The Policy Fix

Steve Rigby
  • 5.0 (9)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • MONTHLY

The Policy Fix is a series of straight-talking conversations about what’s broken in Britain - and how to fix it. Hosted by business leader Steve Rigby, the show focuses on delivery, outcomes, and practical solutions rather than politics or point-scoring. Each episode features leaders from business, public services, charities, and policy who have actually run things - people who know how systems work in the real world. Steve goes beyond the headlines to uncover what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change for the UK to get back on track. The show cuts through noise and ideology to explore hard choices, hidden problems, and the operational realities that shape Britain’s future. Honest, grounded, and focused on action, The Policy Fix is for anyone who wants to understand how to make the country work better.

Episodes

  1. 20 JAN

    Clare Barclay: Inside Microsoft’s $3.6 Trillion AI Machine

    Dame Claire Barclay - one of the most influential leaders in global tech - joins The Policy Fix. In this episode, Steve Rigby speaks with the President of Microsoft for Enterprise & Infrastructure in EMEA and Chair of the UK’s Industrial Strategy Advisory Council about whether Britain is moving fast enough in the age of AI. Claire offers an insider view on Microsoft’s AI strategy, the rise of autonomous “AI agents,” and why even the world’s biggest tech companies must keep reinventing themselves. They also examine the UK’s new Industrial Strategy - what’s working, what’s risky, and whether it can actually lift productivity outside London. Along the way, Claire explains why skills, energy, and planning are now as critical to growth as innovation itself. A clear-eyed conversation about technology, power, and Britain’s future. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to The Policy Fix 00:45 Claire Barclay’s dual roles 01:13 Inside Microsoft’s evolution 03:55 Why AI feels like a “long game” 04:49 How AI will reshape business 10:04 Government and the AI opportunity 15:11 Skills for the AI era 18:08 What is the Industrial Strategy Council? 20:26 How government works with business 22:54 Regions, mayors and delivery 24:22 Where tech fits in industrial strategy 25:16 Britain’s productivity problem 27:55 The future of the UK tech sector 31:01 Advice for young people today 33:47 Choosing a charity: Crisis 38:52 Final thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    39 min

  2. 16/12/2025

    Andy Cook: The School Attendance Crisis No One Wants to Face

    Addressing the Crisis of School Absenteeism and Social Issues with Andy Cook In this episode of The Policy Fix, host Steve Rigby sits down with Andy Cook, CEO of the Centre for Social Justice, to discuss critical issues facing the UK today. They delve into the crisis of school absenteeism, the role of philanthropy in driving social change, and the importance of tailored local interventions. Andy shares insights from his extensive experience in the charity sector and outlines key policies that could make a significant impact on disadvantaged communities. The discussion also touches on the declining value of traditional education pathways and the potential of enriched, sport-focused educational models. 00:00 Introduction: The Crisis of Attendance 00:26 Welcome to The Policy Fix 00:31 Meet Andy Cook: Champion for Social Justice 01:30 The Center for Social Justice: Mission and Impact 01:53 Personal Journey: From Charity Founder to Award Winner 02:38 Celebrating Unsung Heroes: The CSJ Awards 04:38 Navigating Politics: Cross-Party Collaboration 07:01 Innovative Approaches to Social Issues 09:48 Place-Based Philanthropy: A New Hope 15:30 The Role of Education in Social Mobility 16:46 Addressing Absenteeism: A Growing Concern 22:31 Setting a Bigger Agenda 22:43 The Social Compact at Risk 23:06 Parental Responsibility and Education 24:25 Leadership in Education 26:57 Philanthropy and Innovation 28:19 Youth Centers and Public-Private Partnerships 30:33 Community-Driven Interventions 33:35 Challenges Facing Boys in Education 40:38 Future Policies and Recommendations About The Policy Fix Hosted by Steve Rigby, The Policy Fix explores what’s broken in Britain - and how to fix it. No politics. No spin. Just honest conversations with people who get things done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    43 min

  3. 20/11/2025

    Rupert Soames: How to Fix Britain’s Broken Systems

    Rupert Soames: How to Fix Britain’s Broken Systems | The Policy Fix with Steve Rigby Britain is facing some of the biggest structural challenges in a generation - from weak growth and rising debt to failing public services and declining business confidence. In this episode, Steve Rigby sits down with Rupert Soames, Chair of the CBI and one of the UK’s most respected turnaround leaders, to discuss what it will actually take to fix the system. Rupert shares candid insights from: - Saving the CBI during its crisis - Running some of the UK's toughest public service contracts - Working with government at the highest levels - Why fiscal rules matter more than politicians admit - What Britain needs to get right in the next decade This is a grounded, practical conversation about delivery, responsibility, leadership - and the real choices Britain faces. About The Policy Fix Hosted by Steve Rigby, The Policy Fix explores what’s broken in Britain - and how to fix it. No politics. No spin. Just honest conversations with people who get things done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    52 min

  4. 17/11/2025

    Trailer | The Policy Fix with Steve Rigby

    No spin. No drama. Just real solutions. Steve Rigby talks to people who’ve actually run things - and know what needs to change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    22 sec

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Policy Fix is a series of straight-talking conversations about what’s broken in Britain - and how to fix it. Hosted by business leader Steve Rigby, the show focuses on delivery, outcomes, and practical solutions rather than politics or point-scoring. Each episode features leaders from business, public services, charities, and policy who have actually run things - people who know how systems work in the real world. Steve goes beyond the headlines to uncover what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change for the UK to get back on track. The show cuts through noise and ideology to explore hard choices, hidden problems, and the operational realities that shape Britain’s future. Honest, grounded, and focused on action, The Policy Fix is for anyone who wants to understand how to make the country work better.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Rigby
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    4

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