Sliced Bread

Why did the best-selling computer manufacturer, Commodore, go bust?While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up? Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of brands which had promised so much to consumers.In each episode, the presenter and BBC business journalist, Sean Farrington, examines one big idea. What did it promise? Why did it fail? What can we learn from it today?In this episode, Sean examines the remarkable story behind the man who founded one of the world's best-selling computer manufacturers. Commodore computers were huge in the 1980s so why couldn't the business adapt to survive in an age when computing became even more popular? Expert commentators and employees reflect on why the company was so successful and what led to its demise. Guests include David Pleasance - a former Commodore international executive and later joint managing director of its UK arm; Tim Danton - editor-in-chief of PC Pro magazine; Dan Wood - a Commodore computers enthusiast.Alongside them is the self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White, to analyse the missteps that changed the brand?s fortunes.If you have an idea for a topic with a toast moment then you can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.ukSliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in February. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.Toast is produced by Jon Douglas and Viant Siddique and is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

Why did the package holiday brand, Club 18-30, disappear?While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up? Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of brands which had promised so much to consumers.In each episode, the presenter and BBC business journalist, Sean Farrington, examines one big idea. What did it promise? Why did it fail? What can we learn from it today?In this episode, which was first broadcast in January 2024, Sean learns why Club 18-30 fell out of favour. Its package holidays for young people were a hit for decades so why couldn't it keep going? Sean speaks to holidaymakers who remember their Club 18-30 experiences well. A former manager explains how they hoped to keep the brand going and why that proved impossible.Alongside them all, analysing the business' fortunes is the self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White. You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.ukFeel free to suggest topics which we could cover in future episodesSliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in February. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.Toast is produced by Jon Douglas and Viant Siddique and is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

Why did sales of the best-selling soft drink, Sunny Delight, suddenly bomb in the 1990s?While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up? Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of brands which had promised so much to consumers.In each episode, the presenter and BBC business journalist, Sean Farrington, examines one big idea. What did it promise? Why did it fail? What can we learn from it today?In this episode, which was first broadcast in January 2024, Sean learns why sales of Sunny Delight faltered in the UK after an extraordinarily successful launch. Sean speaks to some of the people who worked on the brand, hearing how it became a hit before a series of unfortunate coincidences undermined its popularity. The self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White, is alongside him, analysing the missteps that changed Sunny Delight's fortunes.'Sunny D', as it is known today, is still sold in some UK supermarkets. It has different owners and ingredients but it has never matched the incredible sales figures which it achieved in its early days. CORRECTION: Beta-carotene is not a B vitamin as briefly referenced in this programme. It's turned into vitamin A in the body.You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.ukFeel free to suggest topics which we could cover in future episodesSliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in February. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.Toast is produced by Jon Douglas and Viant Siddique and is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

Why did Toys R Us have to close all of its UK superstores in 2018? While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up? Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of brands which had promised so much to consumers. In each episode, the presenter and BBC business journalist, Sean Farrington, examines one big idea. What did it promise? Why did it fail? What can we learn from it today? In this Christmas special, Sean examines the charming story behind one of our best-known toy brands before hearing how it faltered. Expert commentators and employees reflect on why the business had been so successful and what went wrong. Alongside them is the self-made millionaire and serial entrepreneur, Sam White, to analyse the missteps that changed the brand?s fortunes. Together, they hear how Toys R Us is making a comeback in the UK. You can email the programme at toast@bbc.co.uk Feel free to suggest topics which we could cover in future episodes. From big tech to high street retail and, of course, food, Toast tackles the business ideas that, one way or another, ended up cooked.Sliced Bread returns for a new batch of investigations in February. In the new series, Greg Foot will investigate more of the latest so-called wonder products to find out whether they really are the best thing since sliced bread. In the meantime, Toast is available in the Sliced Bread feed on BBC Sounds.Toast is produced by Jon Douglas and Viant Siddique and is a BBC Audio North production for Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

Sean Farrington returns with the Radio 4 series that examines the spectacular failures of wonder products and businesses which had promised so much.Toast is back with a special Christmas episode looking at the rise and fall of toy superstore Toys R Us on 18 December, 2023, and then returns for a new series on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds on 11 January, 2024.

Dr. Chetna Prajapati, a textiles lecturer and fabric expert, joins Dr. Justine Cluck, a dermatologist focused on acne and skin conditions, to explore bedding choices. They dive into the environmental impacts of materials like cotton, linen, and eucalyptus. The conversation tackles whether silk pillowcases really benefit skin and hair or if it's just marketing fluff. Surprising insights about eco-credentials and the truth behind fabric claims make for an intriguing discussion about the best ways to make your bed and its effects on health!

Which Christmas tree is better for the environment - real or fake?Everyone loves the smell of a freshly cut pine or spruce but the vast majority of them go to landfill. So would a plastic tree be better?Listener Eleanor wants to have a more sustainable Christmas and has some great questions. Is there a better way to dispose of your real tree? How about a pot-grown tree you could use again the next year? And she's even heard about the possibility of renting a Christmas tree - the same one, year after year! Is that a thing?In this frankly festive episode I attempt to get to the root of the problem (sorry!) by speaking to an ecological expert and a journalist who's attempted to rent the whole of Christmas.Presenter: Greg Foot Producer: Simon Hoban

Are expensive sports bras worth the money?Buying a sports bra can be a baffling experience, not least because of the marketing terminology which is full of buzz-phrases like 'high intensity support', 'specialist materials' and 'racer backs'. Listener Teresa has seen sports bras ranging in price from just a few pounds to three figures and wants to know if paying more means you get greater support.Greg speaks to Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, 'The Bra Professor', to take a deep dive into the science and find out more. Can one sports bra suit all sports, like running and yoga? Does the support reduce over time? And when should you wash or replace your sports bra?If you?ve seen an ad, trend or fad relating to another consumer product and wonder if there?s any evidence to back up a claim, then email us: sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or you can send a voice note to our WhatsApp number: 07543 306807Presenter: Greg Foot Producer: Emma Salkeld

Consumer expert Grace Fo and allergy research professor Hasan Arshad discuss the complexities of buying vacuum cleaners. They explore the pros and cons of corded vs cordless models, effectiveness in managing allergens, and the rise of robot vacuums. Tips include using HEPA filters, eliminating carpets for allergies, and the benefits of corded vacuums for pet owners.

Do the claims made about Ice Baths hold water?Social media appears to be filled with countless people sitting blissfully in small inflatable ?ice baths?. Fans of such ?cold water therapy? claim that taking a chilly plunge will boost your energy levels, reduce your stress, help you sleep better, and supercharge your recovery after a workout. Listener Laura wants to know if the science backs that up. In this episode, I dip my toe - and the rest of me - into an ice bath to find out. I'm guided by Professor Mike Tipton at the University of Portsmouth, one of the leading academics in the study of cold water and its effects on the body.If you?ve seen an ad, trend or fad relating to another consumer product and wonder if there?s any evidence to back up a claim, then email us: sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk or you can send a voice note to our WhatsApp number: 07543 306807Presenter: Greg Foot Producer: Simon Hoban