

Business Daily
BBC World Service
The daily drama of money and work from the BBC.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 12, 2025 • 17min
The internet’s memory problem
The internet is where much of our modern cultural, societal and political history is stored, but as researchers are discovering, the internet has a big memory problem. Without businesses paying to keep servers and archives up, more and more of our history online is disappearing forever. We take a look at what this so called 'link rot' means for our collective understanding.Produced and presented by Frey Lindsay(Image: A man looking confused at his phone. Credit: Getty Images)

Mar 11, 2025 • 17min
The ultramarathon business
The south of France is among thousands of places around the world that now stage ultramarathons: extreme running events covering anything above 26.2 miles to more than 100. They often take place on challenging terrain and require considerable physical and mental resilience. And they've become big business.To find out more, Business Daily went to the Nice Côte d'Azur 100-mile race to speak to runners and organisers about the popularity of these sorts of events, and how they make money. If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: businessdaily@bbc.co.ukPresented and produced by John Laurenson(Picture: Woman and man running in a forest in the dark. Credit: Getty Images)

Mar 10, 2025 • 21min
Is Milei’s economic gamble paying off?
An hour’s drive north of Buenos Aires is Pilar, a municipality that houses the largest industrial park in Argentina, as well as a population of 400,000. Some rich and middle class Argentines live in its many gated communities, but Pilar has a poverty rate of almost 60% - well above the national figure. We speak to residents and businesses about libertarian President Javier Milei's first year in office.If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: businessdaily@bbc.co.ukPresented and produced by Natalio Cosoy(Picture: Argentina's President Javier Milei looks on during the inauguration of the 143rd ordinary session of Congress at the National Congress in Buenos Aires on March 1, 2025. Credit: Getty Images)

Mar 7, 2025 • 17min
Business Daily meets: The women of heavy industry
We speak to three businesswomen working in traditionally male-dominated sectors.Anna Mareschi Danieli from the Italian-based global steel company Danieli group. Caroll Masevhe, founder of a women-only construction business - Kapcor construction, in Johannesburg; and Patty Eid from Petrofac, a leader in the Middle East’s oil and gas industry. Producer/presenter: Sam Fenwick(Image: L-R, Caroll Masevhe Patty Eid, Anna Mareschi Danieli)

Mar 6, 2025 • 17min
The rise of the 'micro-influencer'
Unlike 'mega-influencers' with huge audiences on social media, 'micro' and 'nano-influencers' have far fewer followers. But small can be mighty in this business.
These lower-profile influencers have anywhere between 250 and 10,000 followers, but businesses are increasingly turning to more niche, content creators in a bid to get more authentic engagement. We hear how they're redefining the way brands are connecting with consumers.
Micro-influencers Kadide Francy, in Kenya, and Jerlyn De Silva, in India, reveal what kind of money they make from these collaborations.
And East African Brewery marketing manager, Kanye Kiuru, tells us how using these kinds of influencers led to a hugely successful marketing campaign for the company.If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: businessdaily@bbc.co.ukPresented and produced by Izzy Greenfield(Picture: Kadide Francy, a lifestyle micro-influencer in Kenya. Credit: Kadide Francy)

Mar 5, 2025 • 17min
Adding value to Ugandan bananas
The fruit is a beloved staple of the African country's cuisine, and a key export.But is there a missed opportunity when it comes to Ugandan matoke, or bananas?We speak to entrepreneurs who are making banana wine, fertilizers and hair extensions - adding value for local and international markets.Produced and presented by Zawadi Mudibo(Image: A man drives a motorcycle carrying matoke in Kampala, Uganda in June 2024. Credit: Getty Images)

Mar 4, 2025 • 17min
The battle of the VIP lounges
For most people travelling abroad by plane, the airport experience can feel fairly nondescript - something to be endured rather than enjoyed. But for those with certain credit cards, a luxury experience awaits. Around the world, card issuers are spending large amounts of money building high-end lounges in airports and prime city centre locations, in a bid to attract and keep customers. And their attempts are getting more and more extravagant. But who’s paying for all of this? If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: businessdaily@bbc.co.ukPresented and produced by Rowan Bridge(Picture: Dining area at the American Express Centurion New York restaurant in New York, US, occupying the 55th floor of the One Vanderbilt skyscraper. Credit: Getty Images/Bloomberg)

7 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 18min
Insuring the uninsurable
Explore the devastating impact of natural disasters on businesses, from California to Fiji and the UK. Hear personal stories of struggle with rising insurance premiums and companies denying coverage. Discover innovative solutions like parametric insurance, which promises quicker payouts based on specific conditions. The podcast highlights the urgent need for new approaches, especially in regions plagued by flooding, and discusses the potential of Islamic insurance to improve coverage in vulnerable communities.

Feb 28, 2025 • 17min
Lights, camera, Budapest
Discover how Hungary transformed into a top film destination after its Soviet era. The country's generous tax incentives attract major filmmakers, drawing productions like 'Dune 2' and 'Poor Things'. The evolution of local studios showcases Hungary's creative potential and adaptability. With Budapest emerging as a vital hub, the podcast highlights the balance between opportunities and challenges, especially post-pandemic. Get insights into the local industry dynamics and what it takes to navigate this booming film landscape.

Feb 27, 2025 • 18min
Business Daily meets: Pokémon Company president Tsunekazu Ishihara
Tsunekazu Ishihara, the President of the Pokémon Company, shares insights on the franchise's nearly 30-year journey from a Game Boy game to a billion-dollar global phenomenon. He addresses the unique challenges of counterfeits and brand protection, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in this vast market. Ishihara also reflects on the cultural impact of 'Pokemania,' the decision to keep the company private, and the innovative strategies that drove Pokémon's evolution, especially with successful ventures like Pokémon Go.


