Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Policy Fix

Why the UK is great a building ideas, but the US is greater at scaling them? | The Policy Fix Recorded amid a change in UK leadership under Andy Burnham and cabinet reshuffles, this Policy Fix episode features Tom Adeyoola, Chair at Innovate UK, discussing his 15 months leading a reset at Innovate UK to help companies start, stay, and scale in the UK by connecting regional strengths, research, talent, capital, policymakers, regulators, and procurement. He explains Innovate UK’s scale (1,000+ staff, £1bn+ core budget, nine Catapults, and about £1bn managing innovation programs for other departments) and highlights quantum as a model pathway from research to unicorns and procurement commitments, while arguing the UK must focus in AI on areas like specialized health and materials datasets rather than trying to win across silicon and large language models. They cover devolution via innovation accelerators and a successor £500m local partnerships fund, coordination among government “Puffins,” data/CRM integration, AI adoption gaps, robotics opportunities, and Tom’s charity choice, Become, supporting care-experienced young people. This is the last episode of the season 1 of The Policy Fix. We are taking a short break before coming back with a lot of new interesting guests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

AI Will Replace Millions Of Jobs. Britain Has 3 Years To Prepare | The Policy Fix In this episode of The Policy Fix, Polly Mackenzie turns the tables on host Steve Rigby to discuss one of the biggest economic and political challenges facing Britain: artificial intelligence. Drawing on his experience as CEO of Rigby Group, investor and Chair of Family Business UK, Steve argues that AI is no longer a future technology but a present-day transformation that will reshape businesses, public services and the labour market. They explore why Britain has a narrow window to prepare for widespread workforce disruption, how government and business should respond, and why reskilling—not job protection—must become the priority. Steve explains the UK's opportunity to build sovereign AI capability, the importance of data centres, energy, taxation and regulation, and why delaying action could leave the country permanently behind. The conversation also examines how AI will change education, entrepreneurship and regional economies, the future of knowledge work, the role of government in preparing for technological change, and the policies Steve believes Britain needs to remain competitive while protecting workers through the transition. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Why AI Feels Different This Time 04:05 The $23 Trillion Opportunity 06:20 Britain Is Sleepwalking Into AI 09:10 The UK's 3-Year Window 11:15 Why AI Sovereignty Matters 15:10 Will AI Replace Jobs? 18:05 Preparing For Workforce Disruption 20:15 Why SMEs Could Benefit 22:05 Which Jobs Are Most At Risk? 25:00 Planning For The Worst-Case Scenario 28:35 Why Schools Need To Change 33:30 Preparing Young People For AI 36:10 How Should AI Be Taxed? 41:10 Regulating AI Without Killing Innovation 46:05 Britain's Data Advantage 49:20 Steve's AI Policy Priorities 50:45 Three AI Companies To Watch 52:45 How Steve Uses AI Every Day 55:00 The Future Of AI Agents & Robots 56:30 Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sir Peter Rigby on Sales, Resilience, Risk, AI, and Giving Back | The Policy Fix In this special edition of The Policy Fix, Steve interviews his father, Sir Peter Rigby, on lessons from a career that began selling mainframe computers at 17 and evolved into entrepreneurship. Sir Peter Rigby explains core sales principles including technical grounding, selling high to decision-makers, multi-tier relationship building, timing, and asking for the order, emphasizing that results follow hard work and preparation. He discusses profitability as a byproduct of ambition and customer-focused success, the need for resilience through downturns, and why entrepreneurs must take calculated risks anchored in strong ethics, including repaying a £100 million vendor loan after an international acquisition. They explore technology’s evolution to AI, highlighting opportunities, threats, sovereignty, and the UK government’s need to do more. The conversation covers regional devolution, building tech in the Midlands, family-business culture, employee recognition, philanthropy and place-based giving, plus Peter’s lifelong passion for flying and later RAF advisory role. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:50 Early Sales Lessons 02:13 Sell High Strategy 03:49 Multi Tier Relationships 05:35 Hard Work and Time 07:15 Ask for the Order 08:32 Profit Follows Success 10:03 Resilience in Downturns 13:27 Risk and Ethics Story 16:00 AI and Tech Shifts 20:07 Government and Sovereignty 28:06 Regions and Devolution 31:56 Philanthropy and Giving Back 37:58 Regrets and Inspirations 42:41 People Culture and Family 47:43 Closing Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when a country’s middle class starts working harder… but feeling poorer? This week on The Policy Fix, Steve Rigby sits down with Resolution Foundation CEO Ruth Curtice to unpack why so many working people in Britain feel squeezed from every side — despite employment being high and wages rising on paper. They discuss: Why living standards have stagnated for nearly two decades Whether Britain’s tax system is fit for purpose The growing pressure on young people entering the workforce Why AI could widen inequality between the “have-AIs” and “have-not AIs” The future of welfare, pensions and affordable housing Whether minimum wage rises are helping — or hurting — younger workers Ruth also explains why she believes affordable housing is the single biggest policy challenge facing Britain today. The Policy Fix is a series hosted by Steve Rigby exploring the biggest economic and policy questions shaping the UK. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:00 What is the Resolution Foundation? 05:00 Who is “Unsung Britain”? 08:00 Britain’s debt and cost-of-living crisis 14:00 Growth vs redistribution 16:00 Does Britain need tax reform? 19:00 Minimum wage and youth unemployment 25:00 Welfare, pensions and the triple lock 35:00 AI and the future of work 42:00 The one policy Ruth would fix today #Politics #UKPolitics #Economy #AI #Tax #MiddleClass #PolicyFix Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why does it feel like you’re worse off… even when GDP is going up? In this episode of The Policy Fix, Claire Ward joins Steve Rigby to break down why economic growth isn’t being felt by most people across the UK. They discuss: Why GDP growth doesn’t reflect real living standards The impact of inflation, mortgages, and the cost of living Why politics often prioritises announcements over delivery Worklessness, young people, and long-term economic risks Devolution, Whitehall, and what needs to change to drive real growth Claire Ward shares a grounded view from inside regional leadership — and why, for many communities, the system still isn’t delivering. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:10 Why growth isn’t being felt 04:20 Cost of living & mortgages 08:30 Announcements vs real change 14:00 Worklessness & young people 20:00 Skills & jobs pipeline 30:30 Devolution vs Whitehall 40:00 What needs to change 🎙️ The Policy Fix explores the biggest economic and political challenges facing the UK — through conversations with the people shaping policy and business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Griffith on Getting the UK’s Mojo Back: FinTech, Regulation, AI, Growth and the ‘Vibe’ for Wealth Creators Steve Rigby interviews Conservative Shadow Business and Trade Secretary Andrew Griffith, former Sky CFO/COO and ex–City Minister, on how the UK can “get its mojo back” by backing risk-takers and wealth creators, tackling youth unemployment, and improving business-government engagement. Griffith argues the UK is overregulated across sectors, needs faster and bolder financial-market reforms akin to a “Big Bang 2.0,” and criticizes delays such as Revolut’s banking license and the failed Arm float. He outlines priorities for business—cheaper energy, lower/simpler taxes, cutting red tape and regulator size, flexible labor markets, and cultural support for entrepreneurs—while warning the Employment Rights Bill could hurt jobs, especially for young people. They discuss pension investment rules, AI as a productivity tool, defense and welfare trade-offs, non-dom policy, and tax-code complexity, ending with quickfire questions and a charity donation to Sussex Snowdrop Trust. 00:00 Fintech Heroes First 00:32 Meet Andrew Griffith 01:31 Sky Startup Lessons 02:36 Murdoch Long Term Mindset 03:52 ITV Sky And Regulators 05:45 Overregulation And Resilience 07:56 Business Experience In Government 10:33 Mission To Serve In Politics 13:31 Fixing UK Fintech And Listings 17:10 Mansion House And Pensions 20:25 Opposition Plans For Day One 21:53 Employment Rights Bill Fears 24:47 Low Pay Commission Accountability 26:28 Wages and Competitiveness 26:45 AI as Productivity Engine 27:37 Disrupt Yourself Mindset 28:50 AI and Immigration Tradeoffs 30:00 Five Point Growth Plan 31:47 Non Dom Debate 34:53 Simplifying the Tax Code 37:55 Defense Spending Reality Check 41:18 Welfare Reform Hard Choices 45:08 Politics and Trust 46:40 Restarting UK Growth 50:07 Charity and Policy Fix 52:39 Quick Fire Wrap Up 54:22 Final Thanks and Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Chancellor and YouGov co-founder Nadhim Zahawi joins Steve Rigby on The Policy Fix for a candid conversation on business, politics, and Britain’s economic future. Zahawi reflects on leading the UK’s COVID vaccine rollout, revealing how rapid decision-making, military logistics, and direct access to Boris Johnson enabled Britain to move faster than Europe. He shares lessons from building national infrastructure at speed — and why urgency in government has since disappeared. They also explore why the UK is losing competitiveness, from AstraZeneca investing abroad to rising energy costs, regulatory pressure, and the risks facing Britain’s industrial base. Zahawi explains how he built YouGov from scratch after the dot-com crash, how a pivotal Freeserve partnership changed everything, and why AI will completely transform research, education, and business. The conversation turns to Zahawi’s decision to join Reform, his assessment of Nigel Farage’s leadership, and whether the party can become a serious governing force. He discusses immigration, welfare reform, AI policy, and what Britain must do to restore growth and attract global talent. A rare insider view from someone who has built companies, run major government departments, and helped lead Britain through one of its biggest crises. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to The Policy Fix 01:01 Zahawi’s journey through business and government 02:14 Inside Britain’s COVID vaccine rollout 06:42 How Brexit gave the UK a vaccine advantage 07:28 Why AstraZeneca and pharma are investing abroad 10:26 Founding YouGov and spotting the internet opportunity 14:03 The pivot that saved YouGov after the dot-com crash 16:37 The breakthrough that proved YouGov worked 18:44 How AI will transform market research 20:07 Why government lacks business experience 26:05 Migration, urgency, and government decision-making 28:46 Energy costs and Britain’s industrial strategy problem 33:00 Welfare, work incentives, and economic decline 36:57 AI regulation and avoiding Europe’s mistakes 39:32 Why Alphabet and DeepMind are so powerful 40:13 Britain’s biggest startup funding weakness 41:05 How AI tutors could reshape education 43:27 Universities, talent, and keeping innovation in the UK 44:34 Why Zahawi joined Reform 48:09 Nigel Farage, leadership, and preparing for power 56:06 Building a serious political movement 01:05:57 Defections, politics, and Britain’s direction 01:10:54 Charity selection: Adam Smith Institute 01:12:52 The Policy Fix: Abolishing inheritance tax 01:15:42 Funding tax reform 01:16:49 Final thoughts About The Policy Fix Hosted by Steve Rigby, The Policy Fix explores what’s broken in Britain - and how to fix it. No politics. No spin. Just honest conversations with people who get things done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dame Claire Barclay - one of the most influential leaders in global tech - joins The Policy Fix. In this episode, Steve Rigby speaks with the President of Microsoft for Enterprise & Infrastructure in EMEA and Chair of the UK’s Industrial Strategy Advisory Council about whether Britain is moving fast enough in the age of AI. Claire offers an insider view on Microsoft’s AI strategy, the rise of autonomous “AI agents,” and why even the world’s biggest tech companies must keep reinventing themselves. They also examine the UK’s new Industrial Strategy - what’s working, what’s risky, and whether it can actually lift productivity outside London. Along the way, Claire explains why skills, energy, and planning are now as critical to growth as innovation itself. A clear-eyed conversation about technology, power, and Britain’s future. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to The Policy Fix 00:45 Claire Barclay’s dual roles 01:13 Inside Microsoft’s evolution 03:55 Why AI feels like a “long game” 04:49 How AI will reshape business 10:04 Government and the AI opportunity 15:11 Skills for the AI era 18:08 What is the Industrial Strategy Council? 20:26 How government works with business 22:54 Regions, mayors and delivery 24:22 Where tech fits in industrial strategy 25:16 Britain’s productivity problem 27:55 The future of the UK tech sector 31:01 Advice for young people today 33:47 Choosing a charity: Crisis 38:52 Final thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Addressing the Crisis of School Absenteeism and Social Issues with Andy Cook In this episode of The Policy Fix, host Steve Rigby sits down with Andy Cook, CEO of the Centre for Social Justice, to discuss critical issues facing the UK today. They delve into the crisis of school absenteeism, the role of philanthropy in driving social change, and the importance of tailored local interventions. Andy shares insights from his extensive experience in the charity sector and outlines key policies that could make a significant impact on disadvantaged communities. The discussion also touches on the declining value of traditional education pathways and the potential of enriched, sport-focused educational models. 00:00 Introduction: The Crisis of Attendance 00:26 Welcome to The Policy Fix 00:31 Meet Andy Cook: Champion for Social Justice 01:30 The Center for Social Justice: Mission and Impact 01:53 Personal Journey: From Charity Founder to Award Winner 02:38 Celebrating Unsung Heroes: The CSJ Awards 04:38 Navigating Politics: Cross-Party Collaboration 07:01 Innovative Approaches to Social Issues 09:48 Place-Based Philanthropy: A New Hope 15:30 The Role of Education in Social Mobility 16:46 Addressing Absenteeism: A Growing Concern 22:31 Setting a Bigger Agenda 22:43 The Social Compact at Risk 23:06 Parental Responsibility and Education 24:25 Leadership in Education 26:57 Philanthropy and Innovation 28:19 Youth Centers and Public-Private Partnerships 30:33 Community-Driven Interventions 33:35 Challenges Facing Boys in Education 40:38 Future Policies and Recommendations About The Policy Fix Hosted by Steve Rigby, The Policy Fix explores what’s broken in Britain - and how to fix it. No politics. No spin. Just honest conversations with people who get things done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rupert Soames: How to Fix Britain’s Broken Systems | The Policy Fix with Steve Rigby Britain is facing some of the biggest structural challenges in a generation - from weak growth and rising debt to failing public services and declining business confidence. In this episode, Steve Rigby sits down with Rupert Soames, Chair of the CBI and one of the UK’s most respected turnaround leaders, to discuss what it will actually take to fix the system. Rupert shares candid insights from: - Saving the CBI during its crisis - Running some of the UK's toughest public service contracts - Working with government at the highest levels - Why fiscal rules matter more than politicians admit - What Britain needs to get right in the next decade This is a grounded, practical conversation about delivery, responsibility, leadership - and the real choices Britain faces. About The Policy Fix Hosted by Steve Rigby, The Policy Fix explores what’s broken in Britain - and how to fix it. No politics. No spin. Just honest conversations with people who get things done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No spin. No drama. Just real solutions. Steve Rigby talks to people who’ve actually run things - and know what needs to change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices