The Bottom Line
BBC Radio 4
The definitive business podcast from the BBC. Each week, the BBC's Evan Davis is joined by bosses, entrepreneurs and industry experts, to lift the lid on how their businesses work, and what it’s like to be in charge. They discuss a big issue, a big challenge, or a big question facing their industry. From managing AI to managing millennials, from supermarkets to supercharging a new product.And our guests will share their stories of success and failure along the way. Podcasts are published every Thursday. And as well as being a podcast, we are also available every Thursday afternoon and Tuesday evening on BBC Radio 4. You can now also listen to The Bottom Line on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play The Bottom Line”. It works on most smart speakers.The Bottom Line has published a spin off series - Decisions That Made Me - where Evan asks entrepreneurs and business leaders about the most crucial moments in their lives and careers. You can watch these episodes here: https://t.ly/oJ8lW. Got a question or a comment? Get in touch with Evan and the team on email at bottomline@bbc.co.uk.The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University and is an EcoAudio certified production.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 13, 2025 • 15min
The Decisions That Made Me: Heather Vernon (Woburn Partners)
Heather Vernon, co-founder of Woburn Partners and former Teach First educator, shares her unexpected journey from teaching to politics and entrepreneurship. She reveals the challenges of working in Westminster and how her experiences shaped her resilience. Heather discusses the moment she decided to start a PR firm with James Robinson, emphasizing the importance of having a co-founder. She also reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on her business and the strategic decisions needed for growth, highlighting her commitment to reputation and crisis management.
16 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 32min
Hypotheticals: How Would You React If You Were Boss?
Margaret Heffernan, a former CEO and leadership expert, joins Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip, and Sophie Mermin, retail entrepreneur, to tackle tough business hypotheticals. They explore scenarios like unexpected tariffs and giant competitors, emphasizing the importance of customer focus and strategic flexibility. Margaret suggests unique survival tactics, while Sophie advises trusting instincts. They debate whether to absorb costs or lobby against tariffs and discuss the significance of brand coherence in marketing. Their candid insights make for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.
Oct 30, 2025 • 34min
Productivity: How Can British Business Work Smarter?
Productivity drives prosperity, yet the UK continues to lag behind countries like the US, France and Germany. We work harder, yet produce less than our peers. In this episode, Evan Davis and guests discuss what productivity really looks like in practice – from offices and factories to call centres and operating theatres. And ask whether AI could be the boost Britain's economy needs. Guests:
Katy Davies, Managing Director, Cap Air Systems
Louise Stead, Group Chief Executive, Royal Surrey and Ashford and St Peter’s NHS Foundation Trusts
Sameer Vuyyuru, Chief AI and Product Officer, CapitaProduction team:
Presenter: Evan Davis
Producer: Sally Abrahams
Production Co-ordinator: Katie Morrison
Sound engineers: Dafydd Evans and Duncan Hannant
Editor: Justine Lang
14 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 39min
Introverts: Can Quiet Voices Conquer The Corporate World?
Richard Etienne, a communications consultant and founder of Introvert Space, shares insights on thriving as an introvert in the workplace. Clare Farthing, a business coach focused on introverted solopreneurs, discusses overcoming extrovert dominance in corporate settings. Heather Vernon, co-founder of Woburn Partners, emphasizes the value of balanced teams. They explore methods for making meetings inclusive, effective networking strategies, and the importance of recognizing quieter voices, empowering introverts to confidently navigate corporate challenges.
11 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 32min
Human Resources: Is HR Out of Control?
Neil Morrison, an HR director with decades of experience, discusses the evolving role of HR in shaping company culture and mitigating risks. Nicole Whittaker shares insights on the necessity of outsourced HR for small businesses and the complexities of compliance. Pamela Dow critiques HR's recent expansion, raising concerns about a potential ideological bias. The panel debates the balance between HR's influence on workplace policy versus productivity, highlighting the impact of social movements and calls for strategic alignment with business goals.
14 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 34min
Chaos Management: Do Fewer Rules Make For Better Workplaces?
In this engaging discussion, Erin Meyer, a Professor at INSEAD and co-author of 'No Rules Rules,' explores how chaos can foster innovation while balancing control and creativity. Jesper Brodin, the outgoing CEO of Ingka Group (IKEA), shares insights on maintaining a culture that empowers decision-making amid structure. They delve into the benefits of minimal rules for autonomy, the importance of shared purpose, and how to navigate leadership during crises. The conversation highlights how embracing a bit of chaos can lead to remarkable organizational flexibility.
Oct 2, 2025 • 31min
Spinouts: How Can Universities Turn Research Into Successful Businesses?
What happens when university research becomes a business? It’s called a spin-out and it’s built Silicon Valley, with Stanford University at the centre. In the UK, Oxford alone has launched more than 200 in the last 15 years. Whether it’s a new drug, software or material, brilliant university research can create huge rewards – for founders, universities and the economy. But also battles over who really owns the idea and should get a share of the equity. Does the spin-out system deliver or does it stall? Evan Davis and a panel of guests discuss. Guests:
Molly Allington, CEO of Albotherm
Harry Destecroix, co-founder of Ziylo and also founder of incubator Science Creates in Bristol
Amber Hill, founder of Research GridProduction team:
Presenter: Evan Davis
Producers: Phoebe Keane and Sally Abrahams
Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge
Sound engineer: Rod Farquhar
Editor: Matt Willis
Sep 25, 2025 • 33min
Direct to Consumer: A Better Way to Sell?
It's easier than ever to create a website for your business and talk directly with customers, but what are the pitfalls to avoid? Three business leaders discuss the pros and cons of selling 'D2C' with Evan Davis. Sellers no longer need to convince bigger retailers to carry their products or invest in inventory just to fill the shelves. Selling direct to consumers online also means businesses know exactly what their best sellers are, and who is buying what. These businesses can make improvements quickly and market only to those people most likely to buy. But as online selling becomes more competitive and targeted advertising gets more expensive, how can 'direct to consumer' businesses grow? Does the answer lie in bricks and mortar?Panel:Alexandra Thurstan, co-founder Different Dog, fresh dog food company
Lucas London, co-founder Lick, paint company
Neil Campbell, Chief Growth Officer SMOL, eco cleaning product company
Sep 18, 2025 • 16min
Decisions That Made Me: Greg Jackson (Octopus Energy)
Born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, Greg Jackson left school at 16 to write computer games, later joining Greenpeace before returning to study economics at Cambridge. Growing up in a family so stretched that the energy supply was cut off, he channelled that experience into a drive to make energy fairer and more affordable. By his twenties he was running a mirror business, before moving into tech start-up investing. In 2016 he founded Octopus Energy. Less than a decade on, it serves more than 7 million customers in 18 countries, manages a £6 billion renewable portfolio, and licenses its Kraken technology to utilities worldwide — with the company now valued at close to $9 billion.Producer: Georgiana Tudor
Series Producer: Simon Tulett
Editor: Matt Willis
Sound: Gareth Jones
Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison and Rosie Strawbridge
Sep 11, 2025 • 13min
Decisions That Made Me: Charlie Bowes-Lyon (Wild)
In 2019, Charlie Bowes-Lyon co-founded Wild with childhood friend Freddy Ward, frustrated by the lack of sustainable options in personal care. Their first product — a refillable deodorant in compostable packaging — struck a chord with consumers looking to cut down on plastic. From a standing start, Wild became one of the UK’s fastest-growing consumer brands, selling millions of units, building a loyal online following and moving rapidly into high-street stores. The company has already replaced hundreds of tonnes of single-use plastic. In 2025, Wild was acquired by Unilever in a deal worth hundreds of millions. Charlie speaks to Evan Davis about building a disruptive eco-brand, and what it takes to scale a start-up into a global business.Producer: Osman Iqbal
Series Producer: Simon Tulett
Editor: Matt Willis
Sound: Gareth Jones
Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison and Rosie Strawbridge
