Big Boss Interview

Tim Richards, founder and CEO of Vue International, shares his fascinating transition from M&A lawyer to cinema mogul after answering a blind ad. He discusses Vue's innovative approach to the cinema experience and reflects on the challenges posed by COVID-19. Interestingly, Tim argues that streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ aren't the main competition; instead, it's theme parks and sports that vie for audiences' time. He also highlights efforts to attract younger audiences and improve accessibility by lowering ticket prices.

Jo Whitfield, a retail leader with 25 years in major UK retailers, now chairs the British Retail Consortium. She shares insights on the shifting retail landscape influenced by online shopping and social media. Jo discusses the urgent need for fairer business rates that support physical stores and the importance of diversity in retail leadership. She highlights rising retail crime and advocates for better protections for delivery drivers. Additionally, Jo emphasizes the necessity of cybersecurity and how AI can reshape retail jobs for the better.

Glenn Fogel, CEO and President of the world's largest online travel platform, Booking.com joins Will Bain to discuss whether the USA is witnessing a downturn in foreign visits due to the policies of the Trump administration. He also outlines his thoughts on issues that affect many Brits on their summer holidays: over-tourism. You’ll also hear how his company is positioning itself in legal disputes over some property listings, and why the rapid rise of AI could reshape the way we plan and experience our trips. Plus find out why Will got offended!Presenter: Will Bain Editor: Henry Jones00:00 Intro from Fliss and Will 02:00 Tourists to USA down 05:00 Over-tourism 13:30 Legal cases against Booking.com 17:30 Use of AI(Picture: Getty)

Fiona Eastwood, CEO of Merlin Entertainments tells Sean Farrington what it is like running one of the world’s leading entertainment companies. Merlin runs over a hundred theme parks and attractions around the world from Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures, to Sea Life and Madame Tussauds. She explains how the main competition to her business is the amount of screen-time kids have, and how that influences the partnerships that they make with the likes of Lego, Peppa Pig, Bluey and now, most recently, Minecraft. But the industry has been struggling - from covid lockdowns to the cost of living crisis, in fact Merlin's credit rating was recently even downgraded; Fiona addresses this and calls for a reduction in VAT on the Tourism and Leisure industry and says that there is too much red tape when it comes to planning reforms. And despite being the Big Boss, find out which ride Fiona can't stomach.00:00 Fliss and Sean Intro 02:15 Interview starts 03:54 Our competition is the home and screen time 04:50 Trends of customer spending 09:35 The growth and importance of Halloween 12:45 Credit rating downgrade of Merlin Entertainments 15:55 Impact of a late Autumn Budget 17:00 We need a VAT cut in Leisure and Tourism sector 20:35 How Merlin develop partnerships with Peppa Pig and now Minecraft 27:00 The role of Madame Tussauds for the business 30:20 Merlin operating in China for 25 years 31:45 How does Chief Operating Officer differ from Chief Exec Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones(Picture credit: Getty)

Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, has issued a direct appeal to the Chancellor ahead of the autumn budget, urging immediate tax relief for Britain’s pubs. He told Felicity Hannah in this week's Big Boss Interview that unlike the last Budget, he hopes there are no surprises this time aound. The hospitality sector has absorbed over £300 million in additional costs since 2019—driven by rising energy, food, labour and tax burdens—and he says without action on business rates and alcohol duty, investment, jobs and vital community spaces are at risk. Mackenzie, who chairs the British Beer and Pub Association, says the government must honour its manifesto pledge to reform business rates and stop blindsiding the industry with surprise tax hikes.Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones00:00 Sean and Felicity introduction 02:00 Intro Nick Mackenzie & why the pub is important 06:35 The evolution of the pub 10:45 The issues affecting the industry 14:57 How did the last budget impact your business 18:18 Govt need to stick to manifesto 23:40 Should opening hours be increased? 26:20 Impact of Covid and latest trends 31:45 Greene King and slavery apology 36:00 Reasons for optimism

Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase, shares his insights on the current financial landscape. He warns of a frothy market fueled by the AI hype, suggesting an impending correction. Dimon discusses the changing global dynamics due to the Ukraine war, highlighting its impact on NATO and US reliability. He also touches on the challenges of high equity valuations, the risks of tariffs, and inflation pressures. Additionally, he emphasizes the need for reforms in Europe’s economic structure and hints at his potential interest in a public service role.

If you want to sell vapes you should be forced to have a licence - that's according to Asli Ertonguc - the UK and Ireland Managing Director of British American Tobacco, or B.A.T as it's called. They're one of the world's largest tobacco manufacturers and sell the likes of Lucky Strike cigarettes, or Dunhill, and Rothmans.Asli says this approach will have a far bigger impact on reducing smoking than the Tobacco and Vaping Bill which is currently weaving its way through parliament. The Bill aims to make it so that anyone born after 2009 cannot legally buy cigarettes.00:00 Intro from Will and Felicity 03:24 Start of interview with Alsi Ertonguc 07:02 Disposable vapes 13:05 More regulation needed 19:35 Tobacco and Vaping Bill 29:00 Will and Felicity outro.

AO Chief Executive and Founder, John Roberts is celebrating 25 years at the helm of of one of the UK's biggest electrical retailers - he speaks to Sean Farrington in the first episode of Big Boss Interview. John says he believes the UK is entering a recession and calls on the Government to do more to allow businesses like his aid growth. Instead he feels the Employment Right Bill - which is currently making its way through Parliament - will make business leaders think twice about recruiting. He also outlines why competition from Chinese firms or Amazon is good for business. Meanwhile, with the budget on the horizon, John warns of the dangers of stealing Murray Mints from pensioners and outlines his lack of sympathy for supermarket chains.Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 02:20 Start of interview with John Roberts 06:40 The current economic climate 10:00 Impact of the Employment Rights Bill on businesses 15:00 How hard it is to be competitive today and the impact of Chinese business 19:30 Competing with Amazon 22:30 Relationship with Mike Ashley 26:50 Prospects for school leavers today 30:00 Increases to the state pension 32:00 Raising taxes on the wealthy 36:00 Sean and Will discuss the interview

A new business podcast speaking to the UK's most successful CEOs and entrepreneurs.

For the very final time, Business Matters on the BBC World Service, Rahul Tandon is joined by many of our regular guests, from India, Pakistan, Singapore, Canada and the United States. They discuss some of the biggest themes we covered, including, the COVID-19 pandemic, a cost of living crisis driven by a pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Donald Trump becoming the President of the United States.Production team: Rahul Tandon, Ahmed Adan and Stephen Ryan(Photo: A medical worker in full COVID-19 personal protective equipment in Shanghai, May 2022. Taken during lockdown in China. Credit: Edward Lawrence/BBC)