The Business

Coming soon…The Business of Formula 1®A series sponsored 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.

Why is Jaguar Land Rover cutting 4,000 jobs? Dominic O’Connell examines what the news of this major reduction means for the future of 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, how changing government fiscal policy impacts British business, and whether Prime Minister Andy Burnham's pledge to re-industrialise Britain is realistic.Guests:Oliver Gill, deputy business editor at The Sunday TimesDavid Bailey, professor of business economics at Birmingham Business SchoolPresenter:Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondentProducer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam HallVideo Producer: Bronwen LathamGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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:James Pennefather, Chief Executive of Chapel DownPresenter:Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondentVideo producer: Bronwen Latham Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam HallPhoto: Getty Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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:Trinny Woodall, founder and CEO of Trinny LondonPresenter:Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday TimesProducer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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:Tom Beahon, co-founder of CastorePresenter:Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday TimesProducer: Hope Federico Video Producer: Bronwen LathamExecutive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Photo Credit: GettyGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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:Tara Singh, CEO of RenewableUKJuliet Samuel, Columnist at The TimesPresenter: Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondentProducer: Hope Federico Video Producer: Bronwen LathamExecutive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam HallPhoto Credit: GettyGet in touch: [email protected] image using GettyUpdate the Getty permissions doc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 correspondentGuests: Adam Bell, StonehavenBen Watts, energy developer and data analystProducer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producers: Miriam Hall and Emily LeahyPhoto Credit: GettyGet in touch: [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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: Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times Guests: James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park Lawrence Mancey, marketing director at Paultons Park Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam HallPhoto Credit: Paultons Park Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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:George Arison, Chief Executive Officer of GrindrPresenter:Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondentProducer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Photo Credit: Getty Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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:Victor Riparbelli, CEO and co-founder of SynthesiaPresenter:Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday TimesProducer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producer: Miriam HallPhoto credit: Synthesia LimitedGet in touch: [email protected] on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 FedericoExecutive Producer: Miriam HallPhoto credit: GettyGet in touch: [email protected] on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 TimesGuests: - Heather Blundell, UK CEO Grayling - Ryan Burnham, Co-Founder of The Berry - Freya Rose Archer, Founder and Designer of Freya Rose London Producer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producer: Miriam HallPhoto credit: GettyGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 TimesGuest: - Kathleen Fisher, chief executive of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA)Producer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producer: Miriam HallGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.