The Rest Is Money

In this conversation, Michael Tory, co-founder of Ondra and a veteran of the financial sector, discusses the alarming underperformance of the UK stock market and its effect on living standards. He highlights the drastic decline in British pension funds' investments, contrasting it with the successful foreign acquisitions revitalizing local firms. The dialogue also delves into necessary reforms in pension schemes and the challenges faced by funds in capitalizing on lucrative opportunities due to governmental and industry stagnation.

Discover the surprising truth about inflation and the factors driving it, from rising school fees to food prices. Delve into the geopolitical landscape, with discussions on the implications of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine and U.S.-Russia relations. Explore how AI is reshaping the workforce, both displacing jobs and boosting productivity. The conversation also highlights the importance of recognizing business indicators and leveraging tax incentives for growth. Tune in for insights that connect economics with global events!

Kate Ancketill, a retail consultant and CEO of GDR, dives into the future of shopping driven by AI. She discusses how every click and cursor movement is analyzed to shape our buying habits. The conversation highlights the role of AI assistants and celebrity avatars in consumer engagement. Ancketill also addresses the challenges retailers face, from tackling theft to adapting to low consumer confidence, while underscoring the need for innovative strategies in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

Elon Musk's influence on American governance sparks a riveting discussion on technology's role in public services. The chaos of his takeover ambitions raises questions about public finances in the UK. Delve into his contentious bid for OpenAI and the intense rivalry with Sam Altman, likened to a corporate 'Succession'. The evolving political landscape and its effects on perceptions of extremism add more intrigue. Plus, tips on recognizing red and green flags in relationships intertwine personal growth with the tech narrative.

This discussion dives into the far-reaching impacts of Trump's trade tariffs, spotlighting winners and losers within the global economy. Are consumers sacrificing under an 'America-first' policy? The dialogue also critiques the Bank of England's cautious approach to interest rate cuts amidst rising inflation. Personal anecdotes from a Costa Rican press tour add a fun twist, while the analysis highlights the intricate link between political decisions and economic consequences, including a look at Trump's influence on US-Mexico trade dynamics.

Praful Nargund, founder of the Good Growth Foundation, and Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North, dive into the meaning of economic growth for everyday people. They discuss the disconnect between political goals and public sentiment, emphasizing the frustrations of the working poor. The conversation highlights the importance of redefining 'good growth' to ensure it benefits a broader segment of society. They also explore the role of skills and training in fostering inclusive growth, urging the need for tangible economic changes that resonate with local communities.

Steph and Gordon Corera, host of The Rest Is Classified and the BBC’s Security Correspondent, discuss the security risks posed to the UK by Rachel Reeves’ new ploy to secure Chinese investment. Also, how Huawei was replaced by Tik Tok, and then DeepSeek, as the latest digital threat to the West and why an era of subtle ‘cognitive warfare’ has been ushered in by social media.Sign up to our newsletter to get more stories from the world of business and finance.Email: restismoney@gmail.comX: @TheRestIsMoneyInstagram: @TheRestIsMoneyTikTok: @RestIsMoneygoalhangerpodcasts.comAssistant Producer: India DunkleyProducer: Ross BuchananHead of Content: Tom WhiterExec Producers: Tony Pastor + Jack Davenport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Robert and Steph dive into Rachel Reeves' ambitious growth plan that aims to bolster the UK's economy. They discuss the controversial third runway at Heathrow, weighing economic perks against environmental impacts. Insights from a UK manufacturing visit reveal a hopeful outlook, contrasting stark disparities between the South and North. The complexities of Northern identity are highlighted through the BBC's relocation to Manchester. Overall, the conversation underscores the urgent need for equitable infrastructure development and clear government strategy.

A humorous personal injury tale kicks off the discussion, blending healthcare anecdotes with political musings. The conversation shifts to Trump's presidency, focusing on deregulation's mixed implications for workplace diversity and market stability. Immigration policies and automation's unrealistic promises are critiqued, revealing labor market challenges. Economic stagnation in the UK is examined, alongside proposed recovery strategies. Lastly, the contentious expansion of Heathrow Airport is dissected, highlighting financial hurdles and regional investment disparities.

In a compelling discussion, Sir Paul Nurse, a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist and director of the Francis Crick Institute, unpacks the UK’s scientific landscape. He critiques the country’s struggles to attract talent, hindered by high visa costs and poor funding support. Nurse contrasts the UK's pure discovery strengths with its failures in commercial application, while advocating for systemic reforms. He also shares a heartfelt personal journey about discovering his biological roots and reflects on the interplay between AI and human creativity in advancing science.