The Bottom Line

The government target for building houses in the UK is 300,000 a year, but over the past few years only around 60 per cent of that number have been constructed. The sector faces many challenges; labour and skills shortages and rapidly rising prices for raw materials, not to mention uneven planning laws and green building commitments. Are they building the homes the country needs and where it needs them? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTSBen Dimson, Partner, Property Sector, McKinseyPeter Truscott, CEO, Crest Nicholson Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Housing and Planning, National Federation of BuildersPresenter: Evan Davis Producers: Julie Ball and Lucinda Borrell Editors: Hugh Levinson and Jon Bithrey Sound: James Beard, Rod Farquhar Production Co-ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross

Hundreds of western businesses have decided to stop operating in Russia as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. But what does leaving Russia actually mean in practical terms – how do you go about it and who bears the cost? Can you end up hurting your own company and your Russian workers more than the Russian state? Evan Davis debates with his guests, one of whom leads a global automotive dealer that has just sold its business in Russia to its local managers.GUESTS: James Alexander, Chief Executive of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association John Morrison, CEO of the Institute for Human Rights and Business Duncan Tait, CEO of automotive dealer Inchcape Producer: Lucinda Borrell Sound: Rod Farquhar Editor: Jon Bithrey Production Co-Ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross

From Disney to the Halifax bank, companies are increasingly willing to take a stance on everything. But what is driving this trend and will it continue? Ultimately isn't it the job of a business to make money for its shareholders and not get involved in politics and contentious social issues? Evan Davis and guests discuss. GUESTSNina Bhatia, Executive Director, Strategy and Commercial Development, John Lewis PartnershipIan Leslie, Journalist and Author of 'Conflicted' Becky Willan, CEO and Co-founder, Given AgencyNicola Kilner, CEO and Co-founder of DeciemProducer: Julie Ball Sound: James Beard Editor: Jon Bithrey Production Co-Ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross

Why does it seem so hard to contact a business these days? It's almost like they deliberately hide their phone numbers from us. When we do manage to ring, they often make us sit through an endless list of 'caller options' before allowing us to speaking to anyone. Are they deliberately trying to dissuade us from getting in touch or are we expecting too much too soon from customer services? Evan Davis speak to the people managing our calls.Guests: Leigh Hopwood: Chief Executive of the Call Centre Management Association Dave Mills: NHS specialist at EVAD Tim Callington: Director of technology firm FlipsideProducer: Nick Holland Studio Managers: James Beard & Rod Farquhar Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed & Iona Hammond Editor: Hugh Levinson .

What to expect when a workplace dispute ends up in court. Thousands of people lodge grievances relating to their jobs directly with their employers, and that's often where they remain. But if you think you have been unfairly dismissed, or suffered unfair discrimination on the grounds of sex, race of age, the case may end up at an employment tribunal. Dramatic cases - complete with lurid accusations and sometimes huge payouts - are regularly reported on by the media. Evan Davis asks his expert guests about what really goes on during this generally painful process, and whether anybody ever really wins at a tribunal. Guests: Chris Hadrill, Head of Employment Law, Redmans Solicitors Sian Keall, Partner, Employment Law, Travers Smith LLP Martin Tiplady, Director, Chameleon People SolutionProducer: Julie Ball Editor: Hugh Levinson Sound: James Beard Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross

As petrol and diesel prices hit record highs, Evan Davis looks at the economics of running a petrol station. There's an allegation motorists are being ripped off at the pumps. However, the actual amount of profit some forecourts make from selling fuel may come as a surprise. Guests: Kirsty Waddingham, RKW Plumbing David Charman, Parkfoot Garages James Lowman, Association of Convenience Stores David Fyfe, Argus MediaProducer: Nick Holland Sound: Neil Churchill and Rod Farquhar Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed Editor: Hugh Levinson

Can we trust the wisdom of the crowd on online review platforms? Evan Davis and guests discuss how businesses can harness this knowledge to their advantage and how they can deal with bad reviews. And how do the platforms that consumers look to for assurance ensure that we're reading the truth? Plus stories of chip shops, splashing in puddles and the mysterious "review farms"... Guests: Anoop Joshi, VP Legal and Platform Integrity, Trustpilot Melissa Norton, Commercial Director, Muddy Puddles Professor Adrian Palmer, Head of Marketing and Reputation, Henley Business SchoolProducer: Julie Ball Editor Hugh Levinson Sound: Neil Churchill Production coordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross

The 'crust' of living: Evan Davis looks at the spiralling costs of baking a loaf of bread. On top of rising energy bills the industry is having to keep up with huge increases in the price of wheat. In this episode a farmer, a miller and a baker explain how they're trying to make ends meet.Guests: Sarah Bell, Wheat Farmer and Grain Consultant. Julius Deane, Wheat Director at Carrs Flour Mills Ltd Mike Roberts, Deputy Chairman of Roberts BakeryProducer: Nick Holland Sound: Rod Farquhar Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed Editor: Hugh Levinson

How will soaring energy costs affect UK corporations? Prices are spiking, not least because of the war in Ukraine. Energy is essential for everything from heating offices to transportation to manufacturing, so what happens when it just becomes too expensive? Evan Davis and guests discuss the current energy crisis and ask how long is it likely to last and what we can do to reduce the vulnerability of our businesses. GUESTS Michael Lewis, Eon Energy Natalie Quail, Founder Smiletime Tina McKenzie, Federation of Small Businesses Gareth Stace, UK Steel Producer: Lucinda Borrell Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed and Sophie Hill Sound: Neil Churchill and Rod Farquhar Editor: Hugh LevinsonThe programme was produced in partnership with the Open University.

Evan Davis and guests examine the prospects for business in this government priority for increasing economic activity beyond the Southeast of England. How important is political devolution? Or are practical changes, like transport links and skills education more significant? Guests: Andrew Carter, chief executive, Centre for Cities Akash Paun, senior fellow at the Institute for Government Steve Cole, maritime business improvement director for BAE Systems Lucy Winskell, chair of the North-East Enterprise partnershipProducer: Lucinda Borrell Sound: Graham Puddifoot Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed and Sophie Hill Editor: Hugh LevinsonThe programme was produced in partnership with the Open University