The Rest Is Money
Goalhanger
Robert Peston and Steph McGovern bring you insightful business and finance stories.Join Robert Peston and Steph McGovern as they delve into the key challenges and opportunities facing today’s business world. From the complexities of tech investments to the impact of political decisions on global markets, this podcast offers valuable perspectives on current financial topics. Whether discussing business funding, economic policies, or corporate strategies, they provide listeners with the tools to understand today’s fast-evolving market.Each episode brings expert analysis on important issues, including market regulations, economic recovery, and the forces shaping the future of work. Robert and Steph bring you the latest insights from influential leaders and top entrepreneurs, making this podcast a must-listen for anyone interested in business growth, financial trends, and the evolving economic landscape.For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 42min
244. Why Lord Frost wants a Thatcher revival
Lord David Frost, former UK diplomat and chief Brexit negotiator, discusses the future of free-market reforms as the head of the Institute of Economic Affairs. He believes Brexit's benefits are yet to materialize and outlines a ten-year plan to shrink the state and cut taxes. Frost critiques Liz Truss's approach while advocating for measured economic reforms. He also delves into his views on climate realism, the balance of public and private investment, and emphasizes the IEA's potential in shaping Britain’s economic landscape once again.
12 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 56min
243. Identity crisis: why the government can't make up its mind about Digital IDs
The podcast dives into government U-turns on digital ID cards and business rates, examining their potential economic fallout. It highlights how changes in business rates are hurting small establishments like pubs and bookstores. The discussion also covers the ambitious Northern Powerhouse Rail plans and their implications for regional growth. Shifting focus, the hosts analyze Donald Trump's interventions in the US, comparing his actions to historic state socialism, and warn of possible economic repercussions.
28 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 48min
242. Ignore the doomsayers - the UK is innovating
Saul Klein, a venture capital investor and co-founder of Phoenix Court, dives into the UK's vibrant innovation economy. He argues that the UK is uniquely positioned with strengths in turning ideas into successful businesses, contrasting it with Silicon Valley's single-stakeholder approach. Klein discusses the potential of regions like Leeds and Manchester in producing scaled companies and emphasizes a 25-year opportunity for the UK to lead in innovation. He encourages a fact-based optimistic narrative, highlighting the UK's capabilities for future growth.
63 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 44min
241. Greenland’s magnetic attraction: why Trump wants it all for himself
Explore Trump's fascination with Greenland and its strategic magnetic resources crucial for energy and defense. Discover how China's monopoly on rare earths plays into this land grab. The discussion pivots to Venezuela, where oil revenues and legal wrangling take center stage. Meanwhile, UK politics come under scrutiny as Starmer seeks to uplift economic morale. With insights on tech billionaires eyeing Greenland and the implications for NATO, this conversation is packed with geopolitical intrigue and economic analysis.
27 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 40min
240. Levelling Up 2.0: What Actually Works for Regional Growth?
In this discussion, Andrew Carter, CEO of the Centre for Cities and an expert on urban economic policy, dives into the productivity disparities across the UK. He explores why places like Slough excel compared to Mansfield and the factors that drive urban productivity. Andrew emphasizes the importance of building local skills and vocational education to attract firms. He also highlights the critical role of universities in regional growth and the impact of effective public transport on city economies. The conversation concludes with a hopeful outlook for cities gaining devolved powers.
21 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 44min
239. 2026 Predictions: a bubble bursts, Starmer’s only hope & Trump’s vulnerability
The hosts dive into the challenges facing the UK in 2026, pondering whether political stability and investment could spark a resurgence. They critique current economic strategies, emphasizing the need for growth over mere fiscal prudence. The looming AI investment bubble and its implications on the economy are discussed, alongside the geopolitical tug-of-war over critical minerals between the US and China. Amidst this, small businesses show resilience, signaling a glimmer of hope for the future.
10 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 42min
238. How to prepare the UK workforce when 3 million jobs are at risk
Carole Willis, CEO of the National Foundation for Educational Research, discusses the urgent need for skills development as 3 million UK jobs are forecasted to be at risk. Will Bridgman, managing director of Warren Services, shares innovative ways his firm engages with local schools to build a talent pipeline in manufacturing. Amjad Ali, a school leader, highlights the pressures schools face with accountability measures hindering essential skills training. Together, they emphasize the importance of lifelong learning and the role of businesses in shaping future workforce skills.
8 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 56min
237. The extraordinary story of Britain’s first tech titan
Katie Prescott, technology business editor at The Times and author of 'The Curious Case of Mike Lynch', dives into the fascinating life of Mike Lynch, Britain's first tech titan. She unpacks his rise to billionaire status with Autonomy and the dramatic fallout from its controversial sale to HP. Prescott reveals Lynch’s unique mindset, including a staggering 0.4% chance of acquittal during his fraud trial. The discussion also touches on conspiracy theories surrounding his tragic death and the enduring legacy he leaves in the tech world.
9 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 35min
236. What M&S can teach Starmer (Part 2)
Archie Norman, an experienced British businessman and chairman of Marks & Spencer, shares insights on revitalizing one of the UK’s retail icons. He discusses the balance between heritage and modern needs, highlighting the importance of innovation in food and clothing sales. Norman emphasizes AI's potential in retail and tackles challenges like rising crime with tech solutions. He passionately advocates for a culture that rewards hard work and preserves career opportunities in retail, urging Britain to learn from M&S's transformation.
65 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 47min
235. How M&S saw off the cyber criminals and its plan for the next 100 Years (Part 1)
Archie Norman, chairman of Marks & Spencer and a seasoned retail leader, discusses the harrowing experience of a cyber attack that shook the company. He shares insights on managing prolonged crises and practical defence strategies. Archie highlights the motivations behind cyber attacks, emphasizing the prevalence of ransomware and AI risks. He also explores the impact of heavy taxation on town centres and the importance of community engagement when closing stores. Finally, he reflects on M&S's innovative legacy in food and health.
