The Business

Epizódok

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  Reindustrialisation: Can Labour rebuild British manufacturing? 30.09.2026 34p

  Is Labour’s promise of reindustrialisation realistic for the UK economy? Dominic O’Connell explores the future of British manufacturing.In his speech to the Labour Party conference, Chancellor John Healey promised "a new age of industrialisation". But with UK manufacturing output stagnant and England losing over 6,000 manufacturing businesses in the past five years according to the Office for National Statistics, can government fiscal policy turn the tide?In this episode of The Business, Dominic O’Connell considers whether genuine reindustrialisation is possible, as well as the obstacles in the way including the impact of high energy costs, skills shortages and the global impact of Chinese manufacturing competition.Joined by David Smith, economics editor at The Sunday Times, and Liam Sides, director of regional analysis at Oxford Economics, we examine the structural shifts that transformed Britain into a service-based economy over the last 50 years and evaluate what a realistic reindustrialisation strategy looks like for British business, from growing advanced manufacturing sectors like aerospace and pharmaceuticals to regional investment and planning reform.Guests:David Smith, Economics Editor at The Sunday TimesLiam Sides, Director of Regional Analysis at Oxford EconomicsPresenter:Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondentProducer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam HallPicture: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds on Labour’s industrial strategy, Heathrow and diesel costs 29.09.2026 28p

  What does Labour’s industrial strategy mean for British business? Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds speaks to Hannah Prevett at the Labour Party conference.In this episode of The Business, recorded live on stage at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds joins Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times, to outline the government's plans for driving economic growth across the UK economy. Reynolds discusses how Labour’s industrial strategy will operate alongside regional growth plans, what the government's corporate strategy is for taking British Steel into public control, and how fiscal policy will support UK manufacturing and infrastructure. He also shares his perspective on Heathrow expansion, rising diesel costs, and the government's plans to restore business confidence.Guest:Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and TradePresenter:Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday TimesProducer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily LeahyGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Business of Formula 1®: Secrets of the evolution into a global brand 27.09.2026 24p

  This series is sponsored by PwC.How has Formula 1® evolved from a legacy sport into a global entertainment powerhouse?In the third episode of a special series, host Andy Jaye speaks to Charlie Minors, Director of Strategy and Transformation at F1® and Jon Glick, PwC Advisory Marketing Leader to discuss the corporate strategy behind the business’ transformation. They discuss the key drivers of this commercial transformation from the success of the Netflix show Drive To Survive, expanding in the US market and creating engaged communities on social media. And the guests offer practical insights for industry leaders looking to scale modern consumer brands in a fast-changing global trade landscape.Presenter: Andy Jaye, BroadcasterGuests:Charlie Minors, Director of Strategy and Transformation at F1® Jon Glick, PwC Advisory Marketing LeaderProducer: Shabnam Grewal Executive Producer: Emily Leahy Video Producer: Super LlamaGet in touch: [email protected] on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  M&S revival: how the retail giant is defying high street trends 24.09.2026 34p

  How did M&S pull off one of the biggest turnarounds in British retail? Hannah Prevett speaks to operations director Sacha Berendji about the high street giant's transformation.In this episode of The Business, we explore how M&S transformed its food, fashion, and shop location strategy to capture market share across British business. From store renewals and digital growth - to managing a cyber attack - we consider what its resurgence reveals about wider retail trends and consumer spending across the UK economy. M&S operations director Sacha Berendji joins Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times, to discuss the corporate strategy behind the multi-billion-pound revival of M&S. He explains how leadership set the course to revamp its product lineup, handle the logistics of "fortress factories" and is now approaching shoplifting challenges. He also discusses the tax burden on high street retailers, along with what M&S wants from government fiscal policy to address rising costs and the youth unemployment crisis.He breaks down the company's decision to close a number of high street shops across the country:“We're very well aware of the role that we play on a high street and within a local community, so we never take these decisions [to close a location] lightly - but when you look at the economics at play, not just for us, but for all retailers, and, really importantly, where customers are shopping, it has become more and more difficult to justify being in locations where there isn't customer foot fall,” he says on the show. “It's not an anti-high street agenda … If the high street is the right place, then we'll be on the high street.”Guest:Sacha Berendji, operations director at M&SPresenter:Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday TimesProducer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily LeahyGet in touch: [email protected]: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Business of Formula 1®: Can a female driver break the gender barrier? 20.09.2026 31p

  This series is sponsored by PwC.Could we see the first female Formula 1®  driver in 50 years racing in a Grand Prix?In the second episode of a special series, host Andy Jaye speaks to 19 year old F1 ACADEMY driver Rachel Robertson, who’s chasing that dream and breaking down barriers in motorsport. Joined by PwC’s chief people officer Phillippa O’Connor they discuss Rachel’s inspirational story from a karting to the F1 ACADEMY, and how talent investment and more inclusive workplace cultures can open up new career pathways.Together they explore how nurturing talent is vital for Formula 1® and how industry leaders can attract more diverse talent to drive high performance and long term economic growth.You can also watch this episode on Times Business channel on YouTube.Presenter: Andy Jaye, BroadcasterGuests:Rachel Robertson, F1 ACADEMY driverPhillippa O’Connor, PwC Chief People OfficerProducer: Harry Bligh and Shabnam GrewalExecutive Producer: Emily Leahy Video Producer: Super LlamaGet in touch: [email protected] on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Why are the super rich leaving Britain? 16.09.2026 33p

  Are wealth creators fleeing Britain, and what does a super-rich exodus mean for Treasury tax revenues and the wider UK economy?In this episode of The Business, Hannah Prevett investigates why high earners are leaving the country and whether changes to non-dom status are accelerating the trend. She is joined by Dan Neidle, tax lawyer and founder of Tax Policy Associates, and Robert Watts, Times contributor and compiler of the Sunday Times Rich List.Together, they explore high-profile departures, including hedge fund founder Chris Rokos, who paid £330m in UK tax in a single year. They examine how abolishing non-dom rules, rising inheritance tax, and proposed exit taxes impact capital investment across British business. And as ministers prepare their upcoming budget, Hannah asks how government fiscal policy can retain top talent in the country, protect tax receipts, and drive long-term economic growth.Presenter:Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday TimesGuests:Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy AssociatesRobert Watts, Times contributorProducer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producer: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Video Producer: Bronwen LathamImage: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Business of Formula 1®: Inside Biggin Hill's global broadcasting mission control 13.09.2026 30p

  This series is sponsored by PwC.What does it take to broadcast the excitement and drama of Formula 1® to millions of fans across the world, with high pressure stakes and no room for error?In the first episode of a special series, host Andy Jaye speaks to Dean Locke, Formula 1®’s Executive Director of broadcast, Media and Race Operations and PwC’s UK Consulting Chief Markets Officer David Allen. Together they examine how innovation, AI and tech have transformed Formula 1®’s high-stakes broadcasting operation to deliver greater efficiency, sustainability and quality, and what industry leaders can learn about corporate strategy and harnessing tech.You can also watch this episode on Times Business channel on YouTube.Presenter: Andy Jaye, BroadcasterGuests:Dean Locke, Formula 1® Executive Director of broadcast, Media and Race Operations David Allen, PwC UK Consulting Chief Markets Officer Producers: Harry Bligh and Shabnam GrewalExecutive Producer: Emily Leahy Video Producer: Super LlamaGet in touch: [email protected] on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Coming soon…The Business of Formula 1® 11.09.2026

  Coming soon…The Business of Formula 1®A series sponsored by PwC.Listen on The Business wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on Times Business channel on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Pret A Manger CEO: Shoplifting, subscriptions & UK high street survival 10.09.2026 19p

  How is Pret A Manger turning a London high-street staple into a powerhouse brand? In this episode of The Business, chief executive Pano Christou breaks down the Pret A Manger global strategy, detailing how the company adapts its corporate strategy for international markets while staying true to its British business roots.Recorded live at The Times Future of London summit, Hannah Prevett sits down with one of retail's most prominent industry leaders. Pano reflects on his 26-year journey from the shop floor to the executive suite, sharing lessons in entrepreneurship, building a resilient model, and navigating changing retail trends and consumer habits.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app.Presenter: Hannah Prevett, associate business editor of The Sunday TimesGuest: Pano Christou, Chief Executive of Pret A MangerProducer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producers: Miriam Hall and Emily LeahyVideo Producer: Bronwen LathamImage: GettyGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Jaguar Land Rover job cuts - a warning for UK car makers? 08.09.2026 31p

  Why is Jaguar Land Rover cutting 4,000 jobs? Dominic O’Connell examines what the news of this major reduction means for the future of British car manufacturing.In this episode of The Business, we break down the decision by Jaguar Land Rover to cut nearly 10% of its UK workforce as the car maker pushes to save £1.7 billion. With automotive output falling to levels not seen since the 1950s in the UK, we ask whether soaring energy costs, Donald Trump's tariffs, and fierce Chinese competition threaten the wider UK economy and long-term economic growth.Dominic is joined by Oliver Gill, deputy business editor at The Sunday Times, who broke the story, and David Bailey, professor of business economics at Birmingham Business School. Together, they explore whether Jaguar Land Rover can successfully pivot to luxury electric vehicles, how changing government fiscal policy impacts British business, and whether Prime Minister Andy Burnham's pledge to re-industrialise Britain is realistic.Guests:Oliver Gill, deputy business editor at The Sunday TimesDavid Bailey, professor of business economics at Birmingham Business SchoolPresenter:Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondentProducer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam HallVideo Producer: Bronwen LathamGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Youth unemployment: Alan Milburn on NEETs and first jobs 06.09.2026 32p

  This episode is sponsored by PwC.Why are so many young people out of work? Government adviser Alan Milburn joins The Business to discuss youth unemployment, the rising number of NEETs (not in employment, education or training) and first jobs.In this episode, Alan Milburn — who has been examining the surge in young people classified as NEETs — is joined by PwC’s Chief People Officer Philippa O’Connor. Together with hosts Hannah Prevett and Dominic O’Connor, they analyse why tackling youth unemployment is critical for the UK economy and future economic growth.Drawing on research from the Social Market Foundation and PwC, they explore why British business must invest in entry-level talent, how industry leaders can help young people build a career, and what’s needed to keep young people out of long-term unemployment.Guests:Alan Milburn, author of the government-commissioned review into young people and workPhillippa O’Connor, chief people officer, PwC UKPresenter:Hannah Prevett, associate business editor, The Sunday TimesDominic O’Connell, business correspondent, Times RadioProducer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producer: Emily Leahy Get in touch: [email protected] on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Chapel Down CEO: How we’re taking on French champagne 04.09.2026 22p

  Is English sparkling wine outperforming Champagne to become a fast-growing sector in British business? Dominic O'Connell speaks to Chapel Down CEO James Pennefather.What was once viewed as a niche agricultural experiment is now a major success story across the UK economy. In this episode of The Business, James Pennefather, chief executive of Britain’s largest wine producer Chapel Down, joins Dominic O’Connell to discuss how domestic vineyards are expanding and reshaping luxury retail trends.James reveals the corporate strategy behind scaling English sparkling wine to capture a significant part of the global champagne market by 2035. He discusses Kent's chalk soils, navigating export growth in the US, and why younger consumers are embracing local fizz. Plus, he shares how Chapel Down uses its AIM listing as an innovative marketing tool to turn shareholders into loyal customers, and why English sparkling wine represents a major opportunity for UK entrepreneurship."English sparkling wine has the same quality credentials as champagne, but a slightly more approachable positioning," Pennefather says.Guest:James Pennefather, Chief Executive of Chapel DownPresenter:Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondentVideo producer: Bronwen Latham Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam HallPhoto: Getty Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Scott Bessent, bond markets and the threat to UK borrowing 02.09.2026 31p

  How will US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and global bond markets impact UK borrowing, John Healey’s UK Budget, and the wider UK economy? Rising inflation rates, soaring government debt, and higher borrowing costs are putting severe pressure on global markets. But can politicians intervene without making things worse?The US Treasury intends to double its buyback operations of government bonds to control yields. But how far can Scott Bessent go before investors lose faith?In this episode of The Business, Dominic O’Connell brings you essential market analysis with The Times economics editor, Mehreen Khan, and Chris Jeffery, Head of Macro Strategy at Legal & General Investment Management. They unpack how spiralling UK borrowing costs affect everything from mortgage rates to pension values, delivering the definitive financial news breakdown.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app.Guests:Chris Jeffery, head of macro strategy, Legal & General Investment ManagementMehreen Khan, economics editor, The TimesPresenter:Dominic O'Connell. business correspondent, Times RadioProducer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producers: Miriam Hall and Emily LeahyVideo Producer: Bronwen LathamImage: Getty Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  BONUS: Trinny Woodall on building a brand with a soul 27.08.2026 10p

  How did Trinny Woodall build a global cosmetics empire by targeting an overlooked market? Hannah Prevett speaks to the Trinny London founder about entrepreneurship, corporate strategy, and leading a modern British business.In this bonus episode, Trinny Woodall shares how she turned personal brand authority into an innovative enterprise, which she launched at age 53. As one of the UK’s most prominent industry leaders, Trinny Woodall explains why raising capital was challenging, how she navigated changing retail trends - and what it takes to scale a brand."The more we go into AI, the more important it is when you scroll through social, you're being sent an ad or you're seeing something on a billboard ... That company has a soul and it has a code of beliefs which are not to do with the product it's selling you," she says. "That code of beliefs is actually what you relate to and connect with, and therefore, at that top-line level, you agree with what the feeling is, of that brand."If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app and look for the full episode with Trinny Woodall wherever you get your podcasts.Guest:Trinny Woodall, founder and CEO of Trinny LondonPresenter:Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday TimesProducer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Trinny Woodall: How I built a beauty empire in my 50s 25.08.2026 31p

  How did Trinny Woodall build cosmetics brand Trinny London into a multimillion-pound British business? Hannah Prevett speaks to the founder about reinvention.Few people understand business reinvention quite like Trinny Woodall. Best known for her hit television career, Trinny Woodall launched her cosmetics enterprise Trinny London from her own home in 2017 at age 53. In this episode of The Business, we explore how she navigated fundraising hurdles, targeted the over-40s skincare market, and established a major force in UK retail trends.Trinny Woodall reveals the corporate strategy behind building her beauty brand from scratch, her non-negotiables in hiring, and why establishing a support network of female founders was crucial to her success in entrepreneurship."You need to really build a network of other female founders so that you feel you have women at the same place as you with the same struggles," Woodall says. "Because it's important to sense-check your thought process against somebody who is in a very similar position to you."Guest:Trinny Woodall, founder and CEO of Trinny LondonPresenter:Hannah Prevett, associate business editor, The Sunday TimesProducer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  BONUS: Castore co-founder Tom Beahon on keeping wealth creators in the UK 20.08.2026 12p

  Is tax policy driving away British business leaders? Hannah Prevett speaks to Castore co-founder Tom Beahon about the future of UK business. In this bonus episode of The Business, Castore Co-founder Tom Beahon shares his concerns that successful entrepreneurs have little incentive to remain in the UK under current fiscal policy - and what changes he hopes Prime Minister Andy Burnham will deliver. Founded in 2015 by Tom and his brother Phil, the sportswear company designs bespoke kits for premier football clubs and has become a major player in retail trends. It was last valued at almost £1 billion.While Beahon has no desire to leave Britain himself, he warns that talented business leaders are choosing international tax havens over building businesses within the UK. He is increasingly concerned that “our best and brightest, our most capable people” are choosing to leave Britain. “Let's not pretend otherwise,” he says on the show. “That is not good - that doesn't make me happy, I don't think it makes anyone in the entrepreneurial community happy.” Beahon argues that the government should be asking why successful British businesspeople are moving abroad, rather than criticising them for doing so. He says the UK needs to become a place where people want to, not only to start businesses, but to build and scale them. Beahon believes Burnham should make some difficult decisions on public spending, warning that there is a limit to how much can be taken from those at the top. If you like this bonus episode, be sure to watch the full interview with Tom Beahon on Times Business, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.Guest:Tom Beahon, co-founder of CastorePresenter:Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday TimesProducer: Hope Federico Video Producer: Bronwen LathamExecutive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Photo Credit: GettyGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Castore co-founder Tom Beahon: building a £1bn British sportswear giant 18.08.2026 34p

  How did Castore disrupt global kit deals to build a British sportswear brand valued at almost £1bn? Hannah Prevett speaks to co-founder Tom Beahon about taking on Nike and Adidas.In this episode of The Business, we look at how Castore transformed from an ambitious startup into a major player in sportswear, securing high-profile kit sponsorships across Premier League Football clubs and international athletics. Alongside his brother Phil, Tom founded the brand from his parents' kitchen table in 2015 - channelling his early setbacks as a football player into focus and resilience. On the show, he explains what it was like to recover from the Aston Villa kit debacle, lifts the lid on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment and walks through landing Sir Andy Murray as an investor.We examine the corporate strategy, supply chain management and entrepreneurship required to challenge legacy sportswear giants. "It didn't make sense to us why there wasn't a British competitor to Nike, Adidas, Puma," Beahon says. "Why can't there be a premium British alternative to these guys? And if not us, then who?"From navigating shifting consumer demand to expanding into global markets, we analyse what the growth has meant for the company so far, and what might be next.Guest:Tom Beahon, co-founder of CastorePresenter:Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday TimesProducer: Hope Federico Video Producer: Bronwen LathamExecutive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Photo Credit: GettyGet in touch: [email protected]  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Are high energy bills threatening Net Zero? | Power Struggle: part 3 13.08.2026 31p

  Are soaring energy bills threatening the UK’s net zero targets? Dominic O’Connell examines whether Prime Minister Andy Burnham should adjust climate policy to ease the cost of living.Is the public consensus on the UK’s climate commitments being shattered by high energy bills? In this episode of Power Struggle, our energy mini-series on The Business, we discuss whether the cost of transitioning away from fossil fuels is pushing up household energy bills and slowing economic growth across British business, or if renewables are the solution for bringing prices down. Energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has signaled the government will not stick strictly to its green pledges if it risks pushing energy bills higher. With ministers reportedly considering watering down rules on electric car sales, Dominic O’Connell is joined by RenewableUK CEO Tara Singh and Times columnist Juliet Samuel to debate what is really driving up energy bills - gas price volatility or grid upgrade costs - and whether it’s time to drop or double down on net zero.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app.Guests:Tara Singh, CEO of RenewableUKJuliet Samuel, Columnist at The TimesPresenter: Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondentProducer: Hope Federico Video Producer: Bronwen LathamExecutive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam HallPhoto Credit: GettyGet in touch: [email protected] image using GettyUpdate the Getty permissions doc Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  North Sea oil - Should Andy Burnham U-turn? | Power Struggle: part 2 06.08.2026 30p

  Is expanding North Sea oil production climate vandalism or the key to lowering energy bills? Dominic O’Connell explores whether Andy Burnham could u-turn on Labour's manifesto pledge to not issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields in the region.Ask any climate campaigner their views on North Sea oil, and the answer is straightforward: stop drilling. While Labour came to power pledging to prioritise green energy, new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated a more pragmatic stance towards tapping domestic reserves as energy security concerns grow.In Part 2 of Power Struggle, our energy mini-series on The Business, we explore whether expanding North Sea oil field licences is essential for driving economic growth and insulating the wider UK economy. We examine how government fiscal policy, regulatory shifts, and corporate taxation impact long-term commercial investment in the sector, and other affected industries.Dominic is joined by Greig Cameron, Scottish business editor at The Times, to discuss the fate of key offshore fields like Rosebank and Jackdaw. Plus, Amjad Bseisu, chief executive of independent operator EnQuest, explains why he thinks uncompetitive tax regimes are pushing energy investment abroad and what ending North Sea oil production means for Britain’s net zero transition.Guests:Amjad Bseisu, Chief executive, EnQuestGreig Cameron, Scottish business editor, The TimesPresenter:Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondentProducer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam HallPhoto Credit: GettyGet in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Could the UK electricity grid fail? | Power Struggle: part 1 30.07.2026 25p

  Earlier this summer, the UK's power network came close to being plunged into a blackout. In part one of our new series on energy, Dominic O’Connell looks at the alarming events of 23 June and what they mean for the future of Britain’s electricity supply.From surging constraint costs and unmetered solar generation, we reveal the host of challenges facing the country. Modernising the UK's electricity transmission system is now vital for business and long-term economic growth.We’re joined by Adam Bell, former head of energy strategy for the government and partner at StoneHaven, who explores how shifting to renewables creates unprecedented stability challenges. Energy developer and data analyst Ben Watts also shares his startling analysis of what went wrong on the UK electricity grid on 23 June, and why calls are growing for greater regulation of NESO, the National Energy System Operator. Can our politicians protect British business and consumers from soaring power bills while overhauling our energy system in the race to net zero?Host:Dominic O’Connell, Times’s columnist and Times Radio business correspondentGuests: Adam Bell, StonehavenBen Watts, energy developer and data analystProducer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producers: Miriam Hall and Emily LeahyPhoto Credit: GettyGet in touch: [email protected] you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.