Explore every episode of the podcast The Business
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget 2026 Special: What's in it for business? | 28 Oct 2026 | 00:30:43 | |
What does Chancellor John Healey's 2026 budget mean for business? In this episode of The Business, Dominic O’Connell is joined by Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates, and Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, to unpack an Autumn Budget designed to give British people ‘breathing room’. At the despach box the chancellor said: "Too many people feel this country isn't working well for them, and in particular, households and businesses face challenges from rising energy costs due directly to the conflict in the Middle East. In the face of that, what matters is how we respond as a government. And my choice in the budget today is to give families and businesses some breathing space now, and to begin the radical reform of energy to reduce bills in the future." They examine how the Chancellor plans to balance short-term household relief with long-term economic growth. We break down the cash ISA U-turn, capital gains tax adjustments, and the new Founders’ Relief, dissecting the practical realities for British business owners and leaders. They also explore the devolution of business rates, and what this Autumn Budget means for high streets facing mounting costs. The Business is sponsored by PwC Guest:
Presenter:
Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Image: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com More from The Times More from The Business
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| How Hawksmoor built a £100M restaurant empire | 26 Oct 2026 | 00:33:40 | |
How did Hawksmoor grow from a single Shoreditch steakhouse into a global brand, and can UK hospitality survive rising tax burdens? In this episode of The Business, Hawksmoor co-founder and Chief Executive Will Beckett joins Hannah Prevett at Hawksmoor St Pancras to reflect on what he's learned from 20 years in British business, and what UK hospitality wants from Chancellor John Healey's budget. He breaks down the harsh financial pressures facing the industry, including how tax changes, rising business rates, and employment legislation impact hospitality margins. “I know that the hospitality industry would like me to say, ‘big, sweeping change’ - I just think it's unlikely,” he tells the programme. “Anything that is just relieving the tax burden or relieving the pressure slightly, that, in a way that would help smaller independent businesses flourish, I think has to be good news.” Beckett, who runs the business alongside his co-founder, Creative Director Huw Gott, also discusses scaling the steakhouse chain across London and taking on private equity investment to take the brand to the US with major openings in New York, Chicago, and Boston. "We've learned about how to pitch Britishness and London. Boston's really well known for lobster rolls, but in Hawksmoor Boston, we do a lobster crumpet.” If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow this podcast. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today to get full digital access. Guest:
Presenter:
Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com More from The Times
More from The Business
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Inside the world of football agents with Jo Tongue | 23 Oct 2026 | 00:30:47 | |
What does it take to become a top football agent in the UK? From negotiating million-pound contracts, to managing player transfers, a football agent holds the power to change the game long before players walk onto the pitch. In this episode of The Business, we explore the high-stakes world of sports management, where agent fees topped £400 million in the Premier League last year. Jo Tongue, leading football agent and chief executive of Tongue Tied Management, joins Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times, to take us behind the scenes of commercial deal making in football. Jo discusses managing players' careers, negotiating commercial deals, and representing some of the biggest names across British football, including the manager of Manchester United, Michael Carrick. As a board member of Women in Football, Jo also reflects on working in a male-dominated industry and addressing the persistent inequalities facing female sports professionals. On social media she says abuse "is rife for women, to the point where I think a lot of females just go, ‘I'm just not gonna put anything out there because it's just not worth the stress." More from the Times: ‘It never occurred to me that I couldn’t succeed in football as a girl’ Michael Carrick hails ‘fresh start’ but one win in seven tells own story More from the Business Beyond TV: How Trinny Woodall Built A Beauty Brand “I was ashamed”: How failure built Castore Guests: Jo Tongue, football agent and chief executive of Tongue Tied Management Presenter: Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Video Producer: Super Llama Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Diesel Crisis: Could UK fuel rationing really happen? | 21 Oct 2026 | 00:35:22 | |
With pump prices passing £2 a litre and national reserves dropping, could the diesel crisis force ministers to activate emergency fuel rationing? In this episode of The Business, Dominic O’Connell looks at what current diesel pricing means for the UK economy. Joined by Helen Thompson, Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge, and Joe DeLaura, Global Energy Strategist at Rabobank, we examine whether low reserves and refining capacity threaten long-term economic growth. They break down how global supply disruptions, refinery closures, and changing government fiscal policy are squeezing margins across British business. Crucially, they consider - could rationing truly be a reality in the United Kingdom? “There's always that possibility because the Trump administration has shown that we will extract our pie from other countries. [The thinking is]: ‘If you don't buy American we'll stop selling you diesel, or maybe we'll do a diesel export ban for 90 days unless you release some of your strategic petroleum reserves, or unless you sell us something, or unless you let us have an aircraft base in your country,’” DeLaura says on the show. “Fortunately, I think the US and the UK have a pretty strong long-standing relationship, but the Administration has tested a lot of those long-standing relationships … it's the fact that we even have to ask this question that really concerns me.” Thompson, however, said it is a risk, but not likely - though she pointed out that some Asian countries did have to take that path. “I think for that situation to materialise in Europe, there would have to be something else on top of what has already happened … [but] the Trump administration itself might bring that about,” she says on the program. “This administration's first port of call, in a way, in dealing with its supposed allies, is the energy weapon.” More from the Times: Get drilling at Rosebank or risk diesel shortages, ministers warned Trump’s diesel deal with Putin is gift to Russia, says Zelensky More from the Business North Sea Oil and Gas: The Future of UK Energy Security Could the UK Electricity Grid Fail? Guests:
Presenter:
Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Photo: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Dubai Airports CEO: "This war could be our new normal" | 12 Oct 2026 | 00:33:32 | |
Can Dubai’s $35 billion Al Maktoum International Airport expansion survive growing Middle East conflict, or will regional tensions stall the world's biggest aviation megaproject? In this episode of The Business, Dominic O’Connell is joined by Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, to discuss the ambitious expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport. Designed to handle 260 million passengers across five runways, the airport represents a massive investment in the future of global travel and trade. Griffiths reflects on navigating regional instability, missile threats, and managing airport security during heightened tensions. “I think there are some things that we are considering which could harden some of the infrastructure against possible threats, but I think most of this is going to be technology that actually stops the impact of any conflict being felt by the infrastructure, that’s the most important thing,” Griffiths says on the show. Following Houthi missile attacks on Saudi’s Riyadh airport, the UK Foreign Office has now advised against all but essential travel to a large portion of Saudi Arabia. Griffiths tells the program Dubai’s airspace is so far unaffected. “The attacks on civilian infrastructure that are happening in Saudi are very regrettable and abhorrent in so many ways,” he says. “We have to remember that the Middle East is a pretty big place - and Riyadh and Jeddah are as far away as Italy is from the UK, so it is a war between two countries that are not fortunately touching the UAE. Obviously we are maintaining vigilance.” From his early career alongside Sir Richard Branson at Virgin Atlantic to running Gatwick and leading Dubai Airports, Griffiths outlines his corporate strategy for connecting world markets. He also discusses how international aviation disruptions impact passenger recovery, supply chains, and the wider UK economy - as well as how he has balanced his other career as a pipe organ musician. Guest:
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Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Picture: Getty More from the Business: EasyJet vs Wall Street: The £5.7bn Battle for a British Budget Airline Inside the Multi-Billion-Pound Resurgence of Marks & Spencer Wealth and inheritance tax driving away the UK’s super rich? More from the Times: Saudi Arabia airport hit by second Houthi strike after 13 killed in attack — as it happened Dubai airport prepares for take-off amid US-Iran conflict Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What to expect from the Budget with Andy Haldane | 12 Oct 2026 | 00:31:01 | |
This branded episode is brought to you by PwC What should business leaders expect from the chancellor's first Budget? President of the British Chambers of Commerce and former Bank of England Chief Economist Andy Haldane joins The Business to discuss. Hannah Prevett and Dominic O’Connell explore what John Healey will be weighing up before heading to the despatch box. Joined by Andy Haldane and Claire Blackburn (PwC’s UK Tax Leader), they examine the economic pressures facing the UK economy, the politics behind the potential fiscal policy choices, and potential changes to capital gains tax. They discuss what British business and industry leaders need from this Budget to drive economic growth, manage corporate strategy, and restore commercial confidence. You can also watch this episode on Times Business channel on YouTube. Guests: Andy Haldane, President of the British Chamber of Commerce and former Chief Economist at the Bank of England Claire Blackburn, PwC’s UK Tax Leader Presenter: Hannah Prevett, associate business editor, The Sunday Times Dominic O’Connell, business correspondent, Times Radio Producer: Shabnam Grewal Executive Producer: Emily Leahy Video Producer: Super Llama Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Help to Buy reboot: Can Labour fix the housing market? | 07 Oct 2026 | 00:31:09 | |
Will a re-imagined version of Help to Buy solve Britain's housing crisis? Dominic O’Connell examines whether government mortgage subsidies can rescue Labour's ambitious homebuilding targets. In this episode of The Business, we explore "Your First Home" - the government's proposed scheme to resurrect Help to Buy and subsidise mortgages for first-time buyers without the bank of mum and dad. With construction stalling across the UK economy, we ask whether restarting Help to Buy will stimulate homebuilding or simply inflate property prices. Dominic is joined by Jennie Daly, chief executive of Taylor Wimpey - one of Britain's largest house builders - and Carol Lewis, property editor at The Times. Together, they discuss planning delays, red tape, and how changing government fiscal policy impacts British business confidence. They analyse whether mortgage subsidies and supply chain reform can overcome material costs, unlock land development, and deliver long-term economic growth. “We have to step back and think: what does housebuilding deliver? It’s a fundamental human right,” Jennie Daly said on the show. “New home building is the only route to increasing the housing stock. So there's a fundamental economic and social case for intervention at times in the economic cycle where house building is particularly in danger of contracting.” Guests:
Presenter:
Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hear more from The Business: Why are the super rich leaving Britain? Does Andy Burnham’s government have the guts to deliver growth? The rise of the corporate landlord - with Grainger’s Helen Gordon Read more from The Times: New home approvals sink to 13-year low as PM revives Help to Buy How housebuilders won argument to revive help for first-time buyers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Business of Formula 1®: Jenson Button on performing under pressure | 04 Oct 2026 | 00:31:02 | |
This branded episode is brought to you by PwC. What can business learn from the high-stakes of Formula 1® racing? In the fourth and final episode of a special series, host Andy Jaye speaks to 2009 F1® World Champion Jenson Button and Amish Patel, PwC’s UK Transport Lead, about how elite drivers and teams perform under pressure. Jenson Button shares unique insights from his career in Formula 1® about how to manage talent in high-stress environments, build resilient teams, foster supportive workplace cultures, and allow room to experiment and sometimes fail. They explore what British business and industry leaders can learn from Formula 1® about execution under pressure, corporate strategy, and driving economic growth when stakes are high. You can also watch this episode on Times Business channel on YouTube. Presenter: Andy Jaye, Broadcaster Guests: Jenson Button, 2009 F1® World Champion Amish Patel, PwC’s UK Transport Lead Producer: Robert Wallace and Shabnam Grewal Executive Producer: Emily Leahy Video Producer: Super Llama Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Reindustrialisation: Can Labour rebuild British manufacturing? | 30 Sep 2026 | 00:34:15 | |
Is Labour’s promise of reindustrialisation realistic for the UK economy? Dominic O’Connell explores the future of British manufacturing. In his speech to the Labour Party conference, Chancellor John Healey promised "a new age of industrialisation". But with UK manufacturing output stagnant and England losing over 6,000 manufacturing businesses in the past five years according to the Office for National Statistics, can government fiscal policy turn the tide? In this episode of The Business, Dominic O’Connell considers whether genuine reindustrialisation is possible, as well as the obstacles in the way including the impact of high energy costs, skills shortages and the global impact of Chinese manufacturing competition. Joined by David Smith, economics editor at The Sunday Times, and Liam Sides, director of regional analysis at Oxford Economics, we examine the structural shifts that transformed Britain into a service-based economy over the last 50 years and evaluate what a realistic reindustrialisation strategy looks like for British business, from growing advanced manufacturing sectors like aerospace and pharmaceuticals to regional investment and planning reform. Guests:
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Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Picture: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds on Labour’s industrial strategy, Heathrow and diesel costs | 29 Sep 2026 | 00:28:12 | |
What does Labour’s industrial strategy mean for British business? Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds speaks to Hannah Prevett at the Labour Party conference. In this episode of The Business, recorded live on stage at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds joins Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times, to outline the government's plans for driving economic growth across the UK economy. Reynolds discusses how Labour’s industrial strategy will operate alongside regional growth plans, what the government's corporate strategy is for taking British Steel into public control, and how fiscal policy will support UK manufacturing and infrastructure. He also shares his perspective on Heathrow expansion, rising diesel costs, and the government's plans to restore business confidence. Guest:
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Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Business of Formula 1®: Secrets of the evolution into a global brand | 27 Sep 2026 | 00:24:42 | |
This branded episode is brought to you by PwC. How has Formula 1® evolved from a legacy sport into a global entertainment powerhouse? In the third episode of a special series, host Andy Jaye speaks to Charlie Minors, Director of Strategy and Transformation at F1® and Jon Glick, PwC Advisory Marketing Leader to discuss the corporate strategy behind the business’ transformation. They discuss the key drivers of this commercial transformation from the success of the Netflix show Drive To Survive, expanding in the US market and creating engaged communities on social media. And the guests offer practical insights for industry leaders looking to scale modern consumer brands in a fast-changing global trade landscape. Presenter: Andy Jaye, Broadcaster Guests: Charlie Minors, Director of Strategy and Transformation at F1® Jon Glick, PwC Advisory Marketing Leader Producer: Shabnam Grewal Executive Producer: Emily Leahy Video Producer: Super Llama Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| M&S revival: how the retail giant is defying high street trends | 24 Sep 2026 | 00:34:54 | |
How did M&S pull off one of the biggest turnarounds in British retail? Hannah Prevett speaks to operations director Sacha Berendji about the high street giant's transformation. In this episode of The Business, we explore how M&S transformed its food, fashion, and shop location strategy to capture market share across British business. From store renewals and digital growth - to managing a cyber attack - we consider what its resurgence reveals about wider retail trends and consumer spending across the UK economy. M&S operations director Sacha Berendji joins Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times, to discuss the corporate strategy behind the multi-billion-pound revival of M&S. He explains how leadership set the course to revamp its product lineup, handle the logistics of "fortress factories" and is now approaching shoplifting challenges. He also discusses the tax burden on high street retailers, along with what M&S wants from government fiscal policy to address rising costs and the youth unemployment crisis. He breaks down the company's decision to close a number of high street shops across the country: “We're very well aware of the role that we play on a high street and within a local community, so we never take these decisions [to close a location] lightly - but when you look at the economics at play, not just for us, but for all retailers, and, really importantly, where customers are shopping, it has become more and more difficult to justify being in locations where there isn't customer foot fall,” he says on the show. “It's not an anti-high street agenda … If the high street is the right place, then we'll be on the high street.” Guest:
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Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Picture: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Business of Formula 1®: Can a female driver break the gender barrier? | 20 Sep 2026 | 00:31:09 | |
This branded episode is brought to you by PwC. Could we see the first female Formula 1® driver in 50 years racing in a Grand Prix? In the second episode of a special series, host Andy Jaye speaks to 19 year old F1 ACADEMY driver Rachel Robertson, who’s chasing that dream and breaking down barriers in motorsport. Joined by PwC’s chief people officer Phillippa O’Connor they discuss Rachel’s inspirational story from a karting to the F1 ACADEMY, and how talent investment and more inclusive workplace cultures can open up new career pathways. Together they explore how nurturing talent is vital for Formula 1® and how industry leaders can attract more diverse talent to drive high performance and long term economic growth. You can also watch this episode on Times Business channel on YouTube. Presenter: Andy Jaye, Broadcaster Guests: Rachel Robertson, F1 ACADEMY driver Phillippa O’Connor, PwC Chief People Officer Producer: Harry Bligh and Shabnam Grewal Executive Producer: Emily Leahy Video Producer: Super Llama Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Why are the super rich leaving Britain? | 16 Sep 2026 | 00:33:05 | |
Are wealth creators fleeing Britain, and what does a super-rich exodus mean for Treasury tax revenues and the wider UK economy? In this episode of The Business, Hannah Prevett investigates why high earners are leaving the country and whether changes to non-dom status are accelerating the trend. She is joined by Dan Neidle, tax lawyer and founder of Tax Policy Associates, and Robert Watts, Times contributor and compiler of the Sunday Times Rich List. Together, they explore high-profile departures, including hedge fund founder Chris Rokos, who paid £330m in UK tax in a single year. They examine how abolishing non-dom rules, rising inheritance tax, and proposed exit taxes impact capital investment across British business. And as ministers prepare their upcoming budget, Hannah asks how government fiscal policy can retain top talent in the country, protect tax receipts, and drive long-term economic growth. Presenter: Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times Guests: Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates Robert Watts, Times contributor Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Business of Formula 1®: Inside Biggin Hill's global broadcasting mission control | 13 Sep 2026 | 00:30:04 | |
This branded episode is brought to you by PwC. What does it take to broadcast the excitement and drama of Formula 1® to millions of fans across the world, with high pressure stakes and no room for error? In the first episode of a special series, host Andy Jaye speaks to Dean Locke, Formula 1®’s Executive Director of broadcast, Media and Race Operations and PwC’s UK Consulting Chief Markets Officer David Allen. Together they examine how innovation, AI and tech have transformed Formula 1®’s high-stakes broadcasting operation to deliver greater efficiency, sustainability and quality, and what industry leaders can learn about corporate strategy and harnessing tech. You can also watch this episode on Times Business channel on YouTube. Presenter: Andy Jaye, Broadcaster Guests: Dean Locke, Formula 1® Executive Director of broadcast, Media and Race Operations David Allen, PwC UK Consulting Chief Markets Officer Producers: Harry Bligh and Shabnam Grewal Executive Producer: Emily Leahy Video Producer: Super Llama Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Coming soon…The Business of Formula 1® | 11 Sep 2026 | 00:00:42 | |
Coming soon…The Business of Formula 1® A branded series brought to you by PwC. Listen on The Business wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on Times Business channel on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Pret A Manger CEO: Shoplifting, subscriptions & UK high street survival | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:19:59 | |
How is Pret A Manger turning a London high-street staple into a powerhouse brand? In this episode of The Business, chief executive Pano Christou breaks down the Pret A Manger global strategy, detailing how the company adapts its corporate strategy for international markets while staying true to its British business roots. Recorded live at The Times Future of London summit, Hannah Prevett sits down with one of retail's most prominent industry leaders. Pano reflects on his 26-year journey from the shop floor to the executive suite, sharing lessons in entrepreneurship, building a resilient model, and navigating changing retail trends and consumer habits. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app. Presenter: Hannah Prevett, associate business editor of The Sunday Times Guest: Pano Christou, Chief Executive of Pret A Manger Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Image: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Electric vehicles and job cuts: the future of Jaguar Land Rover | 08 Sep 2026 | 00:31:28 | |
As Jaguar Land Rover cuts 4,000 jobs to pivot toward electric vehicle production, Dominic O’Connell asks what this means for British car manufacturing. In this episode of The Business, we break down the decision by Jaguar Land Rover to cut nearly 10% of its UK workforce as the car maker pushes to save £1.7 billion. With automotive output falling to levels not seen since the 1950s in the UK, we ask whether soaring energy costs, Donald Trump's tariffs, and fierce Chinese competition threaten the wider UK economy and long-term economic growth. Dominic is joined by Oliver Gill, deputy business editor at The Sunday Times, who broke the story, and David Bailey, professor of business economics at Birmingham Business School. Together, they explore whether Jaguar Land Rover can successfully pivot to luxury electric vehicles (EVs), how changing government fiscal policy impacts British business, and whether Prime Minister Andy Burnham's pledge to re-industrialise Britain is realistic. Read more on Jaguar Land Rover in The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/driving/article/jaguar-type-01-electric-car-revealed-times-driving-27v7f9625 https://www.thetimes.com/business/companies-markets/article/jaguar-land-rover-jobs-redundancy-ztlfxr6b9 You can also watch the episode on YouTube here. Guests:
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Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Youth unemployment: Alan Milburn on NEETs and first jobs | 06 Sep 2026 | 00:32:09 | |
This branded episode is brought to you by PwC. Why are so many young people out of work? Government adviser Alan Milburn joins The Business to discuss youth unemployment, the rising number of NEETs (not in employment, education or training) and first jobs. In this episode, Alan Milburn — who has been examining the surge in young people classified as NEETs — is joined by PwC’s Chief People Officer Philippa O’Connor. Together with hosts Hannah Prevett and Dominic O’Connor, they analyse why tackling youth unemployment is critical for the UK economy and future economic growth. Drawing on research from the Social Market Foundation and PwC, they explore why British business must invest in entry-level talent, how industry leaders can help young people build a career, and what’s needed to keep young people out of long-term unemployment. Guests: Alan Milburn, author of the government-commissioned review into young people and work Phillippa O’Connor, chief people officer, PwC UK Presenter: Hannah Prevett, associate business editor, The Sunday Times Dominic O’Connell, business correspondent, Times Radio Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Emily Leahy Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Chapel Down CEO: How we’re taking on French champagne | 04 Sep 2026 | 00:22:43 | |
Is English sparkling wine outperforming Champagne to become a fast-growing sector in British business? Dominic O'Connell speaks to Chapel Down CEO James Pennefather. What was once viewed as a niche agricultural experiment is now a major success story across the UK economy. In this episode of The Business, James Pennefather, chief executive of Britain’s largest wine producer Chapel Down, joins Dominic O’Connell to discuss how domestic vineyards are expanding and reshaping luxury retail trends. James reveals the corporate strategy behind scaling English sparkling wine to capture a significant part of the global champagne market by 2035. He discusses Kent's chalk soils, navigating export growth in the US, and why younger consumers are embracing local fizz. Plus, he shares how Chapel Down uses its AIM listing as an innovative marketing tool to turn shareholders into loyal customers, and why English sparkling wine represents a major opportunity for UK entrepreneurship. "English sparkling wine has the same quality credentials as champagne, but a slightly more approachable positioning," Pennefather says. Guest:
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Video producer: Bronwen Latham Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Photo: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Scott Bessent, bond markets and the threat to UK borrowing | 02 Sep 2026 | 00:31:00 | |
How will US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and global bond markets impact UK borrowing, John Healey’s UK Budget, and the wider UK economy? Rising inflation rates, soaring government debt, and higher borrowing costs are putting severe pressure on global markets. But can politicians intervene without making things worse? The US Treasury intends to double its buyback operations of government bonds to control yields. But how far can Scott Bessent go before investors lose faith? In this episode of The Business, Dominic O’Connell brings you essential market analysis with The Times economics editor, Mehreen Khan, and Chris Jeffery, Head of Macro Strategy at Legal & General Investment Management. They unpack how spiralling UK borrowing costs affect everything from mortgage rates to pension values, delivering the definitive financial news breakdown. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app. Guests:
Presenter:
Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Image: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BONUS: Trinny Woodall on building a brand with a soul | 27 Aug 2026 | 00:10:28 | |
How did Trinny Woodall build a global cosmetics empire by targeting an overlooked market? Hannah Prevett speaks to the Trinny London founder about entrepreneurship, corporate strategy, and leading a modern British business. In this bonus episode, Trinny Woodall shares how she turned personal brand authority into an innovative enterprise, which she launched at age 53. As one of the UK’s most prominent industry leaders, Trinny Woodall explains why raising capital was challenging, how she navigated changing retail trends - and what it takes to scale a brand. "The more we go into AI, the more important it is when you scroll through social, you're being sent an ad or you're seeing something on a billboard ... That company has a soul and it has a code of beliefs which are not to do with the product it's selling you," she says. "That code of beliefs is actually what you relate to and connect with, and therefore, at that top-line level, you agree with what the feeling is, of that brand." If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app and look for the full episode with Trinny Woodall wherever you get your podcasts. Guest:
Presenter:
Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Trinny Woodall: How I built a beauty empire in my 50s | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:31:08 | |
How did Trinny Woodall build cosmetics brand Trinny London into a multimillion-pound British business? Hannah Prevett speaks to the founder about reinvention. Few people understand business reinvention quite like Trinny Woodall. Best known for her hit television career, Trinny Woodall launched her cosmetics enterprise Trinny London from her own home in 2017 at age 53. In this episode of The Business, we explore how she navigated fundraising hurdles, targeted the over-40s skincare market, and established a major force in UK retail trends. Trinny Woodall reveals the corporate strategy behind building her beauty brand from scratch, her non-negotiables in hiring, and why establishing a support network of female founders was crucial to her success in entrepreneurship. "You need to really build a network of other female founders so that you feel you have women at the same place as you with the same struggles," Woodall says. "Because it's important to sense-check your thought process against somebody who is in a very similar position to you." Guest:
Presenter:
Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BONUS: Castore co-founder Tom Beahon on keeping wealth creators in the UK | 20 Aug 2026 | 00:12:18 | |
Is tax policy driving away British business leaders? Hannah Prevett speaks to Castore co-founder Tom Beahon about the future of UK business. In this bonus episode of The Business, Castore Co-founder Tom Beahon shares his concerns that successful entrepreneurs have little incentive to remain in the UK under current fiscal policy - and what changes he hopes Prime Minister Andy Burnham will deliver. Founded in 2015 by Tom and his brother Phil, the sportswear company designs bespoke kits for premier football clubs and has become a major player in retail trends. It was last valued at almost £1 billion. While Beahon has no desire to leave Britain himself, he warns that talented business leaders are choosing international tax havens over building businesses within the UK. He is increasingly concerned that “our best and brightest, our most capable people” are choosing to leave Britain. “Let's not pretend otherwise,” he says on the show. “That is not good - that doesn't make me happy, I don't think it makes anyone in the entrepreneurial community happy.” Beahon argues that the government should be asking why successful British businesspeople are moving abroad, rather than criticising them for doing so. He says the UK needs to become a place where people want to, not only to start businesses, but to build and scale them. Beahon believes Burnham should make some difficult decisions on public spending, warning that there is a limit to how much can be taken from those at the top. If you like this bonus episode, be sure to watch the full interview with Tom Beahon on Times Business, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Guest:
Presenter:
Producer: Hope Federico Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Photo Credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Castore co-founder Tom Beahon: building a £1bn British sportswear giant | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:34:17 | |
How did Castore disrupt global kit deals to build a British sportswear brand valued at almost £1bn? Hannah Prevett speaks to co-founder Tom Beahon about taking on Nike and Adidas. In this episode of The Business, we look at how Castore transformed from an ambitious startup into a major player in sportswear, securing high-profile kit sponsorships across Premier League Football clubs and international athletics. Alongside his brother Phil, Tom founded the brand from his parents' kitchen table in 2015 - channelling his early setbacks as a football player into focus and resilience. On the show, he explains what it was like to recover from the Aston Villa kit debacle, lifts the lid on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment and walks through landing Sir Andy Murray as an investor. We examine the corporate strategy, supply chain management and entrepreneurship required to challenge legacy sportswear giants. "It didn't make sense to us why there wasn't a British competitor to Nike, Adidas, Puma," Beahon says. "Why can't there be a premium British alternative to these guys? And if not us, then who?" From navigating shifting consumer demand to expanding into global markets, we analyse what the growth has meant for the company so far, and what might be next. Guest:
Presenter:
Producer: Hope Federico Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Photo Credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Are high energy bills threatening Net Zero? | Power Struggle: part 3 | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:31:20 | |
Are soaring energy bills threatening the UK’s net zero targets? Dominic O’Connell examines whether Prime Minister Andy Burnham should adjust climate policy to ease the cost of living. Is the public consensus on the UK’s climate commitments being shattered by high energy bills? In this episode of Power Struggle, our energy mini-series on The Business, we discuss whether the cost of transitioning away from fossil fuels is pushing up household energy bills and slowing economic growth across British business, or if renewables are the solution for bringing prices down. Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has signaled the government will not stick strictly to its green pledges if it risks pushing energy bills higher. With ministers reportedly considering watering down rules on electric car sales, Dominic O’Connell is joined by RenewableUK CEO Tara Singh and Times columnist Juliet Samuel to debate what is really driving up energy bills - gas price volatility or grid upgrade costs - and whether it’s time to drop or double down on net zero. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app. Guests:
Presenter: Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondent Producer: Hope Federico Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Photo Credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Select image using Getty Update the Getty permissions doc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| North Sea oil - Should Andy Burnham U-turn? | Power Struggle: part 2 | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:30:48 | |
Is expanding North Sea oil production climate vandalism or the key to lowering energy bills? Dominic O’Connell explores whether Andy Burnham could u-turn on Labour's manifesto pledge to not issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields in the region. Ask any climate campaigner their views on North Sea oil, and the answer is straightforward: stop drilling. While Labour came to power pledging to prioritise green energy, new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated a more pragmatic stance towards tapping domestic reserves as energy security concerns grow. In Part 2 of Power Struggle, our energy mini-series on The Business, we explore whether expanding North Sea oil field licences is essential for driving economic growth and insulating the wider UK economy. We examine how government fiscal policy, regulatory shifts, and corporate taxation impact long-term commercial investment in the sector, and other affected industries. Dominic is joined by Greig Cameron, Scottish business editor at The Times, to discuss the fate of key offshore fields like Rosebank and Jackdaw. Plus, Amjad Bseisu, chief executive of independent operator EnQuest, explains why he thinks uncompetitive tax regimes are pushing energy investment abroad and what ending North Sea oil production means for Britain’s net zero transition. Guests: Amjad Bseisu, Chief executive, EnQuest Greig Cameron, Scottish business editor, The Times Presenter: Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondent Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Photo Credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Could the UK electricity grid fail? | Power Struggle: part 1 | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:25:07 | |
Earlier this summer, the UK's power network came close to being plunged into a blackout. In part one of our new series on energy, Dominic O’Connell looks at the alarming events of 23 June and what they mean for the future of Britain’s electricity supply. From surging constraint costs and unmetered solar generation, we reveal the host of challenges facing the country. Modernising the UK's electricity transmission system is now vital for business and long-term economic growth. We’re joined by Adam Bell, former head of energy strategy for the government and partner at StoneHaven, who explores how shifting to renewables creates unprecedented stability challenges. Energy developer and data analyst Ben Watts also shares his startling analysis of what went wrong on the UK electricity grid on 23 June, and why calls are growing for greater regulation of NESO, the National Energy System Operator. Can our politicians protect British business and consumers from soaring power bills while overhauling our energy system in the race to net zero? Host: Dominic O’Connell, Times’s columnist and Times Radio business correspondent Guests: Adam Bell, Stonehaven Ben Watts, energy developer and data analyst Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Photo Credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Does Andy Burnham’s government have the guts to deliver growth? | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:35:21 | |
Andy Burnham is officially in No. 10, and his cabinet is in place. Replacing Rachel Reeves’ as Chancellor is John Healey - not, in fact, Shabana Mahmood or Ed Miliband, both names that were thrown around in the lead up. Can the so-called “King of the North” deliver the growth and stability the business community says has been so badly lacking? Amidst a flurry of policy announcements - bus fare caps and a 20 percent cut in business rates for hospitality - is real change a possibility? “The UK is very unique in the fact that we pay two forms of income tax … national income is a tax on employers and work” Mehreen Khan, economics editor at the Times, tells The Business. “Let's see how brave they want to be…I think this is a long overdue reform.” With Times business editor Richard Fletcher, Khan discusses the upcoming budget, how the relationship between the Chancellor and Prime Minister may play out - and just how much change the business community is expecting to see from this new leader. “ I do suspect we'll get a little bounce in consumer confidence, and hence growth, just from a new face in No. 10. How long that lasts - who knows?” Richard Fletcher said. “I think that it is going to take some quite serious reforms to do that and I'm not sure the backbenchers particularly have got the guts to do that.” Hosts: Hannah Prevett, associate business editor, The Sunday Times Dominic O’Connell, business correspondent, Times Radio Guests: Richard Fletcher, Business editor, The Times Mehreen Khan, Economics editor, The Times Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Photo Credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Peppa Pig World: What UK hospitality sector hopes for from Andy Burnham | 17 Jul 2026 | 00:28:14 | |
In the words of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Peppa Pig World “is very much my kind of place.” But how does Paultons Park, one of the UK's most popular theme parks, navigate the shifting UK economy? Located in Hampshire, Paultons Park has been in the Mancey family since first opening its doors in 1983. The amusement park now welcomes a million visitors annually. In 2011, the park opened Peppa Pig World, a £6 million investment that became one of the park's most popular attractions. In this episode of The Business, Hannah Prevett, Associate Business Editor at The Sunday Times speaks with James Mancey, Deputy Managing Director, and Lawrence Mancey, the Marketing Director behind the park. The brothers behind the family-owned British business join Hannah to discuss working in rollercoasters, investing back into their brand, and what the UK hospitality sector is hoping for from a Burnham premiership. For years, Paultons Park has been the first job for thousands of young people. James and Lawrence discuss how inflation rates, increases to National Insurance contributions, and the national minimum wage have impacted their bottom line. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app. This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today to get full digital access. Presenter:
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Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Photo Credit: Paultons Park Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EasyJet Takeover: Inside the £5.7bn US private equity bidding war | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:29:07 | |
What does the high-stakes easyJet takeover bid mean for the future of budget travel? We unpack the intense bidding war between US giants Apollo and Castlelake. Last Friday, in the latest twist in the saga for takeover of easyJet, Apollo secured an agreement to buy the airline in a £5.7B deal, gazumping an offer from US private credit group Castlelake. Just days earlier, easyJet had agreed to the Castlelake proposal - kicking off a proper takeover battle for one of the UK’s best known consumer brands. In this episode, we consider why easyJet has become a target, and what it could mean for the future of the company. Guest:
Presenters:
Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Photo Credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Grindr CEO on Madonna, AI and UK age verification | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:29:53 | |
How have UK age restriction laws affected Grindr’s users? What changes will AI bring to the dating app? And where does Madonna fit into all this? In this episode of The Business, Grindr CEO George Arison joins Dominic O'Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondent, to discuss Grindr’s cultural prominence, the future of the app, and their recent collaboration with the Queen of Pop herself, Madonna. Launched in 2009, Grindr is the world's number one dating app for gay and bisexual men, with over 15 million active users in 190 countries and territories. Grindr CEO George Arison first interacted with the platform as a user, switching from a blackberry to an iPhone in 2009 in order to use the app. In 2022 he joined the company as CEO, believing in its mission to connect gay and bisexual men around the world, and build an online gaybourhood. Arison discusses his upbringing in the USSR, taking Grindr public a month after joining the company and how he believes leaning into AI, and ensuring an exceptional free service are the best ways of ensuring growth. “ Within six to 12 months, Grindr's gonna be an AI first product where AI is gonna be fully integrated into anything that a user does and the experience of that is gonna be exponentially better.” Arison also describes the effect UK Age restriction laws have had on the country’s Grindr user-base. According to Arison, the restrictions discourage closeted users who are uncomfortable sharing data with the app, removing an important space where these individuals can connect. Guest:
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Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Photo Credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BONUS: The AI bubble, deepfakes and the future of UK tech | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:10:03 | |
Is the AI bubble bound to pop? How can UK companies prevent the malicious use of AI? And is there a role for increased regulation in the AI industry? In this bonus episode of The Business, Synthesia CEO and co-founder Victor Riparbelli joins Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times, to discuss the company's success in a world of rapidly growing AI companies, the role he thinks regulation should play in AI-generated content, and what the next chancellor should prioritise to strengthen the UK tech industry and boost the UK economy. Synthesia - the AI video generation platform that allows users to create realistic avatars from plain text - is one of the UK's biggest AI success stories, with a current valuation of $4 billion. Headquartered in London, the company is used by 90% of Fortune 100 companies and 70% of the FTSE100, making it one of the most influential businesses shaping the future of enterprise AI. Riparbelli explains why he believes AI is more than just another technology bubble, despite sky-high valuations across the sector, and why he expects the industry to experience a period of consolidation rather than collapse. He also discusses the rise of deepfakes, the challenges AI poses for businesses and consumers, and why regulation should focus on preventing harmful outcomes without stifling innovation. The conversation also explores what policymakers can do to attract talent, encourage entrepreneurship and support the next generation of British technology companies. Riparbelli shares his views on AI adoption across Europe, why the UK must move faster to embrace new technology, and how stronger AI adoption could improve productivity and help drive long-term growth across the UK economy. To hear more about the young entrepreneur Victor Riparbelli and the story behind Synthesia, listen to last week's episode here: https://pod.fo/e/440334 Guest:
Presenter:
Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Photo credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| UK unicorn CEO: why Europe is lagging behind on AI | 03 Jul 2026 | 00:29:46 | |
How can we develop an AI ecosystem for UK companies? How can tech startups and scale-ups thrive in the UK and Europe? And how did this UK company nearly double its valuation this year? In this episode of The Business, Synthesia CEO and co-founder Victor Riparbelli joins Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times, to discuss the company’s rapid success, what AI-generated video creation means for creative industries, and why Riparbelli believes Europe must do more to support the growth of its technology sector. This entrepreneur story charts the rise of one of Britain’s most valuable AI companies and explores what it takes to build a global business in the UK. Riparbelli argues that if Britain wants to grow the UK economy, it must create a stronger AI ecosystem that helps startups and scale-ups access investment, attract talent and compete internationally. Synthesia, the AI video generation platform that allows users to generate avatars from plain text, is one of the UK’s biggest AI success stories, with a current valuation of $4 billion.
Headquartered in London, the company is used by 90% of Fortune 100 companies, and 70% of the FTSE100, making Synthesia a major player in the AI video generation space and a leading example of innovation in the tech industry. Riparbelli also explains why he sees little incentive for fast-growing technology companies to list on the London Stock Exchange rather than the Nasdaq and argues that Europe's cautious approach to innovation risks leaving it behind in the global AI race. He discusses what policymakers, investors and founders can do to create an environment where the next generation of AI startups and scale-ups can flourish. "I'm not sure what we really believe in in Europe," Riparbelli says. "In the US, they believe in capitalism. In China, they believe in technology. I'm not sure what we really believe in in Europe." Guest:
Presenter:
Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Photo credit: Synthesia Limited Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Burnham and Business - what could a PM refresh do for the UK economy? | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:33:53 | |
Sir Keir Starmer has resigned, and all eyes are on Andy Burnham as likely new Prime Minister. On The Times Business podcast, Richard Fletcher, business editor of The Times, and Mehreen Khan, economics editor at the paper, join the show to examine what a new Prime Minister might do for the UK economy, the business community and the world of entrepreneurship. Andy Burnham was educated at Cambridge and previously worked as a journalist at two trade publications - Tank World and Passenger World Management - before going into politics. He became an MP in 2001, and had ministerial jobs under Gordon Brown. He tried twice for the Labour leadership in 2010 and 2015, and went on to become Mayor of Greater Manchester. Now, after winning the Makerfield by-election, he is all but the anointed successor to Starmer. In this episode, we examine what business should expect from our likely new leader and, crucially, who will be his chancellor? "Keir Starmer was not interested in economics - he had no political economy; Andy Burnham does. We're not really sure what it is, but he does care," journalist Mehreen Khan says on the show. "But the relationship between Number 10 and Number 11 has always been the crux of how this country governs itself … I would probably argue it probably doesn't matter so much if it's Miliband or Wes Streeting [for chancellor]." "I think the idea that there is this huge ideological gap between them is not gonna be true because actually it's gonna be Burnham that is driving much more policy from Number 10, and his chancellor will just have to bend to his will because he's the most popular politician in the country." Presenters:
Guests:
Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Photo credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Clips: Sky News, PoliticsJOE, The Independent, TimesRadio, BBC News, BBC News (Newscast) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BONUS: Kemi Badenoch on UK economic growth at The Times CEO Summit | 20 Jun 2026 | 00:15:10 | |
What will it take to see growth in the British economy again? In this bonus episode of The Business, Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, sets out her answer. Recorded live at The Times CEO Summit, which brings together business leaders and policy makers to discuss current economic challenges and opportunities, Badenoch joined Fraser Nelson to talk growth, regulation and the future of Britain's economy. Badenoch reflects on the Conservative Party's path back to power, and Labour's record of treating business "as if it's a problem to be managed rather than an asset to be championed." In this live interview with Times columnist, Fraser Nelson, Badenoch says the UK needs an "economic revolution" to reverse years of stagnation, outlining plans to cut red tape, lower energy costs and encourage greater risk-taking across business and government. Presenter: Fraser Nelson, Times Columnist Guest: Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Opposition Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Photo credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Inside Keir Starmer's social media ban | 19 Jun 2026 | 00:34:57 | |
This week on The Business, our sister series, The Times Tech Podcast is taking over the feed. Find full episodes wherever you get your podcasts. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a ban on social media for under-16s, due to come into effect next year. But questions remain over how it will be enforced, and whether it will actually work. Mark Sellman joins Katie Prescott to answer the key questions. In the US, the Trump administration has banned two of Anthropic’s most powerful AI models which include the controversial 'Mythos', intensifying calls for Europe to build sovereign AI systems of its own. If America can restrict access to critical AI technology at short notice, what does that mean for the rest of the world? Plus, Katie has been at Founders Forum, where she interviewed Katie King, the founder and CEO of BioOrbit, a company building a pharmaceutical lab in space to transform the way we treat cancer. Do you agree with the social media ban? Get in touch: techpod@thetimes.co.uk Producers: Marnie Duke & Ethan Sills Executive Producer: Priyanka Deladia Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BONUS: How UK companies can land their big, American break | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:16:50 | |
What does it take for a British business to make it in the United States? In this episode, we hear from the people who’ve managed to pull it off. UK chief executive of the PR firm Grayling, Heather Blundell, is alongside the Berry co-founder Ryan Burnham and designer Freya Rose Archer for this special episode recorded in Los Angeles at the 2026 Greater Together LA summit. They discuss the opportunities and challenges facing UK companies in the world's largest consumer market. As Britain continues to redefine its place in the global economy post Brexit, host Hannah Prevett explores the importance of UK trade with the United States and the role British businesses can play in strengthening economic ties between the two countries. In this conversation, the group examines why the US remains such an important market for ambitious British businesses looking to expand internationally, and what growth could mean for the wider UK economy. Archer encourages company founders to lean into their individuality, as an important way of reaching consumers across the Atlantic. “The heritage that we have in Britain with creativity and the passion for craftsmanship really resonates with the US customer," she says on the show. From creative industries and communications to luxury retail and consumer products, they discuss the opportunities available to UK companies seeking growth in the American market. They also explore the power of Britain's global reputation and ask whether the UK's much-discussed soft power can translate into commercial success. Guests share lessons on entrepreneurship, international expansion and what UK companies can learn from the confidence and ambition often associated with the US market. “It's like nothing I've ever experienced from a client before," Blundell says on the program in regards to her partnerships with US businesses. "They run towards things that others would run away from. They buy distressed assets, rebuild and invest." Presenter: - Hannah Prevett, associate business editor of The Sunday Times Guests: - Heather Blundell, UK CEO Grayling - Ryan Burnham, Co-Founder of The Berry - Freya Rose Archer, Founder and Designer of Freya Rose London Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Photo credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Rivals or partners? What the US relationship means for UK business | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:29:56 | |
This branded episode is brought to you by PwC. Is the so-called 'special relationship’ between the United Kingdom and United States alive and well? Amid political tensions, have these ties frayed - and what does this mean for the business community? In an episode recorded at the UK Government’s Greater Together LA programme, we take a practical look at what growth and opportunities are available to UK businesses looking to leverage in the US. Presenter: - Hannah Prevett, Associate business editor, The Sunday Times Guests: - Marco Amitrano, Senior Partner PwC UK and Middle East - Michael Frohlich, Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer, WPP Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BONUS: ARIA's Kathleen Fisher on AI in business, risk-taking and the future of the UK economy | 13 Jun 2026 | 00:12:48 | |
Kathleen Fisher, chief executive of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), joins Hannah Prevett for her first major interview since taking charge of the UK's high-risk research agency. Created in 2023, Aria was the invention of Conservative Party adviser Dominic Cummings. Inspired by the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) - where Fisher previously worked - ARIA was designed to back ambitious ideas that could transform industries, accelerate AI in business and strengthen the UK economy. In this special recording before a live audience for The Times and Sunday Times Reviving the City event, Fisher discusses what it will take for the UK to create the next generation of world-leading tech companies, whether Britain can produce a trillion-dollar business, and why she believes the country must become more comfortable with risk if it wants to compete on the global stage. The conversation explores the challenges facing UK companies as artificial intelligence reshapes industries, from startups and scale-ups to established FTSE 100 businesses. Fisher explains how AI in business can be used to empower workers rather than replace them, why organisations that fail to adapt risk being left behind, and where Britain has unique advantages in areas such as AI hardware, and quantum technologies. She also shares lessons from her time at DARPA, outlines ARIA's mission to turn scientific breakthroughs into commercial success, and discusses how the UK can capture more of the value created by its world-class research base. Along the way, she weighs in on venture capital, patient investment, the role of pension funds in backing innovation, and the importance of creating an environment where entrepreneurs can learn from failure. For anyone interested in investing, startups, scale-ups, AI in business, the future of the UK economy and the prospects for Britain's next generation of tech companies, this is a conversation with one of the most influential figures shaping the country's innovation agenda. Presenter: - Hannah Prevett, associate business editor of The Sunday Times Guest: - Kathleen Fisher, chief executive of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Business secretary Peter Kyle: how to produce a British SpaceX | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:33:37 | |
Labour's Secretary of State for Business, Peter Kyle, joins us in the studio to answer some of the most pressing questions facing the UK economy: how does Britain position itself as a legitimate global destination for business, investment, and innovation? “We have the potential to scale fast, but too often companies are leaving this country when they get to a need for a certain size of investment,” Kyle says on the show. “They're going to go and find that in America with a higher risk threshold, and they're gonna find a boldness and an urgency of getting capital into businesses. We have to have an environment here where that is met.” While Labour may be keen to call itself a pro-growth government, there is no secret that the business community - from the small enterprises to the top chief executives - are deeply unimpressed. We ask how the government's relationship with the business community really going? "There is a fundamental issue at the heart of this whole debate, and that's that until we get solid, sustained, sizeable growth into our economy ... Then no business as a sector is going to be able to move forward at the pace at which I would like." And as the world's most valuable tech giants continue their march toward the public markets, the IPO pipeline is overwhelmingly American. SpaceX, Anthropic, OpenAI - the names generating the most excitement among investors are filing to list in New York. The NASDAQ continues to offer valuations that the London Stock Exchange simply cannot match. " "I hope that the plus side for Britain when it comes to these big American IPOs is that it will create a sense of excitement about IPO' ing itself because, of course, most of the trend in recent years has gone from private investment into private companies," he says on the show. The London Stock Exchange is now doing a regular drumbeat of IPOs. It's now back in the business." Presenters: - Hannah Prevett, associate business editor of The Sunday Times - Dominc O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business reporter Guest: - Peter Kyle, Business Secretary Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Photo credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| IPOs go ‘mega’ – should we be worried? | 04 Jun 2026 | 00:34:21 | |
The three largest share listings ever are about to happen. SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI are set to sell their shares to the public, and each will be valued at one trillion dollars or more. On this episode of the Business, we ask: How will the markets find the money? Should we be worried about the world stock market being even more dominated by a tiny handful of companies? And will we ever see something like this in the UK? Presenters: - Hannah Prevett, associate business editor of The Sunday Times - Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business reporter Guests:
Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Photo credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Nuclear fusion, holy grail of clean energy | 29 May 2026 | 00:30:02 | |
Nuclear fusion proponents believe their technology will supply power through the grid by the 2030s. These hopes come at a time when private investment in the commercial industry exceeds $10bn globally. Is the industry on the cusp of greatness? What companies are getting in early? Presenter: Dominic O’Connell, columnist at The Times and business correspondent at Times Radio Guests: Warrick Matthews, CEO of Tokamak Energy Dr Melanie Windridge, founder of Fusion Energy Insights, Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Photo credit: Tokamak Energy Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BONUS: Inside the SpaceX monopoly | 27 May 2026 | 00:07:53 | |
SpaceX - which last week confirmed its plans to go public - dominates orbital launches. So what does its monopoly mean for other players in the space tech world? In this bonus episode, part of our recent conversation with Mark Bogett, chief executive of Seraphim Space, we discuss the commercial impacts of SpaceX's market control. Presenter:
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Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Photo credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Could an AI revolution keep Britain working? | 26 May 2026 | 00:32:41 | |
This branded episode is brought to you by PwC. Anxiety about how artificial intelligence will impact companies, employees and careers is reaching a fever pitch. Workers are beginning to ask: will technology wipe out entire sections of the employment base? On this episode of The Business, we consider how organisations can turn that uncertainty and fear into hope and opportunity. How can employees make better use of the tools available to drive productivity? How can technology education better prepare the next generation of workers for the workplaces of the future? Presenters: - Hannah Prevett, associate business editor of The Sunday Times - Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business reporter Guests: - Carol Stubbings, PwC Managing partner - Sir Charlie Mayfield, Lead reviewer, Keep Britain Working Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Photo credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Lift off for the space economy | 22 May 2026 | 00:30:00 | |
This week, Elon Musk’s satellite and rocket production company SpaceX confirmed its plan to take the company public. As part of the IPO, according to the securities filing, the company plans to offer retail investors the chance to buy stock. Could it all be a game changer for the space sector? And will this mean a wall of money chasing space-related opportunities? Presenter:
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Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Photo credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| A new PM? What next for the economy and business | 14 May 2026 | 00:29:51 | |
The uncertainty dominating British politics in the last half decade has ramped up to a full-blown drama in recent days. As uncertainty hangs over Prime MInister Keir Starmer's premiership and a possible leadership challenge looms, we consider: what does this chaos mean for the British business community? Presenter:
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Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Photo credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BONUS: An insider’s guide to building a LinkedIn following | 13 May 2026 | 00:06:22 | |
LinkedIn is not without its critics, but there is no doubt it provides a great way for professionals and founders to build a following, a presence and to share their ideas. We asked LinkedIn’s chief economic opportunity officer Aneesh Raman about the best ways to use the platform. Read more: Crying videos on LinkedIn? It’s not a good look, says top exec Presenter:
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Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Photo credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Why honing ‘human’ skills could AI-proof your career | 08 May 2026 | 00:29:19 | |
The impact of Artificial Intelligence on the workplace is inevitable - but are there ways to protect your business and career? Aneesh Raman, chief economic opportunity office and the co-author of Open to Work: How to Get Ahead in the Age of AI tells us why the impact of AI is not pre-determined, and how workers should go about adapting to this rapidly changing environment. Presenters:
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Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Photo credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Can cinemas survive the doomscroll? | 01 May 2026 | 00:26:44 | |
Cinemas have had a rough fight for audiences ever since television arrived in our homes. The competition is now tougher than ever - streaming services, all kinds of online content available for free, and a culture hooked on short, endlessly scrollable clips. What is cinema’s role in this new entertainment economy - and can it still thrive? Presenter:
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Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall Photo credit: Getty Get in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||