Podcast Radio Business Interviews

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Podcast Radio Business Interviews

Podcast Radio Business chats to many people about many things - in the dynamic world of business. There is a lot going on, you know. Here you can catch Podcast Radio's podjocks chatting to all sorts of weird and wonderful business personalities about all sorts of weird and wonderful things in business.

  1. 07/16/2024

    50% OF UK BUSINESS FOUNDERS FEAR THEY WILL NOT SURVIVE 12 MONTHS | Andy Fishburn

    Andy Fishburn, Managing Director at Virgin StartUp, speaks to Clayton M. Coke of Podcast Radio to discuss why 50% OF UK BUSINESS FOUNDERS FEAR THEY WILL NOT SURVIVE 12 MONTHS Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) make up 99% of businesses in the UK, supporting 27 million jobs across the country and collectively account for £4.5 trillion in annual turnover. Recognising their pivotal role in the UK economy, the former government made 2024 the “Year of the SME” to highlight their plight and tackle the key issues they face. But now, new research has revealed that half (50%) of founders are concerned that their venture will not survive the next 12 months, versus only 11% having the same concerns last year. That’s according to the new Founder Barometer report from Virgin StartUp, which has revealed that the cost-of-living crisis (52%) is the biggest challenge they face today. This explains why, from this new government, they would most like to see: Business rates scrapped (33%)Greater support for businesses and regions outside London (32%)A cut in corporation tax (26%)The facilitation of greater access to capital (23%). When it comes to mentorship, more than one in 10 (13%) say the most valuable advice comes from fellow founders/peers, and 11% from online communities – with almost one in five (19%) having experienced a eureka moment after engaging with them. Meanwhile, 16% say spending time with fellow founders has improved their mental health, while 17% have received expert knowledge and information from their communities. Andy Fishburn, Managing Director at Virgin StartUp, Virgin’s not-for-profit home of entrepreneurship, which Richard Branson launched in 2013, discusses the need for continuous support as well as funding to founders, and what they can gain from better engaging with each other to celebrate the launch of the Virgin StartUp Community Platform.

    13 min

  2. 07/16/2024

    URGENT ACTION NEEDED TO TACKLE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST NEURODIVERSE WORKERS | Clare Reynolds

    Clare Reynolds, Business Psychologist, Pearn Kandola speaks to Clayton M. Coke of Podcast Radio to discuss why URGENT ACTION IS NEEDED TO TACKLE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST NEURODIVERSE WORKERS. A new report released today (Tuesday 16th July 2024) reveals workplaces across the UK are experiencing endemic discrimination of neurodiverse workers, with almost half of employees admitting they’ve experienced discriminatory behaviour towards neurodiverse colleagues. It is thought that about 15 to 20 percent of the world's population is neurodivergent, a general term which includes conditions such as Autism, ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. The Neurodiversity At Work (2024) report by Pearn Kandola, a business psychology consultants, found when job hunting, the barriers neurodiverse candidates face were “bias and negative attitudes” from employers, based on neurotypical assumptions and employers not offering or making reasonable adjustments. KEY FINDINGS AT A GLANCE: Almost half of employees (46%) have experienced discriminatory behaviour towards neurodiverse colleagues Six in ten (63%) neurodiverse employees mask their condition from colleagues, and more than two in five (42%) admit to feelinguncomfortable asking their employer for adjustments to accommodate their neurodiverse traits Six in Ten managers in the workplace have never had any training on how to manage colleague with neurodiversity When they were able to navigate the job application and interview process, many found the workplace a hostile environment, with 6 in ten (63%) neurodiverse employees revealing they masked their condition from colleagues – hiding their discomfort or emotions - and more than two in five (42%) admitting they were uncomfortable asking their employer for adjustments to accommodate their neurodiverse traits. Training was also lacking with seven in ten (70%) workers in the UK believing businesses do not do enough to accommodate people with invisible disabilities – such as providing visual aids to help people with dyslexia. Of those surveyed who manage staff at work (45%), six in 10 had never had any training on how to manage colleagues with neurodiversity. Clare Reynolds is a Business Psychologist at Pearn Kandola who contributed to the report, and discusses the findings, and the importance of tackling inequality for neurodiverse workers and what more needs to be done.

    10 min

  3. 07/11/2024

    Avon UK appoints Dragon's Den Star as Chief Inspiration Officer | Sara Davies MBE

    Sara Davies MBE, Entrepreneur & Avon UK's Chief Inspiration Officer speaks to Clayton M. Coke of Podcast Radio to discuss her new role as Avon UK's Chief Inspiration Officer Entrepreneur, founder of Crafter’s Companion and business investor Sara Davies has been appointed as Avon UK’s Chief Inspiration Officer. Avon research reveals nearly a third of British women face barriers when starting their own business including knowing how to access finance, not knowing where to start, as well as lack of confidence Being an Avon Rep enables women to work flexibly and gives them the tools and opportunity to run their own business as well as the potential to become a Leader and coach a team of Reps Beauty brand Avon UK has appointed prolific entrepreneur and businesswoman Sara Davies MBE as its Chief Inspiration Officer. The role will see Sara help more women run and build their own successful business and she will host inspiring masterclasses to coach and mentor Avon Reps while offering tailored advice on how to be their own boss, grow their businesses and lead a team. Sara’s appointment comes as Avon research shows various factors deter many women from starting their own business. The research reveals a third (33%) of women in the UK believe setting up their own business is in favour of men and just under a quarter (23%) feel they have fewer choices than men when it comes to starting their own business. While there is appetite to change working circumstances, many women continue to face obstacles to achieving their goals. Nearly a third (31%) of women say there are barriers to them starting their own business including money/finance (53%), not knowing where to start (40%), lack of confidence (39%), fear of failure (37%) and lack of knowledge of the market (33%). Sara Davies, Avon UK’s Chief Inspiration Officer, said: “I am thrilled to join Avon UK as its first Chief Inspiration Officer. “It’s a brilliant opportunity to work with new and existing Avon Reps who have the hunger to build and run their own business, on their own terms. “The research reflects so many of the barriers I came up against when starting up my own business. “I know that it still impacts women today, who have that drive, but face the same issues. “I have always been passionate about entrepreneurship and helping people to realise their ambitions so having the opportunity to share my own knowledge and experience to inspire others is incredibly exciting.” Sara’s top tips for building your own business and motivating a team: Have a plan, set your goals and put them on paper: writing down what you want to achieve helps you to stick to your plans and hold yourself accountable. Do your research: ensure that you feel a connection to the brand and what they stand for. This will make promoting your business feel natural. Build a personal brand: give customers the chance to buy into you, not just the products you sell. Use your support network: reach out to those around you for advice and be loud and proud when something goes well for you. Lead from the front: as your business grows your team will increasingly look to you for inspiration and motivation. Successful leadership doesn’t come from what you do occasionally but from what you do consistently. Tailor your leadership style: listen to what each individual team member needs to support their growth and development as you recruit new talent. If someone has done a good job, tell them and...

    10 min

  4. 07/11/2024

    The Rise of European Venture Capital | Andreas Munk Holm

    Andreas Munk Holm , Co-Founder of EU VC speaks to Clayton M. Coke of Podcast Radio Business to discuss The Rise of European Venture Capital Andreas is one of the co-founders of EUVC where he acts as podcast host and Europe’s LP hypeman. He runs content & marketing for EUVC where he works tirelessly to champion and connect the European VC ecosystem. Andreas started his career in venture right after school, helping build his university’s incubator to then join a local pre-seed fund focusing on bridging the valley of death for deep tech startups. Since then, Andreas has co-authored a book on the soft issues of family business succession and helped emerging managers build their first funds, first as an advisor and now institutionalised via EUVC. Listen to the EU VC podcast on Apple | Spotify | eu.vc  Pre-register for the State of European VC Fundraising

    32 min

  5. 06/23/2024

    GROWING NUMBERS 'WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO RETIRE' | Jonathan Watts-Lay

    Jonathan Watts-Lay, of WEALTH at work speaks to Clayton M. Coke of Podcast Radio Business to discuss WHY GROWING NUMBERS 'WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO RETIRE'. The number of people in full-time employment who believe they will never be able to afford to retire because of the impact of the rising cost of living is on the rise, with two fifths (39%) of workers claiming they will never be able to afford to stop working, up from one in three (33%) twelve months ago. Those aged 35-44 years old are the age group most likely to believe they will be able to afford to retire, with almost half of workers (46%) thinking this. Whilst rising costs have affected every generation, this age group have had less time to build up savings and could be feeling particularly squeezed with managing high childcare and property costs. Not only this, many of them may not have benefited from a full working life of automatic enrolment, and are less likely to reach retirement with generous defined benefit (or final salary) pensions than some older generations. The figures from WEALTH at work also show that rising costs also mean that almost a third (32%) will look to delay retirement, up from a fifth (21%) this time last year.  Eight in ten (81%) are also concerned that it means they will be less comfortable in retirement due to a shortfall in savings, with the same amount (81%) saying they are concerned they will have to work longer to make up for the shortfall. With the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommending interest rates in the UK should be cut to 3.5% by the end of next year, down from their current level at 5.25%, and with the British Retail Consortium last month announcing the rate of prices in UK shops is returning to ‘normal levels’, the affordability outlook is at least looking a little brighter for people. Jonathan Watts-Lay, from financial wellbeing and retirement specialists, WEALTH shares his thoughts on how to balance your finances to make retirement both realistic and comfortable. Also, with 41% feeling unsupported by the workplace, he will discuss the valuable ways many employers are helping staff gain control of their financial future. RESEARCH INFORMATION:This year’s research was conducted by Opinion Matters between 22/05/24 and 23/05/24. 2,019 UK adults aged 22+ in full-time employment were surveyed. Last year’s research was also carried out by Opinion Matters between 13/4/23 and 17/04/23. 2,025 UK adults aged 22+ in full time employment were surveyed.

    13 min

  6. 06/23/2024

    WHY UK BUSINESSES LACK CONFIDENCE TO INTEGRATE AI & GREEN TECH | John D’Arcy

    John D’Arcy, Director, The Open University in Ireland & Northern Irelandspeaks to Clayton M. Coke of Podcast Radio Business to discuss WHY BUSINESSES LACK CONFIDENCE TO INTEGRATE AI & GREEN TECH BECAUSE OF UK SKILLS SHORTAGE. More than three in five (62%) organisations in the UK continue to struggle with skills gaps, resulting in 64% lacking the confidence to integrate either AI or green technologies – crucial to growth and sustainability for businesses and the wider economy. That’s according to data from the latest Business Barometer by The Open University and the British Chambers of Commerce, which reveals skills shortages remain a major issue across sectors and regions in all four nations. Despite this, less than one in five (19%) organisations have implemented a written skills plan for their workforce, hindering the ability to strategically address these issues and prepare for future demands. More than two-thirds (68%) of employers say shortages have increased the workload of their employees – impacting morale and wellbeing – a clear indicator that they need a strategic, inclusive skills plan to develop talent to fill key gaps. Organisations recognise this, with 39% intending to use mentoring or coaching and 35% intending to use short courses within the next twelve months, helping to develop skills as well as fostering a supportive learning environment to enhance employee attraction, engagement and retention. Meanwhile, encouragingly, 86% that currently use apprenticeship programmes are expecting to increase or commit to the same number of learners over the next 12 months, highlighting the value placed on apprenticeships as a means of cultivating new talent and addressing specific skill needs. But, while there is a commitment to address the skills shortage from some organisations, the report reveals the majority (63%) still do not have specific initiatives in place for underrepresented groups e.g. young people or those with disabilities, therefore missing out by not widening talent pools to plug their shortages.

    14 min

  7. 06/08/2024

    DOES THE UK FACE A CREDIT CRUNCH? | Ryan Etchells

    Ryan Etchells, Chief Commercial Officer, Together, UK’s largest specialist lender speaks to Clayton M. Coke of Podcast Radio Business to discuss DOES THE UK FACE A CREDIT CRUNCH? Overly cautious banks and a lack of investment breaks and benefits from local and national government threaten investment and growth goals for SMEs across the country. That’s according to new research from specialist lender Together which has revealed, on average, UK SMEs would like to invest £450,000 in their business over the next two years. While many are confident they will be able to achieve this, barriers remain and cast aspersion over plans for growth and expansion, with the biggest ones being:  A lack of investment breaks and benefits from local and national government (27%)Overly cautious banks (23%)Difficulty accessing finance for specialist lenders (23%) Meanwhile, with the General Election a month away [in July 2024], SMEs would most like the next Government focus their first six months on introducing policies which prioritise: Reduce energy bills (49%)Increase tax breaks (39%)Improving access to finance (35%)Boost investment in the SME growth sector (33%)Remove red tape around businessloan applications (26%) This comes as only 55% admit they think the banking sector is supportive of small businesses, with 73% thinking mainstream banks are being overly cautious about lending. Almost half (46%) believe they do not understand the needs of the average SME applicant, and 55% believe they will have a better chance of fulfilling business objectives if they identify an alternative finance source or provider. Ryan Etchells, Chief Commercial Officer at Together, has said the sector will be carefully weighing up Sunak and Starmer’s pledges as it continues to face tough cost and labour challenges. “Given that securing real economic growth will surely be a central plank of all parties’ election promises, we need to see concrete plans for the business community especially when it comes to providing adequate resource and support for SME recovery and future growth. Unlocking access to finance is certainly one element, but fundamentally it will take lenders, developers, and innovative funders to work together and ensure that – whatever the political outcome – that promises are not left empty and that a course is charted which provides in full what’s needed most.” ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:About Together Togetherhas been delivering specialist secured lending for 50 years, using its wealth of expertise and industry knowledgeto consider individual circumstances to find a way to help its customers. All applications are considered on their merits and the product range includes residential mortgages, short-term finance, buy-to-let, commercial and semi-commercial mortgages and loans, auction finance and development funding throughout mainland UK. Based in Cheadle, Cheshire, the company employs more than 750 colleagues and has a loan book of £7 billion. For more information go to https://togethermoney.com/ RESEARCH INFORMATION:Research commissioned by Together and conducted by Opinion Matters between 17 – 21 May 2024 among 1,002 DMS/ Directors of SMEs. Opinion Matters abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles.

    14 min

  8. 06/08/2024

    WHY MORE BUSINESSES NEEED TO EMBRACE SKILLS-BASED VOLUNTEERING SCHEMES | Kevin Barker-Lee

    Kevin Lee-Barker, Senior Finance Strategy & Community Team at Lloyds Banking Group speaks to Clayton M. Coke of Podcast Radio Business to discuss WHY MORE BUSINESSES NEEED TO EMBRACE SKILLS-BASED VOLUNTEERING SCHEMES. Businesses adopting volunteering schemes and programmes for their employees stand to benefit from fostering an engaged and purpose-driven workforce, as well as improving their corporate social responsibility creds. That is according to the Skills Based Volunteering: A Win, Win, Win report from Lloyds Bank Foundation which analyses the mutually beneficial rewards for businesses, workforces, and charities through skilled based volunteering. It found that charities across the UK are calling out for skilled volunteers in finance, strategy and governance to assist them in navigating strategic challenges, access in-demand knowledge and insight, and unlock new connections and networks. Meanwhile, skilled employees that take part can gain invaluable professional development, build confidence and connections, as well as develop transferable skills and provide them the opportunity to gain a better understanding of social issues. To mark National Volunteers Week (3 – 9 June 2024), the report aims to encourage businesses and charities to embrace schemes and initiatives as a conduit for mutual growth that has a huge potential for surrounding communities. Its recommendations include: Offer a variety of skilled volunteering programmes, from one-off virtual opportunities to longer-term ongoing support, as well as one-to-one and group based opportunities.Support corporate employees in translating their skills to a different sector by sharing volunteer experiences and having an onboarding process.Embed support for volunteering into leadership and your organisation’s culture.Maintain an ongoing relationship, as in many cases skilled volunteers support charities beyond the length of a programme.Identify the needs of charities and where volunteers can have the biggest impact.

    10 min
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Podcast Radio Business chats to many people about many things - in the dynamic world of business. There is a lot going on, you know. Here you can catch Podcast Radio's podjocks chatting to all sorts of weird and wonderful business personalities about all sorts of weird and wonderful things in business.

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