James Reed: all about business

Building a career in television is one thing, but what does it really take to produce global hits like The Crown and Outlander while building and scaling a production empire?In this episode of 'All About Business,' James speaks with Andy Harries, co-founder and CEO of Left Bank Pictures. Together they discuss Andy's 50-year journey from a promotion scriptwriter at Granada Television, to launching his own company, selling it to Sony, and navigating the streaming revolution.Andy explains how being rejected at 26 became the fuel for his ambition, how his early documentary work took him around the world, and what he learned directing cultural icons including the Sex Pistols, Malcolm McLaren, and Truman Capote. The conversation dives into the business of creativity, including the high stakes Netflix pitch that led to a 100 million pound deal for The Crown, what global streamers look for when backing premium drama, and how British television has scaled to a global audience.Andy also reflects on his transition into an executive chairman role, mentoring the next generation of talent, and why protecting British creativity and a strong BBC matters more than ever.Timestamps02:26 Journey through Granada06:02 Transition to comedy and drama09:34 The Queen and Prime Suspect12:47 Founding Left Bank Pictures39:35 Reaching out to Ken Braner50:17 The Crown and Netflix partnership01:04:35 Transitioning roles and future projectsFollow James Reed on LinkedInFind out more about Left Bank Picture and Andy HarrisAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey, is one of the most famous houses in the world. But what does it really take to run it as a modern business?In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with Fiona, Lady Carnarvon, custodian of Highclere Castle, about managing a 1,300-year-old heritage estate with roots dating back to 749 AD. She shares how Downton Abbey transformed Highclere’s global profile, what it is like to live and work alongside a major film production, and how the castle evolved into a year-round destination.Lady Carnarvon discusses her entrepreneurial approach, from Christmas events and behind-the-scenes tours to virtual experiences, bestselling books, and Highclere Castle Gin, while confronting the hard economic realities of British farming and long-term stewardship.The conversation also explores Highclere’s ghost stories, its sense of community, and why heritage, kindness, and authenticity matter more than ever in a changing world.Timecodes04:29 Christmas at Highclere09:56 Tutankhamun and Downton Abbey18:41 Challenges of modern farming27:11 Ghost stories and blessings36:45 The mysterious death of Lord Carnarvon43:38 The success of Highclere Castle Gin48:03 Building a brand and community56:43 Final thoughts and future plansFollow James Reed on Linkedin:Find out more about Lady Carnarvon and Highclere Castle:All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more hereThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Some of the biggest global businesses started the same way: someone spotted an opportunity early- and then chose the right partner.In this episode of All About Business, James speaks with serial venture builder James McHugh, founder and chairman of Tquila. James reveals the “build-operate-transfer” playbook behind multiple eight-figure exits and how he’s now riding the AI wave with agentic systems and post-keyboard CRMs.He also  shares how he spotted the Salesforce gap in Europe in 2010, repeatedly building (and exiting) high-growth tech-services including joint ventures with Salesforce, ServiceNow and now AI leaders like Anthropic and you.com. A candid conversation on scaling fast, choosing truth-seeking AI, why governments are dangerously unprepared for mass unemployment, and what abundance on the other side might actually look like.Timecodes02:31 The Salesforce Opportunity: Building a Business in Europe05:21 The tquila Story: Naming and Early Success08:29 The Role of Partnerships in Business Success11:13 AI and the Future: Opportunities and Challenges23:22 The Impact of AI on Employment and Society33:55 The Future of AI and Human Values38:45 Driverless Cars and the Future of Transportation47:04 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Society49:15 The Future of Human Longevity with AIFollow James Reed on Linkedin: Follow James McHugh on LinkedIn: Find out more about tquila: All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more hereThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you build a culture where risk-taking is celebrated, bureaucracy is banished and everyone thinks like an entrepreneur? In this episode, James is joined by Chris Hulatt, Co-founder of Octopus Group, a multi-billion-pound investment and energy business that started in a living room and grew into a global force spanning fund management, renewable energy and technology. Chris shares how Octopus went from backing UK startups to creating Octopus Energy, now valued at $9 billion, and why initiatives like Springboard are helping employees become founders themselves. We talk about how to make fast decisions without perfect data, why bureaucracy kills creativity and what it really takes to scale up without losing your entrepreneurial spark.Timecodes:02:43 - Octopus Energy: The Startup Story09:16 - The Importance of Financial Literacy12:21 - Octopus Group Funds & Investment Approach17:21 - Culture of Entrepreneurship at Octopus21:40 - The Springboard Scheme for New Ventures25:08 - Success Stories & Learning from Failure28:44 - Barriers to Entrepreneurship in the UK31:13 - Octopus Group’s Shared Purpose34:05 - Decision Making & Avoiding Bureaucracy41:05 - Customer-First Philosophy44:05 - The Future of Octopus GroupDonate to the BigGive Christmas challenge NOW!Follow James Reed on LinkedinFollow Chriss Hulatt on LinkedIn Find out more about Octopus Group All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more hereThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Building a career in food is one thing - but what does it really take to become one of the UKs most famous chefs? In this episode of 'All About Business,' James Reed speaks with renowned British chef Tom Carriage, exploring Tom’s journey from washing dishes in small kitchens to becoming a Michelin-starred chef and a successful business owner with a portfolio of restaurants. Tom discusses his approach to leadership, the ethos behind mentoring young professionals, and his thoughts on balancing passion with business acumen. They also delve into Tom’s personal transformation, including his significant weight loss and sobriety, and discuss the broader challenges facing the hospitality industry, including taxation and workforce management. Timestamps00:00 - Introduction02:40- Early career and challenges08:52 Building a culinary empire13:10 Philosophy and success17:11 Mentorship and team building27:18 Journey to sobriety31:29 Embracing neurodiversity in the kitchen40:52 Challenges in the hospitality industry47:16 Future plans and reflectionsDonate to the BigGive Christmas challenge NOW!Follow James Reed on LinkedinVisit Tom Kerridge's website to learn more about his food, venues, books and other venturesAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more hereThis podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How can businesses gain a true understanding of what drives customer decisions? And how can science be applied to create marketing that not only feels deeply human but also delivers measurable results?Today on All About Business, James is Raphy March, Managing Director at Cowry Consulting, a pioneer in combining behavioral science with AI to help global brands like Coca-Cola, EasyJet, and Sky, influence behavior at scale. They explore practical insights on building human-centered AI strategies, the ethics of shaping customer experiences, and how entrepreneurs can use data and psychology to stand out, scale, and grow with purpose.Timecodes:02:16 Introduction to Raphy March and Cowrie Consulting08:27 The Nudge Unit and Government Applications09:08 Behavioral Science in the Private Sector17:53 Case Study: Keep Britain Tidy26:51 Ethics in Behavioral Science29:31 Practical Applications of Behavioral Science33:37 Using Physical Evidence to Justify a Pay Rise36:09 Improving Customer Retention at Sky43:50 Behavioral Science in Brand Perception49:16 The Role of AI in Behavioral Science01:07:02 Future of Behavioral Science and AISign up to your 7 day trial for Reed.ai NOWBe part of the million job giveaway HERE Follow James Reed on LinkedInFollow Raphy March on LinkedIn Find out more about Cowry Consulting All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Being successful in hospitality is incredibly tough. But how do you keep a focus on quality and authenticity whilst expanding into multiple new locations? In this episode of All About Business, James is joined by Sir Rocco Forte, titan of the luxury hospitality and hotel industry. They explore his incredible journey as an entrepreneur within a family whose history in hospitality spans over a century.They also delve into how he has prioritised community impact in his work as well as maintaining a family-oriented approach to make something special that lasts.Timecodes:02:23 Building Iconic Hotels09:43 The Forte Family Legacy11:47 Challenges and Triumphs in Business21:46 Expanding the Hotel Empire38:54 Family Involvement in the Business43:53 Leadership and Decision Making01:00:25 Economic Views and Government PoliciesSign up to your 7 day trial for Reed.ai NOWBe part of the million job giveaway HERE Follow James Reed on LinkedInFind out more about Sir Rocco Forte and Forte Hotels hereAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Socialism doesn’t work. Hyper-capitalism doesn’t work. Is this the answer?What happens when the DNA of a corporation changes?In this episode of 'All About Business', Alex interviews the usual host, James Reed, about his new book, 'Karma Capitalism.' The discussion revolves around the concept of Karma Capitalism, which James defines as a people-centric variant of capitalism where companies, known as Philanthropy Companies or 'Philcos,' allocate at least 10% of their shares to a charitable foundation. James shares personal experiences, including a life-changing accident, that catalyzed his belief in businesses having a purpose beyond profit. He outlines the benefits of this business model, such as improved longevity, increased profitability, and enhanced corporate citizenship. The conversation also touches on the challenges in current capitalism, the limitations of ESG, and the practical steps for companies to become Philanthropy Companies. James emphasises the potential for this philosophy to create a significant positive impact on business and society.ITimecodes:03:45 The wake-up fall story12:01 The Big Give and philanthropy17:14 The benefits of being a Philco22:16 Legacy and longevity of Philcos28:55 Examples of successful karma capitalism31:15 How to transition to a Philco34:59 The impact of Philco on business47:15 Challenges and opportunities for family businesses51:09 Final thoughts and reflectionsSign up to your 7 day trial for Reed.ai NOWBe part of the million job giveaway HERE Check out PhilCo’s website: Check out BigGive’s website: Buy ‘Karma Capitalism’ book: Follow James Reed on LinkedIn: All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

The question is...are you a faithful, or are you a traitor?Television is something we all enjoy. But few of us get to see how the shows we love actually come to life and why some of them grip the nation in what can only be described as a phenomenon. Today on All About Business, James is joined by Stephen Lambert OBE. Stephen is a producer and founder of Studio Lambert, the production company behind some of the UK’s most successful shows like The Traitors, Gogglebox, Squid Game: The Challenge and Race Across the World. In this episode, they explore how Stephen built the UK’s most successful independent production company, what goes into producing formats that connect with audiences around the world, and why encouraging risk-taking and innovation is so important in TV. Timecodes:00:00 Introduction01:09 How Stephen Lambert Started His Career03:27 The Evolution of the TV Business20:00 Studio Lambert – Sued by Michael Jackson20:50 Undercover Boss25:51 Gogglebox29:02 Celebrity Traitors35:08 Celebrity Race Across the World38:34 Squid Game: The Challenge42:48 Confidentiality – Avoiding Leaks & Spoilers47:09 How to Find Work in Television55:28 Developing a Show1:01:05 The Future of Unscripted Television1:08:43 Interview roundSign up to your 7 day trial for Reed.ai NOWBe part of the million job giveaway HERE Follow James Reed on LinkedInAll About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

In this discussion, John Spiers, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, shares insights on building purpose-led businesses with client-first cultures. He reveals how EQ Investors, founded on a unique structure, achieved top B Corp status. John emphasizes the importance of measurable charity impact and provides guidance on identifying effective organizations, including pitfalls like declining income and stagnant boards. He also introduces his platform, Giving Is Great, which helps match donors with high-impact charities, advocating for smarter philanthropic strategies.