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
Oct 30, 2025 • 37min
220. How Do We Make Big Business Behave?
Catherine Howarth, Chief Executive of ShareAction, discusses how investors can encourage companies to adopt the real living wage and promote healthier food options. She shares insights on leveraging both small shareholders and large pension funds to influence corporate behavior effectively. The conversation reveals the significant impact of workplace health on productivity and the tensions political pressures create for responsible investment. Howarth also explores how individual pension savers can drive change and the need for more domestic investment in the UK.
42 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 36min
219. When Do Tax Cuts Pay For Themselves?
Renowned economist Art Laffer, famous for the Laffer curve, shares his insights on taxation and economic growth. He argues that cutting top income tax rates can spur both revenue and growth, ultimately benefiting the less fortunate. Laffer critiques Liz Truss's mini-budget for lacking funded reforms and discusses Trump's trade stance, supporting free trade while acknowledging the strategic use of tariffs. They also touch on the potential of AI-driven growth and its risks, hinting at deeper explorations in the future.
40 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 42min
218. How Do We Get Off The Escalator Of Ever Rising Taxes?
In this discussion, Karen Ward, Chief Market Strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management Europe, dives into the complexities of UK fiscal policy. She analyzes the implications of removing employer national insurance exemptions for high earners and the likelihood of a Bank of England rate cut amid fluctuating inflation. Karen highlights the challenges of filling a substantial fiscal gap without overwhelming taxpayers and the potential risks associated with private credit, all while suggesting pathways to restore investor confidence post-Brexit.
34 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 59min
217. Is Reeves To Blame For The Budget Hole?
Helen Miller, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies and an expert in public finance, shares insights on the UK's challenging budget landscape. She discusses the need for rational tax reform and how Rachel Reeves can avoid raising taxes next year. Helen highlights the importance of a solid fiscal buffer and suggests reforming capital gains to incentivize investment. Additionally, she argues for a fairer council tax system and revaluation. Their conversation touches on how better long-term planning can reassure markets without cutting vital benefits.
47 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 42min
216. What Are The Jobs Of The Future?
James Reed, chair of the UK recruitment firm Reed and author of Karma Capitalism, dives into the evolving job market and the impact of AI on hiring. He discusses the alarming collapse of graduate vacancies and how low economic growth stifles hiring momentum. Reed emphasizes the need for businesses to embrace technology, while cautioning against AI displacing entry-level roles. He advocates for vocational education, apprenticeships, and innovative company ownership models that prioritize social good, highlighting a future where jobs can still thrive amid automation.
71 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 42min
215. How Near Is An AI Crash?
Azeem Azhar, founder of Exponential View, dives into the AI landscape’s potential bubble and its societal impacts. He discusses the valuation of AI firms like OpenAI, warning about inflated hype lacking real customer revenues. The conversation highlights how AI may favor experienced workers over newer talent and examines the energy demands of AI technologies. As U.S. job patterns shift, Azeem emphasizes the need for policy adjustments like retraining and welfare redesign to navigate the AI-driven future.
35 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 46min
214. Are Tory Cuts Credible?
In this discussion, Mel Stride, the Shadow Chancellor and Conservative politician, delves into proposed economic reforms. He explains a new 50/50 rule aiming for a balanced approach to spending cuts and debt reduction. The conversation explores the potential impact of welfare cuts, particularly on vulnerable populations, and challenges around job creation. Stride defends controversial decisions on overseas aid and emphasizes the importance of economic growth in addressing fiscal sustainability as they navigate the complexities of past policies and future plans.
13 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 39min
213. The Decline And Fall Of The London Stock Exchange
The discussion kicks off with the alarming decline of London as a top destination for IPOs. AstraZeneca's recent move to the US sparks a debate on the hefty costs of UK stamp duty, which could be a game changer. The hosts examine how this trend could diminish UK's capital and jobs. They also tackle the idea of abolishing stock-related taxes and consider how cash ISAs may dissuade investment in home-grown companies. Crowdfunding trends are explored, showing how retail investors are increasingly participating in startup funding.
23 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 47min
212. Has Reeves Been Unlucky Or Unwise?
In this thought-provoking discussion, Paul Johnson, a former director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, delves into the intricacies of fiscal forecasts and government policies. He argues that the proposed EU mobility scheme will have minimal financial impact and critiques calls to reduce OBR forecasts, highlighting their importance in realistic budgeting. Johnson warns of the potential £30bn budgetary gap from productivity downgrades and discusses the challenges posed by AI on apprenticeships. His insights shed light on the realities of public investment and housing targets in today's economic landscape.
61 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 37min
211. How Should Reeves Fill The £30bn Hole?
Ruth Curtice, the former Director of Fiscal Policy at the UK Treasury and now chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, dives into the complexities of tax solutions to address a £30 billion budget hole. She discusses innovative strategies like aligning business taxes, introducing a sugary foods tax, and reforming vehicle taxes by mileage. Ruth emphasizes the impact these changes could have on the self-employed and advocates for measures to collect unpaid taxes from small businesses. Her insights reveal how thoughtful tax reforms can foster growth while being fair.
