The Loop

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Channel • 2 Shows

Business

Business

Monthly
Management

Management

Every two months

26 AUG

Is the gaming industry the UK’s best kept secret?

Starting with garden shed coders in the 1980s to a £7.6bn global powerhouse, the UK’s gaming industry might be the country’s best-kept secret. Join Ben as he sits down with Nick Poole OBE, CEO of Ukie, to explore the creativity, technology and economic force driving British gaming today. Discover how the UK’s unique mix of ‘tongue-in-cheek creativity’ and cutting-edge tech helped create icons like Lara Croft and the Grand Theft Auto franchise. The discussion delves into how blockbuster games with billion-dollar budgets coexist alongside indie hits that explode overnight, and how emerging technologies are shaping the next wave of innovation. Beyond gaming delivering purely entertainment, Ben and Nick explore how gaming fosters new communities and serves as a powerful platform for learning and development, revealing how gaming is fundamentally changing the world's perspective on play, business and creativity. The conversation continues in part two on 8th September. Join us then to hear Nick’s take on the future of gaming in the UK. 🔗 Links Read our latest gaming insights: https://bit.ly/4m8pdpD 🚨 Never miss an episode Sign up to our media and technology preference centre to never miss an episode: https://bit.ly/3F4W52w 📖 chapters 00:00:00 - 00:00:56 : Introduction to the UK gaming industry. 00:00:57 - 00:03:45 : Understanding the UK gaming industry and the role of British creativity. 00:03:46 - 00:03:50: Global influence and investment in UK gaming 00:03:51 - 00:06:37 : Structure of the UK gaming ecosystem 00:06:38 - 00:07:39: Techs impact on game distribution 00:07:40 - 00:11:57 : How games are created and funded 00:11:58 - 00:14:19 : Gaming demographics and cultural maturity 00:14:20 - 00:16:06 : Gaming during COVID: social and emotional impact 00:16:07 - 00:17:13 : Digital play and skill development in children 00:17:14 - 00:18:51 : Games as learning tools 📱 And follow us on social: LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT Instagram - http://bit.ly/2W60CWm

26 Aug

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19 min
15 JUN

How is tech helping leisure and hospitality businesses adapt?

The leisure and hospitality industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. Facing evolving consumer habits that demand unique, shared experiences alongside relentless cost and staffing pressures, technology is providing solutions. Smart technology is revolutionising front-of-house interactions and reshaping how we socialise. But the real gamechanger lies the back-of-house where tech is driving efficiencies. From intelligent inventory and staffing solutions to predictive analytics that deliver crucial cost savings and slash waste, extending far beyond simple automation. Join Ben Bilsland as he chats to Saxon Moseley, Head of Leisure and Hospitality at RSM UK to discuss the solutions that are unlocking new pathways for growth in the industry. 🔗 Links For the latest leisure and hospitality insights follow RSM UK's CGA tracker: http://bit.ly/3HEfDMc Read our leisure and hospitality outlook : https://bit.ly/4jPf5R2 Learn more about loyalty schemes: https://bit.ly/4jQ8aab 🚨Never miss an episode Sign up to our media and technology preference centre to never miss an episode: https://bit.ly/3F4W52w 📖 chapters00:00:00 - 00:01:02 : Introduction 00:01:03 - 00:03:40 : The current challenges leisure and hospitality businesses are facing 00:03:41 - 00:04:51: How are changes in consumer habits affecting leisure and hospitality businesses? 00:04:52 - 00:09:11 : Why is competitive socialising transforming leisure and hospitality? 00:09:12 - 00:12:50 : How is tech driving customer loyalty? 00:12:51 - 00:17:08 : How is AI affecting leisure and hospitality businesses behind the scenes? 00:17:09 - 00:22:48 : The tech driving efficiency in leisure and hospitality businesses 00:22:49 - 00:24:36 : What do the next 10 years in leisure and hospitality look like? 00:24:37 - 00:25:02 : Closing 👍 If you like this, please subscribe to our channel 📱 And follow us on social: LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT Instagram - http://bit.ly/2W60CWm

15 Jun

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25 min
21 JUL

How to make your podcast stand out in today’s media landscape

Ben Bilsland is joined by Ollie Tiramuragan Collard, host of ‘Founded and Grounded’ to unpack the realities behind the podcast evolution. As a successful indie creator himself, Ollie shares his journey, reflecting on how the podcast industry has transformed technologically, creatively and commercially. The introduction of major media and tech companies has not only shifted consumption habits but also fuelled a significant surge in revenue now estimated at over $7.3 billion. But amidst this rapid growth and commercialisation, what truly moves the needle in today’s landscape? Has the rise of AI, video podcasts and aggressive sponsorship taken away what made podcasts so great in the first place, or is there still an undeniable power in cultivating a unique voice, building a genuine community and remaining authentic? 🔗 Links Listen to Ollie's podcast Founded & Grounded: https://foundedandgrounded.com/ Read our latest media industry outlook for more insights: https://bit.ly/4m8pdpD 🚨 Never miss an episode Sign up to our media and technology preference centre to never miss an episode: https://bit.ly/3F4W52w 📖 chapters 00:00:00 - 00:02:42 : Introduction 00:02:43 - 00:05:26 : The podcasting boom: How did podcasting become such a popular medium? 00:05:27 - 00:07:59: Video podcasting 00:04:52 - 00:14:18 : How has AI impacted podcasting? 00:14:19 - 00:17:44 : Listener acquisition through partnerships? 00:17:45 - 00:21:51 : How have podcast generated $7.3B in sales? 00:21:52 - 00:25:07 : Building trust with your audience. 00:25:08 - 00:26:06 : Closing 📱 Follow us on social: LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT Instagram - http://bit.ly/2W60CWm

21 Jul

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26 min
10 MAR

Why do we need smart cities?

What is a smart city? A city where technology helps anticipate your every need. Pre-booked transport based on your personal diary, living spaces that adapt and respond to your routine, and buildings that generate and supply their own energy. Advancements in technology are creating more convenient and sustainable urban environments - welcome to smart city living! But, with progress comes challenges. How much personal data are we willing to share? Can our cities' existing infrastructure keep up? And how does the construction industry build the cities of tomorrow with an aging workforce? Join Ben Bilsland and Kelly Boorman, RSM UK’s Head of Construction, as they dive into the world of smart cities - exploring how tech is transforming the way we live for the better. For more insight into the construction industry read our latest real estate 360 report. 🔗 visit our website 📱 And follow us on social: LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT Instagram - http://bit.ly/2W60CWm

10 Mar

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19 min
14 APR

Has AI had its ‘gamechanger’ moment?

Within weeks of releasing our first episode on the importance of the technology industry to the UK economy, a Chinese AI start-up called ‘DeepSeek’ released DeepSeek-R1, a generative AI model. Its release hit financial markets, stock prices, and is now poised to influence the global economy and the speed that AI can change the way our world operates. Why? Because ‘DeepSeek’ was created at a fraction of the cost of previous models. Filmed in March, we asked our host Ben Bilsland and Tom Pugh, RSM UK’s Chief Economist, to sit down again to unpick what this means, not only for the geopolitical consequences but also to ask whether this is a ‘game changer’ moment or rather just the natural process of innovation. And whether it’s a kind of innovation UK tech businesses will be able to replicate. 🔗 Links Watch Ben and Tom's first episode For more insight from Tom on the economy read our 'Economic Voice' 📖 chapters Introduction 00:00:00 - 00:01:28 Why was DeepSeek revolutionary? 00:02:29 - 00:04:46 Why did the market react in the way they did to DeepSeek? 00:04:47 - 00:09:37 Can UK tech firms catch up in the AI race? 00:09:38 - 00:12:18 Does DeepSeek change the impact of AI? 00:12:19 - 00:15:29 Can the UK government encourage AI development? 00:15:30 - 00:19:16 👍 If you like this, please subscribe 📱 And follow us on social: LinkedIn Instagram

14 Apr

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20 min
12 FEB

Does tech matter to the UK economy?

Technology significantly influences our daily lives, but what role does it play in shaping the UK economy? In this episode join Ben Bilsland and Thomas Pugh, RSM UK’s Economist as they unpack the productivity and profitability trends within the tech sector. They compare the tech ecosystem of the UK and the US and break down the UK’s government ambitious AI initiative designed to position the UK as a global powerhouse. But the challenge remains, does the UK have the right infrastructure to support these bold plans? It’s a £47 billion question!Tune in and reshape your understanding of how technology is set to revolutionise the UK economy. This episode was recorded before Deepseek was launched. 🔗Visit our website to learn more:https://bit.ly/3YWPyg8📱 follow us on social: LinkedIn -https://bit.ly/3Ab7abTInstagram -http://bit.ly/2W60CWm

12 Feb

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22 min
13 MAY

The battle between tech and fraud

Is modern tech a convenience or a fraudsters playground? The rapid innovation of tech has presented us with a double-edge sword. On one side, tech promises a stronger defence against fraud through artificial intelligence, data analytics and behavioural biometrics. On the other side, the same advancements are being used against us. Fraudsters are getting smarter and more sophisticated with less, in the last three years alone we’ve seen deepfake scams increase by 2000%. How can you balance the dynamics between cutting-edge technology and ever-evolving tactics of fraudsters? Join Ben Bilsland and Erin Sims, a director in the fraud risk team at RSM UK as they unravel the complexities and explore strategies on how to stay ahead. 🔗 Links More insights from Erin n how to navigate the failure to prevent fraud regulation coming into effect in September 2025: https://bit.ly/4j0iax0 Sign up to our media and technology preference center list to get updates on the latest podcast episodes: https://bit.ly/3F4W52w 📖 chapters 00:00:00 - 00:00:55 : Introduction 00:00:56 - 00:01:36 : How does fraud impact the economy? 00:01:37 - 00:04:56: What is tech's role in fraud? 00:04:57 - 00:08:05 : Deepfake technology and fraud 00:08:06 - 00:08:34 : Insurance fraud 00:08:35 - 00:11:06 : Financial services fraud 00:11:07 - 00:14:40 : How is tech helping to protect against fraud 00:14:41 - 00:19:12 : How can you protect yourself against fraud? 00:19:13 - 00:22:10 : What do businesses need to do to protect themselves? 00:22:11 - 00:23:40 : UK online fraud charter 00:23:41 - 00:26:36 : Fraud regulation 📱 And follow us on social: LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT Instagram - http://bit.ly/2W60CWm

13 May

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26 min
05/12/2024

How does the construction industry innovate to build housing?

1.5m homes – that’s the ambitious target the UK’s housing market is striving to meet. It’s a challenge that brings with it a wealth of opportunities for innovation and growth within the construction industry. In this episode of The Loop, we focus on the future of the UK’s housing sector. Our host, Kelly Boorman, Head of Construction at RSM UK, is joined by John Guest, Head of Social Housing, and Laura Schmuttermeier, Risk and Business Transformation Partner, to discuss how the industry is adapting to new government policies, infrastructure challenges and the role of technology. They also explore the proactive measures businesses are taking to manage growth, despite workforce shortages and supply chain complexities. For more insights into the UK construction industry, visit RSM UK website And follow us on social: LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT Twitter - http://bit.ly/1qILii3 Instagram - http://bit.ly/2W60CWm

05/12/2024

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25 min
15/10/2020

Restructuring a business for the future

Restructuring a business often isn’t the doom and gloom story you might expect. In this episode of the Loop our panel of experts discuss the misconceptions around debt restructurings, and what is key to affording your business the best opportunity for its future. And follow us on social: LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT Twitter - http://bit.ly/1qILii3 Instagram - http://bit.ly/2W60CWm

15/10/2020

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23 min
22/04/2024

The future of generative AI

In the final episode of our generative AI series, we look ahead to see how this powerful technology might affect the economy and society in the long run. How will generative AI change the economic landscape? How will it challenge the professional service sectors? Ben Bilsland, Tom Pugh, RSM’s economist, and Joel Segal, a business transformation partner at RSM UK, join us to talk about the possible changes that generative AI could bring in the next 30 years. They discuss how productivity and its distribution among society might change, and how work tasks and human skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and communication might evolve in response to the technology. They also consider the difficulties and opportunities that AI brings, such as workforce shifts, education reforms, and the need for human-machine cooperation. Listen for a thoughtful discussion on how generative AI could shape the future of work, productivity, social interactions, and the impact of this rapidly advancing technology. For more insights on generative AI, explore our Real Economy report. And follow us on social: LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3Ab7abT Twitter - http://bit.ly/1qILii3 Instagram - http://bit.ly/2W60CWm

22/04/2024

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33 min

Understanding business challenges and opportunities