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
Jun 18, 2020 • 28min
Consumer habits after lockdown
What have you learned about yourself in lockdown? What is it you crave, what have you found you barely miss? Evan Davis and guests contemplate life after lockdown and changing consumer habits. A surge in the sale of bikes, toilet roll panic buying, and flour flying off the supermarket shelves. Will these consumer habits stick? Have we learned to value other things in life than shopping? Or will we just want to borrow and spend at the first possible opportunity?Guests:Kate Ancketill, founder and CEO, GDR Creative Intelligence
Richard Walker, managing director, Iceland Foods
Jonathan Cole, managing director, Velorution
Kate Nicholls, chief executive, UK HospitalityProducer: Lesley McAlpine
Jun 11, 2020 • 28min
China
The podcast explores tensions and conflicting views towards China in the COVID-19 pandemic, including its lack of transparency. It discusses China's impact on the global economy and politics, the business side of China's manufacturing supply chain, the challenges of transitioning China's economy, and China's changing perception in the financial industry.
Jun 5, 2020 • 28min
Saving Companies
Should the government continue to bolster companies, large and small when lockdown is finally eased? If so what businesses do you choose to save and what are the criteria? Evan Davis and guests discuss.GUESTSMichael Jacobides, holder of the Sir Donald Gordon Chair of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, London Business SchoolJulie Palmer, Regional Managing Partner, Begbies Traynor, Insolvency practitionersMark Blyth, Director of the William R Rhodes Centre for International Economics and Finance, Brown UniversityProduced in association with The Open University
Mar 12, 2020 • 28min
Business hype
Can new businesses survive without some form of hype or over-promotion? Or will consumer or investor disillusionment inevitably correct this? One recent example where hype came back to bite a company founder is that of the shared office space provider, WeWork. Its stock market valuation fell from $50bn to near bankruptcy over the course of a few weeks. GUESTSBrent Hoberman, serial entrepreneur and investor, chair and co-founder of Founders Factory and First Minute Capital
Kerry Baldwin, Managing Partner at IQ Capital,a venture capital investment firm
Rory Sutherland, Vice Chair of Ogilvy, the global advertising and marketing agency
Mar 5, 2020 • 28min
Coronavirus and business
How will the infection affect commerce in the UK and around the world? Evan Davis and a panel of guests discuss what's happening to the economy and look at likely scenarios.
Jennifer McKeown, Chief Global Economist, Capital Economics,
Gloria Guevara, CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council.
Tim Power, MD of maritime and shipping container research firm Drewry. Producers: Lesley McAlpine and Julie Ball
Researcher: May Cameron
Feb 27, 2020 • 28min
The working week
Is our working week due for major reform? Will a move to a four day week - as proposed by the Labour Party in its recent General Election manifesto - ever happen? From shorter hours to more flexibility in the workplace, what will the modern world of work be like in ten years time? Evan Davis and guests discuss the latest trends. Guests appearing on The Bottom Line Kate Cooper, Head of Research, Policy & Standards, Institute of Leadership and Management
David Stone, CEO of MRL Recruitment
and Karen Jansen, Professor in Leadership Challenge at Henley Business School
Nov 21, 2019 • 28min
Couples in Business
What are the pros and cons of running a business with your life partner and how do you keep the personal out of your professional life? Evan Davis and guests discuss.GUESTSSophie Mirman and Richard Ross, founders and owners, Trotters childrenswear and accessoriesClaire and Andy Burnet, founders and owners, Chococo artisan chocolatiersPeter Leach, author and Adjunct Professor in Family Business , Imperial College Business SchoolProducer: Julie Ball
Editor: Hugh Levinson
Nov 14, 2019 • 28min
Dismissing staff
What are the rules when people have to lose their jobs? It's always a difficult situation - which is why it's often handled badly. Evan Davis and guests ask if there is a better way of doing it.GUESTSAngela O'Connor, Founder and CEO, The HR Lounge ConsultancySian Keall, Partner, Employment Law, Travers Smith LLPKate Griffiths-Lambeth, Group HR Director, Charles Stanley, Wealth ManagersProducer: Julie Ball
Editor: Hugh Levinson
Nov 7, 2019 • 28min
Business Gurus
Do business gurus really hold the secret to success? Peter Drucker, Michael Porter and Gary Hamel are some of those who've found fame and influence via best-selling business books. But can following their lead transform a company - or are they really just selling themselves? Evan Davis and guests assess the pros and cons of buying from the ideas merchants.GUESTS
Lynda Gratton, professor of management practice, London Business School, CEO The Hot Spots Movement
John Kay, economist, author and consultant
Eddie Obeng, founder and director of PentacleProducer: Julie Ball
Editor: Hugh Levinson
Oct 31, 2019 • 28min
Managing Conflict
How should businesses deal with workplace quarrels? At a time when the nation seems increasingly divided and hot-tempered, is there a way to bring harmony among staff when there are differences of opinion and personality? Evan Davis and his guests explore what can go wrong and look for some possible solutions. In a very cooperative spirit, naturally.
GUESTS:
Naomi Shragai: psychological business consultant and Financial Times contributor
Roxana Mohammadian-Molina, Chief Strategy Officer, Blend Network
David Liddle, founder and CEO, The TCM GroupProducer: Julie Ball
