Recent Entries
Podcasts (100)
Evan Davis hosts the business conversation show with insights from the people at the top.
From The Bottom Line at 2024-03-07 20:30:00
In the eye of a crisis (p0hh7pr9.mp3)
Evan Davis makes up crisis management scenarios to see how three CEOs handle a business emergency. To make it more realistic none of the guests know what the predicaments are before speaking to Evan.
Guests: Kathryn Jacob, CEO of Pearl and Dean Dame Inga Beale, former CEO of Lloyd's of London Justin King, former CEO of Sainsbury's
Production Team: Presenter: Evan Davis Editor: Matt Willis Producer: Simon Tulet & Paige Neal-Holder Sound: Sarah Hockley & Rod Farquhar
From The Bottom Line at 2024-02-29 20:59:00
Rethinking retirement (p0hfwk11.mp3)
A typical career, for many, involves some kind of progression, or at least the expectation of it, until we stop and retire. But is there a better model?
Evan Davis and guests discuss whether more of us should think about easing into retirement by taking more junior roles, going part time, or switching profession altogether, instead of stepping off a career cliff edge when we reach pension age. Could this expand the number of job opportunities for older workers, whilst also helping younger workers push through the ranks?
Stepping back isn’t an option open to all, though, and there could be big implications for pensions, so how should older workers begin to calculate if, or when, it might be possible? Evan is joined by:
Matthew Rideout, founder of Knead & Desire Bakehouse; Sir Howard Davies, chairman of NatWest Group; Zoe Ashdown, head of culture and people engagement at AXA UK and Ireland.
Thanks also to the listeners who sent in voice notes, and to everyone else who emailed bottomline@bbc.co.uk
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Producers: Simon Tulett Researcher: Paige Neal-Holder Editor: Matt Willis Sound: James Beard and Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge
The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University.
(Picture: An older man laughing and looking at a laptop with a young woman in a workshop. Credit: Alys Tomlinson/Getty Images)
From The Bottom Line at 2024-02-22 20:59:00
Where's the life in nightlife? (p0hdk7ms.mp3)
The UK’s biggest nightclub operator recently announced the closure of around half of its venues, and with them almost 500 jobs. REKOM UK, which owns the Atik and Pryzm brands, blamed the cost of living crisis hurting its customers, along with increased operating costs. But is there something else going on?
According to the industry association the number of nightclubs in the UK has more than halved in the last decade, so have younger people – nightclubs’ core customers – lost interest in drinking and dancing the night away? Are landlords eyeing up healthier returns from these enormous spaces by turning them into flats? And how are the remaining venues evolving to attract these, and sometimes older, customers?
Evan Davis is joined by:
Peter Marks, chairman of REKOM UK; Mike Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association; Jo Cox-Brown, CEO of Night Time Economy Solutions.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Producers: Simon Tulett and Nick Holland Researcher: Paige Neal-Holder Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge
The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University.
(Picture: A crowd of people dancing and waving their arms in the air. Credit: Getty Images)
From The Bottom Line at 2024-02-15 20:31:00
Navigating the Say-Do Gap (p0hc5dpj.mp3)
It’s easy for people to say they want to buy a particular product, perhaps in the name of sustainability. But how often do individuals actually follow through with these well-meaning intentions? Academics regularly observe a difference between what consumers say they want to do and what they actually do. The gap can cause problems for businesses when they're trying to figure out how to serve their customers. Evan Davis is joined by a panel of business leaders to discuss how they bridge this divide.
Guests: Andreas Chatzidakis, professor of marketing in the centre for research into sustainability, Royal Holloway, University of London Jake Pickering, senior manager for agriculture, Waitrose Marsha Smith, deputy CEO, IKEA UK Toby Clark, vice president of insights, Mintel
Production team: Producers: Simon Tulett, and Nick Holland Researcher: Paige Neal-Holder Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Hal Haines Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University.
From The Bottom Line at 2024-02-08 20:32:00
It's useful to know how you're doing at work, but feedback from managers and colleagues can often be unhelpful, upsetting, or even non-existent. So what's the best way to give and receive it?
Evan Davis and guests discuss some top techniques, particularly in the tricky area of negative feedback, and the importance of training managers in how to have these conversations. But feedback isn't just about managers - we learn the best ways for employees to receive and act on it.
Plus, how frequently should an employee's performance be measured - we discuss the pros and cons of the annual appraisal - and whether technology helps or hinders.
Evan Davis is joined by:
Catherine Hearn, UK HR director, Amazon Katie Obi, chief people officer, Advanced Margaret Cheng, HR consultant, executive coach and author of 'Giving Good Feedback'
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Producer: Simon Tulett Researcher: Paige Neal-Holder Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Graham Puddifoot and Hal Haines Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge
The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University.
(Picture: A woman and a man talking at a desk. Credit: Vladimir Vladimirov, Getty Images)
From The Bottom Line at 2024-02-01 21:00:00
UK consumers are eating less meat than at any point since records began 50 years ago, according to the latest government figures, so how are farmers, processors and retailers responding?
The cost of living crisis is part of the reason for a recent drop-off in demand, but warnings about meat's impact on the planet and our health might also play a role, and plant-based alternatives have been eating into meat’s market share in recent years.
So does the industry feel under attack, or are they adapting their businesses and their products to meet these challenges? And what does it take to get an animal from a field to our plate anyway?
Evan Davis is joined by:
Anna Longthorp, of Anna’s Happy Trotters; Phil Hambling, head of CSR at ABP Food Group; Charlotte Mitchell, owner of Charlotte’s Butchery.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Producer: Simon Tulett Researcher: Paige Neal-Holder Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar and Neil Churchill Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge
The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University.
(Picture: A butcher arranging meat at store window in Leeds. Credit: Reza Estakhrian/Getty Images)
From The Bottom Line at 2024-01-25 20:31:00
Many unhappy returns (p0h75zl9.mp3)
Some major fashion brands have started charging for online returns, or even banning customers who routinely send products back. The companies say that growing levels of returns are hitting their profits, so just how costly is it to process an unwanted dress, and what really happens when we pop it back in the post?
Evan Davis and guests take us behind the scenes into the hidden world of returns and the mini-industry that has sprung up to deal with the billions of pounds of items rejected by customers.
It's a growing problem, according to many retailers, with a small number of customers causing particular damage, so what's the best way to tackle it and does the responsibility lie with brands, shoppers, or governments?
Evan is joined by:
Robert Kulawik, chief operating officer, Everything5pounds.com; Andy Rough, CEO, ACS Clothing; Dr Regina Frei, associate professor of digital economy, University of Surrey.
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Producer: Simon Tulett Researcher: Paige Neal-Holder Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge
From The Bottom Line at 2024-01-18 20:59:00
Bringing your 'whole self' to work (p0h5vckd.mp3)
It’s become the mantra of many employers, and the expectation of some employees, but what does bringing your whole or authentic self to work actually mean, and should employers encourage it?
Evan Davis and guests discuss the pros and cons of a workplace culture in which employees are encouraged to share their personal beliefs, politics and vulnerabilities with colleagues. What impact does it have on employee satisfaction and business productivity? And, at a time of great political and cultural polarisation, how do you prevent the ‘whole self’ ethos stirring up trouble?
From The Bottom Line at 2023-11-16 21:00:00
On the agenda for the final programme of the current series is meetings. Virtual or in person, it's difficult to avoid a work meeting. So how do you ensure a good meeting? What should their purpose be, how many people should attend, who should speak and when? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS Dave Brittain, Business Development Director, Amazon Fashion Europe Phil Jones, MD Brother UK Dr. Sarah Woolley, Senior Research Fellow, Warwick Business School CLIPS Series 3 Episode 3 W1A Writer: John Morton Rob Mayhew Brother Meeting Manifesto Writer: Rob Mayhew PRODUCTION TEAM Producer: Julie Ball Editor: China Collins Sound: Rod Farquhar and James Beard Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman
From The Bottom Line at 2023-11-09 21:00:00
Blockbuster drugs (p0grs0bw.mp3)
New medicines with sales in the billions of dollars each year are what every pharmaceutical company dreams of, but how do you create one and can they really justify their often high price tags? Evan Davis and guests discuss the changing origins of so-called 'blockbusters' and their importance to the global drug industry, including recent examples like the obesity and diabetes treatments Wegovy and Ozempic, which have made Novo Nordisk one of the richest companies in Europe. Plus, as outright cures for some diseases begin to emerge, how can the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare systems agree on what is a reasonable price to pay for them? Evan is joined by: Sir Patrick Vallance, former president of research and development at GSK, chief scientific advisor to the UK government, now chair of the Natural History Museum; Ruth McKernan, venture partner at SV Health Investors; David Brown, chairman and co-founder of Healx and co-creator of Viagra; Natasha Loder, health editor, The Economist. PRODUCTION TEAM: Producer: Simon Tulett Editor: China Collins Sound: Graham Puddifoot Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman (Picture: Rolls of dollar bills next to a bottle of pills. Credit: Getty Images)
From The Bottom Line at 2023-11-02 20:31:00
The Age of the Train? (p0gqdr23.mp3)
For most people, the aeroplane is the default mode of long distance transport Whilst the UK has only two overnight sleeper services, long distance train travel and sleeper services are experiencing a resurgence in Europe. One company OBB, the Austrian State Railway has just ordered thirty new trains, some of which will be in service from December. But are these services mainly for train aficionados, romantics and those scared of flying, or could they become a serious competitor to the plane? Evan Davis and guests discuss what's behind this apparent new 'Age of the Train'. GUESTS Kurt Bauer, Head of Long Distance Passenger Services and New Rail Business, OBB/Nightjet Michael Guerra, Rail Design Engineer and Co-founder, Night X Monisha Rajesh, Travel journalist and Author, 'Around the World in 80 Trains' Reporter: Lisa Louis PRODUCTION TEAM Producer: Julie Ball Editor : China Collins Sound: Neil Churchill and Rod Farquhar Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman
From The Bottom Line at 2023-10-26 20:31:00
Bad behaviour and big mistakes can destroy careers and even entire businesses if they're not addressed quickly, so why do some companies and their leaders try to downplay or even deny them? Evan Davis and guests discuss the culture of defensiveness and denial that exists in some organisations, from the private to the public and charity sectors. A former Oxfam worker describes how she was forced to blow the whistle on widespread sexual exploitation and abuse inside the charity, and the panel explores the ways in which leaders can tackle wrongdoing and encourage their teams to call it out. Evan is joined by: Helen Evans, former head of global safeguarding at Oxfam, now CEO of Cavernoma Alliance UK: John Higgins, researcher on workplace activism and author of “Speak Up: Say What Needs to Be Said and Hear What Needs to Be Heard”; Sarah Miller, CEO of Principia Advisory. PRODUCTION TEAM: Producer: Simon Tulett Editor: China Collins Sound: Graham Puddifoot and Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinators: Gemma Ashman and Sophie Hill (Picture: A businessman with his head in the sand. Credit: Getty Images)
From The Bottom Line at 2023-10-19 20:30:00
Elon Musk’s decision to rename Twitter ‘X’ has been met with confusion, and in some cases even anger, but where does it rank amongst the best and worst rebrands? Evan Davis and guests discuss the complexity of changing a company or product name, logo and message, the reasons for doing it, and how to make it a success. These overhauls can be risky, though, and failure expensive – the panel discusses one the UK’s textbook rebranding disasters. Evan is joined by: Lee Rolston, chief growth officer at Jones Knowles Ritchie; Caroline Wiertz, professor of marketing at Bayes Business School (formerly Cass) – City, University of London; Amanda Mackenzie, former chief marketing and communications officer at Aviva; Keith Wells, founder and director of Brandwell. PRODUCTION TEAM: Producer: Simon Tulett Editor: China Collins Sound: Graham Puddifoot and Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman (Picture: The new ‘X’ logo displayed on a smartphone with the old Twitter logo in the background. Credit: Omar Marques/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images.)
From The Bottom Line at 2023-10-12 21:00:00
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis (p0gl5gyj.mp3)
As the UK gets ready to host a major global summit on the safety of artificial intelligence, Evan Davis speaks to one of the technology's leading global figures. Demis Hassabis explains how he went from child chess champion to game developer to co-founder of AI research lab DeepMind, which was bought by Google in 2014. He discusses Google's answer to ChatGPT and AI's ability to create breakthroughs in science, but also its downsides, including the potential extinction of the human race. GUEST: Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind PRODUCTION TEAM Producers: Joel Moors and Simon Tulett Editor: China Collins Sound: Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman (Picture: Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind)
From The Bottom Line at 2023-10-05 20:30:00
From plumbers to electricians, plasterers to builders, most of us need to hire a trader at some point. But what's it like to work in the industry, and how has it been affected by changes such as Brexit, the pandemic and inflation? How should you go about finding a trader who is trustworthy and will deliver quality work? In recent decades, going into a 'trade' has not been as strongly encouraged as to going to university, but tradespeople of all kinds are in short supply, so what is being done to encourage more young people to take up a trowel or pick up a drill? Evan Davis and guests discuss. CONTRIBUTORS Chris Day - Electrician, Mayday Electrical Solutions Ltd. Kalece Okunsanya - Decorator - Suave Property Care Will Davies - Co founder , Aspect Property Maintenance Tim Balcon - CEO, Construction Industry Training Board Peter Gordon - Listener PRODUCTION TEAM Producer: Julie Ball Editor: China Collins Sound: Tim Heffer and Graham Puddifoot Prod. Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman
From The Bottom Line at 2023-09-28 20:30:00
Back to the office (p0gh80df.mp3)
Many employers say they are desperate to get staff back into the office more often, but what's the best and fairest way to wean employees off remote working? As companies from tech to banking grapple with this issue, Evan Davis and guests discuss the productivity pros and cons, the impact on company culture and career progression, and the future of the office space itself. With many staff reluctant to give up the flexibility of remote working, is a hybrid model the answer to keeping them happy and how many office days each week should you go for? Plus, where do employees stand legally on return to the office requests, and what happens when workers simply refuse to comply? Evan is joined by: Kelly Beaver, CEO of Ipsos in the UK and Ireland; Stephen White, Chief Operating Officer of Santander UK; Ranjit Dhindsa, head of employment at Fieldfisher; and Nicholas Bloom, professor of economics, Stanford University. PRODUCTION TEAM: Producer: Simon Tulett Editor: China Collins Sound: Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman (Picture: A businessman staring out of the window of an empty conference room. Credit: Chris Ryan/Getty Images)
From The Bottom Line at 2023-07-27 21:00:00
Does Funny Sell? (p0g3bgwj.mp3)
Is humour the most effective way to get your product noticed? If so, why does it seem that the use of comedy in advertising is in decline? Recent research by Kantar found that 90% of consumers were more likely to remember and purchase a brand if the advert made them smile. So why the downturn? Are multi-national brands looking for a one size fits all approach, or are brands frightened of offending potential customers? Evan Davis and guests discuss. PRESENTER: Evan Davis GUESTS Rory Sutherland, VP, Ogilvy UK Lucy Greeves, Author and Creative Strategist Dom Dwight, Marketing Director, Taylors of Harrogate and Yorkshire Tea ADVERT CLIP: Yorkshire Tea - Induction Training with Sean Bean Courtesy of Taylors of Harrogate, Yorkshire Tea Creative: Lucky Generals Advertising Agency PRODUCTION TEAM Producer: Julie Ball Editor: China Collins Sound: Graham Puddifoot Production Co-ordinator: Brenda Brown The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University
From The Bottom Line at 2023-07-20 21:00:00
What next for water? (p0g21nx3.mp3)
England’s water companies are under fire – there’s public anger over sewage spills and leaks, and now regulators and government ministers are worried some of them are drowning in too much debt. So what’s gone wrong, and who will pay the price of fixing the industry? On the face of it, running a water company seems like a licence to print money – there’s guaranteed revenue, and no competition – but there’s a lot of infrastructure to build and maintain, and strict targets that are getting even tougher and more expensive to hit as environmental concerns grow. Many of England’s water firms have taken on very high levels of debt, but have they used it to invest, or pay off their shareholders? And does the regulator, Ofwat, have questions to answer for strangling spending on improvements in a bid to keep customer prices low? Evan Davis is joined by: Nicola Shaw, CEO, Yorkshire Water; Sir Ian Byatt, Ofwat Director General from 1989 to 2000; Verity Mitchell, UK analyst at Global Water Intelligence. PRODUCTION TEAM: Producer: Simon Tulett Editor: China Collins Sound: Graham Puddifoot and Mike Woolley Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown Produced in partnership with The Open University.
From The Bottom Line at 2023-07-13 21:00:00
Business on 'the box' (p0g0s5bc.mp3)
From The Office and Succession to The Apprentice and Dragons' Den, does the portrayal of business on television inspire or is it a total turn off to budding entrepreneurs? And how challenging is it to create great drama from the world of business? Is 'greed, for lack of a better word, good' as Gordon Gekko from Wall Street would have us believe? Or post financial crash, is the world looking to find a more equitable and kind example of the business world on screen? PRESENTER: EVAN DAVIS GUESTS Ash Atalla, CEO, Roughcut Productions Dave Fishwick, businessman, subject of Netflix movie, 'Bank of Dave' Nisha Katona, Founder, Mowgli Street Restaurants, Great British Menu judge Mickey Brown and Konrad Kay, co-writers, 'Industry' , BBC 2 drama series Clip from 'Industry' BBC2 Bad Wolf Productions HBO/BBC Produced in Partnership with the Open University PRODUCTION TEAM Producer: Julie Ball Editor: China Collins Sound: James Beard and Graham Puddifoot Production Co-ordinator: Brenda Brown
From The Bottom Line at 2023-07-06 21:00:00
Demand for pre-loved goods has surged in the UK in recent years, with fashion, books and furniture especially popular. So what’s driving this boom in second-hand sales - the cost of living crisis or the increasingly eco-conscious shopper? And how are companies making money from it? Evan Davis and guests discuss the business of buying and selling pre-loved products, the growing number of online platforms specialising in them, and the bricks-and-mortar retailers looking to get in on the act. Plus, is buying second-hand really better for the environment, and what protection does the customer get when something goes wrong if they’re buying from a stranger rather than a business? GUESTS Hugh Hurley, CEO, Gumtree Adam Jay, CEO, Vinted Marketplace Ana Estrougo, founder and CEO, The Octopus Club Adwoa Owusu-Darko, founder, Mini's World and seller on Depop Produced in partnership with The Open University. PRODUCTION TEAM Producer: Simon Tulett Editor: China Collins Sound: Graham Puddifoot and Rod Farquhar Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown
From The Bottom Line at 2023-06-29 21:00:00
Dame Sharon White (p0fy34kv.mp3)
John Lewis Partnership and Waitrose are possibly two of the most trusted brands in retail. This week, Evan Davis interviews Dame Sharon White, who took over as Chair of the Partnership, literally weeks before lockdown. Post lockdown like all retailers the Partnership faces a cost of living crisis and getting customers back to the High Street. How is she facing these challenges and what are her plans for the future of the partnership? GUEST: Dame Sharon White, Chair, John Lewis Partnership PRODUCTION TEAM Producers: Julie Ball and Simon Tulett Editor: Richard Vadon Sound: Hannah Montgomery and Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinator: Brenda Brown
From The Bottom Line at 2023-06-22 21:00:00
Managing millennials (and Gen Z) (p0fwrh3y.mp3)
Younger workers want unlimited holiday, refuse to give up remote working, and are constantly looking for their next job, or so the cliché goes. Millennials and those even younger (Generation Z) do typically have different attitudes to work than their older colleagues, but what are they really, and how are they changing workplaces? Is it all about finishing early on Fridays, finding a company with a strong ethical stance, or looking for the quickest possible route to success? And to what extent have the pandemic and remote working changed the relationship between employees and employers, especially for those new to the world of work? As these younger workers make up an ever-growing proportion of staff at UK firms, Evan Davis and guests ask what’s the best way to manage and get the best out of them. GUESTS Grace Beverley, founder and CEO of TALA and SHREDDY; Helen Marshall, chief learning officer at Thrive; Gary Ashworth, chairman of InterQuest Group, Albany Beck and Positive Healthcare. Thanks also to Cruz Corral @champagnecruz Produced in partnership with The Open University. PRODUCTION TEAM Producer: Simon Tulett Editor: China Collins Sound: Graham Puddifoot and James Beard Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown
From The Bottom Line at 2023-06-15 20:30:00
As Covid restrictions were eased last year, the demand to travel abroad by air overtook the readiness of the industry to cope, leading to thousands of flights being cancelled and enormous queues at several airport terminals because of a shortage of staff across the board from security to baggage handlers and flight attendants. What can passengers expect this year and has the industry been able to address the problems it experienced last year to provide a smooth passenger experience this year? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS Willie Walsh, Director General, International Air Transport Association, Former Chief Executive, IAG and British Airways Tim Hawkins, Chief of Staff, Manchester Airports Group Sally Gethin, Independent Aviation and Travel Analyst and Commentator Produced in Partnership with The Open University. PRODUCTION TEAM Producers: Julie Ball and Simon Tulett Researcher: Marianna Brain Editor: China Collins Sound: Rod Farquhar Production Co-ordinator: Brenda Brown
From The Bottom Line at 2023-06-08 20:30:00
Are supermarkets profiteering? (p0ft36hb.mp3)
Grocery stores are under pressure – with food inflation still near record highs, some have accused them of profiteering and the UK’s competition watchdog is investigating. So what’s the evidence, if any, that supermarkets and other smaller stores are taking advantage of consumers, and what is a reasonable profit margin in this industry anyway? Food suppliers, large and small, also have a role to play here – we look at how their margins impact prices. And, with government ministers vowing to curb food price inflation, we ask whether a cap on the cost of some products would help. Evan Davis is joined by guests from across the industry to try to get a clearer picture of the UK’s food supply chain, and ask how fair it is on customers. GUESTS Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, founder of The Black Farmer Teresa Wickham, retail analyst, fruit grower, and former advisor to Sainsbury’s and director at Safeway Chris Noice, communications director, Association of Convenience Stores PRODUCTION TEAM Producer: Simon Tulett Editor: China Collins Sound: Graham Puddifoot and Neil Churchill Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown
From The Bottom Line at 2023-03-09 20:55:00
What makes a great business book and how do you make practical advice on a subject like accounting a riveting read? What makes you more likely to read a business book - a top business leader's journey to the top, like Sheryl Sandberg or Phil Knight of Nike, or one offering simple 'how to' advice. And what is the business model of business books themselves - do they sell loads of copies, or are they more about building up a public brand? Join Evan Davis and guests , in the final programme of the current series, to learn about some great business reads and how business publishing is thriving. GUESTS Margaret Heffernan, Author, Uncharted. Former CEO and Entrepreneur. Alison Jones, publisher Practical Inspiration Publishing and Presenter, The Extraordinary Business Book Club Podcast Helen Kogan, Managing Director, Kogan Page, Business Book Publisher PRODUCTION TEAM: Producer: Julie Ball and Simon Tulett Editor: China Collins Sound: James Beard and Graham Puddifoot Production Co-ordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed.
From The Bottom Line at 2023-03-02 20:55:00
What's the best way to recruit people who have the right skills for the job, but are also the right cultural fit for your business? And how do you do that without discrimination? Evan Davis and guests discuss the many different hiring options available, from the standard CV and interview to social media snooping, and the importance of getting it right. GUESTS Michael Barrington Hibbert, CEO, Barrington Hibbert Associates Sir John Timpson, chairman, Timpson Group Claire Hamilton, head of UK talent acquisition, Capgemini PRODUCTION TEAM Producer: Simon Tulett Editor: China Collins Sound: Graham Puddifoot Production Co-ordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed
From The Bottom Line at 2023-02-23 20:55:00
Machines now have the ability to write novels, create works of art, or compose original songs thanks to artificial intelligence. In future the technology could be used to discover drugs, design entire buildings, or come up with new materials. So how should businesses respond to the evolution of AI, most embodied by the AI chatbot ChatGPT? Evan Davis and guests discuss its potential for creating new products and increasing efficiency, as well as the risks involved in handing machines even more power. GUESTS Priya Lakhani, CEO, CENTURY Tech Scott Petty, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone and Colin Murdoch, Chief Business Officer, DeepMind PRODUCTION TEAM Producer: Simon Tulett Editor: China Collins Sound: Neil Churchill and Graham Puddifoot Production Co-ordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed
From The Bottom Line at 2023-02-16 20:55:00
Running Rolls Royce (p0f3lktj.mp3)
Warren East has run two of the UK's most successful companies, ARM and Rolls Royce Holdings. During his tenure at ARM he oversaw a rapid growth of this globally successful Cambridge semi conductor company. He went on to lead Rolls Royce during a time of turbulence, from aircraft engine trouble, to COVID and a massive restructure which led to several thousand redundancies. He shares his reflections on his business career, as well as his thoughts on Brexit, tax and economic growth. GUEST Warren East, former CEO Rolls Royce Holdings Ltd. PRODUCTION TEAM Producer: Julie Ball Editor: China Collins Sound: James Beard and Graham Puddifoot Prod Co-ordinator: Siobhan Reed
From The Bottom Line at 2023-02-09 20:55:00
It seems these days everyone is making a podcast, from Michelle Obama and Kate Hudson to Alastair Campbell and Dua Lipa. Covering every subject from health and wellbeing to politics, food and even funerals, the last few years has seen a proliferation of new titles. Although only a third of us are currently listening to podcasts, that number is steadily growing. So who is making money from podcasts, and how? Evan Davis and guests discuss. PRESENTER: Evan Davis GUESTS Jack Davenport, managing director, Goalhanger Podcasts Sam Shetabi, content director UK, Acast and Rebecca McGrath, senior media analyst, Mintel PODCAST CLIPS Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster, featuring Jarvis Cocker, Plosive Productions The Rest is Politics with Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, Goalhanger Podcasts and Shagged, Married, Annoyed with Chris and Rosie Ramsay, Avalon Productions PRODUCTION TEAM Producer: Julie Ball Editor: China Collins Producton Co-ordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed Sound: Neil Churchill and John Scott
From The Bottom Line at 2023-02-02 20:59:00
The French correction? (p0f0phyq.mp3)
The French work fewer hours, take longer holidays and retire earlier than UK employees, but they are also more productive and their economy is therefore roughly the same size as ours. How do they do it? As the UK looks for a way out of its sluggish economic growth, Evan Davis asks what we can learn from our neighbours. Why is it that for each hour worked a French employee produces almost 20 per cent more than a British one? GUESTS Olivier Morel, board member of the French Chamber of Great Britain and partner at Cripps. Rebecca Riley, professor of practice in economics at King’s Business School, London, and member of The Productivity Institute. and Neil Coales, managing director of Agilité Solutions, Paris. PRODUCTION TEAM Producers: Simon Tulett and Julie Ball Researcher: Marianna Brain Editor: China Collins Sound: Rod Farquhar and Graham Puddifoot Production Co-ordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed
From The Bottom Line at 2023-01-26 21:00:00
Evan Davis chairs a round table discussion providing insight into business from the people at the top.
From The Bottom Line at 2023-01-19 21:00:00
How Strikes Come to an End (p0dxjzsg.mp3)
Current strike action across the UK led to more than a million lost working days in 2022, the worst industrial strife the nation has experienced since the 'Winter of Discontent' in the 1970s. But with the benefit of hindsight, what can we learn from those who have dealt with labour relations in the past, and can their insights help to establish a better way of working out employee grievances? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS Alan Johnson, former MP, Secretary of State and former Head of the Union of Communication Workers. Professor Sian Moore, Professor of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management and Co-Director of the Centre for Research on Employment and Work (CREW), University of Greenwich Susanna Newing, Chief People Officer, Coventry Council Presenter: Evan Davis Producer: Julie Ball Editor: China Collins Sound: Gareth Jones and Neil Churchill Production Co-ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Sophie Hill
From The Bottom Line at 2022-11-17 20:55:00
Opportunists and Optimists (p0dgx9px.mp3)
As the UK struggles with recession, Evan Davis talks to four business people who are not afraid to be bulls in a bear market. Does a recession offer opportunities to serial entrepreneurs and start-ups that others might fear? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS Capucine Codron, Co-founder, Swizzle Arka Dhar, CEO and Co-founder SKOV Ltd Sir John Hegarty, Founder, The Garage Soho and BBH Advertising Agency and Sarah Willingham, Co Founder, Nightcap bar chain and former Dragon's Den panellist. PRODUCTION TEAM Producers: Julie Ball, Nick Holland, Kirsteen Knight Editor: Simon Watts Sound: Graham Puddifoot Production Co-ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross
From The Bottom Line at 2022-11-10 20:55:00
Turning Passion into Profit (p0dfb14j.mp3)
Col Needham set up his first business at the age of 14 designing and selling games software for computers. But his real love, since the age of 5, has always been film. Col started logging every movie he'd seen in a paper diary which he eventually set up as a database, along with other like-minded film fans. Although it began and remains a personal passion, IMDB is now a multi million pound business, which was one of Amazon's first acquisitions. Col has remained CEO and founder, and he's now seen 15,000 films - all logged religiously in IMDB. He talks to Evan Davis about the journey from passion to profit. GUEST Col Needham, CEO and Founder, IMDB PRESENTER: Evan Davis PRODUCER: Julie Ball EDITOR: Simon Watts SOUND: Graham Puddifoot PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATORS: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross
From The Bottom Line at 2022-11-03 20:55:00
A new era for the housing market? (p0dcm646.mp3)
What will higher interest rates on borrowing money mean for the property market and what happens if house prices fall? Evan Davis discusses mortgages and housing in new economic times. Guests: Vanessa McCallum, Owner of Vanessa McCallum Estates Ray Boulger, Senior Technical Manager at John Charcol Mortgage Brokers David Miles, Professor of Financial Economics at Imperial College London Production coordinators: Siobhan Reid and Helena Warwick-Cross Presenter: Evan Davis Producers: Louise Byrne, Kirsteen Knight and Nick Holland Editor: Simon Watts
From The Bottom Line at 2022-10-27 20:31:00
The business of being a GP (p0db079l.mp3)
Since the very beginning of the NHS, GP surgeries have been, in effect, businesses with contracts to do the work the Health Service needs. But in recent decades, patient numbers have grown, surgeries have become larger and the services offered more varied. Many GP surgeries now employ administrative staff, nurses, physiotherapists and paramedics, as well as doctors. What's it like to be a clinician and run a small business at the same time? What are the pressures? How do you get the books to balance? And how do you attract more people to join one of the front lines of the NHS? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS Dr. John Lynch, GP Partner, Framfield House Surgery, Woodbridge Suffolk Dr. Matt Noble, GP Partner, GP@hand, Bablyon Health a 'digital first' practice Dr. Yazmin Razak, Single GP practitioner, North Kensington and Dr. Rebecca Rosen, Senior Fellow, Health Policy at the Nuffield Trust and part-time GP, South London Producers: Julie Ball and Kirsteen Knight Researcher: Louise Byrne Sound Engineers: Graham Puddifoot and Rod Farquhar Editor: Simon Watts
From The Bottom Line at 2022-10-20 20:31:00
Dealing in Defence (p0d89kw9.mp3)
Evan Davis looks at the UK's defence industry to find out how it is responding to the war in Ukraine and whether socially conscious investors are beginning to change their minds about the sector. Guests: Dean Rosenfield, Head of Saab UK Kevin McNamee, CEO of Denroy Group Ltd Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS Group Presenter: Evan Davis Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed & Helena Warwick-Cross Producer: Julie Ball & Nick Holland Editor: Tara McDermott
From The Bottom Line at 2022-10-13 21:00:00
What happens when your business vision doesn't stack up or your long-standing business needs to make changes to keep up with a changing market and customer taste? Do you make a U-turn or a pivot as it's known in business. How do you know when is the right time and how do you get your employees and managers to go with you? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS Matthew Bannister, Broadcaster and Presenter, Folk on Foot podcast Liz Earle, Beauty and Wellness Entrepreneur, Editor-in-Chief, Liz Earle Wellbeing magazine and Jessica Spungin, Adjunct Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, London Business School PRESENTER: EVAN DAVIS PRODUCTION TEAM Producers: Julie Ball and Nick Holland Editor: Tara McDermott Sound: Neil Churchill/Rod Farquhar Production Co-ordinators: Siobhan Reed & Helena Warwick-Cross
From The Bottom Line at 2022-10-06 20:55:00
Has Britain stopped working? (p0d53pgt.mp3)
Evan Davis asks why there are more job vacancies in Britain than there are people looking for work. Unemployment used to be a big problem, but now businesses say they're struggling to recruit enough staff. Guest list: Jane Townson: CEO of The Home Care Association Will Beckett: CEO of Hawksmoor restaurants Jane Gratton: Head of People Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce Jon Wilson: CEO of TotalJobs online recruitment agency. Production Coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross and Siobhan Reed Sound production: Neil Churchill & Graham Puddifoot Research: Louise Byrne Producer: Nick Holland Editor: Richard Vadon Presenter: Evan Davis
From The Bottom Line at 2022-09-29 20:50:00
Excess Profits, Windfall Taxes and Incentives (p0d3k28d.mp3)
Is it right that businesses making what look like windfall profits pay windfall taxes? And do the recent announcements from the government to lower taxes in general lead to economic growth? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS Irem Guceri, Associate Professor Economics and Public Policy, Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford Professor Michael Jacobs, Professor of Political Economy, Sheffield University Charlie Mullins, Businessman and Founder, Pimlico Plumbers Dan Neidle, Founder, Tax Policy Associates Ltd. PRODUCTION TEAM Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Richard Vadon Sound Engineers: Graham Puddifoot/James Beard Production Co-ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross
From The Bottom Line at 2022-07-28 21:00:00
The government target for building houses in the UK is 300,000 a year, but over the past few years only around half that number have been constructed. The sector faces many challenges; labour and skills shortages and rapidly rising prices for raw materials, not to mention uneven planning laws and green building commitments. Are they building the homes the country needs and where it needs them? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS Ben Dimson, Partner, Property Sector, McKinsey Peter Truscott, CEO, Crest Nicholson Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Housing and Planning, National Federation of Builders Presenter: Evan Davis Producers: Julie Ball and Lucinda Borrell Editors: Hugh Levinson and Jon Bithrey Sound: James Beard, Rod Farquhar Production Co-ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross
From The Bottom Line at 2022-07-21 20:30:00
Hundreds of western businesses have decided to stop operating in Russia as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. But what does leaving Russia actually mean in practical terms – how do you go about it and who bears the cost? Can you end up hurting your own company and your Russian workers more than the Russian state? Evan Davis debates with his guests, one of whom leads a global automotive dealer that has just sold its business in Russia to its local managers. GUESTS: James Alexander, Chief Executive of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association John Morrison, CEO of the Institute for Human Rights and Business Duncan Tait, CEO of automotive dealer Inchcape Producer: Lucinda Borrell Sound: Rod Farquhar Editor: Jon Bithrey Production Co-Ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross
From The Bottom Line at 2022-07-14 21:00:00
From Disney to the Halifax bank, companies are increasingly willing to take a stance on everything. But what is driving this trend and will it continue? Ultimately isn't it the job of a business to make money for its shareholders and not get involved in politics and contentious social issues? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS Nina Bhatia, Executive Director, Strategy and Commercial Development, John Lewis Partnership Ian Leslie, Journalist and Author of 'Conflicted' Becky Willan, CEO and Co-founder, Given Agency Nicola Kilner, CEO and Co-founder of Deciem Producer: Julie Ball Sound: James Beard Editor: Jon Bithrey Production Co-Ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross
From The Bottom Line at 2022-07-07 20:30:00
'Sorry, all our agents are busy right now' (p0ckggjg.mp3)
Why does it seem so hard to contact a business these days? It's almost like they deliberately hide their phone numbers from us. When we do manage to ring, they often make us sit through an endless list of 'caller options' before allowing us to speaking to anyone. Are they deliberately trying to dissuade us from getting in touch or are we expecting too much too soon from customer services? Evan Davis speak to the people managing our calls. Guests: Leigh Hopwood: Chief Executive of the Call Centre Management Association Dave Mills: NHS specialist at EVAD Tim Callington: Director of technology firm Flipside Producer: Nick Holland Studio Managers: James Beard & Rod Farquhar Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed & Iona Hammond Editor: Hugh Levinson .
From The Bottom Line at 2022-06-30 20:55:00
Employment Tribunals (p0cj4cgl.mp3)
What to expect when a workplace dispute ends up in court. Thousands of people lodge grievances relating to their jobs directly with their employers, and that's often where they remain. But if you think you have been unfairly dismissed, or suffered unfair discrimination on the grounds of sex, race of age, the case may end up at an employment tribunal. Dramatic cases - complete with lurid accusations and sometimes huge payouts - are regularly reported on by the media. Evan Davis asks his expert guests about what really goes on during this generally painful process, and whether anybody ever really wins at a tribunal. Guests: Chris Hadrill, Head of Employment Law, Redmans Solicitors Sian Keall, Partner, Employment Law, Travers Smith LLP Martin Tiplady, Director, Chameleon People Solution Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Hugh Levinson Sound: James Beard Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross
From The Bottom Line at 2022-06-23 20:30:00
How to run a petrol station (p0cgqjs7.mp3)
As petrol and diesel prices hit record highs, Evan Davis looks at the economics of running a petrol station. There's an allegation motorists are being ripped off at the pumps. However, the actual amount of profit some forecourts make from selling fuel may come as a surprise. Guests: Kirsty Waddingham, RKW Plumbing David Charman, Parkfoot Garages James Lowman, Association of Convenience Stores David Fyfe, Argus Media Producer: Nick Holland Sound: Neil Churchill and Rod Farquhar Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed Editor: Hugh Levinson
From The Bottom Line at 2022-06-16 21:00:00
Can we trust the wisdom of the crowd on online review platforms? Evan Davis and guests discuss how businesses can harness this knowledge to their advantage and how they can deal with bad reviews. And how do the platforms that consumers look to for assurance ensure that we're reading the truth? Plus stories of chip shops, splashing in puddles and the mysterious "review farms"... Guests: Anoop Joshi, VP Legal and Platform Integrity, Trustpilot Melissa Norton, Commercial Director, Muddy Puddles Professor Adrian Palmer, Head of Marketing and Reputation, Henley Business School Producer: Julie Ball Editor Hugh Levinson Sound: Neil Churchill Production coordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross
From The Bottom Line at 2022-06-09 20:30:00
The price of bread (p0ccywgd.mp3)
The 'crust' of living: Evan Davis looks at the spiralling costs of baking a loaf of bread. On top of rising energy bills the industry is having to keep up with huge increases in the price of wheat. In this episode a farmer, a miller and a baker explain how they're trying to make ends meet. Guests: Sarah Bell, Wheat Farmer and Grain Consultant. Julius Deane, Wheat Director at Carrs Flour Mills Ltd Mike Roberts, Deputy Chairman of Roberts Bakery Producer: Nick Holland Sound: Rod Farquhar Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed Editor: Hugh Levinson
From The Bottom Line at 2022-03-24 20:30:00
Business and Energy (p0bxcw1y.mp3)
How will soaring energy costs affect UK corporations? Prices are spiking, not least because of the war in Ukraine. Energy is essential for everything from heating offices to transportation to manufacturing, so what happens when it just becomes too expensive? Evan Davis and guests discuss the current energy crisis, and ask how long is it likely to last and what we can do to reduce the vulnerability of our businesses. GUESTS Michael Lewis, Eon Energy Natalie Quail, Founder Smiletime Tina McKenzie, Federation of Small Businesses Gareth Stace, UK Steel Producer: Lucinda Borrell Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed and Sophie Hill Sound: Neil Churchill and Rod Farquhar Editor: Hugh Levinson
From The Bottom Line at 2022-03-17 20:55:00
Evan Davis and guests examine the prospects for business in this government priority for increasing economic activity beyond the Southeast of England. How important is political devolution? Or are practical changes, like transport links and skills education more significant? Guests: Andrew Carter, chief executive, Centre for Cities Akash Paun, senior fellow at the Institute for Government Steve Cole, maritime business improvement director for BAE Systems Lucy Winskell, chair of the North-East Enterprise partnership Producer: Lucinda Borrell Sound: Graham Puddifoot Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed and Sophie Hill Editor: Hugh Levinson The programme was produced in partnership with the Open University
From The Bottom Line at 2022-03-10 20:55:00
How will shifts in China's economic policies affect global commerce? The nation is the world's second-biggest economy and it's been the centre of globalised manufacturing for over three decades. But after a global pandemic, an energy crisis and now war in Ukraine, is this going to change? Already, President Xi Jinping has plans to move away from the reliance on global trade towards expanding domestic consumption, alongside targets for encouraging innovation in technology and artificial intelligence. Will recent economic sanctions on Russia due to geopolitics make China retreat more from global trade? What will this mean for us and for the rest of the world? Evan Davis and guests discuss Guests: Hong Bo, professor of financial economics, School of Finance & Management, SOAS University of London Mike Collier, director, China UKTC consultancy Xiaolan Fu, professor of technology and international development: and director, Technology and Management Centre for Development (TMCD), Oxford University Producer: Julie Ball Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed Sound: Nigel Appleton Editor: Hugh Levinson This programme was produced in partnership with the Open University
From The Bottom Line at 2022-03-03 21:00:00
Russia and the global economy (p0bschh3.mp3)
What will the consequences of the invasion of Ukraine be for the world's economy - and for us? From the effects on the energy markets to the tough sanctions regime, we can already see ripple effects across Europe and the rest of the globe, at a time when the world's economy is still in a febrile post-Covid state. Evan Davis and guests discuss the likely and immediate picture for business, growth and incomes. Guests: Duncan Weldon, economist and author of the Value Added newsletter on Substack. Anna Leach, deputy chief economist at the CBI Chris Rogers, supply chain economist for Flexport Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy Producer: Julie Ball Research: Johnny I'Anson Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed Editor: Hugh Levinson Produced in association with The Open University.
From The Bottom Line at 2022-02-24 20:30:00
Buy Now , Pay Later (p0br1xrm.mp3)
We’ve all wanted something that we can’t quite afford. If you’re low on funds and waiting for money to come in there are a multitude of borrowing options from overdrafts and loans, to credit card - so you don’t have to wait for the things you want One of these options that has really taken off is the Buy now pay later market, where customers have the option to pay back money for their purchases and there’s no interest on the payments - provided the debts are cleared on time. But is it too good be true? Join Evan Davis and his panel of experts to get to the bottom of the BNPL industry GUESTS Alex Marsh, Head of Klarna UK Alice Tapper, financial journalist Sameer Pethe, Financial Services Partner, Kearney PRODUCER Lucinda Borrell SOUND Graham Puddifoot EDITOR Hugh Levinson
From The Bottom Line at 2022-02-17 20:35:00
Alcohol-free drinks (p0bpr6tw.mp3)
Like alcohol, but don't want to drink? For the "sober-curious" consumer there's a range of low-alcohol alternatives on the market from gins and spirits to beers and craft lagers. But are they as good as the real thing? What is the social purpose of these substitute drinks? And why do they tend to have similar prices to their alcoholic rivals - even though they are taxed at a far lower rate? Evan Davis and guests explore the expansion of the low-alcohol market, the rising demand for luxury alcohol alternatives and asks - is this one trend that's here to stay? GUESTS Cristina Diezhandino, Chief Marketing Officer, Diageo Spencer Matthews, Founder, Clean Co Emily Neill. Chief Operating Officer, IWSR Drinks Market Analysis Producer: Lucinda Borrell Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed Sound: Graham Puddifoot Editor: Hugh Levinson
From The Bottom Line at 2022-02-10 20:30:00
The Price Shock (p0bng8n0.mp3)
Prices are rising - but are we heading into an unprecedented economic period? So far, wages haven't yet followed. How different is what's going on now from the conventional boom and bust cycle? Evan Davis and guests discuss. Guests: Dr Jennifer Smith, Associate Professor of Economics, Warwick University Professor Michael McMahon, Oxford University Sonali Punhani, UK Chief Economist at Credit Suisse Producer: Julie Ball Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed Sound: Rod Farquhar Editor: Hugh Levinson Produced in association with the Open University
From The Bottom Line at 2022-02-03 20:55:00
Your childhood in the workplace (p0bm2016.mp3)
Psychotherapist Naomi Shragai talks to Evan Davis about how our emotional baggage can harm our work life.. She advises businesses and employees on how to recognise our deeper personal impulses, which often stem from our childhoods. Her book 'The Man Who Mistook his Job for His Life' catalogues phenomena like narcissism, fear of rejection and imposter syndrome, Naomi tells us how to recognise these powerful forces, and what we can do about them. Producer: Julie Ball Studio Manager: Neil Churchill Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed and Sophie Hill
From The Bottom Line at 2021-11-18 21:00:00
Conflict at Work (p0b51lbv.mp3)
Evan Davis and guests discuss how best to resolve disputes between colleagues - both making the best of it and avoiding the worst. Despite our best efforts, conflict never disappears – it’s always there, when humans gather. In the office, it can be start with something as trivial as a coffee cup left on a colleague's desk. And from there, it can spiral into a situation where people are unwilling to work with each other, or even suffer mental ill health as result. Three experts give advice on how to prevent conflict festering and the best ways to mediate when co-workers end up at daggers drawn. GUESTS Gill Dix, head of workplace policy at ACAS Felicity Steadman, mediator, The Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution Ade Adeniji, mediator and investigator Producers: Kirsteen Knight, Lucinda Borrell and Sandra Kanthal Sound: Graham Puddifoot Editor: Hugh Levinson
From The Bottom Line at 2021-11-11 21:00:00
Class in the workplace (p0b3nxw8.mp3)
How can companies create a level playing field for applicants and employees from lower socio-economic backgrounds? Evan Davis and guests discuss the sometimes invisible barriers and assumptions which exclude some from getting jobs or getting promoted. Many believe that the job interview format tends to favour the social skills of those from the middle and upper middle classes. Diversity schemes help - but there are questions about whether they go far enough. Is this the final taboo when it comes to equality in employment? Guests: Professor Lee Elliot-Major, University of Exeter Sandra Wallace, chair, Social Mobility Commission and one of the Managing Directors for UK & Europe, DLA Piper Jenny Baskerville, Head of Inclusion, Diversity & Social Equality, KPMG Producer: Lucinda Borrell Sound: Graham Puddifoot Editor: Hugh Levinson
From The Bottom Line at 2021-11-04 20:27:00
The Lottery Business (p0b2b424.mp3)
The National Lottery contract is up for grabs. While the results aren't scheduled to be announced until early 2022, the bids are in and being considered - and across the industry it seems that this is the closest competition yet with four major players in the running. How do lotteries, large and small, operate? And what obligations does the industry have towards customers who might be vulnerable? Evan Davis speaks to Camelot, who have been running The National Lottery since its inception 27 years ago, and to industry leaders, about the changing world of lotteries. GUESTS Matthew Risdale, Executive Director, Camelot Richard Dixon, Managing Director, Sterling Lotteries Tony Vick, Chair, The Lotteries Council PRODUCERS Tanya Beckett & Lucinda Borrell SOUND Rod Farquhar
From The Bottom Line at 2021-10-28 20:55:00
The Quick Commerce Economy (p0b0ynhx.mp3)
Evan Davis looks at the expanding world of ultrafast home delivery. App-based firms like Getir promise to get a grocery order to your home in just 10 minutes. During the pandemic, demand for such services skyrocketed. As new companies enter the market, is Q-commerce economically sustainable - or will there be a brutal shake-out. Evan speaks to players in this rapidly growing sector - and to a critic of it. GUESTS Turancan Salvar, general manager, Getir UK Christa Bloom-Burrows, co-founder, Biff's Jessica Moulton, senior partner, McKinsey & company Adam Badger, research student, Royal Holloway, University of London Producer: Lucinda Borrell Sound: Rod Farquhar
From The Bottom Line at 2021-10-21 20:55:00
Earlier this week, the Government announced millions of pounds of funding to support the UK's emerging Carbon Capture industry. But what is the future of this emerging industry? Evan Davis speaks to the head of The East Coast Cluster, a project awarded some of this financial support, alongside other industry leaders to understand whether this revolutionary technology could solve our climate change problems, or is it just another way to cheat our environmental obligations. GUESTS Andy Lane, Vice President (CCUS), BP & Head of East Coast Cluster Esin Serin, UK Policy Analyst, The Grantham Institute of Climate Change Olivia Powlis, Head of UK Office, Carbon Capture and Storage Assosciation Julie Golsalvez, Chief Marketing Officer, Climeworks PRODUCER Lucinda Borrell
From The Bottom Line at 2021-10-14 20:55:00
In 2020, the pandemic hit, and the world locked down. Suddenly white-collar staff went from working in the office, to working remotely. But now we are opening up, will people want to return? Hybrid working has become the buzzword of employers across the country, allowing individuals to have more flexibility over where they work. So how likely is this to function effectively? How do businesses manage staff and productivity? And will there ever be anyone in the office on Fridays....? Join Evan Davis and guests to find out. GUESTS Emma Stewart, Co-Founder, Timewise Sam Bowerman, HR Director, Retail Businesses, NatWest Group UK Lisa Kennery, HR and Marketing Director, The Pierce Group PRODUCER Julie Ball
From The Bottom Line at 2021-10-07 20:55:00
Labour shortages and the new model economy (p09y0xnz.mp3)
Labour shortages, particularly in the hospitality and HGV sector have dominated the headlines from petrol shortages, to worries about Christmas dinner being off the menu. And its not just the logistics sector at risk - hospitality, agriculture and the care sector have all reported labour problems in post-pandemic, post-Brexit Britain. So what exactly is the solution? Do we bring in more labour from abroad? Do we invest in training and developing British workers? Or are companies going to have to pay better wages and improve working conditions? Join us on this week's The Bottom line to find out... GUESTS Rain Newton Smith, Chief Economist, CBI Alan Manning, Economist, London School of Economics Kaan Hendekli, JJ Food Services
From The Bottom Line at 2021-07-22 21:00:00
Clinical Trials (p09q48ty.mp3)
The extraordinary success of the creation of vaccines for Covid-19 has made the business of clinical trials look simple. But appearances can be deceptive and it usually takes many years and costs hundreds of millions of pounds to bring a new drug, therapy or medical device successfully to market. Evan Davis and his guests discuss how the economics of commercial clinical trials now look for companies in the light of such a disruptive event as the pandemic. How far is greater collaboration - with start-ups partnering with big pharma and research companies - changing the way in which trials operate? And will new tech developments - like the greater, tailored use of Artificial Intelligence, digital data and advanced statistical techniques - make the process cheaper and quicker - while compromising neither safety nor patient confidentiality? Those taking part are: Nuala Murphy of the executive team at Icon plc, a Dublin-based clinical research organisation which last year worked with Pfizer/BioNTech on their Covid-19 vaccine; Houman Ashrafian, managing partner of the biotech team at SVHealth Investors, a venture capital firm with offices in London and Boston; and Avideh Nazeri, vice-president in the UK for clinical development, medical and regulatory affairs at the Danish-headquartered integrated pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk. Editor Hugh Levinson
From The Bottom Line at 2021-07-15 20:59:00
Carbon labelling (p09pk3j8.mp3)
Should consumers be told the carbon footprint of the products they buy? And if so, how? In recent years, a shift in customer attitudes towards climate change has caused businesses to up their game when it comes to showcasing the environmental impact of products. But just how transparent it this? How much do buyers want to know about how sustainable their shopping is? Evan Davis and guests discuss the highly complex issues around carbon labelling and how best to communicate sustainable business practices. Guests Emma Keller, Head of Sustainability UK & Ireland, Nestle Barry Clavin, Ethics and Sustainability Reporting Manager, Co-Op Hugh Jones, Managing Director, The Carbon Trust Producer: Lucinda Borrell Sound: Neil Churchill Production Coordinators: Iona Hammond and Siobhan Reed
From The Bottom Line at 2021-07-01 20:31:00
Rolling out electric vehicles (p09n4pgt.mp3)
Electric vehicles are a hot topic. Nissan has announced it will construct a factory to produce EVs, while the government says no new vehicles running on petrol or diesel will be sold after 2030. The electric transport sector will play a crucial role in tackling climate change. But are we on track to hit these targets? Can EVs deliver the same reliable service as combustion engine vehicles and reduce "range anxiety"? Does the rolling out of this transition have consumers convinced? Evan Davis and guests discuss. Guests Lex Hartman, CEO, Ubtricity Toddington Harper, CEO, GridServe Tanya Sinclair, UK & Ireland Policy Director, Chargepoint Producer Lucinda Borrell
From The Bottom Line at 2021-06-24 20:30:00
The Purple Pound (p09mgr3d.mp3)
The spending power of disabled people and their families - the so-called purple pound - is valued at £249 billion a year. So is there a competitive business advantage in designing accessible goods and services? Evan Davis and guests discuss, with examples ranging from haircare products to hotel rooms. Guests Sam Latif, Company Accessibility Leader at Proctor and Gamble Robin Sheppard, Co-Founder and President of Bespoke Hotels and Gavin Neate, Chief Executive and Founder of Neatebox Producer: Lesley McAlpine Sound: Andy Garratt
From The Bottom Line at 2021-06-17 20:30:00
The Future of Cruises (p09lsvq7.mp3)
For nearly 20 years, the cruise industry experienced huge growth. Then a pandemic hit. After a year of forking out for boats docked in port and devastating headlines chronicling outbreaks early on in 2020, what does this mean for the future of cruises? How are they restarting, what barriers are they facing and - most importantly - how do they convince customers that they are indeed safe? Guests Dr Jennifer Holland, Lecturer in Tourism, Suffolk Business School Ben Bouldin, Vice President, EMA, Royal Caribbean Cruises
From The Bottom Line at 2021-06-10 20:30:00
Sound of the suburbs (p09l4bf8.mp3)
For years the suburbs have been seen as places to live, from which you can commute to a big city to work. But has the pandemic pushed the economic pendulum in the other direction? With more people working from home and cities becoming quieter, could this lead to a revival of the suburban economy? Evan Davis explores the national picture and hears from entrepreneurs in Denton, Greater Manchester, who have helped revive its struggling town centre, encouraging people to spend money locally. Guests John Spencer, Chief Executive of BizSpace Yael Selfin, Chief Economist of KPMG in the UK Producer: Lesley McAlpine
From The Bottom Line at 2021-06-03 20:30:00
Ramping up capacity (p09kgmv9.mp3)
How can businesses cope with supply shortages? Car factories across the world have had to shut down because they can't get hold of enough silicon chips. And as many economies bounce back post-Covid, other industries are facing similar problems. How can enterprises plan both for sudden falls and surges in demand and how quickly can supply chains cope? Evan Davis and guests discuss. Guests: Dr Andy Palmer, CEO of Switch Mobility Maureen O'Shea, Leader of Supply Chain and Operations Management for KPMG John Neuffer, President and CEO of the US Semiconductor Industry Association Producer: Linda Borrell
From The Bottom Line at 2021-05-27 20:30:00
The future of money (p09jtnbw.mp3)
The pandemic has given a nudge to the decline of cash. If that is the past - what is the future for our payments system? Could it simply be cards linked to bank accounts, handled via apps? Or could we be approaching a pivotal moment when the exciting (or maybe alarming) world of crypto and digital currencies take over? Central banks around the world are pondering this very question and are poised to launch their own digital currencies. Evan Davis and guests look into the future of money. Guests: Professor Catherine Mulligan, visiting lecturer at Imperial College, London and director of D-Central Lab at Lisbon University, Marcus Hughes, European managing director for Coinbase, a crypto trading platform Paige McCartney, senior business reporter at the Nassau Guardian
From The Bottom Line at 2021-03-25 21:00:00
Should we be concerned by the emergence of a set of unbelievably wealthy men? Do the likes of Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk signal return to the age of the "robber baron" of the likes of Andrew Carnegie? They have the ability to make the world a better place through extraordinary acts of philanthopy - but can their efforts distort public policy, along the lines of their whims? Evan Davis and his guests discuss the inner drives that transform these individuals from just rich to hyper-rich. Guests: Dr. Katharina Rietzler, lecturer in American history at Sussex University Paul Vallely, author "Philanthropy: From Aristotle to Zuckerberg" Manfred Kets de Vries, professor of leadership development and organizational change, INSEAD Abigail Disney, documentary filmmaker, granddaughter of Roy Disney Producer: Julie Ball
From The Bottom Line at 2021-03-18 20:30:00
Hydrogen future (p09b40z6.mp3)
It’s all around us and has pride of place in the periodic table. Hydrogen is the number one element. For decades it’s been hailed as a potentially cleaner alternative to the fossil fuels which power heavy industry, our homes and transport systems. But hydrogen from renewable sources has never quite realised its potential. It's expensive to produce. However, as the UK now has targets to cut carbon emissions, green hydrogen may have a major part to play in the clean-up. Evan Davis and guests discuss the business of hydrogen. Guests: Eugene McKenna, from the chemical giant, Johnson Matthey. Dr Laurie King, Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University. And Andrew Cunningham, managing director of Geopura, a green hydrogen energy supplier Producer: Lesley McAlpine
From The Bottom Line at 2021-03-11 21:00:00
How to set up an EU subsidiary. (p099dy0x.mp3)
Since Brexit, many companies have had to set up a subsidiary operation in the EU to continue trading. What are the rules, regulations, pitfalls and costs? Evan Davis hears the experience of three very different businesses, in sectors ranging from tights to cheese to architecture. GUESTS Brie Read, founder and CEO SNAG Group Ross Hutchinson, founder and principal director, Hutchinson & Partners, architects Simon Spurrell, founder and CEO, Cheshire Cheese Company
From The Bottom Line at 2021-03-04 21:00:00
The Satellite Business (p098qs3p.mp3)
The government wants to boost the UK's growing space industry through its £400 m investment in satellite communications firm OneWeb. The company is a pioneer, launching satellites in Low Earth Orbit with the aim of providing broadband to under-served areas of the globe. But there are rivals, Elon Musk's Starlink Constellation being the best known. So is the UK investment in OneWeb a moonshot moment? Evan Davis and guests boldly go into discussion over what happens when you combine cutting-edge technology with uncertain business outcomes - and whether the state should be involved Guests: Professor Marek Ziebart, UCL Chris McLaughlin, OneWeb and Carissa Christensen, CEO, Bryce Space and Technology Producer: Lesley McAlpine
From The Bottom Line at 2021-02-25 20:30:00
The Reddit Revolutionaries (p098250j.mp3)
The rush on shares by individual investors, into struggling US video game store chain Gamestop was portrayed as an attempt by a new breed of retail investors to thwart hedge funds which were shorting the stock. Some investors won big, others lost everything and one hedge fund, Melvin Capital, lost half of its $13bn fund. Was this really a David and Goliath fight, signalling a win for retail stock pickers, collaborating on social media platforms like Reddit? And has it changed the future of investing? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS Holly McKay, Founder and MD, Boring Money Jack Inglis, CEO of Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) Mo and Danny, Online retail investors
From The Bottom Line at 2021-02-18 21:00:00
Net Zero in the house (p097d25y.mp3)
What are the business opportunities in turning our old housing stock green? The UK has some of the least energy-efficient housing in Europe – most of it built before environmentally efficient design was regulated. It’s estimated around a quarter of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from the energy we use for heating, lighting or running appliances in our homes, public buildings or workplaces – and energy used in our homes is the most significant source. How soon can heat pumps, solar panels and better insulation around the house help the UK Government achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050? And will this ramping up of energy efficiency measures really lead to a green jobs revolution? Guests: Dr Sara Walker, Director of the Centre for Energy, Newcastle University Neil Hargreaves, Managing Director for Northern Europe at Knauf Insulation Phil Hurley, Managing Director of Nibe, one of Europe's leading manufacturers of renewable energy products and Barry Hughes, homeowner at Springfield Meadows - an estate of carbon zero houses. Presenter: Evan Davis Producer: Lesley McAlpine
From The Bottom Line at 2021-02-11 21:00:00
The Covid Hangover (p096qbjm.mp3)
What are the long-term implications for the Covid crisis for the British economy. The government has borrowed more money over the last 12 months than ever before in peacetime. The ratio of public debt to national income is above 90%. If it rises even further do we need to worry? How will the chancellor manage the economic pain caused by coronavirus? What will it mean for tax and spending - and is there a route back to growth? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS John Kay, economist, author, consultant Dame Minouche Shafik, director of London School of Economics and Political Science, former deputy governor of the Bank of England Gemma Tetlow, chief economist, Institute for Government Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Hugh Levinson
From The Bottom Line at 2021-02-04 21:00:00
Return to Brexit (p0962gwl.mp3)
Almost five years ago on The Bottom Line - just before the EU referendum – debated the pros and cons of being in the EU. In a tribute to Radio 4’s The Reunion, the programme has reassembled most of the original contributors to get a sense of whether hopes and fears have been delivered. From current customs glitches, aspirations to increase UK global exports, to Brussels red tape versus ease of trading in a European Single Market. What do guests think now? Joining Evan Davis will be: Jon Moynihan, venture capitalist Rachel Kent, head of financial services regulation at the law firm Hogan Lovells Julia Gash, artist and entrepreneur and Christopher Nieper, managing director of clothing manufacturer David Nieper,
From The Bottom Line at 2021-02-04 21:00:00
Return to Brexit (p0964jtv.mp3)
Almost five years ago on The Bottom Line - just before the EU referendum – debated the pros and cons of being in the EU. In a tribute to Radio 4’s The Reunion, the programme has reassembled most of the original contributors to get a sense of whether hopes and fears have been delivered. From current customs glitches, aspirations to increase UK global exports, to Brussels red tape versus ease of trading in a European Single Market. What do guests think now? Joining Evan Davis will be: Jon Moynihan, venture capitalist Rachel Kent, head of financial services regulation at the law firm Hogan Lovells Julia Gash, artist and entrepreneur and Christopher Nieper, managing director of clothing manufacturer David Nieper
From The Bottom Line at 2020-12-11 13:05:00
From the NHS Test and Trace Service to the lack of PPE at the start of the pandemic - both projects branded as having been incompetently delivered. But do we fail to notice the constraints their senior leadership team operate under? Evan Davis and expert guests discuss why some big public projects like the London 2012 Games went well. While others, like Crossrail, get bogged down in delays and a budget overspend. Just how is competence measured and delivered? Guests: Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, former Chair of the Olympic Delivery Authority Dame Jackie Daniel, CEO of Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Justin King, former CEO of Sainsbury's, and Vice Chair of Terra Firma
From The Bottom Line at 2020-11-19 20:30:00
Sector Shutdown (p08z10rr.mp3)
How are industries like live music, travel, conferences and events coping with the pandemic recession - and what plans do they have for survival? These business sectors have been hit disproportionately hard by the dramatic changes in our ways of life. In a programme recorded before the recent announcement of an apparently successful vaccine trial, Evan Davis discusses with business leaders from across these industries. Producer: Julie Ball GUESTS Tim Hawkins, Chief Strategy Officer, Manchester Airports Group Charlotte Gough, Divisional Director, Corporates, MCI Group Peter Marks, Chief Executive, The Deltic Group
From The Bottom Line at 2020-11-05 20:30:00
Commercial Property Wars (p08xhkrw.mp3)
Commercial landlords and tenants are at odds over unpaid rents due to the pandemic. Many retail, hospitality and leisure businesses are suffering acutely. Most have landlords who collect rent for their premises. In turn, many landlords have to pay interest on their loans to the banks. The pandemic is upsetting that delicate financial balance. It's estimated that billions of pounds is owed to landlords in unpaid rents. Threats of legal action against tenants are hitting the headlines. Just who should take more of the financial hit - commercial landlords or their tenants? Guests Edward Ziff, Chair and CEO of Town Centre Securities, a property investment firm Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group, which rents, develops and sublets office space and Charlotte Heyes, director of the small pub chain, Common and Co
From The Bottom Line at 2020-10-29 21:00:00
Bolton Business (p08wtz8b.mp3)
How has the pandemic affected commerce in one English town? Bolton's economy has been struck particularly hard by this pandemic. Not only was it subjected to the national lockdown, but it subsequently became a hotspot, under even tighter restrictions. With a town centre that was already in decline, how has this crisis affected local businesses and what does the future hold for the town? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS Jonathan Warburton, Chairman, Warburtons Joseph Carr, Managing Director, Carrs Pasties Martyn Cox, Deputy Leader, Bolton Council Reporter: Matthew Bone Producer: Julie Ball
From The Bottom Line at 2020-10-22 20:30:00
COVID-19 and the gig economy (p08w1vgr.mp3)
Is the pandemic a spur to a world of temps and zero hour contracts? Hundreds of thousands of people have been losing their jobs during the crisis. Many are turning to the gig economy to boost their income. Should we welcome the acceleration of the move away from conventional employment? Evan Davis and guests discuss the pros and cons of the expanding gig economy. Guests Xenios Thrasyvoulou, CEO of People Per Hour Lorna Davidson, CEO of Red Wigwam Matthew Taylor, CEO of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce and Ed Cross, self-employed courier for Hermes
From The Bottom Line at 2020-10-16 10:31:00
In modern business it's impossible not to be worried about a cyber attack of some form. But how do you lower your chances of attack and what do you do if someone manages to get in your system and data? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS Sian John, director, EMEA, cyber security strategy, Microsoft UK Geoff White, author, 'Crime Dot Com' and investigative technology journalist Jake Davis, consultant, Hacker Culture National Centre for Cybersecurity - Cyber Essentials advice for businesses https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberessentials/advice Presenter: Evan Davis Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Hugh Levinson
From The Bottom Line at 2020-10-08 20:30:00
The economy - winter is coming (p08tqbd5.mp3)
The second pandemic wave means UK businesses have to live with uncertainty for at least another six months. Those economic green shoots and the summer of 'eat out to help out ' seem a while back. So what are the implications for jobs and overall business viability in this climate? Difficult conversations are going on in boardrooms across the country. Evan Davis with expert guests reflect on the choices businesses face in these extraordinary times. Guests Nobel economist, Professor Joseph Stiglitz Wendy Carlin, Professor of Economics at University College London and member of the advisory panel to The Office for Budget Responsibility Entrepreneur Paul Campbell, founder of Hill Capital Partner Hannah Bernard, Head of Business Banking at Barclays
From The Bottom Line at 2020-07-23 20:30:00
WPP boss Karen Blackett on obstacles to diversity in the workplace (p08ljylv.mp3)
WPP boss Karen Blackett talks to Evan Davis about building a racially diverse business.
From The Bottom Line at 2020-07-23 18:35:00
How to build a racially diverse business (p08ljxfr.mp3)
The Black Lives Matter protests have prompted boardroom soul-searching about how to engage a more racially diverse workforce. Good intentions have been around for decades and have encouraged much talk about removing biases from mainly white corporate cultures. But this has still not led to the change people want. Hardly any large UK firms have black, Asian or minority ethnic chief executives. Evan Davis and guests explore the practical solutions to achieving racial equality at work and the potential benefits to the economy. Guests Karen Blackett, OBE, UK head of the ad giant WPP Dr Kamal Munir, reader in strategy and policy at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge Judith Hackitt, independent director at HS2 LTD Kike Oniwinde, founder and CEO of The Black Young Professionals Network Producer: Lesley McAlpine Produced in association with The Open University
From The Bottom Line at 2020-07-16 21:00:00
Transport after the pandemic (p08kz21v.mp3)
Has staying at home during lockdown made us think more about our travel habits? Are you less likely to want to get on a bus or a train to get to work or are you itching to get on the next available flight? And what about the business travel industry? Are companies realising tele-conferencing is now just as acceptable and a cheaper option than a business flight? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS Laura Shoaf, managing director, Transport for West Midlands Simon Jeffrey, policy officer, Transport and Devolution, Centre for Cities Michael Valkevich, vice-president, Global Customer Group, EMEA, CWT Presenter: Evan Davis Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Hugh Levinson
From The Bottom Line at 2020-07-09 21:00:00
How we work now - lessons from lockdown (p08k915r.mp3)
Zoom meetings and working from home. Two habits which office workers have picked up during the enforced lockdown. But will these behaviours habits stick? Some believe that if more of us choose to work from our spare rooms on a regular basis, this will have profound implications for offices, commuting, human interaction and productivity. Evan Davis and guests discuss whether current predictions about the death of the office are over-exaggerated. Guests André Spicer, Professor of Organisational Behaviour, City's Business School, University of London Rachel Higham, Managing Director of IT at BT Katrina Kostic Samen. Head of Workplace - Strategy and Design, Development. KKS Savills Produced by Lesley McAlpine The programme is produced in association with The Open University
From The Bottom Line at 2020-07-02 20:30:00
Can science save the economy? (p08jn2yx.mp3)
Evan Davis and guests ask if now is the time to exploit scientific research more effectively to help business recover from the coronavirus crash. The UK has traditionally been better at basic science research than its commercial exploitation - with examples ranging from computing to the discovery of graphene, where international companies have benefited more from those discoveries. The Bottom Line examines the government’s idea of creating an agency, similar to the legendary US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), to invest in, and commercialise UK science and technology projects. The US agency DARPA, was set up to invest in technology after they got behind in the space race with the Russian launch of the Sputnik in the 1950's. Although the agency's remit is to work on defence projects, several of its discoveries have spawned more commercial uses, most famously the Internet. Now the UK government wants to emulate this success for civil applications in the hope of encouraging new business sectors of the economy, post-Covid 19. Can it work? Evan Davis and guests discuss. Guests: Mariana Mazzucato, professor in the economics of innovation and public value, University College London Luke Georghiu, professor of science and technology management, Alliance Manchester Business School Arati Prabhakar, former director, Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Naomi Krieger Carmy, head of Societal Challenges Division, Israel Innovation Authority Producer: Julie Ball Produced in partnership with The Open University
From The Bottom Line at 2020-07-02 12:30:00
Post-pandemic resilience (p08hvnbf.mp3)
During the pandemic, businesses have faced severe tests, from supply chain shocks to fluctuations in consumer demand. How resilient are companies in dealing with the unknown? In recent years the focus has been on getting costs down, creating lean supply chains, and delivering returns to shareholders. But has that emphasis left supply chains insecure in the face of shocks? Will companies learn to value resilience over mere efficiency? Guests Dr Sandra Bell, founder and chief executive of The Business Resilience Company. Michael Davies, guest lecturer at the London Business School and founder and chairman of Endeavour Partners Poonam Gupta, founder and chief executive of PG Paper Guy Gratton, associate professor in aviation and the environment at Cranfield University
From The Bottom Line at 2020-06-18 20:31:00
Consumer habits after lockdown (p08h6z16.mp3)
What have you learned about yourself in lockdown? What is it you crave, what have you found you barely miss? Evan Davis and guests contemplate life after lockdown and changing consumer habits. A surge in the sale of bikes, toilet roll panic buying, and flour flying off the supermarket shelves. Will these consumer habits stick? Have we learned to value other things in life than shopping? Or will we just want to borrow and spend at the first possible opportunity? Guests: Kate Ancketill, founder and CEO, GDR Creative Intelligence Richard Walker, managing director, Iceland Foods Jonathan Cole, managing director, Velorution Kate Nicholls, chief executive, UK Hospitality Producer: Lesley McAlpine
From The Bottom Line at 2020-06-11 20:31:00
Will Western economies and companies decouple from China? For decades, the world has relied on this rapidly emerging economy as its factory, producing everything from toilet rolls to iPhones. But post Covid-19, US trade wars and tensions with Hong Kong, is that all about to change? Evan Davis and guests discuss GUESTS Liam Casey, CEO and founder, PCH International Diana Choyleva, chief economist, Enodo Economics Dr. Yu Jie, senior research fellow, China, Chatham House
From The Bottom Line at 2020-06-05 16:11:00
Saving Companies (p08g5m11.mp3)
Should the government continue to bolster companies, large and small when lockdown is finally eased? If so what businesses do you choose to save and what are the criteria? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS Michael Jacobides, holder of the Sir Donald Gordon Chair of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, London Business School Julie Palmer, Regional Managing Partner, Begbies Traynor, Insolvency practitioners Mark Blyth, Director of the William R Rhodes Centre for International Economics and Finance, Brown University Produced in association with The Open University
From The Bottom Line at 2020-03-12 21:01:00
Can new businesses survive without some form of hype or over-promotion? Or will consumer or investor disillusionment inevitably correct this? One recent example where hype came back to bite a company founder is that of the shared office space provider, WeWork. Its stock market valuation fell from $50bn to near bankruptcy over the course of a few weeks. GUESTS Brent Hoberman, serial entrepreneur and investor, chair and co-founder of Founders Factory and First Minute Capital Kerry Baldwin, Managing Partner at IQ Capital,a venture capital investment firm Rory Sutherland, Vice Chair of Ogilvy, the global advertising and marketing agency
From The Bottom Line at 2020-03-05 20:30:00
Coronavirus and business (p085s0gm.mp3)
How will the infection affect commerce in the UK and around the world? Evan Davis and a panel of guests discuss what's happening to the economy and look at likely scenarios. Jennifer McKeown, Chief Global Economist, Capital Economics, Gloria Guevara, CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council. Tim Power, MD of maritime and shipping container research firm Drewry. Producers: Lesley McAlpine and Julie Ball Researcher: May Cameron
From The Bottom Line at 2020-02-27 20:55:00
The working week (p0847hhf.mp3)
Is our working week due for major reform? Will a move to a four day week - as proposed by the Labour Party in its recent General Election manifesto - ever happen? From shorter hours to more flexibility in the workplace, what will the modern world of work be like in ten years time? Evan Davis and guests discuss the latest trends. Guests appearing on The Bottom Line Kate Cooper, Head of Research, Policy & Standards, Institute of Leadership and Management David Stone, CEO of MRL Recruitment and Karen Jansen, Professor in Leadership Challenge at Henley Business School
From The Bottom Line at 2019-11-21 20:59:00
Couples in Business (p07vpw3q.mp3)
What are the pros and cons of running a business with your life partner and how do you keep the personal out of your professional life? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTS Sophie Mirman and Richard Ross, founders and owners, Trotters childrenswear and accessories Claire and Andy Burnet, founders and owners, Chococo artisan chocolatiers Peter Leach, author and Adjunct Professor in Family Business , Imperial College Business School Producer: Julie Ball Editor: Hugh Levinson