The Business
Business & Finance
About
Hannah Prevett and Dominic O’Connell bring you one big business story you need to know every week. Uncovering the personalities, power plays, boardroom dramas and sheer ambition that drive the world of business, Hannah and Dominic get the inside story from the people who are in the room when the deal goes down - from start-ups to tech titans, market movers to City CEOs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- Why honing ‘human’ skills could AI-proof your career
Aneesh Raman, co-author of 'Open to Work: How to Get Ahead in the Age of AI', discusses how workers can adapt their careers in light of the impact of artificial intelligence in the workplace. He explores why the influence of AI on jobs is…
- Can cinemas survive the doomscroll?
Hannah Prevett and guest Suzie Welch of ODEON Cinemas Group discuss the challenges facing the cinema industry today, including competition from streaming services and online content. The episode examines the role of cinema in the current e…
- BONUS: Are boards turning their backs on ESG-related pay?
This episode of The Business explores whether companies are facing pressure to reduce the link between executive pay and ESG metrics following the Trump administration's influence. Guests include Pippa Begg from Board Intelligence and Rich…
- Are UK execs underpaid? Or just greedy?
This episode of The Business explores whether lower executive pay at British companies compared to their US counterparts is affecting the UK's competitive edge in the global market for talent. Guests discuss the implications of internation…
- BONUS: Young founders on rejecting WFH
In this episode of The Business, founders Harry Stebbings and Amy Knight join presenter Hannah Prevett to discuss why their companies maintain a mandatory, full in-office work policy. They explain why they believe physical office presence…
- How UK's youngest founders made it big
Hannah Prevett discusses business ownership with young entrepreneurs Harry Stebbings and Amy Knight. They explore the challenges of starting a company in the UK, the role of education, and the necessity of hustle culture for the latest Sun…
- What does the Iran war mean for your business?
This episode discusses the potential impact of the conflict in Iran on global business and considers what the situation reveals about weaknesses in the British economy. Presenters Hannah Prevett and Richard Fletcher are joined by Simon Fre…
- New workers' rights - business winner or killer?
This episode discusses the introduction of the Employment Rights Act, examining its impact on sick pay, parental leave, and dismissal rights. It explores the concerns of business owners regarding these changes alongside other financial pre…
- Drill baby drill? The new battle for the North Sea
This episode examines the debate surrounding new oil and gas drilling in the UK's North Sea amid concerns over energy security and economic volatility. Guests Tessa Kahn and Chris Wheaton discuss the potential impact of government policy o…
- Inside the drone war - With CEO of Modini Nick Sharpe
In this episode, presenters discuss how drone technology is reshaping modern warfare and the resulting business challenges for the British armed forces and the defense industry. Nick Sharpe, CEO of Modini, joins the show to examine the mar…
- The £50m Club: The hard truth about scaling a business
This episode examines the challenges British start-ups face in reaching a revenue of £50 million. The discussion centers on a Scale-up Institute report concerning female-founded businesses and the various hurdles beyond funding that impact…
- Worse than expected? Why Iran could trigger a major energy shock
This episode of The Business explores the global economic impact of the recent situation involving Iran, focusing on rising energy prices, disrupted oil supplies, and the potential for an energy shock. Hosts and guests analyze the risks to…
- A new era of geopolitics: Leading when you can't see what's coming
Marco Amitrano of PwC and Lord Gavin Barwell join hosts Hannah Prevett and Dominic O'Connell to explore business resilience within the current shifting geopolitical landscape. They discuss the implications of this new era for global busine…
- Will quantum computing change everything? With Quantum Motion CEO
In this episode of The Business, Quantum Motion CEO James Palles-Dimmock discusses the potential of quantum computing to impact industries like finance and manufacturing. The discussion covers the current state of the technology, its comme…
- A new runway for Heathrow? With IAG boss Luis Gallego
Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group, shares insights on managing airlines and navigating the potential expansion of Heathrow Airport. The discussion also touches on how the covid pandemic influenced travel patterns.
- How a ‘creator mindset’ can supercharge your business - With Sidemen manager Jordan Schwarzenberger
Jordan Schwarzenberger, manager of the YouTube group The Sidemen, discusses the strategy behind their nine-figure empire, which spans multiple channels, merchandise, and more. He shares insights on the creator industry and why content is o…
- The ‘secret sauce’ of success - With Octopus Energy CEO, Greg Jackson
Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, shares the 'secret sauce' of the company's success, attributing it to the Kraken software platform that connects customers and suppliers. He discusses challenges with outdated software, plans for floati…
- Lazy, Entitled… or just honest? How Gen Z is redefining the world of work
This episode discusses Gen Z's impact on the modern workplace, considering their unique challenges and motivations. It explores how managers can best support and retain ambitious Gen Z staff in an evolving work environment.
- Trumponomics: who wins and who loses?
This episode of The Business examines the global economic impact of Donald Trump's policies and rhetoric, discussing potential effects on investors, markets, and specifically the UK and EU economies. It also touches on the consequences of…
- How to start your own business - With founders of GoHenry & D. Louise
Louise Hill of GoHenry and Olivia Jenkins of D. Louise discuss their entrepreneurial journeys and offer advice for aspiring business owners looking to transition from a 9-5 job.
- 2026: Sunshine or a gathering storm?
The 2026 economic forecast suggests a challenging year for businesses with sluggish growth and potential unemployment increases. However, positive signs include the FTSE 100 surpassing 10,000 points and the continued rise in gold value.
- The curious case of Mike Lynch
This episode discusses the life and controversial business career of British tech billionaire Mike Lynch, covering his success, legal battles, and eventual death. It features an interview with Katie Prescott, author of 'The Curious Case of…
- Musk vs Bezos: The new race for space
This episode of The Business discusses the commercial space race between Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin, examining the implications of private sector dominance and the potential for future conflicts in orbit. Host Dominic…
- The battle of the fat jabs
The weight-loss drug market is experiencing explosive growth, propelling Eli Lilly to a trillion-dollar valuation. While Novo Nordisk faces share price declines, the competition intensifies for the next breakthrough in oral weight-loss med…
- Gold Rush: Boom or bubble?
Gold's value has surged past £3000 per ounce, a rally unusual as it coincides with a booming stock market. Experts discuss whether this is a peak or the start of further growth.
- Bonus: AI - Reshaping Britain’s workforce
This bonus episode of The Business discusses AI's impact on Britain's workforce, featuring a discussion with experts on productivity tools, business integration, and how UK employers are preparing for the AI-driven transformation.
- Chicken Wars: Can KFC still rule the roost? With KFC's Rob Swain
The fried chicken market in Britain is booming, worth over £3bn annually, with new brands challenging established players like KFC. Rob Swain, KFC's UK General Manager, joins the discussion on how KFC can maintain its market leadership and…
- Rachel Reeves’s high tax, high spend budget
This episode of The Business analyzes Rachel Reeves' budget, characterized as a "smorgasbord" of measures. Despite tax and spending increases, debt remains high. The discussion covers the budget's details and its potential implications for…
- Britain’s biggest bitcoin buyer - with Smarter Web Company's Andrew Webley
Andrew Webley, founder of The Smarter Web Company, discusses his company's pivot to a crypto treasury, holding Bitcoin as a primary asset. Despite a significant market downturn and a 70% plunge in his company's share price, Webley remains…
- Are trillion dollar tech stocks about to pop? With Andrew Ross Sorkin
Dom and Hannah discuss the valuation of trillion dollar tech stocks, featuring insights from Andrew Ross Sorkin and Stephen Clapham on market history and potential AI bubbles.
- Bonus: Budget preview - headroom and hard choices
In this bonus episode of The Business, PwC UK Chief Economist Barret Kupelian and Head of Tax Claire Blackburn join hosts Hannah Prevett and Dominic O'Connell to discuss the upcoming UK budget. They explore potential tax measures and their…
- Cyber attacks and surviving Amazon - with Currys CEO Alex Baldock
Currys CEO Alex Baldock discusses the challenges and strategies for retail businesses in the age of online shopping, the constant threat of cyber attacks, and current consumer trends. He shares insights from his leadership role at one of t…
- The rise of the corporate landlord - with Grainger's Helen Gordon
Helen Gordon, CEO of Grainger, joins The Business to discuss Labour's housing targets and the challenges of affordable housing. She explains why the current model for building affordable housing is not working and how the private sector al…
- Mind the (pay) gap - with Grayling's Heather Blundell
Heather Blundell joins The Business to discuss the UK gender pay gap, noting that men still earn 13% more than women. The episode explores why some companies are slow to address this issue, even after 50 years of the Equal Pay Act, and con…
- How to build a British unicorn - with Quantexa's Vishal Marria
Vishal Marria, founder of the £2B AI company Quantexa, discusses his entrepreneurial journey, from bootstrapping to securing investment. He shares insights on building a business, company expansion, and the considerations for listing on st…
- A grim future, Farage and Man United - with Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, founder and CEO of INEOS and co-owner of Manchester United, shares his perspective on the future of his business, criticizes Net Zero policies, and outlines his strategy to make Manchester United the most profitable club…
- Introducing The Business
The Business is a new weekly podcast exploring the world of business, covering major companies, startups, and tech. Hosted by Hannah Prevett and Dominic O'Connell, it features interviews with key figures and examines the forces driving the…