Trading Up

The Irish News

Trading Up hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and produced in association with EY, delves into the real businesses, personal stories, and remarkable journeys of entrepreneurs. Discover insights on risk, resilience, and business growth from diverse founders and leaders in businesses big and small across various industries. Tune in weekly for inspiring entrepreneurial learnings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1H AGO

    Unpacked: Beyond the Bank - Private Equity and the Resilience of Northern Ireland’s Economy

    Is the Northern Irish economy more resilient than the statistics suggest? In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey sit down with Andrew Dolliver, Partner in Restructuring and M&A at EY, to uncover the surprising dynamism within the local market. Despite global "black swan" events like Brexit and COVID-19, Northern Ireland has emerged as a hotspot for mergers, acquisitions, and private equity investment. Dolliver explains the shift from formal liquidations to creative, informal restructuring and how "war chests" of local wealth are fueling new opportunities. Discover why international funds are eyeing NI firms and the four essential pillars entrepreneurs need, including a strong management team and a clear growth story, to become truly "investable". Whether you are curious about the changing role of traditional banking or the rapid impact of AI on tech valuations, this episode offers an expert vantage point on the capital driving Northern Ireland’s future. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  2. MAY 20

    From Communist heritage to Capitalist Tsar to becoming Putin’s Enemy Number One: The Bill Browder Story

    In this gripping episode of the Trading Up podcast, Sir William (Bill) Browder joins Jim Fitzpatrick to share his extraordinary journey from a teenage capitalist rebel to becoming the largest foreign investor in Russia. Browder reveals how his efforts to expose the massive corruption of Russian oligarchs made him a top enemy of Vladimir Putin's regime and led to his sudden deportation. He recounts the tragic torture and murder of his lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, who uncovered a $230 million government-backed fraud, and how this heartbreak fueled a relentless 17-year global campaign for justice. This crusade birthed the Magnitsky Act, a revolutionary law passed in 35 countries to freeze assets and sanction human rights abusers worldwide. Browder also exposes the shocking 18-year false imprisonment of British businessman Ryan Cornelius in Dubai whose wife Heather is from Northern Ireland. Tune in for a powerful discussion on resilience, the global fight against corruption, and why business leaders must never compromise their ethics. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  3. MAY 13

    Bootstrapping Oatco to £1M, Surviving Dragon's Den, & Making Forbes 30 Under 30 with Laura Murphy

    In this episode of Trading Up, Jim Fitzpatrick sits down with Laura Murphy, the 29-year-old founder of Oatco Superfuel, a natural oat-based energy snack brand. Launched in May 2024, Oatco has experienced explosive 500% growth this year, surpassing £1 million in sales and landing in over 1,000 retail stores. Laura shares her inspiring journey of bootstrapping her startup from a local kitchen in Tyrone to pitching on Dragon's Den. She reveals the preparation strategy behind securing three investment offers and why she ultimately chose to partner with Steven Bartlett. We explore how she navigates the competitive healthy food market by prioritising natural energy over sugar-free protein trends, all while balancing life as a mother of two young children. Recently named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, Laura offers actionable insights on scaling organically, pitching investors, and building a powerful lifestyle brand. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  4. MAY 6

    The Democratic Regression: The Rise of Autocracy and Its Threat to Free Markets

    In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey dissect the startling findings of the V-Dem report, which reveals that global democracy has regressed to 1978 levels, virtually erasing late-20th-century gains. For decades, the western assumption has been that democracy and free markets go hand-in-hand to deliver economic progress. However, with autocratic nations now outnumbering democracies, this traditional model is under severe pressure. The hosts examine the global shift toward autocracy, highlighting democratic erosion in the US, where Donald Trump has challenged independent institutions like the Federal Reserve and the media. They also analyse the political fightback in Hungary, where Viktor Orbán's long-standing rule has been ended by Péter Magyar's democratic revolution. Finally, the conversation contrasts the perceived economic stability of autocratic China with local political stagnation and a lack of delivery at Stormont in Northern Ireland. If democracy wants to survive, can it prove it still delivers? Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  5. APR 29

    Future-Proofing Your Business: Sustainability, Resilience, and EY's Four Futures

    In this episode of Trading Up, we sit down with Derarca Dennis, EY Partner and Head of Sustainability Services for the island of Ireland, to explore the critical intersection of climate risk and business resilience. We dive deep into EY’s immersive "Four Futures" experience, which challenges business leaders to transport themselves to 2055 and rethink their long-term strategies. Derarca explains why sustainability is no longer just an environmental PR exercise, but a core operational necessity that requires breaking down corporate silos. Discover why CFOs are increasingly driving the sustainability agenda to manage supply chain risks and volatile energy costs. We also discuss the power of cross-sector collaboration, how to reframe controversial "ESG" language to focus on security and long-term value, and why there is genuine reason to be optimistic about building a future-fit economy. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  6. APR 22

    Make Way For The Mooch - Anthony Scaramucci on Trump, Wealth and Learning from Ireland (North and South)

    In this episode of Trading Up, host Jim Fitzpatrick sits down with Wall Street entrepreneur and former White House Communications Director, Anthony "The Mooch" Scaramucci. Scaramucci candidly discusses his journey from a working-class Italian-American background to Goldman Sachs and building his own business. He offers deep insights into the roots of modern political anger, explaining how unchecked globalisation, the 2008 bank bailouts, and costly wars paved the way for populist movements like MAGA. Reflecting on his brief 11-day stint in the Trump administration, Scaramucci admits his involvement was an "ego-based decision" and shares the resilient life lessons he learned following his high-profile firing. He also unpacks competitive tax strategies by comparing Ireland’s successful economic model to New York's, warns against the isolating "paradox" of extreme wealth, and explains why reading is an essential tool for exponential success. And he reflects on his recent visit to Northern Ireland and what lessons can be drawn from the relative success of the peace process for politics elsewhere. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  7. Why The Strait of Hormuz Crisis is Like Belfast's Westlink When a Car Breaks Down But Much Much Worse

    APR 15

    Why The Strait of Hormuz Crisis is Like Belfast's Westlink When a Car Breaks Down But Much Much Worse

    In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey dive into the massive asymmetric global supply shock triggered by the Gulf War and "Operation Epic Fury". With the vital Strait of Hormuz facing blockades from both the US and Iran, 20% of global oil supply—along with LNG, fertilisers, and critical resources like helium—is severely disrupted. How does this international chokehold impact everyday consumers and businesses? The hosts unpack the stark reality in Northern Ireland, where home heating oil prices have more than doubled and record-breaking petrol and diesel prices are sparking local protests. The episode unpacks the IMF's stark warning against government fuel subsidies, examining alternative interventions like free public transport to reduce demand. Finally, they explore the crushing "Trumpflation" pressures on local businesses battling soaring input costs, shrinking consumer discretionary income, and the strong business lobby against burdensome new employment legislation. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  8. APR 8

    From Belfast to Hollywood: Building a Global Film Charity with Cinemagic's Joan Burney Keatings

    In this inspiring episode of Trading Up with host Jim Fitzpatrick, we sit down with Joan Burney Keatings, the visionary leader behind Cinemagic. Originally founded 37 years ago during the in Northern Ireland to bring youth together in a safe environment, this groundbreaking children’s charity now uses the power of film to educate, motivate, and inspire 40,000 young people annually. Joan shares her incredible journey of expanding Cinemagic globally, taking it from its Belfast roots to establishing a 17-year presence in Los Angeles, and launching powerful film projects in Jordan and Barbados. Discover how sheer hustle—and a daring, out-of-the-box call to the Muppets—helped build a world-renowned creative powerhouse. Joan also dives deep into the practical business of running a charity like an active movie studio, navigating the complexities of corporate sponsorships, and overseeing the production of award-winning feature films and dozens of short films. Finally, we explore why essential human skills, interpersonal connection, and on-set problem-solving remain absolutely vital for the next generation of creatives in an increasingly AI-driven world. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min

About

Trading Up hosted by Jim Fitzpatrick and produced in association with EY, delves into the real businesses, personal stories, and remarkable journeys of entrepreneurs. Discover insights on risk, resilience, and business growth from diverse founders and leaders in businesses big and small across various industries. Tune in weekly for inspiring entrepreneurial learnings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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