Business Daily
Business & Finance
About
The daily drama of money and work from the BBC.
Episodes
- How lucrative licences are shaping the toy industry
This Business Daily episode delves into the lucrative toy industry, analyzing how backing successful media and social trends influences profitability. It also discusses the difficulties of capitalizing on unexpected successes and identifie…
- Is Chile becoming Argentina's shopping centre?
This episode explores the reasons behind the large number of Argentineans traveling to Chile to shop for bargains and analyzes whether this trend is likely to continue.
- The baker’s daughter bringing mochi to the mainstream
Vivien Wong, creator of Little Moons, shares her story of turning a traditional Japanese rice cake (mochi) into a global ice cream brand. Her journey began in her parents' bakery and led to building a successful company after facing a fami…
- Why female led startups stall in Sub-Saharan Africa
Female entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa face challenges in growing their startups despite high regional entrepreneurship rates. This episode discusses investment access issues and potential solutions with three business leaders.
- Hired or hidden? AI’s new power in the job market
This Business Daily episode examines AI's significant impact on the entry-level job market, questioning if it hinders graduates' access to employment. It delves into the AI hiring pipeline, discussing the advantages and disadvantages for b…
- Why is filling your tank costing so much?
This episode of Business Daily investigates the recent sharp increase in petrol prices, examining the journey of money from oil extraction in Saudi Arabia to the consumer's pump, and considering factors like the Middle East war and the ref…
- The city that’s banned high-carbon adverts
Amsterdam is the first city to ban adverts for high-carbon products like cheap flights and petrol cars. The episode discusses the travel and meat industries' objections and questions whether advertising bans can alter consumption habits.
- The founder making cutlery out of palm leaves
Emirati entrepreneur Lamis Al Hashimy discusses the founding of Palmade, a business that produces biodegradable cutlery from discarded date palm trees. She shares insights into the challenges of competing with plastic and the journey from…
- Does cutting game time boost the bottom line?
New sports formats designed for online sharing, such as 3-a-side football, are emerging to attract younger fans. This episode of Business Daily investigates whether these changes in game time and format are proving to be profitable.
- Why gas still rules power prices
This episode of Business Daily discusses the impact of rising natural gas prices on global electricity costs and explores Ethiopia's hydropower potential as a renewable energy alternative.
- Diamonds: lab-grown vs mined
This episode of Business Daily discusses the rise of lab-grown diamonds as an economic threat to traditional mining. It explores whether natural diamonds are more harmful to people and the planet than synthetic alternatives.
- Diamonds' uncertain future
This Business Daily episode explores the uncertain future of diamonds, particularly in Sierra Leone, where the closure of a major mine exacerbates economic instability and fears of conflict. The report delves into the historical impact of…
- The founder tackling Africa’s data scarcity problem
Kate Kallot, CEO of Amini AI, is working to improve access to farming and environmental data in Africa and emerging economies. Her startup, Amini AI, aims to provide reliable information, influenced by her family's history.
- Inside gaming’s cheat problem
This episode of Business Daily investigates the significant financial and reputational damage caused by cheating in video games, impacting the multi-billion dollar industry, online play, and esports.
- Why Kenya is betting on geothermal power
Kenya is becoming a major African geothermal power producer, utilizing this energy as a key source of electricity. The episode discusses how geothermal energy is harnessed in Kenya and explores ambitious plans for a geothermal-powered city.
- The new fitness tourism
The Business Daily episode "The new fitness tourism" discusses the growing trend of sport-focused travel, where millions opt for athletic activities and training over traditional holidays. This shift is fueling rapid expansion within the f…
- Getting goods to the ends of the Earth
In Chilean Patagonia, Jane Chambers investigates the extreme challenges of last-mile logistics, including difficult terrain and unpredictable weather, which contribute to high prices for goods. The episode features insights from individual…
- L.O.L. Surprise creator Isaac Larian
Isaac Larian, founder and CEO of MGA Entertainment, shares his life and business journey, highlighting his success in the US toy industry with brands like Bratz and L.O.L. Surprise, and emphasizes the essential role of setbacks in achievin…
- How wrestling became big business
This episode of Business Daily examines the business of professional wrestling, detailing its growth into a global industry worth billions. It covers the impact of sponsorships, broadcasting deals, online audiences, and emerging franchises…
- Reinventing Kodak
Kodak CEO Jim Continenza details the company's strategy to revive its film business, including rebuilding manufacturing and overcoming the challenges of returning to analogue production, partly inspired by conversations with director Chris…
- Iran’s economy: Counting the cost of war
This episode of Business Daily discusses the impact of war, existing sanctions, and a nationwide internet shutdown on Iran’s economy. It includes perspectives from individuals within Iran to assess the damage and potential recovery paths.
- The Dutch village at risk from an energy project
The Business Daily episode explores the potential displacement of a Dutch fishing village, Moerdijk, due to a new energy project. It features interviews with local residents about their fight and what it signifies for the global transition…
- The tech boss who 'x-rays' businesses
Business Daily meets Alexander Rinke, co-CEO and co-founder of Celonis. The episode explores how Celonis, a company that started as a university project, achieved billion-dollar status using its "process intelligence" concept, likened to "…
- Food prices after Hormuz: What changes now?
Conflict in the Middle East has disrupted the global food system, impacting fertilizer supplies and increasing energy and shipping costs. This is pushing up food prices worldwide, forcing farmers to make difficult decisions and potentially…
- Anthropic: the $300bn AI firm at war with the White House
Business Daily examines the journey of AI firm Anthropic, now valued at $380 billion, and its recent disputes with the US Government regarding the use of its AI software in warfare.
- Headspace CEO on the use of AI in tackling burnout
Headspace CEO Tom Pickett discusses the company's expansion from a meditation app to leveraging AI for mental health solutions, noting partnerships with the US Navy and a focus on tackling burnout.
- Wind power: A lifeline or gamble for islands?
Island nations are evaluating offshore wind power as a potential solution to energy independence and export opportunities, driven by climate change concerns and fluctuating fossil fuel costs. Advances in technology are central to this cons…
- The self-taught coder building a drone empire
Bobby Healy, a self-taught coder and entrepreneur, founded Manna Air Delivery, a major European drone delivery firm. He discusses how his background influenced his success and his continued passion for coding.
- Is this social media's 'Big Tobacco moment'?
The Business Daily episode "Is this social media's 'Big Tobacco moment'?" discusses a court ruling finding Meta and Google liable for harming a young user's mental health and intentionally creating addictive platforms. It explores whether…
- Afterlife: The business of celebrity legacies
Business Daily examines the expanding industry focused on celebrity legacies after death, featuring insights from estate managers and agents. The episode touches upon the ethical considerations within this debated market.
- The whistleblower who exposed a massive tax scam
Jas Bains, formerly a finance industry professional, recounts his experience of exposing a significant tax scam. He details the repercussions he faced, including career damage and legal action, after becoming a whistleblower.
- After Liberation Day: Who is footing the tariffs bill?
This episode of Business Daily examines the economic impact of US import tariffs, exploring who is ultimately paying for the increased costs and how these duties have affected inflation and global trade.
- Mighty Patch founder Ju Rhyu
Ju Rhyu, founder of Hero Cosmetics, shares her journey of creating the popular Mighty Patch acne treatment. Despite experiencing unemployment during two recessions, she built a globally successful product and now prefers working as an empl…
- No suits, four-day weeks: Asia's energy crunch
This episode of Business Daily examines the impact of the global energy crisis on Asian economies, including the implementation of four-day working weeks and other conservation measures in the Philippines and across the continent.
- ICE: Is it chilling the US economy?
This Business Daily episode investigates the economic effects of immigration crackdowns, focusing on the disruption caused by federal officers in Minneapolis and exploring the wider implications for the US economy. The program features ana…
- Could the Arctic rewrite global trade?
This episode of Business Daily examines the potential and challenges of Arctic shipping routes as sea ice retreats. It explores the geopolitical ambitions behind these shortcuts, the risks of operating in extreme conditions, and the concer…
- Can Cuba turn its economy around?
Cuba is facing a significant economic crisis, prompting its government to consider opening the economy to more private investment. This episode discusses whether these reforms will be sufficient and timely enough to address the crisis and…
- The struggle to find care that sparked a business
Chika Madubuko founded Greymate Care in 2016, an online platform in Nigeria connecting those needing support with professional caregivers. The business was inspired by her family's difficulty in finding a trustworthy carer for her grandmot…
- Oil crisis lessons from Iran to Kuwait
This episode of Business Daily examines lessons from past oil crises, including the impact of conflict on global supply chains, using the invasion of Kuwait as a case study. It also explores current energy market challenges, our dependence…
- The cost of calling home
This episode of Business Daily examines the market for apps that reduce the cost of international calls for people living far from home, particularly those contacting loved ones without reliable internet access. It explores how these techn…
- Germany turns to India for skilled workers
Germany is addressing its demographic crisis and workforce shortage, especially in crafts, by recruiting skilled workers from India. The episode highlights young Indian apprenticeships in Germany's south-west.
- China’s new economic reality
This episode of Business Daily examines China's shift towards economic stability, highlighted by its lowest GDP growth target since 1991. It discusses what this means for businesses, investors, and the job market in an uncertain global eco…
- Starting a jet company against the odds
Kanika Tekriwal, founder of JetSetGo, built one of India's largest private aviation marketplaces, overcoming illness, sexism, and family opposition. Business Daily explores her journey and the challenges she faced in the male-dominated avi…
- How is the world feeling the impact of rising oil prices?
This episode discusses the global economic impact of rising oil prices, exacerbated by the US-Iran conflict, affecting energy and food security. It highlights responses like South Korea's energy price cap and India's access to Russian oil,…
- Kidnapping for ransom
Business Daily explores the increasing threat of kidnapping for ransom, highlighting its status as a growing criminal industry in West Africa and offering guidance on how to react if confronted with such a situation.
- Why are more people suing businesses?
Class actions, which combine large groups of people for collective claims, have become increasingly popular globally, originating from 12th-century England and gaining prominence through US civil rights cases. Their spread is causing conce…
- The book that built the modern economy
This episode of Business Daily examines Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations," published 250 years ago. Host Rob Young discusses the book's impact on global trade and earnings with economists, assessing the current state of the free market.
- Finding peace through chocolate
Rahul Tandon interviews Tareq Hadhad, founder and CEO of Peace by Chocolate. Hadhad shares his story of escaping war in Syria, resettling in Canada, and successfully relaunching his family's chocolate business, which now enjoys global sale…
- Can the Gulf stay open for business?
This episode of Business Daily examines the Gulf region's efforts to attract international investment and questions whether its reputation for stability can withstand rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
- Are weight-loss drugs reshaping business?
This episode of Business Daily examines how the increasing demand for weight-loss drugs is altering business models and consumer habits across various industries, and discusses the future outlook for the market and economy.