Could an AI revolution keep Britain working?

UK unicorn CEO: why Europe is lagging behind on AI

Jul 3, 202629 minSummary

In this episode of The Business, host Hannah Prevz sits down with Victor Ripbelli, the CEO and co-founder of Synthesia, one of the UK’s leading AI unicorn companies. The conversation explores the rapid rise of Synthesia, a platform that allows users to create professional-grade video content using AI-generated avatars without the need for traditional production studios. Ripbelli explains that the company’s success is driven by the demand for speed and efficiency in corporate communications, enabling businesses to produce high-quality training and internal content in hours rather than weeks. Beyond the technology, the discussion delves into the broader landscape of the European tech sector. Ripbelli offers a candid assessment of why Europe lags behind the United States in AI adoption, suggesting that a cultural focus on risk aversion in Europe contrasts sharply with the American appetite for competitiveness. He argues that Europe must move away from a trust-fund mentality and re-embrace the hard work and trade-offs necessary to foster a thriving innovation economy. The episode concludes with insights on the importance of creating a mature tech ecosystem through liquidity for employees and the strategic challenges of scaling global companies from a London base.

Burnham and Business - what could a PM refresh do for the UK economy?

Jun 25, 202633 minSummary

In this episode of The Business, hosts Hannah Prevett and Dominic O’Connell explore the implications of Andy Burnham’s likely transition to Prime Minister. Joined by guests Richard Fletcher and Maureen Khan, the discussion evaluates what Burnham’s potential leadership would mean for the UK economy and the business sector. The conversation centers on the concept of Burnhamism, moving beyond political slogans to examine his pragmatic, governance-focused approach to power. The guests analyze his track record in Manchester, highlighting how his collaborative model involving the private sector and local infrastructure may translate to a national scale. While some business leaders express optimism about his leadership style and the experienced economic advisors surrounding him, others remain wary of potential shifts toward higher taxes or radical structural changes. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the future of the Treasury. The hosts and guests discuss the possibility of separating growth strategy from fiscal management, arguing that the current centralization of power is becoming outdated. The panel concludes by debating the challenges facing any future Chancellor, emphasizing that whoever leads at Number 11 will be forced to contend with Burnham’s strong, personalized vision for the country’s economic future.

BONUS: Kemi Badenoch on UK economic growth at The Times CEO Summit

Jun 20, 202615 minSummary

In this episode of The Business, hosts Hannah Prevett and Dom O’Connell report from The Times CEO Summit, a major gathering of international business leaders and political figures. The discussion centers on an interview with Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the opposition, who outlines an ambitious proposal for an economic revolution in the United Kingdom. Badenoch argues that the country’s current path is defined by risk aversion and excessive regulation, particularly within the City of London. She advocates for radical changes, including the abolition of ring-fencing for banks and a significant reduction in capital requirement buffers, which she claims are stifling growth. Beyond financial deregulation, she emphasizes the need for a shift in government culture—viewing business as an asset to be championed rather than a problem to be managed. She also highlights the necessity of reducing government spending, specifically targeting the welfare budget, and calls for a long-term strategy to ensure economic stability. Addressing the political landscape, Badenoch dismisses the possibility of a coalition with Reform UK and maintains that her party offers the only serious, costed economic agenda to address the country’s future needs.

Inside Keir Starmer's social media ban

Jun 19, 202634 minSummary

In this episode of The Business, the hosts dive into a wide range of technological and geopolitical developments, starting with the British government's recent decision to implement a ban on social media use for children under sixteen. The discussion explores the practical challenges of age enforcement, the political motivations behind the policy, and how it seeks to break the cycle of peer pressure and digital dependency among younger users. The conversation then shifts to the international implications of the White House’s sudden export ban on powerful AI models from Anthropic. The hosts examine how this move has sparked widespread concern across the UK and Europe regarding digital sovereignty and reliance on US-controlled technology, framing it as a moment of reckoning for global AI regulation. Finally, the episode features an interview with Katie King, founder and CEO of Bioorbit. She discusses her company’s pioneering work in microgravity manufacturing, specifically how building pharmaceutical labs in space can improve the efficacy of cancer treatments. King explains how advancements in space infrastructure, largely driven by companies like SpaceX, are making commercial in-space manufacturing a viable reality for the future of medicine.

BONUS: How UK companies can land their big, American break

Jun 17, 202616 minSummary

In this bonus episode of The Business, host Hannah Previtt sits down with three successful UK-based entrepreneurs at the T-Together conference in Los Angeles to explore the complexities and rewards of expanding into the American market. Heather Blundell of Graining, Brian Burnham of The Berry, and jewelry designer Freya Archer discuss the importance of the UK-US trading relationship, highlighting the unique synergy between British craftsmanship and American resilience. The discussion focuses on the tactical shifts required for international success, including the necessity of building an on-the-ground presence and adapting to the faster pace of American business. The guests share insights on leveraging cultural nuances, such as tapping into micro-communities for marketing, and the enduring power of trust and authenticity as a brand’s primary value proposition. Furthermore, the panel addresses the challenges of navigating macro-economic volatility and emphasizes that, despite geopolitical pressures, the potential for growth through bold leadership remains immense. The episode provides an optimistic look at how British businesses can achieve international breakthroughs by staying true to their creative roots while embracing the ambitious, action-oriented mindset of the American market.

Rivals or partners? What the US relationship means for UK business

Jun 15, 202629 minSummary

In this episode of The Business, host Hannah Prevtz explores the complex dynamics of the UK-US trade relationship. Recorded at a summit in Los Angeles, she is joined by Marco Ametrano of PWC UK and Michael Frolish of WPP to discuss why the traditional "special relationship" label may now be an outdated concept that hampers modern economic progress. The discussion centers on the fundamental interdependency between the two nations while acknowledging their distinct political and cultural approaches to business. The guests emphasize that while UK business leaders often struggle with political instability and a more cautious, measured approach, the US environment encourages aggressive ambition and rapid decision-making. Key insights include the necessity of physical presence and deep financial commitment for UK firms looking to succeed in the American market. Furthermore, the panelists explore the "alchemy" of partnerships, noting that while technology and AI are reshaping industries, successful collaboration still relies heavily on genuine human connection and trust. Ultimately, the episode serves as a guide for British businesses to market themselves more effectively, blend their creative prowess with American scale, and navigate the challenges of international expansion.

BONUS: ARIA's Kathleen Fisher on AI in business, risk-taking and the future of the UK economy

Jun 13, 202612 minSummary

In this bonus episode of The Business, host Hannah Prevett interviews Kathleen Fisher, the newly appointed CEO of the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA). Having previously led the computer science division at DARPA, Fisher discusses her strategy for driving innovation within the UK economy. A primary focus of the conversation is the challenge of translation—bridging the gap between scientific breakthroughs and real-world societal impact. Fisher outlines how ARIA identifies areas where the UK holds an unfair competitive advantage and emphasizes the importance of aligning regulatory frameworks and venture capital early in the research process. The discussion also explores the rapid advancement of AI, specifically regarding hardware limitations and the potential for the UK to become an indispensable hub for AI infrastructure. Fisher challenges the prevailing risk-averse mindset in Britain, arguing that the cost of inaction is significantly higher than the risks associated with experimentation. Finally, she touches on the necessity of addressing technical debt in cybersecurity, suggesting that while the threat of cyberattacks is growing, AI offers new tools to fundamentally improve the quality and safety of software development.

Business secretary Peter Kyle: how to produce a British SpaceX

Jun 11, 202633 minSummary

In this episode of The Business, hosts Hannah Previtz and Dominic O'Connell sit down with Business Secretary Peter Kyle to address the growing friction between the UK government and the business community. Despite Labour’s pre-election promise to be the most pro-growth administration in history, many executives remain skeptical. Kyle acknowledges these concerns but maintains a strong optimism about the UK’s potential, particularly within the technology sector. The discussion focuses heavily on the government’s industrial strategy and the ambition to scale British startups into world-class companies. Kyle highlights his efforts to create a supportive environment for innovation, such as the new Global Talent Task Force and a dedicated concierge service for scale-ups. He also defends the government’s decision to take equity stakes in emerging firms, arguing that this signals stability and helps "crowd in" private investment. Throughout the conversation, Kyle pushes back against criticisms regarding the proposed Employment Rights Act and broader economic policies. He emphasizes the need for long-term structural change, stressing that his goal is not state control, but rather the creation of a robust ecosystem that encourages British companies to scale, list, and thrive domestically.

IPOs go ‘mega’ – should we be worried?

Jun 4, 202634 minSummary

In this episode of The Business, the hosts examine the upcoming record-breaking stock market debuts of SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI. With each company targeting valuations around one trillion dollars, the discussion centers on whether these figures are justified or if the market is approaching a bubble similar to the dot-com crash. The episode features expert analysis from Micah Curry and Check Warner, who explore the risks and opportunities for retail investors. A major focus is the unprecedented concentration of power held by a small group of tech entrepreneurs and the potential volatility inherent in companies that, despite massive growth and cultural impact, currently operate at a loss. The guests also discuss the structural complexities of these IPOs, such as governance concerns and the lack of traditional protections for retail participants. Beyond the financials, the conversation touches on the broader implications of AI, including the ethical challenges of power concentration, the lack of diversity in the sector, and how these massive listings might drain capital from other vital industries. Ultimately, the episode serves as a cautionary guide, encouraging listeners to look beyond the hype and carefully scrutinize the long-term value of these transformative tech giants.

Nuclear fusion, holy grail of clean energy

May 29, 202630 minSummary

In this episode of The Business, host Dominic O'Connell explores the rapidly evolving world of nuclear fusion, often referred to as the holy grail of clean energy. Joined by Dr. Melanie Windridge, an expert in fusion energy, and Warwick Matthews, CEO of Tokamak Energy, the discussion demystifies the complex science behind replicating stellar conditions on Earth. The guests explain how fusion—the process of joining atoms together—differs from traditional nuclear fission and address the immense technical challenges of containing plasma at temperatures exceeding 150 million degrees. The conversation highlights a significant paradigm shift over the last decade, as the field has moved from purely academic research to a surge in private sector investment and commercial ambition. The experts discuss the transition from government-led mega-projects like ITER to agile, privately funded ventures focusing on high-temperature superconducting magnets. Beyond energy production, the episode touches upon the industrial versatility of this superconducting technology, including its potential to revolutionize power distribution in data centers. Ultimately, the episode provides a fascinating look at how private innovation and strategic public partnerships are racing to make the dream of unlimited, clean power a commercial reality.