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
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.
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.
Dec 15, 2025 • 51min
234. Is GB Energy Starmer’s missing growth plan?
Jürgen Maier, Chair of Great British Energy and former CEO of Siemens UK, discusses the company's ambitious plans to provide a third of Britain's energy. He shares insights on attracting private investment for renewable projects and the potential for the UK to achieve 95% renewable power. Maier also highlights job creation in Aberdeen, the challenge of solar manufacturing dominated by China, and the need for local supply chains. He emphasizes the importance of inclusive hiring for innovation and outlines strategies for community energy ownership.
22 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 45min
233. The Trump Doctrine: Why Europe Is Failing & Who Wins the Warner Bros Bid?
The conversation dives into the effects of Trump's National Security Strategy on Europe, revealing economic weaknesses and political instability that hinder investment. A fascinating look at Taiwan's role in semiconductor production underscores its significance in US strategy. The bidding war for Warner Bros Discovery heats up, with Netflix and Paramount eyeing the cultural asset while concerns arise over CNN's future and potential debt issues. They also highlight the gender imbalance in peace negotiations, emphasizing that including women leads to more durable agreements.
21 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 45min
232. How British AI is inventing new materials
Dr. Chad Edwards, a chemist and deep-tech entrepreneur, co-founded Cusp AI to leverage artificial intelligence in material design for clean energy and water purification. He reveals how AI enables ‘materials on demand’ and discusses collaborations with major companies like Hyundai. Chad also dives into the unique challenges of UK startups securing funding abroad and highlights the importance of real-world lab partnerships. Exploring the future, he reflects on AI's transformative potential and the need for safeguards in this rapidly evolving field.
30 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 52min
231. Can The NHS Afford The UK-US Pharma Deal?
Lord Patrick Vallance, a leading physician and former UK Chief Scientific Adviser, discusses the implications of the UK-US pharma deal on the NHS. He explains why the NHS is paying higher prices for new medicines and the potential of UK life sciences to attract investment. Vallance emphasizes the importance of scaling startups, the innovative power of British tech, and discusses the need for a shift in government procurement strategies. He also reflects on important pandemic lessons and the role of in-person connections in business.
44 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 43min
230. Dan Neidle on how Reeves’ tax reforms will work
Dan Neidle, a tax expert and commentator with deep insights into UK tax policy, joins the hosts to dissect recent budget announcements. They explore the mechanics of the new EV mileage tax, including self-reporting and oversight. Dan critiques the missed opportunities for significant pro-growth reforms in areas like VAT and capital gains tax. The conversation also covers the controversial mansion tax, behavioral effects on housing prices, and the complexities surrounding business rates. Neidle’s expertise sheds light on the intricate dance between tax policy and political constraints.
40 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 37min
229. BUDGET BONUS: Did the Treasury Lie?
The hosts dive into the recent financial chaos, questioning the Chancellor's claims about a public finance disaster. They dissect the Office for Budget Responsibility's criticisms and explore the mysterious income tax U-turn. Key discussions include the fallout from a November press conference that hinted at a fiscal emergency and the subsequent revelations about Treasury briefing inaccuracies. The episode examines whether the Treasury misled the public and what the ramifications could be for the UK's financial integrity.
