, who is in Alexandria, Virginia; and Sushma Ramachandran, independent journalist and columnist with the Tribune newspaper in Delhi.
२०२५ मे २९ · ४९ मिनेट
Nvidia, a huge success in the tech world, reported its latest quarterly earnings. The chipmaker, vying with Apple for the position of the world's richest company, beat expectations despite export controls. Elon Musk, , the billionaire and co-founder and CEO of Tesla, has criticised one of the signature policies of President Donald Trump, marking a break from the US president who he helped to win re-election in 2024. And the meat of brown bears, a protected species in the EU, could soon be available to eat in Slovakia after the populist government approved plans for sale. Roger hears from a food tour guide who tested the meat before. Throughout the programme, we will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Michael Malone, a veteran Silicon Valley journalist and host of the Silicon Insider podcast in the US, and Zyma Islam, senior reporter for The Daily Star in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
२०२५ मे २८ · ४९ मिनेट
The US President, Donald Trump's administration, has ordered its embassies abroad to pause new applications for student and exchange visitor visas as it prepares to expand social media vetting of foreign students. We hear from former US Education Secretary Arne Duncan – who was in office during Obama’s presidency. Japanese-owned steelmaker Nippon Steel is expected to close its “partnership” with U.S. Steel at $55 per share, as the US media have reported. On Friday, last week, President Donald Trump said that he has cleared the deal. And Rahul Tandon hears how one woman’s quest to buy only US-made goods has been surprisingly difficult. Throughout the programme, we will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist, The Conference Board in the US, and Simon Littlewood, President of ACG Global or a business consultant based in Singapore.
२०२५ मे २७ · ५१ मिनेट
The United States President, Donald Trump, has agreed to drop his threat to impose 50% tariffs on European Union imports and extend a deadline to negotiate tariffs with the EU by more than a month. In Argentina, the government has announced that its easing currency reporting rules to deal with dollars kept under mattresses. The Argentine government aims to unleash some $271 billion stashed away in mattresses, safes and foreign bank accounts. And Rahul Tandon will look at how Disney's live-action Lilo and Stitch remake beat Tom Cruise at the US box office. Lilo and Stitch, which revisits the 2002 animated family favourite, exceeded expectations with takings of $341m (£252m) around the world. Throughout the programme, we will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Sushma Ramachandran, an independent journalist and columnist with the Tribune newspaper in India, and Fermin Koop, a reporter on environmental and climate change in Argentina.
२०२५ मे १७ · ४९ मिनेट
The credit rating agency Moody’s has stripped the United States of its triple-A credit rating, warning investors about rising levels of government debt and a widening budget deficit. The agency has shifted the US rating down one notch to AA1, while changing its outlook from negative to stable. Novo Nordisk, the company that makes the weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, is abruptly ousting its chief executive, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, over concerns the firm is losing ground in the popular weight-loss drug market. Consumer boycotts of countries and companies are on the rise, with the latest being an Indian tourism boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan. This comes as some Canadians boycott the US, while others refuse to buy from some specific companies over their policies. We will be joined throughout the programme by Rahul Tandon is joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Lori Ann Larocco, senior editor at CNBC Business News in the US, and Peter Ryan, ABC's senior business correspondent in Australia.
२०२५ मे १६ · ४९ मिनेट
Walmart is preparing to raise prices in the US as soon as this month, as its own costs increase as a result of the new tariffs on imports imposed by President Donald Trump. And we will look at President Trump saying that India offered to drop all tariffs on US goods, something India swiftly denied. Total airline revenue is expected to top 1 trillion US dollars for the first time ever this year, according to the International Air Transport Association. We will be joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Shoeb Kagda, an Indonesian journalist and businessman, and Alison Van Diggelen, host of Fresh Dialogues based in Silicon Valley, the US.
२०२५ मे ३ · ४९ मिनेट
Voters are going to the polls in Australia to choose their next government following a hard-fought campaign during which living costs, climate concerns and the impact of Donald Trump's trade tariffs have featured strongly. Shares of Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two Interactive, tumbled by as much as 8% on Friday morning after it announced that it has delayed the launch by a year – to May 26, 2026. With the company being valued at around 40 billion US dollars, that is a lot of money being shaved off. The U.S. President Donald Trump repeated that he will revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status, saying that "We are going to be taking away Harvard's tax-exempt status. It's what they deserve!" Harvard, which is already suing the Trump administration, said that this is unlawful. And Skype Will Shut Down on Monday, May 5, As Microsoft Shifts to Teams. Davina Gupta will hear from one of the creators of the Skype ringtone. Throughout the programme, we’ll be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world – Peter Ryan, ABC's senior business correspondent who is in Australia, and Diane Brady, Executive Director of Fortune Live Media and Editorial Director of the Fortune CEO Initiative.
२०२५ अप्रिल ३० · ४९ मिनेट
On the programme we are looking at Donald Trump's first 100 days in power, during which he has talked a lot about tariffs, and there have been many changes to trade policies. Rahul Tandon looks at the key important economic events of the initial 100 days and the way they have upended global trade. Also, Mark Carney is celebrating his election victory in Canada, although Canadian broadcaster CBC projects his party will fall just short of the 172 parliamentary seats needed for a majority. Throughout the programme, we’ll be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world – Rebecca Choong Wilkins, Senior Asia correspondent for Bloomberg, and Tony Nash, CEO of Complete Intelligence.
२०२५ अप्रिल २९ · ४९ मिनेट
Canadians are voting in a general election which has been dominated by Donald Trump's trade war and threats to annex the country. The leaders of the two main parties rejected a renewed assertion by Mr Trump on election day that Canada should become the fifty-first US state. Devina Gupta hears from the BBC’s economics editor Faisal Islam, who is in Ottawa, and Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses. And the Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, has urged people not to speculate over the cause of a massive power cut that's affected millions of people across Spain and Portugal. Also, the Chinese online retailer Temu, known for its cheap products, adds ‘import charges’ of about 145% in response to President Trump’s tariffs on China. Throughout the programme, we’ll be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world – Jessica Khine, a business development consultant based in Malaysia but now joining us from London, and Sergio Guzmán, director of the Colombia Risk Analysis company.
२०२५ अप्रिल १२ · ४९ मिनेट
The White House has insisted that President Trump’s tariffs will make the United States richer, despite the falling value of the US dollar. We hear from Tomas Philipson, a former acting chairman of President Trump's Council of Economic Advisers. Also, a global deal to tackle shipping emissions has been agreed after nearly ten years of negotiations. The UN's maritime agency (the IMO) brokered the accord, which requires ship owners to use less carbon-intensive fuels or face a penalty. Roger Hearing speaks to IMO's secretary general, Arsenio Dominguez, about how it would work. And on Saturday, the UK is going to see an emergency recall of parliament when members had already departed for their Easter break, and they are recalled to discuss a law to take control of the Chinese-owned British Steel and save it from imminent closure. Throughout the programme, we’ll be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world – Peter Ryan, ABC's senior business correspondent, who's in Sydney, and Takara Small, national technology columnist for the CBC, who's in Toronto.
२०२५ अप्रिल ११ · ४९ मिनेट
President Donald Trump admits a period of difficult transition is inevitable as his trade policies continue to cause upheaval in international markets. And after the end of the Cold War, the world economy became integrated, and globalisation began, but is that at risk now because of the tariffs, trade war and protectionism? Presenter Roger Hearing speaks to Mohamed El Erian, former IMF Deputy Director who is now President of Queens' College, Cambridge, and chief. Also, a general strike against public spending cuts in Argentina has severely disrupted transport systems in the country. All domestic flights have been cancelled; trains and metro services have been suspended in Buenos Aires and other parts of the country. Throughout the program, Roger will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world – Yoko Ishikura, a professor emeritus at Hitotsubashi University in Japan, and Tony Nash, CEO and founder of Complete Intelligence, an AI-based financial forecasting firm in Houston.
२०२५ अप्रिल १० · ४९ मिनेट
In a dramatic change of policy, US President Donald Trump hikes China tariffs to 125% on goods entering the United States. Most other countries will now see a 90-day pause on higher import taxes. The pause means a "universal 10%" tariff will be in place for all countries, other than China, the White House said. Markets soared following the announcement with all three main US indices closing up more than 6%. Throughout the program, Rahul Tandon will be joined by two guests: Emily Peck, Axios US Markets correspondent in New York, and Han Lin, The Asia Group China Country Director in Shanghai.
२०२५ मार्च २९ · ४९ मिनेट
Myanmar's military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has made a rare request for international help after a powerful earthquake hit the centre of the country, flattening buildings and bridges. The US vice president, JD Vance, has accused Denmark of underinvesting in the security of Greenland and leaving it vulnerable. And Rahul Tandon will discuss how Dua Lipa has won the dismissal of a lawsuit that accused her of copying her hit single Levitating from two other songs. We will be joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite sides of the world – From the US, Andy Uhler, Journalism fellow at the University of Texas Energy Institute and Columbia University's Centre on Global Energy Policy – and Nga Pham, a journalist based in Taiwan.
२०२५ मार्च २८ · ४९ मिनेट
The Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, has said the United States is no longer a reliable partner after President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on car imports. Rahul Tandon speaks to businesses in both the US and Canada. China's biggest company, Tencent Holdings, has made more than a billion-dollar investment in a new spin-off company of the French gaming giant Ubisoft, which owns franchises including Assassin’s Creed and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six. And if you speak a language other than English, are there terms that English just doesn’t have or can't do justice to? Well, the Oxford English Dictionary feels your pain, and so it's incorporating "loan words" – words that would be coined as "untranslatable". We will be joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite sides of the world – Dante Disparte, Head of Policy at the Libra Association, who is in Washington, and Sushma Ramachandran, an independent business journalist and columnist for The Tribune, who is in Delhi, India.
२०२५ मार्च २७ · ४९ मिनेट
The US President Donald Trump has announced plans for long-promised tariffs on automotive imports shipped into the United States, and the tariffs will go into effect on 2nd April and will apply to finished cars and trucks that are shipped into the United States. Also, Maryland is marking one year since a cargo ship crashed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge. The owner of the ship agreed to pay 102 million in damages back in September, and now it’s expected that the new bridge will be finished in 2028. And Rahul Tandon discusses Marvel announcement of the production for Avengers: Doomsday, which is underway and appears to have revealed its cast. We will be joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite sides of the world - Stephanie Hare, a researcher on technology and ethics originally from Illinois but living in London and KAREN PERCY – senior freelance reporter in Melbourne.
२०२५ मार्च ८ · ४९ मिनेट
Ports in the United States are experiencing ‘record levels of activities’ due to the tariffs and businesses trying to stock up to avoid the threat of tariffs and trade war. Bitcoin makes it big in Washington as President Trump establishes an official government cryptocurrency reserve office after meeting with crypto business leaders in the White House. And also we hear about hundreds of female tennis players on the WTA tour will be eligible for twelve months' paid maternity leave. Rahul Tandon will be joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite sides of the world. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, Fermin Koop, environment and climate reporter; and in Lahore, Pakistan, Mehmal Sarfraz, journalist and analyst.
२०२५ फेब्रुअरी २० · ४९ मिनेट
The US president, Donald Trump, moves to revoke the approval of New York City’s congestion pricing programs. We hear from one of the architects of the congestion charge policy in the city. Microsoft has unveiled a new quantum chip called Majorana One, which it says will help the company create computers able to solve meaningful industrial-scale problems in years, not decades. And Roger Hearing discusses how a local government in the Philippines has come up with an unusual way of combating dengue fever by announcing a payment for every five mosquitoes caught and brought in. We will be joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite sides of the world - Karen Percy, Senior freelance reporter in Melbourne, Australia, and Emily Peck, Axios Markets Correspondent and co-host of the Slate Money podcast, who's in New York.
२०२५ फेब्रुअरी १९ · ४९ मिनेट
The US and Russia have outlined their intention to build relations far beyond a deal over Ukraine—extending to cooperation on other global issues and developing sizeable economic and investment links. Argentine President Javier Milei has denied promoting a newly launched cryptocurrency that collapsed shortly after he mentioned it in a social media post on Friday. And Ed Butler hears about a shocking revelation from Nasa that a large asteroid could be on course to hit earth. Although the space agency does go on to say, don't panic, it almost certainly won't. We’ll be joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite sides of the world - Amita Arudpragasm, who's an Independent policy analyst based in Sri Lanka, and Sergio Guzman, the Director of Colombia Risk Analysis, which advises local and global companies looking to invest in Colombia and the region.
२०२५ फेब्रुअरी १८ · ४९ मिनेट
European leaders have been meeting in Paris to discuss military support for Ukraine. The United States has demanded that Europe increases defence spending and sends troops to Ukraine if there is a ceasefire in the war with Russia. Also, are Canadians boycotting US goods in shops after President Trump’s tariff threats? And Ed Butler reports from one of Africa’s biggest e-waste dumps in Ghana. Also, Meta, Facebook’s parent company, says it plans to build the world’s longest undersea cable, to bring industry-leading connectivity to five continents. We will be joined throughout the programme by two guests on opposite sides of the world - Sushmar Ramachandran, who is Independent journalist and columnist with the Tribune newspaper based in Delhi and Oliver Stuenkel, an associate professor of International Relations at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
२०२५ फेब्रुअरी १ · ४९ मिनेट
President Trump confirms big tariffs are being imposed on goods coming into the US from Mexico, Canada, and China. We'll hear from businesses in Canada and Mexico on their response. We hear the story of one family's return to their home following the Los Angeles wildfires. David Brancaccio, a journalist with our US partner Marketplace, who bought a house just a few months ago and was burnt down by the California firestorms earlier this month. India’s finance minister will be presenting the country’s annual budget in a few hours’ time, outlining the government’s spending plans for the coming year. Throughout the program, we will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Andy Uhler, Journalism Fellow at the Energy Institute at The University of Texas, who's in Austin, and Nga Pham, a journalist in Taipei in Taiwan.
२०२५ जनवरी ३१ · ४९ मिनेट
Investigators from the US federal agency noted that mid-air collisions like this are rare in the US, and they said it was far too early to speculate on what caused the crash; however, we will look at crowded airspaces and complex issues surrounding airports. Also, economic growth in the US slowed at the end of last year, as trade and investment declined and the country was hit by hurricanes and strikes. And, shoplifting, shrinkage, the five-finger discount—whatever you call it—stealing from shops is on the rise. Here in the UK, the British Retail Consortium has told the BBC retail crime is "out of control." Throughout the program, we will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Karen Percy, Senior freelance reporter, who's in Melbourne, and Emily Peck, Markets correspondent at Axios, in New York.
२०२५ जनवरी १८ · ४९ मिनेट
The US Supreme Court has upheld a law that bans TikTok in the US unless its China-based parent company, ByteDance, sells the platform by this Sunday. A cold snap in Washington, DC, means Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday will now be held indoors instead of on the steps of the Capitol. Also, Argentina has reported a fiscal surplus for the first time in sixteen years, as a result of comprehensive budget cuts implemented by President Javier Milei. We will look at how immigration is a high-profile public policy issue in many countries, including the United States. So, how does Trump's MAGA movement, which favours a huge cut in the numbers of people receiving work visas, affect the tech sector in Silicon Valley? Throughout the program We will be joined by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Jyoti Malhotra, editor in chief of The Tribune—she's in Chandigarh, India—and Ralph Silva from the Silva Research Network is in Toronto, Canada.
२०२५ जनवरी १७ · ४९ मिनेट
Former Bank of Canada governor, Mark Carney, says he is running to replace Justin Trudeau as the leader of Canada's governing Liberal Party. Donald Trump's pick as Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, has been defending his boss's economic plans at his confirmation hearing in the US Senate. And, as China prepares to release GDP figures in the next hour, we'll ask how it can stimulate growth, and we will look at who's planning a trip to North Korea during the northern hemisphere holiday. The country has reopened one of its border cities to foreign tourists for the first time in five years. We will be joined throughout the program by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Jessica Khine is in Malaysia and is Head of Asia for Astris Advisory Japan, and Dante Disparte is in Washington, DC—he's Chief Strategy Officer at Circle.
२०२५ जनवरी १६ · ४९ मिनेट
Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza—raising hopes of an end to fifteen months of war. So, if the ceasefire holds, how long will it take to rebuild from the rubble? What would be the priorities? How much will it cost? And who will pay? We will look at all these with different guests, including the head of the United Nations Development Programme, Achim Steiner. Rice is the staple crop for more than half the world’s population, but it's vulnerable to drought and flooding, impacting global harvests and prices. It's also a contributor to climate change; it uses more water than other grain crops. So, should we eat less rice? We will be joined throughout the program by two guests on opposite sides of the world: Zyma Islam, senior reporter for The Daily Star, who is in Malaysia, and Walter Todd, president and chief investment officer at Greenwood Capital in South Carolina.
२०२४ नोभेम्बर २२ · ४९ मिनेट
President-elect Trump had pledged to fire the Securities and Exchange Commission Chair, who led a crackdown on the crypto industry, on "day one". Also, Beijing offers help to Chinese exporters facing higher import tariffs. And, union workers at Volkswagen's German factories are set to strike after talks failed.
२०२४ अक्टोबर २४ · ५१ मिनेट
Boeing workers vote on pay offer on Wednesday. Workers downed tools six weeks ago after rejecting initial pay offer. They’ve been offered a 35% pay increase, over the next 4 years. Also, Tesla’s share price jumps after its 3Q results beat market expectations. We hear from Stephen Moore, an economist and an advisor to Donald Trump’s 2016 Presidental campaign. Plus we have a report about migrants on the US/Mexico border. And we hear why France is home to both haute cuisine and fast food. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. We would love to hear from you!
२०२४ सेप्टेम्बर १८ · ४९ मिनेट
Hezbollah blames Israel after exploding pagers kill nine and injure thousands in Lebanon. The US Federal Reserve is expected to cut rates for the first time in four years. And we learn why Norway is racing ahead with electric vehicle sales.
२०२४ सेप्टेम्बर १७ · ४९ मिनेट
Sri Lanka prepares to go to the polls and Tik Tok takes to the courts to fight attempts to make it divest itself of its Chinese owner. Also, the West Bengal festival which may have to forego its favourite fishy treat and could your car be yet another front for the digital advertisers?
२०२४ जुलाई १६ · ४९ मिनेट
Presenter Rahul Tandon discusses the announcement of Iowa Senator JD Vance as Donald Trump’s pick to be his running mate in November’s Presidential election. Rahul speaks to the Democratic Mayor of Milwaukee, the city that is hosting the Republican Party's National Convention. And the long delayed Third Plenum of the Chinese Communist Party is taking place in Beijing.
२०२४ जुलाई ११ · ४९ मिनेट
We hear from Betsey Stevenson, Former Economic Adviser to President Obama, who served on the transition team for the Biden-Harris ticket - as the first Democratic Senator publicly calls for President Biden to stand aside as the party's presidential nominee. Meanwhile the US imposes steel tariffs on Mexico - at least the steel coming from China. We ask whether tariffs are economically the way forward - or backward. Plus in Greece - new regulations are being introduced to limit the areas on beaches that bars and restaurants can use. The rules are intended to leave enough space for the public, who have complained about exorbitant prices charged by beachfront businesses that restrict their free access. Rahul Tandon is joined by Fermin Koop in Argentina and Zyma Islam in Bangladesh to discuss the most important and interesting global business and economic stories.
२०२४ मार्च २९ · ५१ मिनेट
The co-founder of FTX has been jailed for "one of the biggest financial frauds" in US history. Also, we find out why the Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has launched its first electric vehicle. France votes on a law to prevent discrimination against your hairstyle at work. And, could a law in Florida stop kids under 13 from accessing social media? (Picture: Former FTX Chief Executive Sam Bankman-Fried, walks outside the Manhattan federal court in New York City, U.S. March 30, 2023. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/File Photo)
२०२४ जनवरी २ · ५१ मिनेट
Japan is hit by another earthquake. We hear about the impact it could have on the economy. We examine microfinance and how it works in practice after a Bangladeshi pioneer of this type of finance is sentenced for violating labour laws. And the state railway company of Ukraine introduces women only compartments to stop assaults on trains.
२०२३ डिसेम्बर २७ · ५१ मिनेट
Danish shipping giant Maersk has said it is preparing to resume shipping operations through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. We explore the fallout from a ban on some of Apple's latest watches in the US . AND We examine why Argentina's new president, Javier Milei has decided to sign a decree cancelling the contracts of seven thousand public sector workers. (Photo: A Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) container ship crosses the Suez Canal towards the Red Sea Credit EPA/MOHAMED HOSSAM)
२०२३ अक्टोबर २८ · ५० मिनेट
On Friday, US President Joe Biden met with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi for an hour, which the White House described as a "good opportunity" to maintain lines of communication open between the two geopolitical foes. And Taylor Swift, with a record-breaking tour, a blockbuster film, and a keen business sense, the 33-year-old musician is now worth $1.1 billion. Devina Gupta discusses this and more of the business news from around with James Early, Chief Investment Officer at BBAE (digital investment platform) in Washington D.C, and Sushma Ramachandran, Independent business journalist and columnist at The Tribune newspaper, Delhi. (Picture: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrive to speaks to the press prior to meetings at the State Department in Washington, DC, October 26, 2023. Photo Credit: SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images).
पछिल्लो १०० एपिसोड देखाइएको।
