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. 13h ago

    AI Strategy for Business: Making Money, Saving Money, and Managing Risk

    In this episode of Trading Up, host Jim Fitzpatrick sits down with Gareth Kelly, the partner leading Data and AI for EY in Northern Ireland, to demystify artificial intelligence for modern enterprises. Rather than simply using AI for small productivity bumps, Kelly explains how companies must completely redraw their business processes to stay competitive. The conversation explores how AI can be leveraged to achieve three core objectives: making money, saving money, and managing risk. They explore the critical differences between generative AI and "agentic" AI, alongside practical use cases showing how AI is currently transforming traditional finance departments; empowering enterprise sales teams with AI co-pilots; and cutting costs in procurement. Beyond the technical adoption, Gareth details the necessary ethical guardrails for data security and explains why human creativity and business acumen are more vital than ever. Whether you lead a lean startup or a large PLC, this episode provides a strategic roadmap for navigating the AI revolution. 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.

    52 min
  2. Jun 10

    Unpacked: Northern Ireland’s Population Peak and The Impact of Decline

    In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey explore the startling new projections for Northern Ireland's demographics. After decades of continuous growth, the population is set to peak in 2031 before entering a steady decline, meaning the two million mark may never be reached. We unpack the severe economic implications of this unprecedented shift, from a shrinking working-age population and tightening labor supply to mounting pressures on public services, particularly a looming tsunami of spending required for healthcare. With Northern Ireland facing the UK's sharpest decrease in children and largest surge in pensioners, what does this mean for businesses, taxation, and the future workforce? We also discuss surprising factors driving global birth rate declines, including the rise of smartphones. Tune in to understand how these long-term demographic trends will fundamentally reshape the Northern Irish 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.

    43 min
  3. Jun 3

    Bravery and Kindness and The Modern Business of Law

    In this compelling episode of the Trading Up podcast, host Jim Fitzpatrick sits down with three leading legal minds from Lewis Silkin in Belfast: Ciara Fulton, Katey Dixon, and Olivia O'Kane. Discover how this innovative firm leverages its historical, foundational values of bravery and kindness to disrupt the traditional business of law and foster genuine leadership. We explore Northern Ireland's booming, location-agnostic tech startup scene, where artificial intelligence is drastically accelerating development timelines and global investment deals. The conversation also delves into the complex evolution of media law, unpacking high-stakes global tech disputes, SLAPP cases, and rising digital threats like CEO impersonation and IP theft. Finally, we get a crucial breakdown of the proposed Good Jobs Bill and what its modernising employment regulations will mean for local employers. Whether you are a founder, media professional, or corporate leader, this episode offers essential strategies for thriving in an AI-driven 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.

    51 min
  4. May 27

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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

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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