Episodes

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20070203Business magazine programme, presented by Evan Davis.
20070210Business magazine programme, presented by Evan Davis.
20070217Evan Davis presents the business magazine.
20070224Evan Davis presents the business magazine.
20070303Business magazine programme, presented by Evan Davis.
20070310Evan Davis presents the business magazine.
20070317Evan Davis presents the business magazine.
20070324Evan Davis presents the business magazine.
20070602With Evan Davis. Entrepreneurs and business leaders talk about the issues that matter.
20070609With Evan Davis. Entrepreneurs and business leaders talk about the issues that matter.
20070616With Evan Davis. Entrepreneurs and business leaders talk about the issues that matter.
20070623With Evan Davis. Entrepreneurs and business leaders talk about the issues that matter.
20070630With Evan Davis. Entrepreneurs and business leaders talk about the issues that matter.
20070707With Evan Davis. Entrepreneurs and business leaders talk about the issues that matter.
20070714With Evan Davis. Entrepreneurs and business leaders talk about the issues that matter.
20070721With Evan Davis. Entrepreneurs and business leaders talk about the issues that matter.
20070728With Evan Davis. Entrepreneurs and business leaders talk about the issues that matter.
20070922With Evan Davis. Entrepreneurs and business leaders talk about the issues that matter.
20070929Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20071006Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20071013Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20071020Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20071027Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20071103Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080126A special edition, recorded in Edinburgh and focusing on Scottish businesses.
20080202Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080209Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080216Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080223Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080301Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080308Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080315Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080322Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080329Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080531Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080607Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080614Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080621Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080628Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080705Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080712Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080719Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20080726Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20081004Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20081011Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20081018Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.

If you pay taxes, you're now well on your way to owning a big chunk of the British banking industry.

Unfortunately that's unlikely to make most of us feel any richer - quite the opposite in fact. In light of high inflation and rising unemployment, we discuss how businesses can withstand an expected downturn in consumer spending.

We also chat about unexpected outcomes.

Our guests this week:

David Brennan, Chief executive, AstraZeneca

John McLaren, Chairman, Barchester Group

Tim Richards, Chief executive, Vue Entertainment

20081025Was the way banks declare their assets partly to blame for the economic meltdown?
20081101Evan Davis and guests talk about bargain hunting when economic times get tougher.
20081108Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.
20081115Evan Davis talks to business leaders about growing business in a downturn and barriers to entry. His guests are Keith Clarke, chief executive of WS Atkins, Will King, founder and chief executive of King of Shaves, Julie Meyer, chief executive of Ariadne Capital and and Leo McKee, chief executive of BrightHouse.

Evan Davis talks with entrepreneurs and business leaders about the issues that matter.

20081122Evan Davis discusses shop displays and the challenges of doing business in Europe.
2009013120090202 (R4)Evan Davis presents the business magazine. He travels to Manchester to meet the CEOs of some of the biggest businesses in the north west to find out how they are coping during the now-official recession. His guests include Geoff Muirhead, the CEO of Manchester Airports Group, John Nichols of Nichols, the makers of soft drink Vimto, Nick Johnson from property developers Urban Splash and Minara Cook, the founder of Minara Foods. They discuss whether air travel can be improved in these tough times and debate whether corporate memory can be handed down through the generations to help businesses survive the economic downturn.

Evan Davis and guests discuss whether air travel can be improved in these tough times.

2009020720090209 (R4)Evan Davis and his business guests talk about government intervention as President Obama plans to limit the salaries of corporate bosses who receive bailout funds. Are these extreme measures for extreme times or could we see a new partnership between politicians and big business emerging from this economic downturn? And Paul Bennett, partner in global design firm IDEO, Hilary Devey, CEO of successful freight transport company Pall-Ex, and Robyn Jones, CEO of contract caterers Charlton House, discuss why home working didn't take off as predicted back in the early 1990s.

Evan Davis and his business guests talk about government intervention.

2009021420090216 (R4)The team find out how top people from some of the world's biggest businesses are planning to survive the downturn.

Evan Davis is joined by Clara Gaymard of General Electric, Ayman Asfari, chief executive of FTSE250 oil and gas service company Petrofac, and Tony Mascolo, founder and chief executive of the Toni and Guy hair salons and hair products company.

Evan Davis is joined by Clara Gaymard, Ayman Asfari and Tony Mascolo.

2009022120090223 (R4)Evan Davis hears some negotiating tips from three top businesspeople, including the chief executive of Asda. What are the keys for success when negotiating with suppliers or buyers? Plus a discussion about the commercial property market. The current global economic troubles had their roots in the housing market, but the business property market is suffering as well. The panel discusses what to look for in a property, how to buy and when to sell.

Evan Davis presents the business magazine.

2009022820090302 (R4)Evan Davis discusses whether hedge funds have contributed to the economic crisis and whether they should be allowed to trade without being regulated. Hugh Hendry, one of the UK's most outspoken fund managers, offers his thoughts.

Plus Gordon Frazer, head of Microsoft UK, and Jasmine Montgomery, of Futurebrand, discuss the future of computing and the real value of a brand.

Evan Davis presents the business magazine and debates the merits of hedge funds.

2009030720090309 (R4)Evan Davis challenges his guests on the art - and the complications - of pricing. For once, as recession gloom deepens, bosses of big business discuss the upturn, whenever that might come.

Evan meets Sir Moir Lockhead of FirstGroup, one of the world's biggest transport companies, Christina Domecq of leading technology company Spinvox and Tom Purves, chief executive of Rolls Royce Motor Cars.

2009031420090316 (R4)Advertising seems to be everywhere these days, but with new technology on the march and the global economy facing a recession, has the ad industry had its day? Evan Davis talks to marketing chief Sir Martin Sorrell; Guy Laurence, chief executive of Vodafone UK; and Richard Brown of Eurostar. They discuss hindsight - what have they learned from past mistakes that is of any use to them now?

Evan Davis and guests discuss the advertising industry.

20090321Evan Davis presents the business magazine. The stock markets have crashed, risen and then crashed again. It has been a tough year for shareholders and pension owners alike, but how does it affect companies and the people who run them? Evan talks to the bosses of confectionery giant Cadbury and insurance group Aviva to find out what they do when their market value plunges. He also quizzes them about compliance, the dreaded word that is on the lips of everyone in business.

Evan Davis talks to the bosses of confectionery giant Cadbury and insurance group Aviva.

20090328Evan Davis asks his guests what they fear more, inflation or deflation.
2009052820090530 (R4)Evan Davis and his guests discuss how businesses can survive a recession, MPs expenses and the pros and cons of having a positive mental attitude in the workplace.

Evan is joined by Charlotte Hogg, managing director of Experian in the UK and Ireland, Dr Mike Lynch, chief executive of Autonomy, and Simon Woodroffe, founder of Yo! Sushi and Yotel.

Evan Davis and his guests discuss how businesses can survive a recession.

2009060420090606 (R4)Evan Davis and guests consider whether we have entered a new era of austerity. Are we growing vegetables in our gardens at home, instead of dining out at expensive restaurants? Are we turning up our noses at gas-guzzling cars, not just because we can't afford them, but because they offend our new sensibilities of prudence and caution?

Evan talks to Dr Shumeet Banerji, chief executive of management consultants Booz and Co, Rita Clifton, chairman of Interbrand London, and hedge fund manager Hugh Hendry, founder of Eclectica Asset Management, about whether they believe we are in for a long, hard slog or if they can see light at the end of the economic tunnel.

They also discuss the subject of consultants; with two of them on the panel, Evan quizzes them about why they have such a bad name. Is there really any justification for highly-paid senior executives to pay someone else to help them make their decisions?

2009061120090613 (R4)Evan Davis tests his three guests on the tricky business of succession: is there an ideal time to choose who is going to take over from you, or is it better to hang on until you're pushed? Following recent events in Downing Street, Evan finds out whether businesses can manage handovers any better than politicians.

He also asks the chief executive of Pizza Hut UK whether size matters. Can big ever be too big? In this recession, should companies become leaner and meaner to survive the bad times?

Evan's guests are Jens Hofma, chief executive of Pizza Hut UK, Chris Hyman, chief executive of Serco and Harriet Green, chief executive of Premier Farnel.

Evan Davis asks his guests if businesses can manage succession any better than politicians

2009061820090620 (R4)Guest presenter Stephanie Flanders discusses the future of the airline industry with Stelios Haji-Ioannou, chairman of Easygroup Ltd and founder of Easyjet, Lord Digby Jones, business entrepreneur and former director of the CBI, and Steve Ridgway, chief executive of Virgin Atlantic Airways.

They discuss the cost conundrum of trying to predict the economic future when buying new aircraft, and reveal whether they have cut back on their personal air travel as environmental concerns get stronger.

The panel also ask if machines are taking over the industry; from computer check-ins and check-outs to automated phone services, it is becoming harder to deal with real people. It might be cheaper for companies, but Stephanie asks if the benefits really get passed onto the consumer.

Guest presenter Stephanie Flanders discusses the future of the airline industry.

2009062520090627 (R4)Evan Davis asks his guests about their personal style of management. Does the TV image of the short-tempered, blunt-speaking boss reflect what goes on in the boardroom? PY Gerbeau, chief executive of X-Leisure and the man who saved Disneyland Paris and the Millennium Dome, admits to shouting sometimes, while David Roche, president of Hotels.com, can't remember the last time he raised his voice. And John McLaren, an investment banker turned thriller writer, recalls how different the Japanese business style is from the UK and US way of doing things.

Also, Evan asks his guests whether discounting really gives people a better deal.

2009070220090704 (R4)You spend your life trying to get to the top in business. Then, when you do, you get driven to meetings, enjoy a wonderful expense account and all the perks of the job. But how do you stay in touch with the people on the shop floor? Evan Davis asks his top-rung guests to divulge how much time they spend with those on the bottom rung, and how important they think it is for the success of their business.

Evan's guests are Carolyn McCall, chief executive of the Guardian Media Group, Patrick Dempsey of Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants and Peter Taylor, managing partner of leading private equity group Duke Street.

Evan Davis asks business leaders about their contact with their employees.

2009070920090711 (R4)You're at the top of your company, but you're the person with least control over your time. PAs, PRs, your spouse - all these people are battling over your diary. So can you, when you're a chief executive, carve out a piece of the day for yourself or are you at the mercy of others from the moment you get up?

Evan Davis discusses this with his three big business guests: Nikki King of Isuzu Trucks, Samir Brikho of AMEC and Gavin Slark of the BSS Group.

He also finds out how possible it is to plan for the long term when everyone is pressurising you for short term results.

Evan Davis presents the business magazine.

2009071620090718 (R4)It's the end of term and summer is here, so what advice would Evan Davis's successful business guests give to youngsters just leaving school now?

Entrepreneur James Dyson took five years to develop the bagless vacuum cleaner, Martha Lane Fox went on a 'crazy journey' to set up lastminute.com, and Adrian Ringrose still isn't sure he has grown up, even though he is chief executive of a company with 50,000 employees. Evan asks them all about creativity in business and how important it is.

Evan Davis presents the business magazine.

2009092420090926 (R4)Evan Davis and his guests discuss managing the expectations of customers and shareholders, and meetings - what makes them effective, and who needs to be in the room?

His guests are Andrew Cosslett, chief executive of Intercontinental Hotels (owners of chains including Holiday Inn), Allan Cook chief executive of international defence and aerospace company Cobham, and leading architect Rafael Vinoly.

Evan Davis and his guests discuss managing the expectations of customers and shareholders.

2009100120091003 (R4)Evan Davis asks his panel of top business guests about discipline at work - whether they like running a tight ship or prefer letting spirits run free - and tries to shed some light on the mysteries of profit margins.

His guests are Robert Polet, chief executive of the Gucci Group, Garry Watts, chief executive of SSL International, whose brands include Durex and Scholl, and Paula Bell, finance director of technology and engineering group Ricardo.

Evan Davis asks guests about discipline at work and the mysteries of profit margins.

2009100820091010 (R4)Stephanie Flanders asks her panel of top business guests about the fine art of salesmanship. Now we can all bypass those eager shop assistants and go online, are salesmen on the way out - or just getting a makeover?

And training on the job - we've all done it, but does formal training pay dividends in the end?

Stephanie is joined by Marko Ilincic, managing director of Lego UK, Michelle Feeney, chief executive of St Tropez and Grant Hearn, chief executive of Travelodge.

Stephanie Flanders asks her panel of business guests about the fine art of salesmanship.

2009101520091017 (R4)Evan Davis presents a special edition of the business magazine from the University of Derby. He asks his panel of guests about the role played by lawyers in business and how we can fill the hole left by financial services in the UK.

Evan is joined by:

Ian Livingstone, life president of Eidos Interactive, the company that produced Lara Croft, one of the best-selling video games of all time

Colin Walton, chairman of Bombardier Transportation, who runs the only train factory left in the UK

David Gold, senior partner at Herbert Smith, one of Britain's leading law firms.

Evan Davis presents a special edition of the programme from the University of Derby.

2009102220091024 (R4)Evan Davis is joined by a panel of top business guests to discuss technology. From electric cars to satellites to jet engines, can it really solve the world's problems? He also asks how long is too long to work for the same company?

Evan is joined by Nani Beccalli-Falco, president of General Electric International, Candace Johnson, serial entrepreneur who co-founded the satellite company SES Global, and John Fleming, chief executive of Ford of Europe.

2009102920091031 (R4)Evan Davis is joined by a panel of top business guests to discuss those silly bits of paper and metal we call money. Surely someone can invent a better way to pay for things? He also asks what companies are doing to look after their low-income consumers.

Evan is joined by Antony Jenkins, chief executive of credit card company Barclaycard, Jim McCarthy, chief executive of the UK chain Poundland, and Chris Dedicoat, European president of Cisco, the world's largest producer of computer network equipment.

Evan Davis and guests discuss those silly bits of paper and metal we call money.

2009110520091107 (R4)Evan Davis is joined by a panel of top business guests to discuss private equity - the investors who have endured boom and bust like no other. He also finds out if English is the only real language of business.

Evan is joined by Keith Clarke, chief executive of Atkins, one of the world's largest civil engineering and design consultancies, Laura Tenison, founder and managing director of Jo-Jo Maman Bebe, a clothing company for babies, toddlers and expectant mothers, and Peter Taylor, managing partner of the private equity firm Duke Street.

Evan Davis presents the business magazine.

2009111220091114 (R4)Evan Davis is joined by a panel of top business guests, including two leading Silicon Valley investors, to discuss one of the most successful business clusters of them all and why it is that businesses tend to bunch up. They also explore the future of television; can it survive the downturn in advertising revenues and competition from the internet?

Evan is joined by Michael Moritz, a partner at Sequoia Capital, Dawn Airey, the chief executive of Channel 5, and Reid Hoffman, co-founder and executive chairman at LinkedIn and partner at venture capital firm Greylock.

Evan Davis and his panel discuss why businesses tend to cluster and the future of TV.

2009111920091121 (R4)Evan Davis is joined by a panel of top business guests to discuss creative accounting; do companies try to make their books look better than they are? And from the featureless to the funky, what is it that makes a productive office workplace?

Evan is joined by Ian Powell, UK chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the world's biggest accountancy firms; Mark Dixon, the chief executive of Regus, a global provider of serviced office space; John Hitchcox, chairman of Yoo, an international design and property development company.

Evan Davis and guests discuss creative accounting and office design.

2010012820100130 (R4)Evan Davis is joined by a panel of top business guests to brainstorm the world economy: where might future growth come from? He also asks if management should be responsible for the health of their employees; is a healthy worker more productive?

Evan is joined by Adrian Fawcett, chief executive of the General Healthcare Group, Hugh Hendry, hedge fund manager and founder of Eclectica Asset Management, and Lucius Cary, the founder and managing director of Oxford Technology Management.

Evan Davis and his guests discuss growth in the world economy and health at work.

2010020420100206 (R4)Evan Davis is joined by a panel of top business guests to discuss how much technical understanding they need of their products, and he asks them to reveal the secrets of a good showroom.

Evan is joined by Lisa King, chief operating officer of Christie's, Dr Markus Miele, managing director of the appliance manufacturer Miele, and Frank Meehan, chief executive of handset manufacturer INQ Mobile.

Evan Davis and his guests discuss technical expertise and the art of the showroom.

2010021120100213 (R4)Evan Davis is joined by a panel of top executives from the world of public relations to discuss exactly what it is that they do. He also finds out what advice they would give to companies in crisis; what should they say when it all goes wrong?

Evan is joined by chairman of Chime Communications Lord Bell, chief executive of Editorial Intelligence Julia Hobsbawm and chief executive of Edelman UK Robert Phillips.

Evan Davis and his panel discuss public relations and crisis management.

2010021820100220 (R4)Evan Davis asks his panel of top business guests whether it's luck that got them to the top, talent or sheer hard graft. They also talk about design: what matters most, form or function?

Evan is joined by Geoff Quinn, chief executive of shirt, tie and suit-makers TM Lewin, the interior designer Kelly Hoppen, who has created homes for celebrity clients including the Beckhams and Elton John, and James Hussey, chief executive of De la Rue, the company that makes bank notes and passports.

Evan Davis and his guests discuss design and how important luck has been to their careers.

2010022520100227 (R4)Evan Davis asks his panel of top business guests where they draw the line when it comes to outsourcing. They also discuss the future of publishing.

Evan is joined by Ronan Dunne, chief executive of mobile phone company O2 UK; Stevie Spring, chief executive of magazine publisher Future Plc; and Ananda Mukerji, chief executive of outsourcing company Firstsource.

Evan Davis and his panel discuss outsourcing and the future of publishing.

2010030420100306 (R4)Evan Davis asks his panel of top business guests whether the pace of business life has sped up. They also discuss the power of advertising; is it true that the more you spend the more you get?

Evan is joined by the chief executive of WPP Sir Martin Sorrell, chairman of Interbrand Rita Clifton and managing partner of private equity firm ISIS Wol Kolade.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the power of advertising and the pace of business life.

2010031120100313 (R4)Evan Davis is joined by a panel of top executives from the travel industry to discuss how they go about making cuts in difficult times and dealing with nightmare customers.

Evan is joined by Mike Rutter, chief commercial officer of the airline Flybe, Nicola Shaw, managing director of the bus division of FirstGroup, and Michel Taride, president of Hertz International.

Evan Davis and his panel discuss making cuts and nightmare customers.

2010031820100320 (R4)Evan Davis is joined by a panel of top executives from the worlds of house building, drinking and gambling to find out what they think of their rivals. They also talk about annoying regulations: what would they change if they had the chance?

Evan is joined by Pete Redfern, chief executive of the house builders Taylor Wimpey, Andrew Morgan, president of drinks manufacturer Diageo Europe, and Mark Davies, group director of the betting exchange Betfair.

Evan Davis and his panel disccuss rivals and regulation.

2010032520100327 (R4)Evan Davis is joined by a panel of top executives from Nintendo, MTV and Thomson Reuters to find out what challenges they face in the digital age. They also discuss how they manage their star performers.

Evan is joined by chief executive of Thomson ReutersTom Glocer, general manager of Nintendo UK David Yarnton, and David Lynn, managing director of MTV Networks, UK and Ireland.

Evan Davis and his panel discuss the digital age and managing star performers.

20100527The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan Davis is joined by a panel of top executives to discuss the current economic climate. As the crisis in the Eurozone adds to economic uncertainty around the world, how are companies planning for the short- and long-term? And as actions by governments begin to take effect, Evan finds out how political risk gets factored into business decisions. The panel also talks about Google's '20 percent' policy, under which the company's engineers are given a fifth of their time to work on their own projects - and about how to make the most of downtime.

In the studio with Evan are Matt Brittin, Managing Director of Google UK, Thomas Flohr, the founder and chairman of VistaJet, and Irwin Lee, Managing Director of Procter & Gamble, UK and Ireland.

Evan Davis and his panel discuss the economic climate and making the most of downtime.

20100529The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan Davis is joined by a panel of top executives to discuss the current economic climate. As the crisis in the Eurozone adds to economic uncertainty around the world, how are companies planning for the short- and long-term? And as actions by governments begin to take effect, Evan finds out how political risk gets factored into business decisions. The panel also talks about Google's '20 percent' policy, under which the company's engineers are given a fifth of their time to work on their own projects - and about how to make the most of downtime.

In the studio with Evan are Matt Brittin, Managing Director of Google UK, Thomas Flohr, the founder and chairman of VistaJet, and Irwin Lee, Managing Director of Procter & Gamble, UK and Ireland.

Evan Davis and his panel discuss the economic climate and making the most of downtime.

2010060320100605 (R4)Evan Davis is joined by three top executives from a broadcaster, an industry group, and a circus company. Lobbying is the first item on the agenda, and the guests give their views on how loud business should shout, both in the media and when trying to influence government. Is the popular portrayal of lobbying as a somewhat shady occupation close to the truth - and how much time and effort do the guests devote to trying to capture the attention of politicians and civil servants?

They also discuss the phrase 'new and improved'. It's a much used label, but Evan finds out how the guests develop new products, how they improve their existing lines, and whether they resist the temptation to hype up their next big thing.

Evan's guests are Daniel Lamarre, president and chief executive of Cirque du Soleil; Helen Alexander, president of the CBI; and Jeremy Darroch, chief executive of BskyB.

Evan Davis and his panel discuss lobbying and 'new and improved' products.

2010061020100612 (R4)Three top executives join Stephanie Flanders in the studio to talk about playing the long game and scouting for talent.

Nearly all business gurus recommend thinking in strategic terms rather than concentrating on short-term gains. But is this really possible in today's business environment, where a constant flow of news affects markets every second of every day? Stephanie finds out how the bosses on the panel keep their eyes on the long game. How much will they give up today to reap rewards down the line?

Also on the programme, scouting for talent. In the sporting world it's easy, because managers can watch players perform on the pitch - but businesses have it a bit tougher. The panel talks about what they look for in new talent, how they find tomorrow's superstars, and how quick it takes them to form an opinion on a candidate.

Stephanie's guests are Jayne-Anne Gadhia, chief executive of Virgin Money; Peter Hambro, chairman of Petropavlovsk; and Ellis Rich, chief executive of Independent Music Group and chairman of the Performing Rights Society.

Stephanie Flanders talks to her guests about the long game and talent scouting.

2010061720100619 (R4)Evan Davis is joined in the studio by three top guests to talk about organic growth and information technology disasters.

Business owners have two main ways to make their companies bigger. One way is to expand incrementally, bit by bit, over time. The other, much faster, way is to buy up your competitors. In this edition of the programme, the panel weighs up the merits of organic growth versus growing by acquisition. When does it make sense to go slow and steady, and when do bosses decide to go on a buying spree to expand?

Also up for debate, IT disasters. We have become so reliant on information technology that it causes serious problems when, for whatever reason, the computers cease to work. Our guests tell their horror stories and offer some solutions for tackling IT projects.

Evan's guests are Luke Johnson, chairman of Risk Capital Partners; Vincent de Rivaz, chief executive of EDF Energy; and Jacqueline de Rojas, UK and Ireland vice president of McAfee.

Evan Davis talks to his business guests about organic growth and technology disasters.

2010062420100626 (R4)Evan Davis is joined in the studio by three top business guests to talk about property management and trends in the leisure industry.

Some say that when a company invests in a flashy new headquarters, it's good time to sell your shares in it. The theory goes that splashing out on a new building means a firm is at the peak of its overconfidence and its downfall is imminent. In this edition of the programme, Evan finds out what drives decisions about property management. When is it better to lease, and when is it better to buy - and which tasks do our guests choose to outsource?

The panel also discusses leisure. It may seem like we're working harder than ever, but the statistics say we're not - the average UK employee works an hour less a week than they did 10 years ago. So why do so many people think they are strapped for time - and how does this affect what we do when we're not at work? Evan and his guests look at the different ways we're using our free time.

Evan's guests are Manny Fontenla-Novoa, chief executive of Thomas Cook Group; PY Gerbeau, chief executive of X-Leisure; and Ruby McGregor-Smith, chief executive of MITIE.

Evan Davis and the panel discuss property management and the leisure industry.

2010070120100703 (R4)In a special programme recorded at the Design Museum in London, Evan Davis and his panel of top business guests discuss economic recovery in Britain and design.

There's been a lot of debate about what we need to do right now to get out of the economic doldrums. But in this edition we'd like to take a longer-term view - what competitive advantage does the UK have on the global economic stage, and what will the mix look like in ten years or more? Evan discusses manufacturing, financial services and the creative sector with the panel.

Also on the agenda, design. Many people are familiar with the two aspects of good design - form and function. Both are undoubtedly important - but can we go further than considering only what a product looks like, and how it works? We'll scratch the surface and find out what makes good design - and bad design as well.

Evan's guests are pottery and tableware designer Emma Bridgewater; John Hitchcox, chairman of property developers Yoo; and Brent Hoberman, executive chairman of mydeco.com.

A special discussion on economic recovery and design, recorded at London's Design Museum.

2010070820100710 (R4)Evan Davis is joined in the studio by top business guests to discuss the fear of technology and the difficulties of working with people you don't like.

When we constantly hear about revolutionising effect of technology on the business world, it's easy to forget that many people are suspicious of new innovations. Technophobia may stem from legitimate concerns, and it can hit companies working in the high-tech sphere, especially when communication doesn't keep pace with invention. The panel discusses fear of genetically modified crops, internet security and more.

Also on the programme: working with people you don't like. They are the tricky ones, those with tough personalities and idiosyncratic habits. We hear how the bosses on our panel have dealt with difficult characters throughout their careers and how they manage these types today.

Evan's guests are John Atkin, chief operating officer of Syngenta; Eric Grosse, president of Expedia Worldwide; and John McLaren, chairman of Barchester Group.

Evan and the panel discuss fear of technology and working with people you don't like.

2010071520100717 (R4)Evan Davis talks to some of the biggest names about the biggest issues in business.
2010092320100925 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan Davis is joined by a panel of chief executives to discuss the US economy. There was concern over the summer that the world's economic powerhouse could be about to enter a double-dip recession, dragging rest of the world down with it. Those fears might may have now subsided, so how is the US economy actually faring? And can the rest of the world thrive without a booming America? The panel also discusses sponsorship - how companies decide which events to back, and how much to spend.

Evan is joined in the studio by Nani Beccalli-Falco, President and Chief Executive of GE International; Trevor Matthews, Chief Executive of Friends Provident; Mike Lynch, founder and Chief Executive of Autonomy.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the importance of the US economy and corporate sponsorship.

2010093020101002 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan and a panel of guests from the worlds of civil engineering, hedge funds and investment discuss the art of staying ahead of the competition.

The ruthless former chief executive of General Electric, Jack Welch, often held up as a model of business leadership, pursued a strategy to establish each of GE's businesses as either number one or number two in the market. Without this approach, he believed the company's prospects would be bleak. Some companies will do anything to be big, even if it means cutting prices and making less money. Other businesses are happy to be smaller and more profitable. Which strategy wins?

The panel also discusses corporate claptrap. Silly jargon, faddish ideas and vacuous concepts - why is the business world so keen on nonsense?

Evan is joined in the studio by Deborah Meaden, entrepreneur and business investor; Keith Clarke, chief executive of FTSE 250 civil engineering and design consultancy Atkins; Hugh Hendry, hedge fund manager and co-founder of Eclectica Asset Management.

Evan Davis and guests discuss staying ahead of the competition and business gibberish.

2010100720101009 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan and a panel of guests from the worlds of advertising, branding and lifestyle management discuss viral videos, social networking and some of the other methods companies now employ to reach out to their customers.

The panel also discusses positive thinking. Is better to be optimistic in business, or realistic?

Evan is joined in the studio by Alex Cheatle, chief executive of the lifestyle management company Ten Group; Jasmine Montgomery, co-founder of branding consultancy Seven Brands; Robin Wight, president of communications group Engine.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Evan Davis and guests discuss new forms of marketing and the role of optimism in business.

2010101420101016 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan and a panel of guests from the worlds of electronic components, online groceries and information technology discuss the exacting science of business logistics.

The panel also discusses customer service. Just how high should a company aim in trying to satisfy its consumers?

Evan is joined in the studio by Tim Steiner, co-founder and chief executive of online supermarket Ocado; Nick Wilson, managing director of Hewlett-Packard UK; Ian Mason, chief executive of electronic components company Electrocomponents.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the science of business logistics and customer service.

2010102120101023 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan and a panel of guests from the worlds of farming, packaging and investment discuss the importance of raw materials - and how the price of commodities affects their companies.

The panel also discusses emotion. Evan asks his guests how 'touchy feely' they are, as they consider whether business is a place for emotion and sentimentality.

Evan is joined in the studio by William Chase, farmer and entrepreneur; Miles Roberts, chief executive of FTSE250 packaging company DS Smith; Colin Melvin, chief executive of Hermes Equity Ownership Services.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the business of raw materials and emotion in the workplace.

2010102820101030 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan and a panel of guests from the worlds of spirits, security and digital publishing discuss the special relationship between the two people at the top of a company: the chairman and chief executive. Is it a recipe for tension, or a sensible balancing of responsibilities?

The panel also discusses the merits of youth versus experience in the workplace. What qualities do young people bring to a business compared with their older colleagues - or is there no difference?

Evan is joined in the studio by S退amus McBride, President and Chief Executive of spirits company Bacardi Ltd; Nick Buckles, Chief Executive of security company G4S; Anthony Habgood, Chairman of digital publisher Reed Elsevier and the hotel, coffee shop and restaurant company Whitbread.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the relationship of company chairman and chief executive.

2010110420101106 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan and a panel of top guests from the worlds of online retail, investment and utilities examine how young upstart companies can outsmart their well-established incumbent opponents, and how those opponents can defend themselves.

The panel also discusses company names. What makes a good one? And why the business obsession with changing them?

Evan is joined in the studio by Katherine Garrett-Cox, Chief Executive of Alliance Trust, an investment trust; Brent Hoberman, serial internet entrepreneur and founder of web-based furniture company made.com; Phil Bentley, Managing Director of utility company British Gas.

Evan Davis and guests discuss upstart companies versus incumbents, and company names.

2010111120101113 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

In the week that former BP boss Tony Hayward admitted the company had been unprepared for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in April, Evan and his panel of top business executives consider how companies plan for unexpected events. How prepared actually are they for a crisis or a disaster?

And dressing up, dressing down, power dressing, smart casual - they also discuss what to wear at work.

Evan is joined in the studio by Neil Gaydon, chief executive of set-top box maker Pace; Sara Weller, managing director of retail chain Argos; Richard Reed, co-founder of Innocent Drinks.

Evan Davis and guests discuss how companies plan for the unexpected, and dress codes.

2010111820101120 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

In the week that Facebook launched its own new messaging service, Evan and his panel of top business guests discuss the role of email at work, amid the many different ways of messaging and communicating.

And location, location, location. It's a cliche that location can make or break a business, but how true is it really? And what are the advantages of being next door to the competition?

Evan is joined in the studio by Chris Grigg, chief executive of property company British Land; Andrew Horton, chief executive of insurance company Beazley; Raghav Bahl, founder of Indian television news group Network 18.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Last in the series. The Bottom Line returns in January 2011.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the importance of location, and the role of email at work.

2011012720110129 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan consults the oracle by asking his panel of top executives to fast-forward five years and forecast how they see the economic landscape in 2016. They discuss raw materials and inflation, and debate who will look stronger - will it be China or India?

The panel also discusses the value of networking - both real and virtual - for your business and your career.

Evan is joined in the studio by Andy Street, managing director of high street retail chain John Lewis; Nicola Horlick, founder of Bramdean Asset Management; Simon Woodroffe, entrepreneur and founder of YO! Company.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Evan Davis and guests give their forecasts for 2016 and discuss the value of networking.

2011020320110205 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

This week, Evan asks his panel of top business executives how they manage to adapt their companies and remain relevant in the modern world. What do you do when technology changes, or fashions move against you? What are the challenges of rejuvenating and transforming a mature business to keep ahead of the curve?

The panel also discusses which laws get in the way of running a business smoothly and reveal which ones they would most like to scrap.

Evan is joined in the studio by Anne Murphy, UK managing director of frozen foods company Birds Eye; Norbert Teufelberger, chief executive of online gaming firm Bwin; Efrat Peled, chief executive of the fund Arison Investments.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Evan Davis and guests discuss moving with the times and the laws they'd like to scrap.

2011021020110212 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented this week by Stephanie Flanders, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

This week, Stephanie and her panel of top executives discuss the impact of political instability on the way they do business.

They also talk about their employees - many chief executives will say their workers are the company's 'most valuable asset', but is it really true?

Stephanie is joined in the studio by Tim Watkins, vice president of the western arm of Chinese telecommunications company Huawei; Richard Fenning, chief executive of global security consultancy Control Risks; Vineet Nayar, chief executive of Indian IT services company HCL Technologies.

Producer: Caroline Bayley.

Stephanie Flanders and guests discuss political instability and how they value employees.

20110219The view from the top of business. Presented this week by Stephanie Flanders, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

This week, Stephanie and her panel of top executives discuss hyperconnectivity - the idea that there are more devices in use around the world than there are people actually using them. How do the panel cope with the sheer mass of incoming information, and devices to carry it? Does more technology mean better communication, or just less time to think?

They also talk about the role of intuition in making important decisions. Is there still room in modern business for the good old-fashioned hunch, or do decisions these days always need to be backed up by solid analysis?

Stephanie is joined in the studio by Dominic Taylor, chief executive of payment services company PayPoint; Rita Clifton, chairman of branding consultancy Interbrand; Sir Michael Rake, chairman of telecoms company BT Group.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Stephanie Flanders and guests discuss hyperconnectivity and intuition in decision-making.

2012032220120324 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Evan's executive panel talk about decision making using examples from their professional life. A chance to see what their jobs consist of and a chance too to think about how we all make choices, for better or worse. They also swap thoughts on stress - their own and that of their employees.

Joining Evan are Sir Martin Sorrell, chief executive of advertising and media company WPP; David Jones, global chief executive of France-based advertising group Havas; Nicola Horlick, chairman of investment fund Rockpool Investments.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Richard Vadon.

Evan Davis and guests swap thoughts on making everyday executive decisions and stress.

2012053120120602 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

As the mood on Europe swings from doom to gloom, Evan Davis asks his executive guests about the outlook for the Euro. What will it take to save the single currency? And what are the prospects for business more generally in 2012?

Joining Evan in the studio are Warren East, chief executive of FTSE 100 microchip designer ARM Holdings plc; Dr Carol Bell, energy industry executive with particular expertise in investment and financing in the oil and gas sector and a board member of three energy companies, including Salamander Energy plc; Michael Morley, chief executive of private bank Coutts.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis and guests swap thoughts on the risks and opportunities in the global economy.

2012060720120609 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Evan Davis and his executive panel discuss different types of employment contracts and how far should employers go in checking on their employees' behaviour?

Joining Evan in the studio are Eric Born, Swiss CEO of logistics and transport company, Wincanton, Nick Buckles, CEO of security giant G4S and Jason Iftakhar, co-founder of Salford based company, Swifty Scooters.

Producer: Ben Carter

Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis and guests swap thoughts on employment contracts and monitoring employees.

20120614The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Evan Davis asks his executive guests about instant gratification. Much of our economy is devoted to providing instant pleasure to consumers, rather than long-term satisfaction. But how far should companies restrain themselves when they do so? They also examine the psychology of competition in business - how focussed are companies on their rivals?

Joining Evan in the studio are Richard Evans, President PepsiCo UK and Ireland; Rita Clifton, chairman of branding consultancy Interbrand; Nathalie Gaveau, founder and chief executive of social shopping application Shopcade.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis and guests discuss temptation marketing and the psychology of competition.

2012062820120630 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Evan and his executive guests consider how well the market works at allocating investment capital to the right businesses. Do deserving companies get enough, do the undeserving get more than they should?

Joining Evan in the studio are Terry Smith, chief executive of stockbrokers Tullett Prebon; Israeli serial entrepreneur and investor Yossi Vardi; Ken Olisa, chairman of boutique technology merchant bank Restoration Partners.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis and guests debate whether the market allocates capital to the right companies.

2012070520120707 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Evan and his executive guests discuss the evolution and hierarchy of brands. Who has the upper hand in the many battles being fought between big consumer brands and shops' own-labels? They also consider consumer tastes - do their own customers have good taste, or do they just buy what they're given?

Joining Evan in the studio are Justin King, chief executive of supermarket chain Sainsbury's; Cecile Bonnefond, chief executive of French champagne house Piper-Heidsieck; Geoff Cooper, chief executive of builders merchant Travis Perkins.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the evolution and hierarchy of brands, and consumer taste.

2012071220120714 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Evan and his executive panel discuss the business of building and running infrastructure - how good is the UK at developing and delivering it? They also swap thoughts on the pros and cons of media training.

Joining Evan in the studio are Steve Holliday, chief executive of international electricity and gas company National Grid plc; Nicola Shaw, chief executive of High Speed One, the Channel Tunnel high-speed rail line; Philip Dilley, chairman of global design, engineering and consulting company Arup Group.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the business of infrastructure and media training.

2012092020120922 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

The mere mention of the word 'Europe' in the media these days conjures up images of economic crisis - riots, bailouts, 12-figure debts, emergency summits. And yet the European Union remains the world's largest economy, its GDP some 10 per cent larger than that of the US. So is the idea that Europe is in terminal decline exaggerated? Evan asks his guests if Europe's current woes are just bumps on the road towards greater prosperity.

And on a lighter note - silos, those invisible barriers which often develop inside organisations. Conventional wisdom says that they inhibit communication and can lead to dysfunctional, isolated units. Evan's guests debate whether they're such a bad thing after all.

In the studio are Rachel Lomax, former Deputy Governor of the Bank of England and non-executive director of several companies including HSBC and BAA; Moray MacLennan, Chief Executive of advertising agency M&C Saatchi Worldwide; Phil Bentley, Managing Director of British Gas.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Innes Bowen.

Evan Davis and guests consider whether talk of the decline of Europe is exaggerated.

2013032120130323 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

It's said that the best way to make a small fortune in the wine business is to start with a large one. Evan Davis and his guests explore just how profitable selling crushed grapes really is. How do they convince consumers they are offering quality and value?

Joining Evan in the studio are Graham Sumeray, CEO Fine + Rare; Dan Jago, Category Director (Beers, Wines and Spirits) at Tesco's; Alok Mathur, co-founder and director Soul Tree Wines.

Editor: Innes Bowen.

Evan Davis and guests explore the challenges and pitfalls of the wine trade.

2016111720161119 (R4)If the word auction conjures up pictures of a man with a gavel in a packed room shouting 'going, going, gone' - think again. These days governments and businesses rely on complicated online auctions to buy and sell. Auctions are also the preferred mechanism for the allocation of radio spectrum licences to mobile phone companies and the selling of mineral rights. Auctions come in a huge variety of forms, and the precise design can have a dramatic effect on the outcomes. Do you know a sealed bid from a 'combinatorial clock' auction? Evan Davis and guests discuss the business of auctions.

Guests include:

Dan Maldoom, DotEcon

Samantha Collett property developer

Stephen Lerner, 3 UK

Producer: Lesley McAlpine.

From eBay to multi-million dollar deals. Evan Davis and guests discuss auctions.

21-06-20122012062320120621 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Evan Davis asks his executive guests how they spend their time each day. What does the activity of running a company really involve, and what do the guests' diaries tell us about the nature of their jobs? They also swap thoughts on the so-called Shareholder Spring - how investors are rebelling against corporate pay.

Joining Evan in the studio are Jackie Hunt, chief financial officer of insurance giant Standard Life; John Vincent, entrepreneur and co-founder of Leon Restaurants; Harriet Green, outgoing chief executive of Premier Farnell who takes up her new role as chief executive of travel company Thomas Cook in July.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis's guests compare their working days and discuss shareholder discontent.

A New Era For The Housing Market?20221103What will higher interest rates on borrowing money mean for the property market and what happens if house prices fall? Evan Davis discusses mortgages and housing in new economic times.

Guests:

Vanessa McCallum, Owner of Vanessa McCallum Estates

Ray Boulger, Senior Technical Manager at John Charcol Mortgage Brokers

David Miles, Professor of Financial Economics at Imperial College London

Production coordinators: Siobhan Reid and Helena Warwick-Cross

Presenter: Evan Davis

Producers: Louise Byrne, Kirsteen Knight and Nick Holland

Editor: Simon Watts

What will higher interest rates mean for mortgages and house prices? With Evan Davis.

Activist Investors2016102020161022 (R4)Are activist investors good or bad for the firms they target? They hunt down companies they think are underperforming. They buy a stake in the business, then lobby for change. Critics say activists want to make a fast buck and then head for the exit. But you could regard these investors as doing a valuable service - challenging poorly performing company boards and making more profit for shareholders. Top UK names like Rolls Royce and John Menzies have been affected. Explore the world of activist investors with Evan Davis. Joining him will be: activist investor, Harlan Zimmerman, senior partner at Cevian Capital; Chris Walton, a company chairman and non-executive director; and Sacha Sadan, director of corporate governance at Legal and General Investment Management.

Producer: Lesley McAlpine.

Are activist investors good or bad for the firms they target? Evan Davis presents.

Advertising2018071920180721 (R4)The UK has been a global leader in the Advertising Industry since the end of the last century. But like many businesses it's now facing disruption from technology. Pop up banners on the internet and social influencers are cheaper and more immediate. Evan Davis and guests discuss whether a data driven approach to advertising will eventually kill creativity.

Sir John Hegarty, Co-Founder BBH

Rohan Midha, Managing Director, PMYB

Rory Sutherland, Vice-chairman, Ogilvy

Producer: Julie Ball.

Evan Davis and guests discuss whether data is killing creativity.

Agents2017102620171028 (R4)
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This week the programme looks at the business of agents. What exactly do they do and are they adding value to their clients' careers? Evan Davis discusses their role with three agents from the worlds of show business, football and books.

GUESTS

Professor Jonathan Shalit, Chairman, InterTalent Rights Group

Anna Davis, Literary Agent. Founder and Creator of Curtis Brown Creative Writing course. Curtis Brown Group

James Featherstone, Founder and Owner, OmniSports

Producer: Julie Ball.

Evan Davis talks to three agents, in the fields of show business, football and books.

Alcohol-free Drinks2022021720220219 (R4)Like alcohol, but don't want to drink? For the 'sober-curious' consumer there's a range of low-alcohol alternatives on the market from gins and spirits to beers and craft lagers. But are they as good as the real thing? What is the social purpose of these substitute drinks? And why do they tend to have similar prices to their alcoholic rivals - even though they are taxed at a far lower rate? Evan Davis and guests explore the expansion of the low-alcohol market, the rising demand for luxury alcohol alternatives and asks - is this one trend that's here to stay?

Cristina Diezhandino, Chief Marketing Officer, Diageo

Spencer Matthews, Founder, Clean Co

Emily Neill. Chief Operating Officer, IWSR Drinks Market Analysis

Producer: Lucinda Borrell

Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed

Sound: Graham Puddifoot

Editor: Hugh Levinson

Why is the market for low alcohol beers and spirits booming?

Alternative Finance2013021420130216 (R4)
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The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion and spin to present a clearer view of the business world through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. This week, Evan meets three pioneers of alternative finance and asks - can they beat the banks at their own game? Giles Andrews is CEO of Zopa, the peer to peer lending website; Anil Stocker is co-founder of Market Invoice , an online finance provider that allows companies to turn invoices into working capital; and Michael Joseph is director of mobile money at Vodafone and former CEO of the Kenyan mobile phone provider Safaricom, where he launched the revolutionary mobile money transfer service, M-Pesa.

Evan Davis chairs a discussion providing insight into business from the people at the top.

Ambition2011111720111119 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Evan and his panel debate whether now's the time for companies to pursue big, ambitious ideas - or is it a time for more modest aspirations? They also discuss banking with the boss of retail banking at Royal Bank of Scotland, and take stock of the consumer sector in the run-up to Christmas.

Joining Evan in the studio are Brian Hartzer, chief executive of RBS UK Retail, Wealth and Ulster; David Martin, chief executive of transport company Arriva; Nadim Ednan-Laperouse, founder and managing director of WOW toys.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis asks his guests if now is the time for businesses to pursue big, bold ideas.

Angel Investors2015062520150627 (R4)How to spot the next Google, Paypal or LinkedIn? Three successful entrepreneurs tell Evan Davis how they use their own money to back promising start-ups.

Guests:

Sherry Coutu, founder, Cambridge Business Angels

Fiona Cruickshank, founder, Gabriel Investors

Suzanne Biegel, founder, Clearly Social Angels

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Successful entrepreneurs willing to invest their own cash to kick-start new businesses.

Anti-biotic Resistance20190601Antibiotic resistance is a global problem but there have been no new drugs produced since the 1980s. So who is to blame? The public's over-consumption or the current economic model for drug research and production? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Seema Patel, Medical Director, Hospital Business, Pfizer, UK, Ireland and the Nordics

Lord Jim O'Neill, Chair Anti-Microbial Resistance Review (2016), Former Chief Economist, Goldman Sachs

Professor Colin Garner, Co Founder and Director, Antibiotic Research UK

Is economics one of the reasons for the growth in antibiotic resistance? With Evan Davis.

Are Auditors Fit For Purpose?2019022120190223 (R4)What's the point of an audit if it fails to detect when a company's about to go under? The sudden collapse of BHS, Carillion and Patisserie Valerie has dented public confidence in the firms that audited them and prompted calls for a shake-up of the audit industry. Would more competition in the sector, which is dominated by four big players, drive audit quality up? Do accountants need to be more robust in challenging company figures?

Joining Evan Davis for The Bottom Line:

Bill Michael, UK Chairman and Senior Partner at KPMG.

Jac Berry, Audit Partner and UK Head of Quality at Mazars

and Christopher Humphrey, Professor of Accounting at the Alliance Manchester Business School

In the wake of accounting scandals, does the audit business need to be overhauled?

Are Supermarkets Profiteering?2023060820230612 (R4)Grocery stores are under pressure - with food inflation still near record highs, some have accused them of profiteering and the UK's competition watchdog is investigating.

So what's the evidence, if any, that supermarkets and other smaller stores are taking advantage of consumers, and what is a reasonable profit margin in this industry anyway? Food suppliers, large and small, also have a role to play here - we look at how their margins impact prices.

And, with government ministers vowing to curb food price inflation, we ask whether a cap on the cost of some products would help.

Evan Davis is joined by guests from across the industry to try to get a clearer picture of the UK's food supply chain, and ask how fair it is on customers.

Produced in Partnership with The Open University.

Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, founder of The Black Farmer

Teresa Wickham, retail analyst, fruit grower, and former advisor to Sainsbury's and director at Safeway

Chris Noice, communications director, Association of Convenience Stores

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer: Simon Tulett

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Graham Puddifoot and Neil Churchill

Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown

Food price inflation is near record highs, but are prices higher than they need to be?

Art And The Business Of Taste2015100120151003 (R4)How do you value something like a painting? What makes one artist worth more than another? Who decides what is in vogue and why do they have so much power in the art world? Evan Davis presents a discussion on taste and value in the art world with a panel including the British artist Grayson Perry.

Guests:

Grayson Perry - Artist

Valeria Napoleone - Collector and Patron

Ralph Taylor - Director, UK Board Contemporary Art, Bonhams.

Who decides what art is worth? Evan Davis talks to a panel including artist Grayson Perry.

Automotive2012020220120204 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Evan and his panel talk cars. What road is the automotive industry on? Just where is it headed? They also consider whether it's best to be a wage slave, with a regular salary, or to take a share of the profits of a business.

Joining Evan in the studio are Ken Keir, Vice President of Honda Motors Europe; Nikki King, Managing Director of Isuzu Truck UK; Wol Kolade, Managing Partner of venture capital firm Isis Equity Partners.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the automotive industry and the pros and cons of a salary.

Back To The Office2023092820231002 (R4)Many employers say they are desperate to get staff back into the office more often, but what's the best and fairest way to wean employees off remote working?

As companies from tech to banking grapple with this issue, Evan Davis and guests discuss the productivity pros and cons, the impact on company culture and career progression, and the future of the office space itself.

With many staff reluctant to give up the flexibility of remote working, is a hybrid model the answer to keeping them happy and how many office days each week should you go for? Plus, where do employees stand legally on return to the office requests, and what happens when workers simply refuse to comply?

Evan is joined by:

Kelly Beaver, CEO of Ipsos in the UK and Ireland;

Stephen White, Chief Operating Officer of Santander UK;

Ranjit Dhindsa, head of employment at Fieldfisher;

and Nicholas Bloom, professor of economics, Stanford University.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producer: Simon Tulett

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Rod Farquhar

Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman

(Picture: A businessman staring out of the window of an empty conference room. Credit: Chris Ryan/Getty Images)

Companies are desperate to get staff back in more often but some face an uphill challenge

Batteries2017100520171007 (R4)Is battery technology the key to decarbonising energy and reinventing transport? If so, can the current technology, Lithium-Ion batteries, evolve quickly enough to meet growing demand. If capacity is the problem, is Lithium-ion the answer and what are the alternatives? Can we expect to fly in battery powered aeroplanes in the near future?

Join Evan Davis and his guests as they discuss the future of the power of batteries.

Huw Hampson-Jones, CEO Oxis Energy

Cyrille Brisson, Vice-President, Eaton

Chris Morrison, Head of Peaking Plant, Centrica.

Is battery technology the key to a sustainable and emission free world? Evan Davis chairs.

Behavioural Science In The Workplace2019021420190216 (R4)Understanding how humans think and what makes them tick can be enormously helpful if you're running a company. Luckily behavioural science is on hand to do just that. How far can its use improve decision making in businesses?

Joining Evan Davis are:

Octavius Black, CEO and Co-founder of MindGym

David Halpern, CEO, The Behavioural Insights Team

Kim Atherton, Chief People Officer, Ovo Energy and CEO and Founder of Just3Things

Can behavioural science make us more productive and improve the workplace?

Big Data2013100320131005 (R4)Big data has become big business as improvements in computer memory storage have made it possible to keep and analyse digital data on a scale previously unknown. Evan Davis and guests discuss how the ability to store information about us has created new industries and transformed others.

Presenter: Evan Davis

Guests: Dave Coplin, Chief Envisioning Officer and Director of Search, Microsoft UK; Konrad Feldman, CEO Quantcast; Lawrence Jones, Founder UK Fast.

The money-making world of big data is discussed by Evan Davis and guests.

Big Egos2012020920120211 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Prompted by a comment from a guest in last week's programme that Facebook could never have been created in the UK, Evan and his panel swap thoughts on why the US does so well when it comes to startups compared to Europe. They also discuss whether a big ego helps you get on in business, or gets in the way.

Joining Evan in the studio are Anita Frew, chairman of plastics company Victrex; entrepreneur and investor Richard Farleigh; Michael Spencer, founder and chief executive of money broker ICAP.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis and guests swap thoughts on start-ups and big egos.

Billionaires2021032520210327 (R4)When you have billions it's impossible to spend it all on yourself and your family. So what else do you do? Join the space race like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos or start a foundation like Bill Gates and follow in the footsteps of the massively wealthy industrialists of the Gilded Age, like Andrew Carnegie or John D Rockefeller?

What do they tell us about our world is changing for better or worse.

GUESTS

Dr. Katharina Rietzler, Lecturer, American History, University of Sussex

Paul Vallely, Author, 'Philanthropy: From Aristotle to Zuckerberg

Manfred Kets de Vries, Distinguished Clinical Professor of Leadership Development and Organizational Change, INSEAD

Abigail Disney, Co-founder Fork Films and host of All Ears podcast

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: Hugh Levinson

Should we be relying on tech billionaires to lead the way where governments leave a gap?

Bitcoin2014060520140607 (R4)The new economy based on bitcoins, the computer-generated crypto-currency, is the subject for discussion. What can you buy with them and as the market fluctuates wildly, can investors hold their nerve? The programme will look at how the bitcoin craze began and whether the world really does need another currency. Evan Davis's guests are from new companies hoping to cash in - one trades bitcoins, another stores them and the third enables you to spend them online.

Contributors :

Marc Warne, Bittylicious

Nicolas Cary, Blockchain

Moe Levin, Bitpay

Producer : Rosamund Jones.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the bitcoin economy, its strengths and pitfalls.

Blockbuster Drugs2023110920231113 (R4)New medicines with sales in the billions of dollars each year are what every pharmaceutical company dreams of, but how do you create one and can they really justify their often high price tags?

Evan Davis and guests discuss the changing origins of so-called 'blockbusters' and their importance to the global drug industry, including recent examples like the obesity and diabetes treatments Wegovy and Ozempic, which have made Novo Nordisk one of the richest companies in Europe.

Plus, as outright cures for some diseases begin to emerge, how can the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare systems agree on what is a reasonable price to pay for them?

Evan is joined by:

Sir Patrick Vallance, former president of research and development at GSK, chief scientific advisor to the UK government, now chair of the Natural History Museum;

Ruth McKernan, venture partner at SV Health Investors;

David Brown, chairman and co-founder of Healx and co-creator of Viagra;

Natasha Loder, health editor, The Economist.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producer: Simon Tulett

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Graham Puddifoot

Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman

(Picture: Rolls of dollar bills next to a bottle of pills. Credit: Getty Images)

How to come up with a billion-dollar medicine, and who pays for it.

How to come up with a billion-dollar medicine, and who pays for it - Evan Davis and guests discuss the science, serendipity and price tags of major pharmaceutical products.

Evan Davis hosts the business conversation show with insights from the people at the top.

Boardroom Battles2012100420121006 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Stephanie Flanders, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Stephanie's guests reveal the secrets of the boardroom and offer their tips for mastering boardroom politics - from hidden agendas and clashing egos, to a simple failure to agree.

They also swap thoughts on the risks and rewards of running large incumbent companies as opposed to smaller startups.

In the studio are Stuart Fletcher, Chief Executive of private healthcare company Bupa; Eileen Gittins, founder and Chief Executive of creative self-publishing platform Blurb; Ken Olisa, chairman of boutique technology merchant bank Restoration Partners.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Innes Bowen.

Stephanie Flanders and panel discuss boardroom politics and big companies versus start-ups

Bolton Business2020102920201031 (R4)How has the pandemic affected commerce in one English town? Bolton's economy has been struck particularly hard by this pandemic. Not only was it subjected to the national lockdown, but it subsequently became a hotspot, under even tighter restrictions. With a town centre that was already in decline, how has this crisis affected local businesses and what does the future hold for the town? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Jonathan Warburton, Chairman, Warburtons

Joseph Carr, Managing Director, Carrs Pasties

Martyn Cox, Deputy Leader, Bolton Council

Reporter: Matthew Bone

Producer: Julie Ball

Bonuses And Incentives2020031920200321 (R4)Is a large bonus the best way to incentivise staff? Evan Davis and guests discuss.
Books2013020720130209 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Like the music industry before it, the print book industry has been turned upside down up by the digital revolution. As sales of ebooks continue to grow, bookshop sales are down from a peak in 2007. So what does the future for hold for the bricks and mortar bookstore? Will physical books become a thing of the past? And what role will traditional players like publishers, agents and retailers play in this brave new world? Evan Davis and guests examine what the landscape might look like once the dust settles.

Joining Evan in the studio are Jonny Geller, literary agent and joint CEO Curtis Brown; Victoria Barnsley, CEO of publisher HarperCollins UK & International; Michael Tamblyn, Chief Content Officer at Toronto-based ebook retailer Kobo.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Innes Bowen.

Evan Davis and guests explore the impact of the digital revolution on the book industry.

Brave Or Naive?2016071420160716 (R4)Is escaping the rat race always a good idea? Many people dream of giving up the day job to start their own business - and we often hear about the success stories. But does everyone have what it takes? Evan Davis and guests compare the dream and the reality.

GUESTS:

Luke Johnson, Entrepreneur and Founder of Risk Capital Partners

Paula Fry, former Director, Fashion Seeker UK

Sarah Meredith, Sole Trader, Rock Cakes

Deirdre Critchley, former Director, Jammy Cow

Producer: Elizabeth Cassin.

Lessons learned from pursuing the entrepreneurial dream, presented by Evan Davis.

Breaking The Mould20151112Rewriting the rules: what does it take to be a non-conformist? Evan Davis is joined by a banker, a brewer and a tech entrepreneur as they discuss how success can mean challenging the orthodox way of doing things.

Guests:

James Watt - Founder, Brewdog Ltd

Sarah Wood - Co-founder, Unruly Media

Anders Bouvin, CEO, Handelsbanken UK.

Rewriting the rules: Evan Davis and guests discuss what it takes to break the mould.

Brexit: What Next?2016100620161008 (R4)How do you do business when you can't see into the future? This may be what businesses always have to do, but Brexit has undeniably made the future even harder to discern than usual. When will it happen, what relationship with Europe will follow, and how will the rest of the world react?

For now we don't know, but the answers to those questions will affect every business in Britain.

So how are companies planning for an uncertain future while at the same time trying to ensure that whichever model of Brexit emerges is one that suits their needs.

Joining Evan Davis are:

Karen Briggs: Head of Brexit - KPMG

Gerald Mason: SVP - Tate & Lyle Sugars

Gavin Williams: Partner - Herbert Smith Freehills

Producer: Joe Kent.

Evan Davis and guests discuss doing business in times of uncertainty.

Bringing Your 'whole Self' To Work2024011820240122 (R4)It's become the mantra of many employers, and the expectation of some employees, but what does bringing your whole or authentic self to work actually mean, and should companies encourage it?

Evan Davis and guests discuss the pros and cons of a workplace culture in which staff share their personal beliefs, politics and vulnerabilities with colleagues. What impact does it have on employee satisfaction and business productivity? And, at a time of great political and cultural polarisation, how do you prevent the ‘whole self' ethos stirring up trouble?

Evan is joined by:

Nana Berchie, global people director for diversity, belonging and human rights, Arcadis;

Octavius Black, founder and CEO, The Mind Gym;

Kate Palmer, employment services director, Peninsula UK;

Sophia Luu, freelance design researcher and founder of Secrets Worth Sharing.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producer: Simon Tulett

Editor: Matt Willis

Sound: Rod Farquhar

Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman

The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University.

(Picture: A woman hiding behind her laptop. Credit: Getty Images)

Should we share our personal politics, beliefs and vulnerabilities with colleagues?

Evan Davis hosts the business conversation show with insights from the people at the top.

Does sharing your personal politics, beliefs and vulnerabilities create a happier, more inclusive workplace, or is it a recipe for conflict? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Find out what can help to build sustainable organisations for better business.

Britain's Nuclear Future20170330Britain's multi-billion pound nuclear dream. EDF is building the country's first new nuclear power station in decades at Hinkley Point C in Somerset. But that's just the start. Two other companies also have dreams of bringing nuclear to sites in Cumbria and on Anglesey. But the financing and logistics of these projects are tough. Power stations cost billions to build and investors won't see returns for more than five years. Critics of the nuclear option argue that renewables - wind and solar power - would be a better option to generate electricity. Just what are the options and the costs involved? Three nuclear rivals join Evan Davis.

Guests:

Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, managing director, nuclear new build, EDF Energy UK

Duncan Hawthorne, chief executive, Horizon Nuclear Power

Tom Samson, chief executive, NuGeneration Nuclear Power

Dame Sue Ion, chair of the Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board.

Britain's multi-billion pound nuclear dream. Three nuclear rivals join Evan Davis.

Burger Battles2015070220150704 (R4)The British love fast food. Each year we munch our way through thirty billion pounds worth. On The Bottom Line this week Evan Davis and guests discuss the burgeoning burger market. There are new challengers to the traditional big boys, like Five Guys, who claim to offer better quality burgers and a 'casual dining experience.' Whilst one old famous brand from the 1970s, Wimpy, is attempting to make a come-back with re-branded restaurants and menu. But what's the recipe for success in this already over-crowded market?

Guests: John Eckbert, Managing Director of Five Guys;

Bruce Layzell, Managing Executive of International Markets at Famous Brands (the South African company who own Wimpy and Steers)

And Martin Breeden, Regional Director of Intu, who own some of Britain's biggest shopping centres.

Producer: Jim Frank.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the changing face of the British fast-food market.

Business And Energy2022032420220326 (R4)How will soaring energy costs affect UK corporations? Prices are spiking, not least because of the war in Ukraine. Energy is essential for everything from heating offices to transportation to manufacturing, so what happens when it just becomes too expensive? Evan Davis and guests discuss the current energy crisis and ask how long is it likely to last and what we can do to reduce the vulnerability of our businesses.

Michael Lewis, Eon Energy

Natalie Quail, Founder Smiletime

Tina McKenzie, Federation of Small Businesses

Gareth Stace, UK Steel

Producer: Lucinda Borrell

Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed and Sophie Hill

Sound: Neil Churchill and Rod Farquhar

Editor: Hugh Levinson

The programme was produced in partnership with the Open University.

Business Bonds2011111020111112 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

After a week of turmoil in the bond markets, Evan and his panel discuss the importance of bonds in business. The boss of Heathrow talks about the trials and tribulations of running one of the world's busiest airports. And the panel swap thoughts on whether a good business manager can run any company of any type.

Joining Evan in the studio are Mark Elborne, president and chief executive of multinational conglomerate GE (UK and Ireland); Alison Carnwath, chairman of property company Land Securities; Colin Matthews, chief executive of airport owner and operator BAA.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis and guests on what bonds mean for business and the trials of running airports.

Business Books2023030920230313 (R4)What makes a great business book and how do you make practical advice on a subject like accounting a riveting read? What makes you more likely to read a business book - a top business leader's journey to the top, like Sheryl Sandberg or Phil Knight of Nike, or one offering simple 'how to' advice. And what is the business model of business books themselves - do they sell loads of copies, or are they more about building up a public brand?

Join Evan Davis and guests , in the final programme of the current series, to learn about some great business reads and how business publishing is thriving.

Margaret Heffernan, Author, Uncharted. Former CEO and Entrepreneur.

Alison Jones, publisher Practical Inspiration Publishing and Presenter, The Extraordinary Business Book Club Podcast

Helen Kogan, Managing Director, Kogan Page, Business Book Publisher

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producer: Julie Ball and Simon Tulett

Editor: China Collins

Sound: James Beard and Graham Puddifoot

Production Co-ordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed.

What makes a good business book? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Business Gurus2019110720191109 (R4)
20210821 (R4)
Do business gurus really hold the secret to success? Peter Drucker, Michael Porter and Gary Hamel are some of those who've found fame and influence via best-selling business books. But can following their lead transform a company - or are they really just selling themselves? Evan Davis and guests assess the pros and cons of buying from the ideas merchants.

Lynda Gratton, professor of management practice, London Business School, CEO The Hot Spots Movement

John Kay, economist, author and consultant

Eddie Obeng, founder and director of Pentacle

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: Hugh Levinson

Do business gurus really hold the secret to success and can they transform companies?

Business Hype2020031220200314 (R4)Can new businesses survive without some form of hype or over-promotion? Or will consumer or investor disillusionment inevitably correct this? One recent example where hype came back to bite a company founder is that of the shared office space provider, WeWork. Its stock market valuation fell from $50bn to near bankruptcy over the course of a few weeks.

GUESTS

Brent Hoberman, serial entrepreneur and investor, chair and co-founder of Founders Factory and First Minute Capital

Kerry Baldwin, Managing Partner at IQ Capital,a venture capital investment firm

Rory Sutherland, Vice Chair of Ogilvy, the global advertising and marketing agency

Can businesses get off the ground these days without some form of hype?

Business In Africa2013022120130223 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion and spin to present a clearer view of the business world through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

This week, Evan's three guests discuss the challenges of doing business in and out of Africa. It consists of 54 countries and has more than a billion people but the continent was a sleeping giant for decades. Now it's woken up and could it be on the verge of becoming the economic powerhouse of the 21st Century?

Evan is joined in the studio by Andrew Rugasira, CEO of the Ugandan coffee company Good African Coffee; Herman Chinery-Hesse, co-founder of the Ghanaian software company SOFTtribe and Rupert Soames, CEO of the temporary power specialists Aggreko.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the challenges of doing business in and out of Africa.

Business In The Era Of #metoo2018112220181124 (R4)Has the #MeToo movement made businesses change the way they deal with sexual harassment and gender equality claims in the workplace? Does the law around non-disclosure agreements - often used to hush up this kind of behaviour - need to be changed? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Samantha Mangwana, Employment Lawyer, Partner, CM Murray

Zelda Perkins, Campaigner and Theatrical Producer

Octavius Black, CEO and Co-founder, TheMindGym

What challenges does the #Me Too movement present to business? With Evan Davis.

Business Language2021070820210710 (R4)Why do company leaders so often rely on the use of jargon, hype and obscure words when trying to communicate with the public? Corporate-speak is easy to spot. For example, a company mission statement will claim it has a 'unique' purpose to be a 'force for good. ' Using exactly the same words as dozens of its rivals. So why did this happen? Are business schools and consultants to blame - encouraging the use of needlessly complex language? And does clotted language signal muddled thinking? Evan Davis and guests explore the problem and suggest some solutions.

Laura Brown, author of 'The Only Business Writing Book You'll Ever Need

Philip Collins, author and founder of the writing company, The Draft

and Rory Sutherland, Vice-Chairman of the ad agency Ogilvy

Producer: Lesley McAlpine

Why have business jargon and corporate-speak come to dominate how companies communicate?

Business On 'the Box'2023071320230717 (R4)From The Office and Succession to The Apprentice and Dragons' Den, does the portrayal of business on television inspire or is it a total turn off to budding entrepreneurs? And how challenging is it to create great drama from the world of business? Is 'greed, for lack of a better word, good' as Gordon Gekko from Wall Street would have us believe? Or post financial crash, is the world looking to find a more equitable and kind example of the business world on screen?

PRESENTER: EVAN DAVIS

GUESTS

Ash Atalla, CEO, Roughcut Productions

Dave Fishwick, businessman, subject of Netflix movie, 'Bank of Dave

Nisha Katona, Founder, Mowgli Street Restaurants, Great British Menu judge

Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, co-writers, 'Industry' , BBC 2 drama series

Clip from 'Industry' BBC2

Bad Wolf Productions

HBO/BBC

Produced in Partnership with the Open University

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: China Collins

Sound: James Beard and Graham Puddifoot

Production Co-ordinator: Brenda Brown

Is the portrayal of the business world in television and film inspirational or a turn off?

Business Time2011030320110305 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented this week by Stephanie Flanders, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

This week, Stephanie's top business guests hail from the worlds of retail, IT and pizza. They swap thoughts on the business of timing. Are modern businesses now so obsessed with doing things quickly that they fail to do it well?

And as political turmoil continues in the Middle East, the panel debate whether it's important for businesses to keep up with what's happening around the world. How isolated from current events can they be?

Stephanie is joined in the studio by David Wild, chief executive of car accessories company Halfords; Mike Norris, chief executive of IT services firm Computacenter; Chris Moore, chief executive of Domino's Pizza UK & Ireland.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Stephanie Flanders and guests swap thoughts on timing and keeping up with current events.

Buy Now, Pay Later2022022420220402 (R4)What's behind the explosion in popularity of Klarna and its competitors? Most of us have found ourselves wanting something that we can't quite afford. If you're low on funds and waiting for money to come in, there are a multitude of borrowing options, from overdrafts and loans to credit cards. A new option that is expanding fast is the Buy Now Pay Later model, where customers have the option to pay back money for their purchases and there's no interest charges - provided the debts are cleared on time. But is it too good be true? Join Evan Davis and his panel of experts to get to the bottom of the BNPL industry

GUESTS

Alex Marsh, Head of Klarna UK

Alice Tapper, financial journalist

Sameer Pethe, Financial Services Partner, Kearney

Producer: Lucinda Borrell

Sound: Graham Puddifoot

Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed

Editor: Hugh Levinson

Produced in association with the Open University

Can Science Save The Economy?20200702Evan Davis and guests ask if now is the time to exploit scientific research more effectively to help business recover from the coronavirus crash. The UK has traditionally been better at basic science research than its commercial exploitation - with examples ranging from computing to the discovery of graphene, where international companies have benefited more from those discoveries. The Bottom Line examines the government's idea of creating an agency, similar to the legendary US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), to invest in, and commercialise UK science and technology projects.

The US agency DARPA, was set up to invest in technology after they got behind in the space race with the Russian launch of the Sputnik in the 1950's. Although the agency's remit is to work on defence projects, several of its discoveries have spawned more commercial uses, most famously the Internet.

Now the UK government wants to emulate this success for civil applications in the hope of encouraging new business sectors of the economy, post-Covid 19. Can it work? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Guests:

Mariana Mazzucato, professor in the economics of innovation and public value, University College London

Luke Georghiu, professor of science and technology management, Alliance Manchester Business School

Arati Prabhakar, former director, Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

Naomi Krieger Carmy, head of Societal Challenges Division, Israel Innovation Authority

Producer: Julie Ball

Produced in partnership with The Open University

Can science save the economy? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Capitalism2012012620120128 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Evan and his panel debate the big issue of the moment: capitalism, its virtues and vices. Across the media it's associated with negative words like 'crisis' and 'crony'. So how would Evan's executive guests redesign and rebrand capitalism? They also discuss peaking - just when do you reach your prime in business?

Joining Evan in the studio are Keith Clarke, former Chief Executive and now Director of Sustainability at civil engineering and design consultancy Atkins; entrepreneur and investor Deborah Meaden; Heather Killen, co-founder of private equity and corporate finance advisory boutique Hemisphere Capital.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis and guests swap thoughts on capitalism and peaking in business.

Carbon Capture2021102120211023 (R4)Can carbon capture save the planet - and make money? The government has announced millions of pounds of funding to support the UK's emerging carbon capture industry. How will it change our futures?

Evan Davis speaks to the head of The East Coast Cluster, a project awarded some of this financial support, alongside other industry leaders, to understand whether this revolutionary technology could solve our climate change problems, or whether it is another way to evade our environmental obligations.

GUESTS

Andy Lane, vice president (CCUS), BP & head of East Coast Cluster

Esin Serin, UK policy analyst, The Grantham Institute of Climate Change

Olivia Powlis, head of UK office, Carbon Capture and Storage Assosciation

Julie Golsalvez, chief marketing officer, Climeworks

PRODUCER

Lucinda Borrell

Carbon Labelling2021071520210717 (R4)Should consumers be told the carbon footprint of the products they buy? And if so, how? In recent years, a shift in customer attitudes towards climate change has caused businesses to up their game when it comes to showcasing the environmental impact of products. But just how transparent it this? How much do buyers want to know about how sustainable their shopping is? Evan Davis and guests discuss the highly complex issues around carbon labelling and how best to communicate sustainable business practices.

Emma Keller, Head of Sustainability UK & Ireland, Nestle

Barry Clavin, Ethics and Sustainability Reporting Manager, Co-Op

Hugh Jones, Managing Director, The Carbon Trust

Producer: Lucinda Borrell

Sound: Neil Churchill

Production Coordinators: Iona Hammond and Siobhan Reed

Care Homes2017020220170204 (R4)The care home business is heading for a crisis according to Evan Davis's guests in this edition of The Bottom Line.

The cost of providing care in this labour-intensive business has increased significantly because of the introduction of the National Living Wage. The fees paid by local authorities on behalf of poorer residents no longer cover the cost of providing accommodation, food and staffing. Care homes make up the shortfall by charging higher fees to privately funded residents. Social care analyst William Laing tells Evan Davis that private payers subsidise publicly funded residents by, on average, £8000 per annum. But this is not an option in less affluent areas with a shortage of fee paying clients.

John Ransford of the HC-One group provides care for mainly publicly funded residents. He tells Evan that 24 hour care for the elderly has to be provided for less than the cost of a night in a Travelodge.

Evan's guests believe that the care sector's business model is unsustainable. Find out what they think will happen next.

Guests:

Dr. Jane Townson. Chief Executive Officer, Somerset Care Group

John Ransford, Non-Executive Director, HC-One

William Laing, Founder and a Director of Laing Buisson, Healthcare Intelligence Company

Producer: Julie Ball.

The care home business model is unsustainable. Evan Davis discovers why.

Careers Without College2016101320161015 (R4)Why are more top employers offering school leavers a fast track career without the need to go to university? Applicants for the top Degree Apprenticeships need to get good A level grades and pass a rigorous selection process. Their reward is the opportunity to earn a living while they gain a degree and qualify as a professional. Evan Davis discusses the pros and cons of such schemes with a high flying apprentice and two employers who are competing with universities for the brightest and best school leavers.

Why are top employers offering the school leavers a fast track career without university?

Celebrities And Fans20141009Social advertising: Evan Davis and guests discuss the growing power of celebrities, the rise of the money-making super-fans who 'like' their products and the vloggers with consumer clout. How effective are these new social campaigns and how will they change the advertising industry?

Guests: Edwina Dunn, CEO Starcount; Dominic Burch, senior director marketing innovation and new revenue Asda; Robin Grant, co-founder We Are Social.

Producer: Rosamund Jones.

Social advertising: Selling products via celebrities and the fans who 'like' them.

Celebrities And Fans20141011Social advertising: Evan Davis and guests discuss the growing power of celebrities, the rise of the money-making super-fans who 'like' their products and the vloggers with consumer clout. How effective are these new social campaigns and how will they change the advertising industry?

Guests: Edwina Dunn, CEO Starcount; Dominic Burch, senior director marketing innovation and new revenue Asda; Robin Grant, co-founder We Are Social.

Producer: Rosamund Jones.

Social advertising: Selling products via celebrities and the fans who 'like' them.

Changing China2022031020220312 (R4)How will shifts in China's economic policies affect global commerce? The nation is the world's second-biggest economy and it's been the centre of globalised manufacturing for over three decades. But after a global pandemic, an energy crisis and now war in Ukraine, is this going to change? Already, President Xi Jinping has plans to move away from the reliance on global trade towards expanding domestic consumption, alongside targets for encouraging innovation in technology and artificial intelligence. Will recent economic sanctions on Russia due to geopolitics make China retreat more from global trade? What will this mean for us and for the rest of the world? Evan Davis and guests discuss

Guests:

Hong Bo, professor of financial economics, School of Finance & Management, SOAS University of London

Mike Collier, director, China UKTC consultancy

Xiaolan Fu, professor of technology and international development: and director, Technology and Management Centre for Development (TMCD), Oxford University

Producer: Julie Ball

Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed

Sound: Nigel Appleton

Editor: Hugh Levinson

This programme was produced in partnership with the Open University

Changing Tack2022101320221017 (R4)What happens when your business vision doesn't stack up or your long-standing business needs to make changes to keep up with a changing market and customer taste? Do you make a U-turn or a pivot as it's known in business. How do you know when is the right time and how do you get your employees and managers to go with you? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Matthew Bannister, Broadcaster and Presenter, Folk on Foot podcast

Liz Earle, Beauty and Wellness Entrepreneur, Editor-in-Chief, Liz Earle Wellbeing magazine

Jessica Spungin, Adjunct Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, London Business School

PRESENTER: EVAN DAVIS

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producers: Julie Ball and Nick Holland

Editor: Tara McDermott

Sound: Neil Churchill/Rod Farquhar

Production Co-ordinators: Siobhan Reed & Helena Warwick-Cross

What do you do when your business vision isn't working? Evan Davis and guests discuss

China20200611Will Western economies and companies decouple from China? For decades, the world has relied on this rapidly emerging economy as its factory, producing everything from toilet rolls to iPhones. But post Covid-19, US trade wars and tensions with Hong Kong, is that all about to change? Evan Davis and guests discuss

Liam Casey, CEO and founder, PCH International

Diana Choyleva, chief economist, Enodo Economics

Dr. Yu Jie, senior research fellow, China, Chatham House

Will Western economies and companies decouple from China? With Evan Davis.

Chocolate2014030620140308 (R4)Chocolate is a big business as well as a delicious indulgence. Evan Davis and guests discuss how this global industry is tackling the pressures of rising food prices, speculation and climate change.

Guests:

Jonathan Horrell, Director of Global Sustainability of Mondelez International

Sophi Tranchell, Managing Director of Divine Chocolate

Kojo Amoo-Gottfried, Country Director of Cargill Ghana

Producer: Kent DePinto.

Evan Davis and guests discuss cocoa, chocolate and how to feed a global sweet tooth.

Class In The Workplace2021111120211113 (R4)How can companies create a level playing field for applicants and employees from lower socio-economic backgrounds? Evan Davis and guests discuss the sometimes invisible barriers and assumptions which exclude some from getting jobs or getting promoted. Many believe that the job interview format tends to favour the social skills of those from the middle and upper middle classes. Diversity schemes help - but there are questions about whether they go far enough. Is this the final taboo when it comes to equality in employment?

Guests:

Professor Lee Elliot-Major, University of Exeter

Sandra Wallace, chair, Social Mobility Commission and one of the Managing Directors for UK & Europe, DLA Piper

Jenny Baskerville, Head of Inclusion, Diversity & Social Equality, KPMG

Producer: Lucinda Borrell

Sound: Graham Puddifoot

Editor: Hugh Levinson

How can companies treat people from lower socio-economic backgrounds more fairly?

Clinical Trials2021072220210724 (R4)The extraordinary success of the creation of vaccines for Covid-19 has made the business of clinical trials look simple. But appearances can be deceptive and it usually takes many years and costs hundreds of millions of pounds to bring a new drug, therapy or medical device successfully to market.

Evan Davis and his guests discuss how the economics of commercial clinical trials now look for companies in the light of such a disruptive event as the pandemic. How far is greater collaboration - with start-ups partnering with big pharma and research companies - changing the way in which trials operate? And will new tech developments - like the greater, tailored use of Artificial Intelligence, digital data and advanced statistical techniques - make the process cheaper and quicker - while compromising neither safety nor patient confidentiality?

Those taking part are:

Nuala Murphy of the executive team at Icon plc, a Dublin-based clinical research organisation which last year worked with Pfizer/BioNTech on their Covid-19 vaccine;

Houman Ashrafian, managing partner of the biotech team at SVHealth Investors, a venture capital firm with offices in London and Boston; and

Avideh Nazeri, vice-president in the UK for clinical development, medical and regulatory affairs at the Danish-headquartered integrated pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk.

Editor Hugh Levinson

Clinical trials have barely changed in decades but will Covid-19 transform the business?

Cock-ups And Conspiracies20120308The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Evan's executive panel discuss corporate cock-ups and conspiracies. They swap thoughts on why they occur, and how best to avoid them.

Joining Evan are Andy Green, chief executive of business and technology service provider Logica; Phil Smith, chief executive of technology company Cisco UK and Ireland; Luke Johnson, serial entrepreneur and chairman of private equity firm Risk Capital Partners.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Richard Vadon.

Evan Davis and guests swap thoughts on corporate cock-ups and conspiracies.

Cock-ups And Conspiracies20120310The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Evan's executive panel discuss corporate cock-ups and conspiracies. They swap thoughts on why they occur, and how best to avoid them.

Joining Evan are Andy Green, chief executive of business and technology service provider Logica; Phil Smith, chief executive of technology company Cisco UK and Ireland; Luke Johnson, serial entrepreneur and chairman of private equity firm Risk Capital Partners.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Richard Vadon.

Evan Davis and guests swap thoughts on corporate cock-ups and conspiracies.

Commerce And Crime2019062020190622 (R4)From Somali pirates who've turned kidnapping into a global enterprise to cybercrime and fraud - the worlds of business and wrongdoing potentially have much in common. Clever criminals build business empires and fraud is sometimes carried out by well paid workers at legitimate companies. What the two worlds can have in common is a pursuit of profit and a series of apparently rational calculations. Evan Davis and guests explore why some bright, talented people try to get rich the wrong way, while others manage to do it within the rules.

Barrister, Sara George, a partner at Sidley Austin LLP

Michael Corrigan, Chief Executive at Prosper 4 - a training and recruitment firm for former prisoners

and Dr Anja Shortland, Reader in Political Economy at King's College, London.

What do the worlds of business and crime have in common?

Commercial Property Wars20201105Commercial landlords and tenants are at odds over unpaid rents due to the pandemic. Many retail, hospitality and leisure businesses are suffering acutely. Most have landlords who collect rent for their premises. In turn, many landlords have to pay interest on their loans to the banks. The pandemic is upsetting that delicate financial balance. It's estimated that billions of pounds is owed to landlords in unpaid rents. Threats of legal action against tenants are hitting the headlines. Just who should take more of the financial hit - commercial landlords or their tenants?

Guests

Edward Ziff, Chair and CEO of Town Centre Securities, a property investment firm

Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group, which rents, develops and sublets office space

and Charlotte Heyes, director of the small pub chain, Common and Co

Competence2020111920201121 (R4)From the NHS Test and Trace Service to the lack of PPE at the start of the pandemic - both projects branded as having been incompetently delivered. But do we fail to notice the constraints their senior leadership team operate under? Evan Davis and expert guests discuss why some big public projects like the London 2012 Games went well. While others, like Crossrail, get bogged down in delays and a budget overspend. Just how is competence measured and delivered?

Guests:

Sir John Armitt, Chair of the National Infrastructure Commission, former Chair of the Olympic Delivery Authority

Dame Jackie Daniel, CEO of Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Justin King, former CEO of Sainsbury's, and Vice Chair of Terra Firma

Are decision-makers incompetent? Or do we just fail to notice the constraints they face?

Conflict At Work2021111820211120 (R4)Evan Davis and guests discuss how best to resolve disputes between colleagues - both making the best of it and avoiding the worst. Despite our best efforts, conflict never disappears - it's always there, when humans gather. In the office, it can be start with something as trivial as a coffee cup left on a colleague's desk. And from there, it can spiral into a situation where people are unwilling to work with each other, or even suffer mental ill health as result. Three experts give advice on how to prevent conflict festering and the best ways to mediate when co-workers end up at daggers drawn.

Gill Dix, head of workplace policy at ACAS

Felicity Steadman, mediator, The Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution

Ade Adeniji, mediator and investigator

Producers: Kirsteen Knight, Lucinda Borrell and Sandra Kanthal

Sound: Graham Puddifoot

Editor: Hugh Levinson

Evan Davis asks how best to resolve disputes between colleagues.

Consumer Habits After Lockdown20200618What have you learned about yourself in lockdown? What is it you crave, what have you found you barely miss? Evan Davis and guests contemplate life after lockdown and changing consumer habits. A surge in the sale of bikes, toilet roll panic buying, and flour flying off the supermarket shelves. Will these consumer habits stick? Have we learned to value other things in life than shopping? Or will we just want to borrow and spend at the first possible opportunity?

Guests:

Kate Ancketill, founder and CEO, GDR Creative Intelligence

Richard Walker, managing director, Iceland Foods

Jonathan Cole, managing director, Velorution

Kate Nicholls, chief executive, UK Hospitality

Producer: Lesley McAlpine

What have you craved and what do you barely miss? Have consumer habits changed for good?

Consumer Research2011022420110226 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

This week, Evan's top business guests hail from retail and advertising. They swap thoughts on consumer research. Companies spend lots of money to find out how their customers spend theirs, but do they learn anything useful?

They also debate what purpose business awards serve. Can they actually help a company be more successful?

Evan is joined in the studio by Ian Cheshire, chief executive of home improvement retail company Kingfisher. And from the world of advertising, Cilla Snowball, group chief executive and chairman of Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO, and David Jones, global chief executive of Havas Worldwide.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Evan Davis and guests swap thoughts on consumer research and business awards.

Contacts And Contracts2011061620110618 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan and his guests swap thoughts on contacts and contracts. Is it who you know that counts in business? Are informal networks the way business is allocated? Or do more formal arrangements now apply? Evan also asks his guests to reveal their greatest business regrets.

Evan is joined in the studio by Will Butler-Adams, managing director of folding bicycle manufacturer Brompton Bicycle; Charles Cohen, chief executive of mobile gambling company Probability plc; Ralph Oppenheimer, chairman of steel trading company Stemcor.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Evan Davis's guests debate the importance of contacts, and reveal their greatest regrets.

Coronavirus And Business2020030520200307 (R4)How will the infection affect commerce in the UK and around the world? Evan Davis and a panel of guests discuss what's happening to the economy and look at likely scenarios.

Jennifer McKeown, Chief Global Economist, Capital Economics,

Gloria Guevara, CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Tim Power, MD of maritime and shipping container research firm Drewry.

Producers: Lesley McAlpine and Julie Ball

Researcher: May Cameron

Corporate Espionage2017061520170617 (R4)Corporate theft has played a big part in business history from Porcelain and Tea from China, to the French attempting to get their hands on the blueprint for the Spinning Jenny. In this week's programme Evan Davis and guests discuss more modern copyright infringement and how to protect against it.

Chris Morgan-Jones, Crime fiction author and Consultant, K2 Intelligence

Vicki Salmon, Lawyer and Patent Attorney, IP Asset Partnership, Council Member of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys and Chair of CIPA's Litigation Committee

Mandy Haberman, Director and Founder of Haberman Products Limited.

How do businesses protect themselves from copyright infringement? With Evan Davis.

Corporate Scandal2015032620150328 (R4)Phone hacking, financial mis-selling and fraud: How do companies recover from scandal and negative headlines? Evan Davis and guests discuss the skills and strategy required to bounce back.

Guests:

Niall Booker, CEO, Co-operative Bank

Mike Darcey, CEO, News UK

Stephen Hester, CEO, RSA

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Phone hacking, financial mis-selling and fraud: How to recover after negative headlines.

Corruption2015061120150613 (R4)The scandal at FIFA is just the latest story of corporate corruption to dominate the news. What steps can businesses take to avoid getting caught up in corruption, particularly in countries and sectors where bribery is the norm? What is legitimate business conduct and what crosses the line into illegality?

Evan Davis and his guests discuss:

Emma Sharma, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer for the Supreme Group

Hugh Miles of The Al Shafie Miles Consultancy

Leo Martin of Good Corporation

Producer: Jim Frank.

Evan Davis and guests discuss corruption in business.

Cost Cutting And Business Transformation2017072020170722 (R4)What is the best way of cutting costs and transforming a business? Bosses often have to prune their operations - either to reinvest the cash to grow the business in other directions or because costs have got out of control. But can cuts go too far and damage an organisation? It was reported that British Airways' computer meltdown earlier this year was caused in part because the company had moved too quickly to make efficiency savings. It now faces paying its customers millions of pounds in compensation. Evan Davis and panel discuss the good, bad and the ugly of cost cutting and business transformation.

Guests:

Ashley Almanza, Chief Executive of G4S

Gavin Oldham, founder of Share Radio

Marco Amitrano, head of consulting at accountants, PWC.

Couples In Business2019112120191123 (R4)What are the pros and cons of running a business with your life partner and how do you keep the personal out of your professional life? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Sophie Mirman and Richard Ross, founders and owners, Trotters childrenswear and accessories

Claire and Andy Burnet, founders and owners, Chococo artisan chocolatiers

Peter Leach, author and Adjunct Professor in Family Business , Imperial College Business School

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: Hugh Levinson

The pros and cons of running a business with a life partner.

Covid-19 And The Gig Economy2020102220201024 (R4)Is the pandemic a spur to a world of temps and zero hour contracts? Hundreds of thousands of people have been losing their jobs during the crisis. Many are turning to the gig economy to boost their income. Should we welcome the acceleration of the move away from conventional employment? Evan Davis and guests discuss the pros and cons of the expanding gig economy.

Xenios Thrasyvoulou, CEO of People Per Hour

Lorna Davidson, CEO of Red Wigwam

Matthew Taylor, CEO of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce

and Ed Cross, self-employed courier for Hermes

Co-working Spaces2018060720180609 (R4)
Crisis At Vw: A Bottom Line Special2015100720151010 (R4)Volkswagen is dealing with a corporate crisis following the emissions rigging scandal. Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Guests:

Sir John Egan, former CEO, Jaguar, former Chairman, Severn Trent

Lord Browne, former CEO, BP

Lucy Marcus, CEO, Marcus Venture Consulting

Arndt Ellinghorst, Senior MD, Evercore ISI

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

The Volkswagen crisis discussed by Evan Davis and guests.

Cryptocurrencies2019101020191012 (R4)Will Facebook's launch of its own cryptocurrency be a game changer? What will this mean for established currencies and the global banking system? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Jutta Steiner, Chief Executive Officer, Parity Technologies

Dr. Catherine Mulligan, Chief Technology Officer of Gov Tech Labs and Data Net at University College, London

Barbara Mellish, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Citizenship, Enterprise and Government

Presenter: Evan Davis

Producer: Julie Ball

Will Facebook's entry into the world of cryptocurrency be a game changer?

Customer Service2016021120160213 (R4)All businesses rely on customers. So, why do some businesses bend over backwards to keep customers happy, and why do some of them appear not to care? What is the impact of poor customer service on a business and how much does it cost them to invest in improving their infrastructure? Evan Davis discusses dos and don'ts of customer service with an airline, an energy company and a retailer, all of which have tried to completely overhaul their image. Has it worked?

Guests: Kenny Jacobs, Chief Marketing Officer at Ryanair; Neil Clitheroe CEO retail and generation at Scottish Power and Gary Booker, Chief Marketing Officer at Dixons Carphone

Producer: Sally Abrahams

Researcher: Sofia Patel.

Recovering from a reputation for poor customer service. Evan Davis and guests.

Cyber Security2014052920140531 (R4)Can you keep business safe from hackers? Many companies now feel besieged by constant attacks and few can claim not to have been targeted. In the first of a new series of the award-winning The Bottom Line Evan Davis and guests discuss the anatomy of a cyber attack - where the threats are coming from and how best to respond. And they'll ask - should businesses be more honest about the security breaches they've faced?

Richard Knowlton, Group Corporate Security Director, Vodafone

Rashmi Knowles, Chief Security Architect, RSA

Seth Berman, Executive MD, Stroz Friedberg

Producer : Sally Abrahams.

Can business be kept safe from hackers? Evan Davis and guests discuss cyber attacks.

Cybersecurity2020101520201017 (R4)In modern business it's impossible not to be worried about a cyber attack of some form. But how do you lower your chances of attack and what do you do if someone manages to get in your system and data? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Sian John, director, EMEA, cyber security strategy, Microsoft UK

Geoff White, author, 'Crime Dot Com' and investigative technology journalist

Jake Davis, consultant, Hacker Culture

National Centre for Cybersecurity - Cyber Essentials advice for businesses https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberessentials/advice

Presenter: Evan Davis

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: Hugh Levinson

How big a threat has cybercrime become for businesses and what can they do to prevent it?

Dame Sharon White2023062920230703 (R4)John Lewis Partnership and Waitrose are possibly two of the most trusted brands in retail. This week, Evan Davis interviews Dame Sharon White, who took over as Chair of the Partnership, literally weeks before lockdown. Post lockdown like all retailers the Partnership faces a cost of living crisis and getting customers back to the High Street. How is she facing these challenges and what are her plans for the future of the partnership?

GUEST: Dame Sharon White, Chair, John Lewis Partnership

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producers: Julie Ball and Simon Tulett

Editor: Richard Vadon

Sound: Hannah Montgomery and Neil Churchill

Production Co-ordinator: Brenda Brown

Evan Davis interviews Dame Sharon White, chair of the John Lewis Partnership.

Data Privacy2016021820160220 (R4)When you enter personal details onto any website or smartphone app, what happens to it? Where does it get stored, who owns it and who has access to it? These questions are becoming more relevant to ask as we put more details about every facet of our lives onto the internet. With a new piece of legislation passed in the EU dealing with this precise issue, businesses need to be up to speed with their knowledge on effective privacy management

Evan Davis and guests discuss why personal data is so valuable to business, and how the individual can also benefit from sharing this information.

Guests:

Mike Gordon, CEO, Callcredit Information Group

Liz Brandt, CEO, Ctrl Shift

Eduardo Ustaran, Data Privacy expert and Partner, Hogan Lovells.

How do businesses use customers' personal data to make money?

Dealing In Defence2022102020221024 (R4)Evan Davis looks at the UK's defence industry to find out how it is responding to the war in Ukraine and whether socially conscious investors are beginning to change their minds about the sector.

Guests:

Dean Rosenfield, Head of Saab UK

Kevin McNamee, CEO of Denroy Group Ltd

Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS Group

Presenter: Evan Davis

Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed & Helena Warwick-Cross

Producer: Julie Ball & Nick Holland

Editor: Tara McDermott

Evan looks at the UK's defence industry and asks what's changed since the war in Ukraine.

Deals2013103120131102 (R4)When the world economy is booming, many corporate bosses love nothing more than buying each other's companies. Takeovers, mergers and acquisitions soar. But evidence tends to suggest that many of the arrangements are a waste of time, so why are deals so seductive? On the Bottom Line, Evan Davis and guests discuss why deals go right and what happens when they go wrong.

Guests:

Sir George Buckley - former CEO, 3M and currently Chairman Designate of the engineering group Smiths

Sir Michael Rake - Chairman of BT Group and Deputy Chairman of Barclays

Juergen Maier - MD of Siemens UK and Ireland

Producer: Smita Patel.

Why is deal-making so seductive? Evan Davis and guests talk takeovers and mergers.

Department Stores2017111620171118 (R4)Are you being served? Where do you shop - online, a department store or one of the large shopping centres around the country? Evan Davis looks at the competitive business of running a mixed retail outlet, or department store, and asks can they survive?

GUESTS

Tony Brown, CEO, Beales Department Stores

Stacey Cartwright, CEO, Harvey Nichols,

David Fischel, CEO, INTU Shopping Centres.

Are you being served? Evan Davis and guests discuss the business of department stores.

Design2013112120131123 (R4)Decorating your home is big business - in the UK and around the world. In China and India the home decor market is evolving fast - but will the result be a global homogenous style? Who sets the trends? And what do you do if your products lose their fashionable edge? Evan Davis and guests discuss the volatile world of design.

Guests:

Kelly Hoppen, founder Kelly Hoppen Interiors

Andrew Graham, CEO Graham and Brown

Lois Jacobs, Global CEO Fitch

Producer: Rosamund Jones.

The business of home decor is discussed by Evan Davis and guests.

Digital Marketplaces2013101720131019 (R4)Where can you find a hand-stitched crochet blanket, the latest Lady Gaga video or sell your old sofa? Trading online makes it easier than ever to find a marketplace and gives the consumer a different and faster way to shop and browse. On The Bottom Line Evan Davis discusses the issues with:

Nic Jones, Senior Vice President International, VEVO;

Nicole Vanderbilt, MD Etsy; and

Fran瀀ois Coumau, General Manager for Continental Europe, eBay.

Producer : Smita Patel.

How are digital marketplaces changing the way we shop? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Dismissing Staff2019111420191116 (R4)
20210814 (R4)
What are the rules when people have to lose their jobs? It's always a difficult situation - which is why it's often handled badly. Evan Davis and guests ask if there is a better way of doing it.

Angela O'Connor, Founder and CEO, The HR Lounge Consultancy

Sian Keall, Partner, Employment Law, Travers Smith LLP

Kate Griffiths-Lambeth, Group HR Director, Charles Stanley, Wealth Managers

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: Hugh Levinson

What are the rules when people have to lose their jobs? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Do Corporate Headquarters Still Matter?2018031520180317 (R4)The tech giant Apple has just spent five billion dollars building a campus in California's Silicon Valley. It's not alone in its architectural ambitions. The new Facebook HQ in London features trees, grass and plants. So what does a corporate headquarters tell us about a business? Is it an opportunity for a company to show off its wealth and attract the best talent or is it folly? Evan Davis and guests explore what the latest trends in corporate architecture reveal about our business leaders.

Guests:

Ken Shuttlewoth, founder of Make Architects

Helen Berresford, head of interior design at Sheppard Robson Architects

and Deyan Sudjic, director of the Design Museum.

What does a corporate HQ tell us about a business? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Does Funny Sell?2023072720230731 (R4)Is humour the most effective way to get your product noticed? If so, why does it seem that the use of comedy in advertising is in decline? Recent research by Kantar found that 90% of consumers were more likely to remember and purchase a brand if the advert made them smile. So why the downturn? Are multi-national brands looking for a one size fits all approach, or are brands frightened of offending potential customers? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

PRESENTER: Evan Davis

Rory Sutherland, VP, Ogilvy UK

Lucy Greeves, Author and Creative Strategist

Dom Dwight, Marketing Director, Taylors of Harrogate and Yorkshire Tea

ADVERT CLIP: Yorkshire Tea - Induction Training with Sean Bean

Courtesy of Taylors of Harrogate, Yorkshire Tea

Creative: Lucky Generals Advertising Agency

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Graham Puddifoot

Production Co-ordinator: Brenda Brown

The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University

Is advertising less funny than it used to be? Evan Davis and guests discuss

Doing Business With Governments2013030720130309 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

From huge infrastructure projects to supplying civil servants with paperclips, there's big money to be made from public sector contracts. Evan Davis meets three business leaders with experience of bidding for - and securing - government contracts and finds out what it's like doing business with the state. How easy is it for smaller companies to get a slice of the public sector pie? And are we - the ultimate customers - really getting a good deal?

Evan Davis chairs a discussion providing insight into business from the people at the top.

Economic Lessons Of 194520200528Businesses mothballed or trying to get back on their feet. The government paying the wages of more than seven million employees. Working from home as the new norm. Could we have predicted the impact that Covid-19 would have? Not necessarily. But perhaps there are lessons to be taken from another era that experienced a huge shock - 1945, at the end of World War Two. Getting back to a peacetime economy from a war footing was a big leap for British businesses. Evan Davis and guests discuss whether that era highlights the do's and don'ts of how to kick-start our present day economy.

Margaret MacMillan - Emeritus Professor of International History, University of Oxford

Catherine Schenk, Professor of Economic and Social History, University of Oxford

David Edgerton, Hans Rausing Professor of the History of Science and Technology and Professor of Modern British History, King's College London.

Jim Tomlinson, Professor of Economic and Social History, University of Glasgow.

Produced in association with The Open University

Producer: Lesley McAlpine

Can anything be learned from how the UK restored its economy after the Second World War?

Economy And Rumours2011092220110924 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan asks his guests whether it's time to declare a state of emergency in the world economy and to adopt extreme measures to sort out the Euro crisis and the lack of economic activity in the West. They also discuss rumours, hearsay and speculation, and the role they play in business.

Evan is joined in the studio by Guy Berruyer, chief executive of global business software supplier Sage Group; internet entrepreneur Brent Hoberman, founder of online interior decoration business mydeco.com; Hugh Hendry, co-founder of hedge fund Eclectica Asset Management.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Evan Davis and his guests discuss the global economy and the role of rumours business.

Employment Tribunals2022063020220704 (R4)What to expect when a workplace dispute ends up in court. Thousands of people lodge grievances relating to their jobs directly with their employers, and that's often where they remain. But if you think you have been unfairly dismissed, or suffered unfair discrimination on the grounds of sex, race of age, the case may end up at an employment tribunal. Dramatic cases - complete with lurid accusations and sometimes huge payouts - are regularly reported on by the media. Evan Davis asks his expert guests about what really goes on during this generally painful process, and whether anybody ever really wins at a tribunal.

Guests:

Chris Hadrill, Head of Employment Law, Redmans Solicitors

Sian Keall, Partner, Employment Law, Travers Smith LLP

Martin Tiplady, Director, Chameleon People Solution

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: Hugh Levinson

Sound: James Beard

Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross

What to expect when a workplace dispute ends up in court. With Evan Davis.

Energy Upstarts2014032720140320 (R4)
20140322 (R4)
Turning up the heat: the new energy companies breaking into a market dominated by big established firms. Evan Davis meets two small entrants to the sector to find out how they're gaining market share. Is the strategy to compete on price, customer service or green credentials? He'll discuss the role of the price comparison websites in encouraging customers to switch providers and hear how some smaller companies are cutting gas and electricity bills when their bigger rivals aren't.

Guests:

Dale Vince, Founder and CEO, Ecotricity

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder and Managing Director, Ovo Energy

Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

New energy firms tell Evan Davis about the challenge of taking on established companies.

Entrepreneurs And Education2015071620150718 (R4)Who needs qualifications for success? Three business leaders tell Evan Davis how they made it to the top after leaving school with just one A'Level between them all. Two of the guests explain how, having dyslexia and being labelled failures at school, made them even more determined to make a success of their lives. And they'll explore whether the skills to be an entrepreneur can be taught in the classroom.

Guests:

Jo Malone, CEO, Jo Loves

Gary Grant, CEO, The Entertainer

Mark Featherstone-Witty, CEO, Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts

Producer:

Jim Frank.

How to get to the top in business after being bottom of the class at school.

Eu Referendum2016052620160528 (R4)What does EU membership mean for UK business and how might that change if Britain votes to leave? Business leaders join Evan Davis to discuss how trade agreements and red tape can both help and hinder corporate success. What can Switzerland teach us about trading with Europe and beyond, despite being outside the EU?

Guests:

Jan Atteslander, EconomieSuisse

Julia Gash, CEO, Bidbi

Christopher Nieper, Managing Director, David Nieper

Jayne-Anne Gadhia, CEO, Virgin Money

Jon Moynihan, Chairman, Ipex Capital

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Whether it is trade deals or red tape, how does EU membership help or hinder UK business?

Eu Vs Us Culture2020021320200215 (R4)Now that Britain is out of the EU, and a free agent. Evan Davis and guests discuss whether the UK should be more like the US or the EU when it comes to business and economics?

Allyson Stewart-Allen, CEO International Marketing Partners and author of 'Working with Americans

Dame Inga Beale, Deputy Director, London First and former CEO, Lloyds of London

Erin Meyer, Professor , INSEAD Business School and author of 'The Culture Map

Should a post-Brexit Britain's business culture be more like the US or the EU?

Excess Profits, Windfall Taxes And Incentives2022092920221003 (R4)Is it right that businesses making what look like windfall profits pay windfall taxes? And do the recent announcements from the government to lower taxes in general lead to economic growth? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Irem Guceri, Associate Professor Economics and Public Policy, Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford

Professor Michael Jacobs, Professor of Political Economy, Sheffield University

Charlie Mullins, Businessman and Founder, Pimlico Plumbers

Dan Neidle, Founder, Tax Policy Associates Ltd.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: Richard Vadon

Sound Engineers: Graham Puddifoot/James Beard

Production Co-ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross

Is a windfall tax a fair way to restore equilibrium in an economic recession?

Failure2015060420150606 (R4)If your business venture doesn't succeed, how can you be sure it's worth trying again before admitting defeat? More than 50% of businesses fail within 5 years, yet for many, failure is a necessary part of success. Even Bill Gates and Steve Jobs didn't get it right first time. Evan Davis's guests discuss the important lessons they've learned from their business mistakes and speak candidly about the personal and financial impact of failing. How do you overcome the stigma of failure and what skills are required to bounce back when your business has bombed?

Guests:

Bill Cullen, Chairman, Bill Cullen Motor Group

Katarina Skoberne, Co-founder and former CEO, OpenAd

Stuart Miller, Co-founder and CEO, ByBox Group

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Company bosses explain the important lessons they've learned from their business mistakes.

Family Firms2013012420130126 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Family businesses are the backbone of economies all around the world - indeed, the majority of firms are family-controlled, from the millions of modest firms, to commercial giants such as Ford and Wal-Mart. And yet less than a third survive to the second generation. Evan Davis and guests explore the possibilities and pitfalls of the family ownership model.

In the studio are Ian Maclean of luxury knitwear company John Smedley; Julie White of drilling and demolition firm D-Drill; Tim Wates of construction and development group Wates.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Innes Bowen.

Evan Davis and guests explore the ups and downs of running a family business.

Family Rivals2014111320141115 (R4)Taittinger champagne, Clarks shoes, Theakstons beer - three famous and successful family businesses that have passed down through the generations. So what prompted members of those families to leave the original firms and set up rival brands of their own? Producing champagne, making shoes and brewing beer. What's it like to compete with the companies they've known all their lives? And how easy is it to make their mark?

Guests:

Paul Theakston, Founder and Chairman, Black Sheep Brewery

Virginie Taittinger, Founder, Virginie T

Galahad Clark, Founder and Managing Director, Vivobarefoot

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

The entrepreneurs who leave the family business to set up a rival brand of their own.

Fashion2011032420110326 (R4)The view from the top of business, presented by Evan Davis. The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

This week, Evan's guests are all top executives from the world of fashion and clothing. They discuss whether normal business rules apply in their world. They also get down to the nitty gritty of the business itself - who makes the money and how do they set the prices?

The panel also talks about marketing, and the role of PR in getting their products noticed.

Evan is joined in the studio by Jane Sheperdson, chief executive of Whistles; Simon Berwin, managing director of Berwin & Berwin; Kim Winser, fashion and retail expert with private equity group 3i.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Evan Davis asks his guests how clothing and fashion differ from other businesses.

Fast Fashion2015110520151107 (R4)From the design desk to the shop window, how do fast fashion brands deliver the latest trends in double-quick time? Evan Davis and guests discuss fabric, factories and a nimble supply chain.

Guests:

Catarina Midby, Sustainability manager, H & M;

Carol Kane, Co-founder and Joint CEO, Boohoo;

Kim Winser, Founder and CEO, Winser London.

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Feedback2024020820240212 (R4)It's useful to know how you're doing at work, but feedback from managers and colleagues can often be unhelpful, upsetting, or even non-existent. So what's the best way to give and receive it?

Evan Davis and guests discuss some top techniques, particularly in the tricky area of negative feedback, and the importance of training managers in how to have these conversations. But feedback isn't just about managers - we learn the best ways for employees to receive and act on it.

Plus, how frequently should an employee's performance be measured - we discuss the pros and cons of the annual appraisal - and whether technology helps or hinders.

Evan Davis is joined by:

Catherine Hearn, UK HR director, Amazon

Katie Obi, chief people officer, Advanced

Margaret Cheng, HR consultant, executive coach and author of 'Giving Good Feedback

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producer: Simon Tulett

Researcher: Paige Neal-Holder

Editor: Matt Willis

Sound: Graham Puddifoot and Hal Haines

Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge

The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University.

(Picture: A woman and a man talking at a desk. Credit: Vladimir Vladimirov, Getty Images)

Tips on how to dish it out, and how to take it.

Evan Davis hosts the business conversation show with insights from the people at the top.

What's the best way to dish it out - the annual appraisal or daily catch-ups - and how can employees guard against upset when they receive it? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Find out what can help to build sustainable organisations for better business.

Feedback Frenzy2019032120190323 (R4)It's hard to buy anything these days without being asked to rate or review it. Evan Davis and guests look at how have businesses such as Tripadvisor, Feefo and Checkatrade have altered the relationship between companies and consumers? Do you trust the wisdom of crowds more than an expert's view?

Matt West, Chief Executive of Feefo

Rob Paterson, Chief Executive of Best Western Hotels GB

Caroline Wiertz, Professor of Marketing and Associate Dean for Entrepreneurship at the Cass Business School in LOndon

How do ratings and review sites alter the relationship between businesses and consumers?

Financial Engineering2015102920151031 (R4)What does a financial engineer do? A mechanical engineer may design a machine, one that does a task or overcomes an obstacle, but what problems does modern finance solve? Can the clever manipulation of debt, equity or derivatives, really make human beings better off? Some think finance is a bit of a racket, designed to extract money from the enterprise of others; others think modern finance is a miracle that can create value from nothing. Evan Davis and guests try to get to the bottom of this argument on this week's The Bottom Line.

Guests:

John Kay - Economist and writer

Jessica James - Head of the FX Quantative Solutions Group, Commerzbank

Jon Moulton - Founder, Better Capital.

Can clever maths create value from nothing? Evan Davis and guests look at modern finance.

Financial Services2012110820121110 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan and his guests discuss financial services. They have the power to enrich an economy - or to ruin it completely. But what kind of makeover do they need to get them fit for the 21st century? Should the industry be more innovative and clever - or just a bit more old-fashioned and simple?

Joining Evan in the studio are former fund manager David Pitt-Watson; Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management; Richard Ward, chief executive of insurance market Lloyd's of London.

Producer: Ben Carter

Editor: Innes Bowen.

Evan Davis and guests consider how to reform financial services in the 21st century.

Fintech2017031620170318 (R4)The UK is a world leader in financial services technology, otherwise known as fintech.

Presenter Evan Davis asks how Britain has beaten Silicon Valley and what challenges fintech poses to traditional banking?

Guests:

Antony Jenkins, Founder and Executive Chairman, 10x Future Technologies

Ishaan Malhi, Founder, Trussle.com

Eileen Burbidge, Co-founder, Passion Capital

Producer: Julie Ball.

Does financial services technology - fintech - pose a threat to traditional banking?

Flash Sales2014102320141025 (R4)Flash sale companies are growing fast. Evan Davis and guests discuss how this new retail sector is changing the way we shop. How does the business model work? Just how low can the prices go? And are these internet discounters a help or a hindrance for luxury brands?

Guests :

Victoria Walton, co-founder Sportpursuit

Jamie Jackson, executive vice-chairman MySale Group

Ilan Benhaim, co-founder Vente-Privee

Producer : Rosamund Jones.

How the new retail sector of flash sales is changing the way we shop for luxury brands.

Flying Circus?2023061520230619 (R4)As Covid restrictions were eased last year, the demand to travel abroad by air overtook the readiness of the industry to cope, leading to thousands of flights being cancelled and enormous queues at several airport terminals because of a shortage of staff across the board from security to baggage handlers and flight attendants.

What can passengers expect this year and has the industry been able to address the problems it experienced last year to provide a smooth passenger experience this year? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Willie Walsh, Director General, International Air Transport Association, Former Chief Executive, IAG and British Airways

Tim Hawkins, Chief of Staff, Manchester Airports Group

Sally Gethin, Independent Aviation and Travel Analyst and Commentator

Produced in Partnership with The Open University.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producers: Julie Ball and Simon Tulett

Researcher: Marianna Brain

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Rod Farquhar

Production Co-ordinator: Brenda Brown

Has the airline industry managed to solve the issues which caused travel chaos last year?

Food2013062020130622 (R4)The food industry is increasingly in the spotlight as consumers and government worry about obesity, sustainability and safety.

Evan Davis finds out from three very different food companies about how their supply chains work and how much oversight any company leader can have. Guests discuss how to create an efficient and cost effective system that delivers on quality and safety. Do consumers elsewhere in Europe and the world demand the same level of locally-sourced credentials as the British now do and are these ideals worthwhile?

Guests:

Alastair Storey, CEO, WSH

Perween Warsi, CEO, S&A Foods

Gavin Darby, CEO, Premier Foods

Producer: Lucy Proctor.

Food company CEOs tell Evan Davis how they satisfy customer appetites.

Football's Billions2015031920150321 (R4)Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore joins Evan Davis and guests to discuss the economics and business of football.

In light of the recent Premier League TV deal, worth a staggering £5 billion pounds, this week Evan and guests discuss its implications for football both in the UK and in other markets. Whilst the top players can expect even bigger salaries, how will the deal impact on fans and clubs outside the top division? Three top football executives discuss including Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Scudamore.

Producer: Jim Frank.

Premier League CEO Richard Scudamore joins Evan Davis to discuss the business of football.

Foreign Investment In The Uk2017110220171104 (R4)What makes the UK an attractive place for foreign companies to invest in? Britain has tended to enjoy high levels of inward investment thanks to its open economy. How might this change when the UK leaves the EU?

Evan Davis and guests explore the topic.

Joining Evan Davis are:

Ian Robertson, Global Head of BMW sales and marketing

Vera Wei, Chief Executive of Sloan Education

David Landsman, Executive Director of Tata Limited.

What do foreign companies bring to the UK? Evan Davis and guests explore the issue.

Franchising2018062120180623 (R4)Is opening a franchise a low-risk way to start a business? Evan Davis and guests discuss.
Futurology For Business2013071120130713 (R4)Predicting the future is a skill that can earn investors and businesses a fortune - but get it wrong and disaster looms. In sectors like energy and technology planning decades ahead is an absolute necessity - but how can CEOs know what the world will look like in 2030 and how do they persuade shareholders and staff to come along for the ride? Evan Davis meets three business leaders who are placing massive bets on the future of farming, biomass fuel and the creation of a hyper-connected global society and finds out about timing, balancing risk and holding your nerve.

Also, the view from America, Sweden and the UK on corporate tax is discussed.

Guests:

Dorothy Thompson, CEO, Drax

Hans Vestberg, CEO, Ericsson

Jim Rogers, investor

Producer:

Lucy Proctor.

How can businesses predict the trends of the future? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Gambling2013013120130202 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion and spin to present a clearer view of the business world through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

This week, we hear from three people in the avant garde of the global gambling industry, which is said to be worth $417 billion. With smart phone and tablet technology driving a revolution in the way that people gamble, will old-fashioned betting shops and bingo halls survive? And can gambling companies really keep expanding despite recession, competition from the black market and prohibition in emerging economies?

Evan is joined in the studio by Norbert Teufelberger, CEO of the online gaming company bwin.party; Melissa Blau, director of the consultancy iGaming Capital; Juergen Reutter, Director of Mobile at the bookmaker William Hill.

Producer: Helen Grady.

Evan Davis and guests discuss how technology is transforming the gambling industry.

Going Global2015031220150314 (R4)Whether you're selling breakfast cereals, criminal tags or excavator buckets, expanding your business overseas can be a game changer. But when's the right time to export and which countries should you target? Evan Davis and guests discuss the ups and downs of trading internationally. They'll share their stories on why it can be easier to sell abroad than at home, how to adapt products for a new market and why doing your homework can ensure that nothing is lost in translation. Top tips on how to make exporting a business boost not a foreign flop.

Guests:

Sara Murray, Founder and CEO, Buddi

Giles Turrell, CEO, Weetabix

Jacqui Miller, Director, Miller International.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the ups and downs of trading overseas.

Going Public2015101520151017 (R4)Companies like Royal Mail, Saga and the AA have recently listed their shares on the stock market. It gives them access to plenty of money to help them grow, but also means they're subject to public scrutiny. Evan Davis and guests discuss why firms decide to float and how they must adapt to becoming a plc.

Guests:

Martin Clarke, CFO, the AA;

Dan Wagner, CEO, Powa Technologies;

Gillian Karran-Cumberlege, Co-Founder, Fidelio Partners.

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Royal Mail, Saga and the AA have all floated on the stock market. How must they adapt?

Gold2015021220150214 (R4)It's soft, shiny and rare. A symbol of love, of power, of wealth - gold has been prized for thousands of years, its value rises and falls as the economies round it fluctuate. Yet there's only a limited supply of it and demand is high: for jewellery, technology, by central banks and investors. But after more than a decade of rising prices, the value of gold is down. So how to make money from this precious metal? Evan Davis and guests follow its journey from the gold mines of west Africa to the workshops of an east London jewellery maker. What are the risks, responsibilities and rewards for those who mine it, invest in it and manufacture with it?

Guests:

Nolan Watson, CEO, Sandstorm Gold

Mark Bristow, CEO, Randgold Resources

Elizabeth Hunt, Director, Allied Gold

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

From mining in west Africa to jewellery-making in London: three links in the gold chain.

Google Deepmind's Demis Hassabis2023101220231016 (R4)As the UK gets ready to host a major global summit on the safety of artificial intelligence, Evan Davis speaks to one of the technology's leading global figures.

Demis Hassabis explains how he went from child chess champion to game developer to co-founder of AI research lab DeepMind, which was bought by Google in 2014.

He discusses Google's answer to ChatGPT and AI's ability to create breakthroughs in science, but also its downsides, including the potential extinction of the human race.

GUEST: Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producers: Joel Moors and Simon Tulett

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Neil Churchill

Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman

(Picture: Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind)

The child chess prodigy turned AI leader on the technology's rewards and risks.

Evan Davis meets the child chess prodigy turned AI leader to discuss the technology's potential and how to ensure it doesn't get misused, or take on a mind of its own.

Has Britain Stopped Working?2022100620221010 (R4)Evan Davis asks why there are more job vacancies in Britain than there are people looking for work. Unemployment used to be a big problem, but now businesses say they're struggling to recruit enough staff.

Guest list:

Jane Townson: CEO of The Home Care Association

Will Beckett: CEO of Hawksmoor restaurants

Jane Gratton: Head of People Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce

Jon Wilson: CEO of TotalJobs online recruitment agency.

Production Coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross and Siobhan Reed

Sound production: Neil Churchill & Graham Puddifoot

Research: Louise Byrne

Producer: Nick Holland

Editor: Richard Vadon

Presenter: Evan Davis

Why are there more job vacancies in Britain than there are people looking for work?

Horse Racing2016031020160312 (R4)Horse racing is the second most popular spectator sport in the UK but it is also a business. Presenter Evan Davis and guests discuss who makes the money: the horse owners, the jockeys, the race courses or the bookmakers?

Guests:

Simon Bazalgette, Chief Executive, The Jockey Club

Rachel Hood, Director, The Horsemen's Group

Ciaran O'Brien, Group Communications Director, William Hill bookmakers

Producer: Julie Ball.

Evan Davis finds out who profits the most from horse racing.

How Does Stuff Get To Us?2017030220170304 (R4)How does a can of Italian tomatoes reach the supermarket shelf and a car manufacturer receives its parts in time? Evan Davis finds out about the hidden transport networks that bring goods from around the world to our high street shops and factory floors.

Joining Evan to discuss the business of logistics are:

Paul Dyer, CEO of DHL Supply Chain

Maggie Simpson, Executive Director of the Rail Freight Group , the representative body for rail freight in the UK

Oliver Treneman, Park Development Director, DP World London Gateway

Producer: Julie Ball.

A hidden industry that makes globalisation work: Evan Davis and guests discuss logistiscs.

How Does The Commodities Business Work?2018071220180714 (R4)Commodities are the raw materials which oil the wheels of the modern economy. From minerals to crude oil to coffee, Evan Davis and guests look at how the business of buying and selling commodities works and why it matters to all of us.

Andrew Gowers, Global Head of Corporate Affairs, Trafigura

Jean-Francois Lambert, Founder, Lambert Commodities

Colin Hamilton, MD Commodities Research, BMO Capital Markets.

Commodities make the global trading system go round. With Evan Davis.

How Strikes Come To An End2023011920230123 (R4)Current strike action across the UK led to more than a million lost working days in 2022, the worst industrial strife the nation has experienced since the 'Winter of Discontent' in the 1970s. But with the benefit of hindsight, what can we learn from those who have dealt with labour relations in the past, and can their insights help to establish a better way of working out employee grievances?

Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Alan Johnson, former MP, Secretary of State and former Head of the Union of Communication Workers.

Professor Sian Moore, Professor of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management and Co-Director of the Centre for Research on Employment and Work (CREW), University of Greenwich

Susanna Newing, Chief People Officer, Coventry Council

Presenter: Evan Davis

Producer: Julie Ball and Marianna Brain

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Gareth Jones and Neil Churchill

Production Co-ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Sophie Hill

What can past strikes tell us about how to resolve the current wave of industrial strife?

How To Build A Bridge2018020120180203 (R4)
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Civil engineers would argue they are the unsung heroes of the railways, roads and bridges we all take for granted. But building major infrastructure projects is a complicated business. So how do you go about putting up a bridge? Are you limited by engineering or economics? Evan Davis tries to find the answer from three civil engineers.

GUESTS

Mike Glover, Arup Fellow

Louise Hardy, Civil Engineer, Non-Executive Director Sirius Minerals and Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Katy Toms, Senior Engineer, WSP Engineering Consultancy.

How do you build a bridge? Evan Davis asks three civil engineers.

How To Build A Racially Diverse Business20200723The Black Lives Matter protests have prompted boardroom soul-searching about how to engage a more racially diverse workforce. Good intentions have been around for decades and have encouraged much talk about removing biases from mainly white corporate cultures. But this has still not led to the change people want. Hardly any large UK firms have black, Asian or minority ethnic chief executives.

Evan Davis and guests explore the practical solutions to achieving racial equality at work and the potential benefits to the economy.

Karen Blackett, OBE, UK head of the ad giant WPP

Dr Kamal Munir, reader in strategy and policy at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge

Judith Hackitt, independent director at HS2 LTD

Kike Oniwinde, founder and CEO of The Black Young Professionals Network

Producer: Lesley McAlpine

Produced in association with The Open University

Practical solutions for companies that want to have a more racially diverse workforce.

How To Build An Olympics2016072120160723 (R4)The Olympics Games is the biggest sporting event on earth. But the road to a successful Olympics can be more gruelling than a marathon. With less than two weeks to go until the opening ceremony in Rio, Evan Davis and guests discuss the difficulties of managing the money, the politics and the people.

GUESTS:

Neil Wood MBE, Partner, Deloitte and former CFO of London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG)

Gerhard Heiberg, International Olympic Committee (IOC) member and President and CEO of Lillehammer Winter Olympic,s 1994

Professor Andrew Zimbalist, Sports Economist, Smith College Massachusetts, Consultant and Author

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: Innes Bowen.

Olympic economics. Evan Davis discovers how the world's biggest sporting event is managed.

How To Hire2023030220230306 (R4)What's the best way to recruit people who have the right skills for the job, but are also the right cultural fit for your business? And how do you do that without discrimination? Evan Davis and guests discuss the many different hiring options available, from the standard CV and interview to social media snooping, and the importance of getting it right.

Michael Barrington Hibbert, CEO, Barrington Hibbert Associates

Sir John Timpson, chairman, Timpson Group

Claire Hamilton, head of UK talent acquisition, Capgemini

Wouter Durville, CEO, TestGorilla

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer: Simon Tulett

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Graham Puddifoot

Production Co-ordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed

Are interviews over-rated, is the CV dead, and how is technology changing recruitment?

How To Negotiate2016062320160625 (R4)Most of us negotiate in some form or other every day - whether it's about who walks the dog, how much screen-time the kids can have or when to visit the in-laws. But too often we treat it like a competitive sport, with only one aim: to win. Which can backfire, especially when you need co-operation later on. It's much the same in business - negotiating to win at all costs is unlikely to result in a long-term, sustainable business relationship. So how to achieve a win-win situation when both sides leave satisfied and ready to do business with each other again? Evan Davis and guests explore the skills that can help settle disputes between individuals, companies and even nations. They'll discuss when to walk away from the negotiating table and they'll find out what happens when doing a deal is literally a matter of life and death.

Guests:

Tim Cullen, Director, Oxford Programme on Negotiation, Said Business School

Bridie Warner-Adsetts, COO, Naylor Industries

Sue Williams, Hostage Negotiator

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the skills and techniques needed to reach a win-win deal.

How To Run A Petrol Station2022062320220627 (R4)As petrol and diesel prices hit record highs, Evan Davis looks at the economics of running a petrol station. There's an allegation motorists are being ripped off at the pumps. However, the actual amount of profit some forecourts make from selling fuel may come as a surprise.

Guests:

Kirsty Waddingham, RKW Plumbing

David Charman, Parkfoot Garages

James Lowman, Association of Convenience Stores

David Fyfe, Argus Media

Producer: Nick Holland

Sound: Neil Churchill and Rod Farquhar

Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed

Editor: Hugh Levinson

As fuel prices rise, Evan Davis looks at the economics of running a petrol station.

How To Set Up An Eu Subsidiary.2021031120210313 (R4)Since Brexit, many companies have had to set up a subsidiary operation in the EU to continue trading. What are the rules, regulations, pitfalls and costs? Evan Davis hears the experience of three very different businesses, in sectors ranging from tights to cheese to architecture.

GUESTS

Brie Read, founder and CEO SNAG Group

Ross Hutchinson, founder and principal director, Hutchinson & Partners, architects

Simon Spurrell, founder and CEO, Cheshire Cheese Company

What are the rules, pitfalls and costs of setting up an operation in the EU?

How We Work Now, Lessons From Lockdown20200709Zoom meetings and working from home. Two habits which office workers have picked up during the enforced lockdown. But will these behaviours habits stick?

Some believe that if more of us choose to work from our spare rooms on a regular basis, this will have profound implications for offices, commuting, human interaction and productivity. Evan Davis and guests discuss whether current predictions about the death of the office are over-exaggerated.

Andr退 Spicer, Professor of Organisational Behaviour, City's Business School, University of London

Rachel Higham, Managing Director of IT at BT

Katrina Kostic Samen. Head of Workplace - Strategy and Design, Development. KKS Savills

Produced by Lesley McAlpine

The programme is produced in association with The Open University

Working from home and Zoom meetings. But which habits will stick when normality returns?

Hybrid Working2021101420211016 (R4)In 2020, the pandemic hit, and the world locked down. Suddenly white-collar staff went from working in the office, to working remotely. But now we are opening up, will people want to return? Hybrid working has become the buzzword of employers across the country, allowing individuals to have more flexibility over where they work. So how likely is this to function effectively? How do businesses manage staff and productivity? And will there ever be anyone in the office on Fridays....? Join Evan Davis and guests to find out.

Emma Stewart, Co-Founder, Timewise

Sam Bowerman, HR Director, Retail Businesses, NatWest Group UK

Lisa Kennery, HR and Marketing Director, The Pierce Group

PRODUCER

Julie Ball

How can companies effectively mix work at home and in the office?

Hydrogen Future2021031820210320 (R4)It's all around us and has pride of place in the periodic table. Hydrogen is the number one element. For decades it's been hailed as a potentially cleaner alternative to the fossil fuels which power heavy industry, our homes and transport systems. But hydrogen from renewable sources has never quite realised its potential. It's expensive to produce. However, as the UK now has targets to cut carbon emissions, green hydrogen may have a major part to play in the clean-up. Evan Davis and guests discuss the business of hydrogen.

Guests:

Eugene McKenna, from the chemical giant, Johnson Matthey.

Dr Laurie King, Fuel Cell Innovation Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University.

And Andrew Cunningham, managing director of Geopura, a green hydrogen energy supplier

Producer: Lesley McAlpine

What are the business opportunities from green hydrogen as a power source?

In Denial2023102620231030 (R4)Bad behaviour and big mistakes can destroy careers and even entire businesses if they're not addressed quickly, so why do some companies and their leaders try to downplay or even deny them?

Evan Davis and guests discuss the culture of defensiveness and denial that exists in some organisations, from the private to the public and charity sectors.

A former Oxfam worker describes how she was forced to blow the whistle on widespread sexual exploitation and abuse inside the charity, and the panel explores the ways in which leaders can tackle wrongdoing and encourage their teams to call it out.

Evan is joined by:

Helen Evans, former head of global safeguarding at Oxfam, now CEO of Cavernoma Alliance UK:

John Higgins, researcher on workplace activism and author of “Speak Up: Say What Needs to Be Said and Hear What Needs to Be Heard ?;

Sarah Miller, CEO of Principia Advisory.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producer: Simon Tulett

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Graham Puddifoot and Rod Farquhar

Production co-ordinators: Gemma Ashman and Sophie Hill

(Picture: A businessman with his head in the sand. Credit: Getty Images)

When bad things happen in business, why do some leaders pretend they haven't?

When bad things happen in business, why do some leaders pretend they haven't? Evan Davis and guests discuss the dangers of defensiveness and denial, and how to avoid them.

John Higgins, researcher on workplace activism and author of `Speak Up: Say What Needs to Be Said and Hear What Needs to Be Heard`;

In The Eye Of A Crisis2024030720240311 (R4)Evan Davis makes up crisis management scenarios to see how three CEOs handle a business emergency. To make it more realistic none of the guests know what the predicaments are before speaking to Evan.

Guests:

Kathryn Jacob, CEO of Pearl and Dean

Dame Inga Beale, former CEO of Lloyd's of London

Justin King, former CEO of Sainsbury's

Production Team:

Presenter: Evan Davis

Editor: Matt Willis

Producer: Simon Tulet & Paige Neal-Holder

Sound: Sarah Hockley & Rod Farquhar

Evan makes up crisis management scenarios to see how CEOs handle a business emergency.

Evan Davis hosts the business conversation show with insights from the people at the top.

Evan makes up crisis management scenarios to see how three CEOs handle a business emergency. To make it more realistic none of the guests know what the predicaments are in advance.

Insolvency2019102420191026 (R4)The number of companies in 'financial distress' in the UK is on the rise. What's causing the problems and what exactly happens when a company goes into administration? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Guests:

Julie Palmer, Insolvency practitioner, Begbies Traynor

Andy Scott, Chairman, REL Capital

Dr Rebecca Parry, Director, Centre for Business and Insolvency, Nottingham Trent University

Producer: Julie Ball

What happens when a company goes in to administration? With Evan Davis and guests.

Internships2019031420190316 (R4)For many graduates an internship has become the default route to full-time, paid employment. But getting a good placement is competitive and in some cases poorly paid or unpaid. What does this mean for social mobility and diversity in the workplace? Evan Davis and guests discuss the pros and cons of internships.

Sarah Churchman, UK Head of Inclusion, Diversity and Wellbeing, PwC

Amalia Illgner , Freelance journalist and a former intern

Oliver Sidwell, Co-founder, Rate My Placement

How useful are internships as a route into full-time, paid employment?

Inventors2015021920150221 (R4)Artificial snow, a plastic hairbrush and a non-spill baby beaker: How do you turn an idea into a successful business? Three entrepreneurs discuss with Evan Davis the process of designing a product and getting it onto the market. How do you finance the project and what's the best way to protect your design from copycats? We'll hear how one inventor risked everything in a legal battle against a company that stole her design. And discover how to create more than 200 types of fake snow.

Guests:

Shaun Pulfrey, Founder and CEO, Tangle Teezer

Mandy Haberman, Founder, Haberman Products

Darcey Crownshaw, Founder and MD, Snow Business

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Hairbrushes, fake snow and baby beakers: How to turn an idea into a successful business.

Investor Relations2013072520130727 (R4)The power of investors and their role in changing how business functions and is run is the discussion for Evan Davis and his guests. What is it like to be voted off the board by your shareholders? And is investor activism here to stay? And how should a company boss best manage the owners of the company?

Alison Carnwath, chair Land Securities

Helena Morrissey, CEO Newton Asset Management

Nigel Wilson, Group CEO Legal & General

Producers: Rosamund Jones/Lucy Proctor.

The power and role of investors in business is discussed by Evan Davis and guests.

Is Any Company Ever Invulnerable?2018061420180616 (R4)Facebook, Apple, Google, or Amazon. Dominant companies that today look unassailable. But similar claims were made about MySpace, Tesco, Microsoft, Kodak and Polaroid. However, these companies turned out to be more vulnerable than anyone thought. Evan Davis and guests discuss invulnerability, complacency and hubris in corporations.

Guests:

Sean Percival, entrepreneur and former Vice President for Online Marketing at MySpace

Dr Kamal Munir, Reader in Strategy and Policy at the Judge Business School, University Of Cambridge

Martin Franklin, Head of Global Marketing at Polaroid Originals.

Are any companies truly unassailable?

Is Greed Is Good?20110604The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

With plenty to worry about in the world economy, Evan asks his panel of influential business leaders whether now is a good time for companies to sit tight and play it safe, or to take a risk or two. They also discuss greed - is there anything wrong with a touch of it in business?

Evan is joined in the studio by Geoff Cooper, chief executive of builders merchant Travis Perkins; Harriet Green, chief executive of electronic components distributor Premier Farnell; serial technology entrepreneur Sir Terry Matthews.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the global economy and debate if greed is good in business.

Is Strategy Necessary For Success?2018030820180310 (R4)What is strategy and why do businesses need it? What distinguishes a good strategy from a bad one or a non-strategy? Not to be confused with goals or a company's ambition, strategy is a word that is often mis-used and misapplied. But in reality it can make the difference between success and failure - especially if it's adaptable to changes in the market. Evan Davis looks at where companies have got strategy right and where it's gone badly wrong.

GUESTS:

Michael Jacobides - Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at The London Business School.

Jacqueline de Rojas, President of Tech UK

Ann Cairns, President of International Markets, MasterCard.

What is strategy and why do businesses need it? Evan Davis chairs a round table discussion

Is There A Business Case For Having A Diverse Workforce?2017101920171021 (R4)What is the business case for having a diverse workforce? Evan Davis and guests debate whether a mix of talents in the workplace leads to better companies and translates into more profits.

Joining the programme:

Ruby McGregor-Smith, former Chief Executive of MITIE, and author of a government commissioned review: Race in the Workplace.

Jane Farrell, group Chief Executive of Equality Works

Scott Page, author of The Diversity Bonus.

What is the business case for having a diverse workforce? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Keeping Score2011062320110625 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

This week Evan's executive guests hail from the worlds of banking, headhunting and advertising. He asks them about loyalty - or rather the seeming lack of it in business. Are companies generally looking for short-term relationships of convenience, with loyalty gone and promiscuity the rule? Evan also asks them how they measure how well they're performing.

Evan is joined in the studio by Michael Morley, chief executive of private bank Coutts & Co; Robin Wight, president of communications agency Engine; Alistair Cox, chief executive of global recruitment firm Hays.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Evan Davis's guests discuss temporary relationships and keeping score in business.

Labour Shortages And The New Model Economy2021100720211009 (R4)Labour shortages, particularly in the hospitality and HGV sector have dominated the headlines from petrol shortages, to worries about Christmas dinner being off the menu. And its not just the logistics sector at risk - hospitality, agriculture and the care sector have all reported labour problems in post-pandemic, post-Brexit Britain. So what exactly is the solution? Do we bring in more labour from abroad? Do we invest in training and developing British workers? Or are companies going to have to pay better wages and improve working conditions? Join us on this week's The Bottom line to find out...

GUESTS

Rain Newton Smith, Chief Economist, CBI

Alan Manning, Economist, London School of Economics

Kaan Hendekli, JJ Food Services

The HGV sector is one of many sectors plagued by labour shortages - so how do we fix it?

Land, The Mother Of All Monopolies2017062920170701 (R4)Evan Davis presents the business magazine.
Leadership2012031520120317 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Evan's executive panel discuss what good leadership consists of - how do you turn a mediocre manager into a brilliant boss? They also swap thoughts on surviving on 20% less of everything. How would their companies cope, and what would they look like?

Joining Evan are Martin Gilbert, chief executive of fund manager Aberdeen Asset Management; Allan Leighton, chairman of set top box maker Pace; Nigel Whitehead, group managing director of BAE Systems.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Richard Vadon.

Evan Davis and his guests discuss the essence of good leadership and dematerialisation.

Lessons Of Theranos2019071820190720 (R4)What can we learn from how one medical start-up fooled Silicon Valley and the world? Elizabeth Holmes dropped out of Stanford University at 19 to start Theranos. She promised investors and the public a revolutionary blood diagnosis machine which would be less painful, accessible and affordable than ordinary lab tests. She managed to raise $9 billion in funding. Now the company is worth nothing. Holmes and her business partner may face up to 20 years in prison for fraud. How did she manage to deceive some of the world's cleverest minds - and is there something about start-up culture and the cult of the visionary leader which encourages charlatans? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Rebecca Jarvis, chief business, economics and technology correspondent, ABC News

Margaret Heffernan, author and entrepreneur

Jos White, entrepreneur and partner, Notion Capital

Producer: Julie Ball

Levelling Up2022031720220319 (R4)Evan Davis and guests examine the prospects for business in this government priority for increasing economic activity beyond the Southeast of England. How important is political devolution? Or are practical changes, like transport links and skills education more significant?

Guests:

Andrew Carter, chief executive, Centre for Cities

Akash Paun, senior fellow at the Institute for Government

Steve Cole, maritime business improvement director for BAE Systems

Lucy Winskell, chair of the North-East Enterprise partnership

Producer: Lucinda Borrell

Sound: Graham Puddifoot

Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed and Sophie Hill

Editor: Hugh Levinson

The programme was produced in partnership with the Open University

Evan Davis and guests examine the prospects for business from this government priority.

Life After A Blockbuster2016032420160326 (R4)Whether it's creating Angry Birds, the best-selling mobile app, or developing the best-selling Alzheimer's drug or discovering one of the world's biggest oil fields in recent years, every company dreams of blockbuster success.

But what happens after you hit the jackpot? How do you sustain that level of success? And what's needed to adapt from small start-up to big business?

Evan Davis and guests share the secrets of success and explore their experiences of trying to maintain their market position.

Guests:

Kati Levoranta, CEO, Rovio Entertainment (creators of Angry Birds)

Dr David Jefferys, Global Senior Vice President, Eisai Pharmaceuticals

J n Ferrier, CEO, Gulf Keystone Petroleum

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

How to sustain business success after achieving a blockbuster hit in apps, drugs and oil.

Life After Brexit2016063020160702 (R4)How will the vote to leave the EU affect big and small businesses in the UK? Evan Davis and guests discuss trade deals, tariffs and 'passporting' rights that allow UK-based firms to sell financial products and services from Britain to EU customers. They'll also explore how companies can turn the current economic uncertainty into business opportunities.

Guests:

Anne Richards, CEO, M & G Investments

Juergen Maier, CEO Siemens UK

Julia Gash, Founder and CEO, BIDBI

Jan Atteslander, EconomieSuisse

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

How will the vote to leave the EU affect businesses big and small? Evan Davis presents.

Life After Ceo2014022020140222 (R4)Business leaders spend their lives climbing the corporate ladder, so what happens when it is time to step off? Evan Davis and guests discuss life after CEO.

Guests:

Lord Browne of Madingley, former Chief Executive of BP

Kate Wilson, former MD of Scholastic UK, Managing Director of Nosy Crow

Robert Polet, former CEO of Gucci Group

Producer: Kent DePinto.

Is there life after being a CEO? Evan Davis and guests discuss life after being boss.

Limits Of Automation2011071420110716 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

This week Evan asks his panel of top executives about the limits of automation. How far can they go in removing human beings from their business? Which processes are beyond automation? The panel also swap thoughts on the benefits of the corporate awayday.

Evan is joined in the studio by Mike Lynch, founder and chief executive of the software company Autonomy; Colin Drummond, chief executive of waste management firm Viridor; Douglas Anderson, president and chief executive of the global travel management company Carlson Wagonlit Travel.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the limits of automation and the benefits of the awayday.

Little Boxes?2022072820220801 (R4)The government target for building houses in the UK is 300,000 a year, but over the past few years only around 60 per cent of that number have been constructed. The sector faces many challenges; labour and skills shortages and rapidly rising prices for raw materials, not to mention uneven planning laws and green building commitments.

Are they building the homes the country needs and where it needs them? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Ben Dimson, Partner, Property Sector, McKinsey

Peter Truscott, CEO, Crest Nicholson

Rico Wojtulewicz, Head of Housing and Planning, National Federation of Builders

Presenter: Evan Davis

Producers: Julie Ball and Lucinda Borrell

Editors: Hugh Levinson and Jon Bithrey

Sound: James Beard, Rod Farquhar

Production Co-ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross

House-building. What are the challenges faced by UK house builders? With Evan Davis.

Live Long And Prosper2014110620141108 (R4)Very few companies survive for centuries. Evan Davis hears from a luxury jeweller, a removals firm and a diversified business that makes money from ships, finance and groceries. Between them they have nearly a thousand years of business experience. What strategies have they embarked on to ensure that they live long and prosper? Has their history become a burden or a motivator? And have they sacrificed growth for corporate longevity?

Guests:

Sir Michael Bibby, MD The Bibby Line

Michael Wainwright, CEO Boodles

Stuart Burnett, Partner Shore Porters Society

Producer:

Rosamund Jones.

How have some companies survived for centuries? Evan Davis investigates.

Location, Disruption, Location2014072420140717 (R4)
20140719 (R4)
Civil war in Sierra Leone, political unrest in Ukraine, the Japanese tsunami and Hurricane Sandy on the east coast of the US - three guests tell Evan Davis how they led businesses through periods of unexpected and extended turmoil.

Guests :

Peter Kaye, Director of Business Development, Pilgrims Group

Bryan Disher, Ukraine Country Manager, PWC

Mary Bahsoon, Co-owner Bennimix

Producer : Rosamund Jones.

War, political unrest and natural disasters - three business leaders tell their stories.

Lonely At The Top?2016031720160319 (R4)Many senior executives now employ personal coaches to help them through their toughest business challenges. Coaches can provide confidential, independent support for senior managers who find life lonely at the top. But shouldn't the boss be capable of making decisions on his or her own? And are coaches sometimes the hidden power behind the senior executive throne?

Guests:

Gavin Patterson, CEO of BT Group

Melanie Richards, Vice Chairman and Partner of KPMG UK

Jonathan Bowman-Perks, Coach and Mentor

Producer: Ruth Edwards.

What goes on between a manager and his or her coach? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Magazines2019022820190302 (R4)There are more than two-and-a-half thousand consumer and business magazine titles on sale in the UK. What is the appeal of magazines and how does the business endure in spite of falling advertising revenues and declining circulation figures?

GUESTS

Wolfgang Blau, President, Conde Nast International

Terri White, Editor-in-Chief, Empire Magazine

Rebecca McGrath, Senior Analyst, Media, Mintel

Why do printed magazines endure in an era of declining advertising revenue and sales?

Major Disaster Plans2011031720110319 (R4)The view from the top of business, presented by Evan Davis. The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

This week, Evan's top executive guests include two hoteliers and a soft drinks manufacturer. They discuss recent events in Japan, and explore to what extent companies can really prepare for major disasters.

They also reveal how much they know about life on the shop floor and where the problems lie.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Evan Davis and guests discuss business continuity and life on the shop floor.

Managing Conflict2019103120191102 (R4)How should businesses deal with workplace quarrels? At a time when the nation seems increasingly divided and hot-tempered, is there a way to bring harmony among staff when there are differences of opinion and personality? Evan Davis and his guests explore what can go wrong and look for some possible solutions. In a very cooperative spirit, naturally.

GUESTS:

Naomi Shragai: psychological business consultant and Financial Times contributor

Roxana Mohammadian-Molina, Chief Strategy Officer, Blend Network

David Liddle, founder and CEO, The TCM Group

Producer: Julie Ball

Managing In A Crisis2013070420130706 (R4)What do you do when it all goes wrong? How to manage corporations in times of crisis is the subject under discussion by Evan Davis and his guests.

Business leaders should expect the ride sometimes to be bumpy - but what is it reasonable to expect? And what is the best way to proceed when the truly unexpected happens?

Michael Woodford, former chief executive & president, Olympus Corporation

Ann Cairns, President International Markets, Mastercard

Eddie Bensilum, Director, Regester Larkin

Producer : Rosamund Jones.

Managing corporations through crisis is the discussion for Evan Davis and his guests.

Managing Millennials (and Gen Z)2023062220230626 (R4)Younger workers want unlimited holiday, refuse to give up remote working, and are constantly looking for their next job, or so the clich退 goes. Millennials and those even younger (Generation Z) do typically have different attitudes to work than their older colleagues, but what are they really, and how are they changing workplaces?

Is it all about finishing early on Fridays, finding a company with a strong ethical stance, or looking for the quickest possible route to success? And to what extent have the pandemic and remote working changed the relationship between employees and employers, especially for those new to the world of work?

As these younger workers make up an ever-growing proportion of staff at UK firms, Evan Davis and guests ask what's the best way to manage and get the best out of them.

Grace Beverley, founder and CEO of TALA and SHREDDY;

Helen Marshall, chief learning officer at Thrive;

Gary Ashworth, chairman of InterQuest Group, Albany Beck and Positive Healthcare.

Thanks also to Cruz Corral @champagnecruz

Produced in partnership with The Open University.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer: Simon Tulett

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Graham Puddifoot and James Beard

Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown

Are younger workers asking too much from their employers, or changing work for the better?

Managing The Boardroom2016012820160130 (R4)After recent corporate scandals like VW's emissions' cheating, Tesco's accounting irregularities, Barclays interest-rate rigging, many asked why company board members failed to act. What happened to the checks and balances designed to curb management excesses? Evan Davis and guests look at how company boards operate and how to make them work effectively. They discuss the role of company directors, the skills and experience required and examine why some say 'Beware the charismatic CEO'.

Guests:

Sir David Walker, Former Chairman, Barclays plc

Michael Jackson, Former Chair, The Sage Group plc

Margaret Heffernan, Former CEO, entrepreneur and author

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

How should company boards operate, and what is the best way to make them work?

Managing Workplace Relationships2017021620170218 (R4)We spend a third of our life at work so it's inevitable that relationships blossom, whether it's a one night stand at the Christmas party or one that becomes a long term partnership. How do companies handle the issues that can arise from office romance? Evan Davis and his guests discuss the solutions.

Neil Morrison, Director, Strategy, Culture and Innovation. Penguin Random House

Helen Farr, Partner, Employment Law Group, Fox Williams

Danielle Harmer, Chief People Officer, Metro Bank.

How do you manage employees who have become involved in a relationship?

Many Unhappy Returns2024012520240129 (R4)Some major fashion brands have started charging for online returns, or even banning customers who routinely send products back. The companies say that growing levels of returns are hitting their profits, so just how costly is it to process an unwanted dress, and what really happens when we pop it back in the post?

Evan Davis and guests take us behind the scenes into the hidden world of returns and the mini-industry that has sprung up to deal with the billions of pounds of items rejected by customers.

It's a growing problem, according to many retailers, with a small number of customers causing particular damage, so what's the best way to tackle it and does the responsibility lie with brands, shoppers, or governments?

Evan is joined by:

Robert Kulawik, chief operating officer, Everything5pounds.com;

Andy Rough, CEO, ACS Clothing;

Dr Regina Frei, associate professor of digital economy, University of Surrey.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producer: Simon Tulett

Researcher: Paige Neal-Holder

Editor: Matt Willis

Sound: Rod Farquhar and Neil Churchill

Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge

The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University.

(Picture: A woman putting folded clothes into a cardboard box. Credit: Getty Images)

What really happens when you buy something online and then send it back?

Evan Davis hosts the business conversation show with insights from the people at the top.

What really happens when you buy something online and then send it back? Evan Davis and guests discuss the hidden costs of returns.

Find out what can help to build sustainable organisations for better business.

Marketing And Mess2011101320111015 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented this week by Stephanie Flanders, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Stephanie asks her panel about the dos and don'ts of marketing. They also talk about messiness in the workplace. Is there any truth to the claim that a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind?

Stephanie is joined in the studio by Richard Harpin, chief executive of emergency home repairs business Homeserve; Nick Wheeler, founder and chairman of shirt company Charles Tyrwhitt; Charles Cohen, chief executive of mobile gaming company Probability.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Stephanie Flanders and guests discuss the art of marketing, and messiness in business.

Mbas2014020620140208 (R4)Business school or school of life? An MBA from a top business school is what defines many of today's high powered CEO's - but is the qualification worth the cost or are would-be entrepreneurs better off learning business acumen in the real world? Evan Davis debates with guests.

Guests:

Colin Drummond, Chairman of Viridor and Harvard MBA graduate

Kim Winser, former CEO of Pringle, now CEO of Winser London

Glenn Sykes, Associate Dean of The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, London

Producer: Kent DePinto.

Business school or school of life? Evan Davis debates with guests.

Mcdonald's And New Tech2011092920111001 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan and his guests discuss McDonald's. After a rocky period in the middle of the last decade, how well has the global burger chain managed to revive its famous fast-food formula? They also debate whether the progress of radical new technology has slowed down.

Evan is joined in the studio by Greg Lucier, chief executive of US biotechnology company Life Technologies; Rita Clifton, chairman of branding consultancy Interbrand; Jill McDonald, chief executive of McDonald's UK.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Evan Davis and his guests debate whether the progress of technology has slowed down.

Meat2024020120240205 (R4)UK consumers are eating less meat than at any point since records began 50 years ago, according to the latest government figures, so how are farmers, processors and retailers responding?

The cost of living crisis is part of the reason for a recent drop-off in demand, but warnings about meat's impact on the planet and our health might also play a role, and plant-based alternatives have been eating into meat's market share in recent years.

So does the industry feel under attack, or are they adapting their businesses and their products to meet these challenges? And what does it take to get an animal from a field to our plate anyway?

Evan Davis is joined by:

Anna Longthorp, of Anna's Happy Trotters;

Phil Hambling, head of CSR at ABP Food Group;

Charlotte Mitchell, owner of Charlotte's Butchery.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producer: Simon Tulett

Researcher: Paige Neal-Holder

Editor: Matt Willis

Sound: Rod Farquhar and Neil Churchill

Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge

The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University.

(Picture: A butcher arranging meat at store window in Leeds. Credit: Reza Estakhrian/Getty Images)

We're told we need to eat a lot less of it, so how is the industry responding?

Evan Davis hosts the business conversation show with insights from the people at the top.

We're told we need to eat a lot less of it, and UK consumption has fallen to record lows, so how is the industry responding? Evan Davis meets three parts of the supply chain.

Find out what can help to build sustainable organisations for better business.

Meetings2023111620231120 (R4)On the agenda for the final programme of the current series is meetings. Virtual or in person, it's difficult to avoid a work meeting. So how do you ensure a good meeting? What should their purpose be, how many people should attend, who should speak and when? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Dave Brittain, Business Development Director, Amazon Fashion Europe

Phil Jones, MD Brother UK

Dr. Sarah Woolley, Senior Research Fellow, Warwick Business School

CLIPS

Series 3 Episode 3 W1A

Writer: John Morton

Rob Mayhew

Brother Meeting Manifesto

Writer: Rob Mayhew

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Rod Farquhar and James Beard

Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman

In the last programme of the series, on the agenda is meetings. With Evan Davis.

Love them or hate them, chances are your job involves meetings. So what makes a good one? With Evan Davis and guests.

Evan Davis hosts the business conversation show with insights from the people at the top.

Mental Health2014070320140705 (R4)Would you tell your boss you had depression? In The Bottom Line this week, Evan Davis hears from three successful business people who talk openly about what it's like to experience severe mental illness whilst running their companies. They'll explain the risks and rewards of going public about mental ill health problems: the reaction from investors and the impact on staff. And we'll hear why being open about mental illness can lead to a happier, healthier workplace.

Guests:

Lord Stevenson of Coddenham, entrepreneur and former Chairman of HBOS and Pearson;

Andrea Woodside, Founder, Minding Work Limited;

and Charlie Mowat, Managing Director, The Clean Space

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Evan Davis and guests discuss coping with depression and business success at the same time

Migrant Entrepreneurs2017032320170325 (R4)Migrant entrepreneurs create one in seven businesses in the UK. This week Evan Davis talks to three entrepreneurs who all arrived from overseas with very little and then went on to create a successful business.

GUESTS

Tony Kitous, Founder, Comptoir Libanais

Razan Alsous, Yorkshire Dama Cheese

Surinder Arora, Founder and Chairman, Arora Group.

Migrants create one in seven businesses in the UK. Evan Davis meets three of them.

Navigating The Say-do Gap2024021520240219 (R4)It's easy for people to say they want to buy a particular product, perhaps in the name of sustainability. But how often do individuals actually follow through with these well-meaning intentions? Academics regularly observe a difference between what consumers say they want to do and what they actually do.

The gap can cause problems for businesses when they're trying to figure out how to serve their customers. Evan Davis is joined by a panel of business leaders to discuss how they bridge this divide.

Guests:

Andreas Chatzidakis, professor of marketing in the centre for research into sustainability, Royal Holloway, University of London

Jake Pickering, senior manager for agriculture, Waitrose

Marsha Smith, deputy CEO, IKEA UK

Toby Clark, vice president of insights, Mintel

Production team:

Producers: Simon Tulett, and Nick Holland

Researcher: Paige Neal-Holder

Editor: Matt Willis

Sound: Hal Haines

Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge

The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University.

How do businesses cope with the misalignment between consumers' intentions and actions?

Evan Davis hosts the business conversation show with insights from the people at the top.

How do businesses respond when there's a misalignment between consumers' intentions and actions? Evan Davis explains what the value gap is and hears how businesses try to cross it.

Find out what can help to build sustainable organisations for better business.

Negotiating A Trade Deal2017012620170128 (R4)Brexit means the UK government will have to negotiate trade agreements with the EU and the rest of the world. Trade deal experts share their tips with presenter Evan Davis.

Guests include:

Janice Charette, Canadian High Commissioner to the UK

Tim Cullen, founder and director of Oxford Programme on Negotiation

Producer: Julie Ball.

How to negotiate international trade deals after Brexit. Evan Davis meets the experts.

Net Zero In The House2021021820210220 (R4)What are the business opportunities in turning our old housing stock green? The UK has some of the least energy-efficient housing in Europe - most of it built before environmentally efficient design was regulated. It's estimated around a quarter of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions come from the energy we use for heating, lighting or running appliances in our homes, public buildings or workplaces - and energy used in our homes is the most significant source.

How soon can heat pumps, solar panels and better insulation around the house help the UK Government achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050? And will this ramping up of energy efficiency measures really lead to a green jobs revolution?

Guests:

Dr Sara Walker, Director of the Centre for Energy, Newcastle University

Neil Hargreaves, Managing Director for Northern Europe at Knauf Insulation

Phil Hurley, Managing Director of Nibe, one of Europe's leading manufacturers of renewable energy products

and Barry Hughes, homeowner at Springfield Meadows - an estate of carbon zero houses.

Presenter: Evan Davis

Producer: Lesley McAlpine

Newspapers, To Pay Or Not To Pay?2015070920150711 (R4)Despite widespread predictions of their demise and amid falling numbers of readers, newspapers are still with us. How are they adapting to the challenges of digital technologies? The industry is split on the issue of whether or not to charge readers for online. What is the best business model for newspapers to survive and prosper? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

The guests this week are: John Ridding, Chief Executive of the Financial Times; Ashley Highfield, Chief Executive of the Johnson Press and Andrew Miller, out-going Chief Executive of the Guardian Media Group.

Producer: Jim Frank.

How are newspapers adapting to digital technologies? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Now We Are Ten2016022520160227 (R4)The Bottom Line first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2006. At the time, Tony Blair was Prime Minister, interest rates were 4.5%, petrol was 90 pence a litre and a first class stamp cost 32p (half today's price). In a special edition, to mark ten years since the programme came on air, Evan Davis and guests discuss some of the big changes that have happened in the past decade, including: the global recession, record high and record low oil prices, a technology boom and China's extraordinary economic growth. How have businesses adapted to the changing world?

Guests:

Nicola Horlick, CEO, Money & Co

Sir Ian Cheshire, Chairman, Debenhams

Nicola Shaw, CEO, HS1

Ken Olisa, Founder and Chairman, Restoration Partners

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

A look back on how the business world has changed in the past decade. Evan Davis presents.

Old Dog, New Tricks2016060920160611 (R4)It is not easy to teach new tricks to the business world's old dogs. The latest fashionable solution for big corporations slowed down by bureaucracy and traditional ways of thinking is to incubate tech start-ups. The idea is that the big corporation benefits from the creativity and 'can do' attitude of the start-up. In return the start-up gets funding, professional advice and help navigating the corporate world to reach the top decision makers. The model is known as 'corporate acceleration' and it is growing in popularity. Evan Davis hears how it works.

GUESTS:

Jess Williamson, Director, Techstars with Barclays FinTech Accelerator

David Fogel, Head of Accelerator & Deputy Director at Wayra UK

Emily Forbes, Founder, Seenit

Producer: Julie Ball.

How big businesses are 'incubating' tech start-ups in an attempt to innovate.

One Company, Many Brands2017070620170708 (R4)Evan Davis discusses the reasons why some companies have multiple brands. Is it to bamboozle or does it help consumers navigate the wide variety of choices? Can there be too many? When does product proliferation make sense? Evan talks to three guests: a brand consultant, a marketing executive from drinks company Diageo and a representative from Johnson & Johnson about how we can better understand the world of brands.

Robert Jones - Brand consultant at Wolf Olins and a visiting professor at the University of East Anglia

Jana Ignatova - Head of Baby global franchise for EMEA at Johnson & Johnson

Ed Pilkington - European Marketing and Innovation Director at Diageo.

Why do some companies have multiple brands? Evan Davis discusses with industry experts.

Online Reviews2022061620220620 (R4)Can we trust the wisdom of the crowd on online review platforms? Evan Davis and guests discuss how businesses can harness this knowledge to their advantage and how they can deal with bad reviews. And how do the platforms that consumers look to for assurance ensure that we're reading the truth? Plus stories of chip shops, splashing in puddles and the mysterious 'review farms'...

Guests:

Anoop Joshi, VP Legal and Platform Integrity, Trustpilot

Melissa Norton, Commercial Director, Muddy Puddles

Professor Adrian Palmer, Head of Marketing and Reputation, Henley Business School

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor Hugh Levinson

Sound: Neil Churchill

Production coordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross

Can we trust the wisdom of the crowd on online review platforms? Presented by Evan Davis.

Opportunists And Optimists2022111720221121 (R4)As the UK struggles with recession, Evan Davis talks to four business people who are not afraid to be bulls in a bear market. Does a recession offer opportunities to serial entrepreneurs and start-ups that others might fear? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Capucine Codron, Co-founder, Swizzle

Arka Dhar, CEO and Co-founder SKOV Ltd

Sir John Hegarty, Founder, The Garage Soho and BBH Advertising Agency

Sarah Willingham, Co Founder, Nightcap bar chain and former Dragon's Den panellist.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producers: Julie Ball, Nick Holland, Kirsteen Knight

Editor: Simon Watts

Sound: Graham Puddifoot

Production Co-ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross

Can there be a silver lining for business in a recession? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Outsourcing2015061820150620 (R4)Outsourcing has had a bad press over the years: What with taxpayers being charged for tagging offenders who were dead, the fiasco over security at the London Olympics and the earlier trend for companies to shift operations to call centres in India. Evan Davis and guests look beyond the negative headlines to examine the pros and cons of getting an outside supplier to do some of your work. And they'll find out how outsourcing has enabled the creators of a chilli sauce to expand from the garden shed to the shelves of hundreds of stores.

Guests:

Rupert Soames, CEO, Serco

Paul Blantern, CEO, Northampstonshire County Council

Kuldip Singh Sehota, CEO Mr Singh's Sauce

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

From making chilli sauce to running prisons: the pros and cons of contracting out.

Overcrowded Markets2012101820121020 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan and his guests consider the perils and possibilities of doing business in an overcrowded market, with too many products chasing too few customers. And ahead of the arrival of the latest James Bond film, they swap thoughts on product placement and celebrity endorsement. How do you ensure your products are seen in all the right places and none of the wrong ones?

In the studio are Willie Walsh, Chief Executive of International Airlines Group; fashion and retail expert Kim Winser; Peter Bamford, Chairman of Supergroup.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Innes Bowen.

Evan Davis and guests discuss overcapacity and how to ensure positive product placement.

Pets Mean Pounds2017110920171111 (R4)In the UK we spend £4.5 billion a year on domestic pets. Where does the money go? Evan Davis and guests discuss the business of keeping pets.

Lynne Hill, Chief Executive of Linnaeus Group of veterinary practices

Dean Richmond, Managing Director of retailing chain, Pets Corner

Ashley Gray, Managing Director of Vetsure Pet Insurance.

The UK spends \u00a34.5 billion a year on pets. Where does the money go? Evan Davis chairs.

Pivoting2019062720190629 (R4)Can a sudden change in direction save a new company? Evan Davis and his guests hear stories about the start-up's nightmare: the original product is not selling, and cash is running out. Can changing focus - with a new service or product - pluck success from the jaws of doom? Speaking to entrepreneurs and experts, he learns about how in a range of sectors, from sanitary products to event ticketing, the key is to shift while staying true to the original vision.

Guests:

Celia Pool, cofounder DAME

Edmund Glover and Nick Stone, FIXR

Ramdane Mir, cofounder Cobbleweb

Planet New2012111520121117 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

There are many arguments about how to solve the world's economic problems, to increase employment and achieve economic growth. But if there's one solution that most will agree on it's that we need more new products or services, which drive capitalism and make us richer. Evan's guests this week discuss the importance of innovation for the global economy and the impediments to this kind of creativity. They also swap thoughts on the 'pivot' - when to change your mind in business.

Joining Evan in the studio are Suranga Chandratillake, founder of video and audio search engine Blinkx; Simon Woodroffe, founder of YO! Company; Olaf Swantee, chief executive of mobile phone operator EE.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Innes Bowen.

Evan Davis and guests consider how developing new products can help the economy.

Planning And Developing2020022020200222 (R4)The UK has a housing shortage whichis particularly acute in the affordable homes market. So what are planners and developers doing to solve this problem? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Alice Lester, Operational Director Regneration, Growth and Employment, Brent Council

Dr. Janice Morphet, Visiting Professor, Bartlett School of Planning, University College of London

Stephen Pratt, Co-founder and Group Land Director, Godwin Developments

Producer: Julie Ball/Sean Allsop

Editor: Hugh Levinson

Is the UK housing shortage down to the relationship between planners and developers?

Planning For The Future2013110720131109 (R4)Infrastructure projects can take decades to complete and are meant to last for generations. Planning for new rail networks, roads, bridges, airports - in the UK and overseas - all require assumptions and predictions about the future. What shape will the country's economy be in? Will the population grow or shrink? How might travel patterns change? And will the political regimes support the project over the years?

Evan Davis and guests discuss the problems and pitfalls of planning for the long view.

Guests:

Alison Munro, CEO HS2

Tushar Prabhu, co-owner, Pell Frischmann

Richard Deakin, CEO NATS

Producer: Rosamund Jones.

Infrastructure projects can take decades to complete. How do you plan for the future?

Planning For Uncertainty2019032820190330 (R4)Every business faces uncertainty. In the final programme of the series Evan Davis and guests ask what businesses should do when faced with uncertainty.

Guests:

Jeremy Bentham, Head of Scenarios, Shell

Nick Allan, CEO, Control Risks

Dr Sandra Bell, Head of Resilience Consulting, Sungard Availability Services

Can business plan for uncertainty? Evan Davis and guests discuss

Plant-based Foods20191017How can business benefit from the popularity of vegetarian and vegan products in supermarkets and restaurants? One in eight of us identifies as vegetarian or vegan, but that's not enough to have boosted the market so significantly. So what is happening and is it sustainable? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Kevin Brennan, CEO Quorn

Tommaso Chiabra, venture capitalist and CEO Tommaso Chiabra Holdings

Rachel Hugh, Co-founder, The Vurger Company

Producer: Julie Ball

How can business benefit from the popularity of vegetarian and vegan eating?

Plastics2018102520181027 (R4)Plastic is arguably one of the world's greatest inventions. Its' qualities allow it to be used in everything from food packaging to clothes and cars. But discarded plastic clogs up our rivers and oceans threatening marine life creating a consumer backlash. So what can the industry do to restore its reputation and how? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Lubna Edwards, Global Sustainability Director, Klockner Pentaplast

Roger Baynham, Managing Director, Philip Tyler Polymers and Chair of the Recycling Group, British Plastics Federation

Adrian Griffiths, CEO and Founder, Recycling Technologies.

Making plastic is big business but its reputation is in tatters. Can it save itself?

Podcasting2023020920230213 (R4)It seems these days everyone is making a podcast, from Michelle Obama and Kate Hudson to Alastair Campbell and Dua Lipa. Covering every subject from health and wellbeing to politics, food and even funerals, the last few years has seen a proliferation of new titles. Although only a third of us are currently listening to podcasts, that number is steadily growing. So who is making money from podcasts, and how? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

PRESENTER: Evan Davis

Jack Davenport, managing director, Goalhanger Podcasts

Sam Shetabi, content director UK, Acast

Rebecca McGrath, senior media analyst, Mintel

PODCAST CLIPS

Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster, featuring Jarvis Cocker, Plosive Productions

The Rest is Politics with Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, Goalhanger Podcasts

Shagged, Married, Annoyed with Chris and Rosie Ramsay, Avalon Productions

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: China Collins

Producton Co-ordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed

Sound: Neil Churchill and John Scott

Podcasting seems to be booming, but how profitable is it? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Post-pandemic Resilience20200625During the pandemic, businesses have faced severe tests, from supply chain shocks to fluctuations in consumer demand. How resilient are companies in dealing with the unknown? In recent years the focus has been on getting costs down, creating lean supply chains, and delivering returns to shareholders. But has that emphasis left supply chains insecure in the face of shocks? Will companies learn to value resilience over mere efficiency?

Guests

Dr Sandra Bell, founder and chief executive of The Business Resilience Company.

Michael Davies, guest lecturer at the London Business School and founder and chairman of Endeavour Partners

Poonam Gupta, founder and chief executive of PG Paper

Guy Gratton, associate professor in aviation and the environment at Cranfield University

Will businesses learn to value resilience over mere efficiency in future?

Powered, By Ai2023022320230227 (R4)Machines now have the ability to write novels, create works of art, or compose original songs thanks to artificial intelligence. In future the technology could be used to discover drugs, design entire buildings, or come up with new materials.

So how should businesses respond to the evolution of AI, most embodied by the AI chatbot ChatGPT? Evan Davis and guests discuss its potential for creating new products and increasing efficiency, as well as the risks involved in handing machines even more power.

Priya Lakhani, CEO, CENTURY Tech

Scott Petty, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone

and Colin Murdoch, Chief Business Officer, DeepMind

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer: Simon Tulett

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Neil Churchill and Graham Puddifoot

Production Co-ordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed

What's the business potential of ChatGPT and the new era of machine learning?

Pre-loved2023070620230710 (R4)Demand for pre-loved goods has surged in the UK in recent years, with fashion, books and furniture especially popular. So what's driving this boom in second-hand sales - the cost of living crisis or the increasingly eco-conscious shopper? And how are companies making money from it?

Evan Davis and guests discuss the business of buying and selling pre-loved products, the growing number of online platforms specialising in them, and the bricks-and-mortar retailers looking to get in on the act.

Plus, is buying second-hand really better for the environment, and what protection does the customer get when something goes wrong if they're buying from a stranger rather than a business?

Hugh Hurley, CEO, Gumtree

Adam Jay, CEO, Vinted Marketplace

Ana Estrougo, founder and CEO, The Octopus Club

Adwoa Owusu-Darko, founder, Mini's World and seller on Depop

Produced in partnership with The Open University.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer: Simon Tulett

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Graham Puddifoot and Rod Farquhar

Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown

The booming market for second-hand buying and selling.

Pricing20121101The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan and his guests discuss the science of pricing goods and services. How do companies decide what to charge - and how much of it is educated guesswork as to what they can get away with?

In the studio are Roger Mavity, chief executive of the Conran Group; Rita Clifton, branding expert and former chairman of Interbrand; Scott Malkin, founder and chairman of Value Retail which owns the outlet shopping centre Bicester Village.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Innes Bowen.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the different strategies companies use to set their prices.

Pricing20121103The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan and his guests discuss the science of pricing goods and services. How do companies decide what to charge - and how much of it is educated guesswork as to what they can get away with?

In the studio are Roger Mavity, chief executive of the Conran Group; Rita Clifton, branding expert and former chairman of Interbrand; Scott Malkin, founder and chairman of Value Retail which owns the outlet shopping centre Bicester Village.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Innes Bowen.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the different strategies companies use to set their prices.

Producers Or Parasites?2011102020111022 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

With protests continuing around the world against the financial sector, three guests from that industry swap candid thoughts about it. Evan puts to them a fundamental question: is their industry creating genuine wealth, or is it essentially parasitic, finding clever ways of distributing other people's wealth to its own workers?

Joining Evan in the studio are Ken Olisa, chairman of boutique technology merchant bank Restoration Partners; Ian Gorham, chief executive of financial advisory firm Hargreaves Lansdown; Julian Roberts, chief executive of savings and investment group Old Mutual.

Producer: Ben Crighton Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis and guests discuss financial services - is the sector productive or parasitic?

Product Proliferation2011102720111029 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

This week Evan and his guests serve up a smorgasbord of topics, from Swedish business and the IKEA model, to the crisis in the Eurozone crisis. They also discuss proliferation - how many different products should a company sell?

Joining Evan in the studio are John Vincent, co-founder of Leon Restaurants; Helena Morrissey, chief executive of global asset manager Newton Investment Management, part of BNY Mellon Asset Management; Peter Jelkeby, senior vice president of Swedish chain store Clas Ohlson.

Producer: Ben Crighton. Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis and guests serve up a smorgasbord of topics - from Ikea to proliferation.

Productivity2015052820150530 (R4)Why is UK productivity lower than in many other countries?

Evan Davis begins a new series of The Bottom Line by looking at the productivity problem. The programme asks what productivity really means and how different sectors go about measuring it.

Evan hears from three chief executives in three different sectors: manufacturing; advertising and health. How can productivity be measured and improved in these diverse sectors? How, for example, should the productivity of a doctor or nurse be measured?

Guests:

Dame Julie Moore, Chief Executive of University Hospitals Birmingham

Brian Holliday Managing Director, Managing Director for Siemens Digital Factory UK

James Murphy, Founder and Chief Executive of Adam and Eve DDB Advertising

Producer: Jim Frank.

Increasing productivity and how to measure it. Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Products2012092720120929 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

If business is about anything, it's about products. Evan's guests come from companies that invent them, manufacture them and sell them and they each tell the story of a product that has shaped the fortunes of their business in some way.

They also discuss the art of dismissal. How easy should it be to fire an employee?

In the studio are Sir George Buckley, former Chief Executive of 3M, the US company behind the Post-it Note and Scotch Tape, and now Chairman of private equity firm Arle Capital; Clara Gaymard, Chief Executive of the French arm of US company General Electric; Ian Cheshire, Chief Executive of home improvement retailer Kingfisher, whose brands include B&Q and Screwfix.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Innes Bowen.

Evan Davis's guests discuss a product that has shaped the fortunes of their business.

Profit Or Plunder?2016060220160604 (R4)Asset management - or asset stripping? This week Evan Davis asks when making a profit from running a business becomes simple plundering.

In business, things go wrong at the best of times ... mistakes are made, luck turns bad. But sometimes things can also go wrong not because of bad luck, but because someone makes money out of failure.

The 'profit or plunder' question has been raised by events at BHS. It was struggling, facing intense competition in a tough retail environment. But the owner took quite a bit of money out of the company. And the staff pension fund went into deficit. Sir Phillip Green, who was then in charge, sold the business to an inexperienced former bankrupt who didn't make it work and it is now in administration.

This has made a lot of people angry - but aside from BHS, how do we distinguish between a case that is bad luck, a bad apple, or a system that is badly designed?

Joining Evan Davis in the Bottom Line studio this week are Bruce Davis of peer-to-peer lender Abundance, Breffni Walsh of Brands Are Best and Garry Wilson of private equity firm Endless LLP.

Asset management - or asset stripping? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Profits And Pitfalls2011070720110709 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

This week Evan asks his panel of top executives about the perils and the possibilities of running a fast-growing business. Many a company has spiralled out of control because of a failure to manage rapid growth - but what are the speed limits? They also chew over the role of the business lunch.

Evan is joined in the studio by Clive Schlee, chief executive of sandwich retail chain Pret A Manger; Peter Bamford, chairman of SuperGroup, the fashion retailer behind the SuperDry brand; Giles Andrews, founder and chief executive of Zopa, an online lending service.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the profits and pitfalls of running a fast-growing company.

Quality2012101120121013 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan's guests delve into the concept of quality in business - how to get it high, and why it might end up low. They also compare notes on their respective weaknesses. Who do they turn to for help should they need it?

In the studio are Jon Moulton, founder and chairman of private equity firm Better Capital; entrepreneur and investor Deborah Meaden; David Haines, chief executive of German sanitary fittings manufacturer Grohe.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Innes Bowen.

Evan Davis and guests discuss quality and compare notes on their relative weaknesses.

Ramping Up Capacity2021060320210731 (R4)How can businesses cope with supply shortages? Car factories across the world have had to shut down because they can't get hold of enough silicon chips. And as many economies bounce back post-Covid, other industries are facing similar problems. How can enterprises plan both for sudden falls and surges in demand and how quickly can supply chains cope? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Guests:

Dr Andy Palmer, CEO of Switch Mobility

Maureen O'Shea, Leader of Supply Chain and Operations Management for KPMG

John Neuffer, President and CEO of the US Semiconductor Industry Association

Producer: Lucinda Borrell

How can businesses - like carmakers short of chips - cope with supply shortages?

Raw Materials2011060920110611 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

With so many people now living in high-consuming industrial nations, and with many commodity prices increasing, Evan asks his business guests how they plan to economise in their use of raw materials. They also discuss building design and appraise the importance of form and function.

Evan is joined in the studio by Eugene Kohn, co-founder and chairman of architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates; Mark Price, managing director of supermarket chain Waitrose; Andy Bond, former chief executive and chairman of Asda.

Evan Davis and guests discuss making better use of raw materials and building design.

Rebranding2023101920231023 (R4)Elon Musk's decision to rename Twitter ‘X' has been met with confusion, and in some cases even anger, but where does it rank amongst the best and worst rebrands?

Evan Davis and guests discuss the complexity of changing a company or product name, logo and message, the reasons for doing it, and how to make it a success.

These overhauls can be risky, though, and failure expensive – the panel discusses one the UK's textbook rebranding disasters.

Evan is joined by:

Lee Rolston, chief growth officer at Jones Knowles Ritchie;

Caroline Wiertz, professor of marketing at Bayes Business School (formerly Cass) – City, University of London;

Amanda Mackenzie, former chief marketing and communications officer at Aviva;

Keith Wells, founder and director of Brandwell.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producer: Simon Tulett

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Graham Puddifoot and Rod Farquhar

Production co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman

(Picture: The new ‘X' logo displayed on a smartphone with the old Twitter logo in the background. Credit: Omar Marques/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images.)

The purpose and the pitfalls of transforming a company's image

Changing a product's name and logo is risky, so will Elon Musk's transformation of Twitter into X succeed, and how do you get a rebrand right? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Elon Musk's decision to rename Twitter ‘X' has been met with confusion, and in some cases even anger, but where does it rank amongst the best and worst rebrands?

These overhauls can be risky, though, and failure expensive - the panel discusses one the UK's textbook rebranding disasters.

Caroline Wiertz, professor of marketing at Bayes Business School (formerly Cass) - City, University of London;

(Picture: The new ‘X' logo displayed on a smartphone with the old Twitter logo in the background. Credit: Omar Marques/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images.)

Recalls2014071720140724 (R4)
20140726 (R4)
Faulty children's beds, mislabelled horsemeat burgers and exploding dishwashers are among the products recalled by companies in the UK to protect the health and safety of consumers. Evan Davis and guests discuss the process for recalling defective items and find out how quickly manufacturers and distributors must act. What are the logistics of getting back hundreds of thousands of products from consumers? And what impact does a recall have on a company's reputation? Does it reassure or unnerve customers?

Guests:

Gerard Bos, Customer Relations Manager for UK and Ireland, Ikea

Chris Dee, Chief Operating Officer, E.H Booth

Vince Shiers, Managing Director, RQA Group

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Faulty children's beds and mis-labelled monkey nuts: Evan Davis discusses product recalls.

Recruitment2013060620130608 (R4)Recruitment companies discuss the marks left by recession on their businesses and the employment market.

Companies in the eye of the storm when the economy first collapsed have had to adapt to stay in business. Evan Davis finds out the survival strategies of three recruiters in very different markets - from board level headhunting to finding seasonal temps and mid-level professionals.

Guests :

Virginia Bottomley, Odgers Berndtson

Matthew Sanders, CEO de Poel

Ian Temple, chair Hydrogen Group

Producer : Rosamund Jones.

Recruitment companies discuss the marks left by recession on the employment market.

Reinvention2012030120120303 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Evan's three executive guests all run companies that to a large extent have had to reinvent themselves. He asks them what's driven change in each of their businesses, and how they've fared. They also swap ideas on what they think our children should be taught at school.

Joining Evan are Rooney Anand, chief executive of pub retailer and brewer Greene King; Ian Livingston, chief executive of multinational telecoms provider BT Group; Rupert Gavin, chief executive of Odeon and UCI Cinemas Group.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis asks his guests about reinventing a business and what to teach our children.

Renewable Energy2016020420160206 (R4)After the Paris summit on climate change and the global commitment to cut carbon emissions, The Bottom Line is going green - with businesses that generate energy from the sun, the wind - and from cheese. And, whilst the government is committed to getting more of its energy from renewables, Evan Davis and guests discuss why green firms are seeing red over cuts to subsidies they say are vital to update ageing infrastructure.

Guests:

Juliet Davenport, CEO, Good Energy

Jeremy Leggett, Founder, Solarcentury

Paul Cowling, MD, RWE Innogy UK

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

The green energy firms generating power from the sun, the wind and from cheese.

Retail2013022820130302 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

You go to a shopping centre and you find an ice rink. Or you go to a bookstore for a glass of wine. So is this the new world of retail? Evan Davis and his panel of top business brains explore what's in store for physical shopping. They also swap thoughts on what makes a good shop assistant.

Joining Evan in the studio are Sir Stuart Rose, former Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer and soon to take over as Chairman of online grocery retailer Ocado; Berndt Hauptkorn, Chief Executive of the European arm of Japanese clothing chain Uniqlo; Andy Street, Managing Director of department store chain John Lewis.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Innes Bowen.

Evan Davis and guests brainstorm ideas on how to save bricks-and-mortar shopping.

Rethinking Retirement2024022920240304 (R4)A typical career, for many, involves some kind of progression, or at least the expectation of it, until we stop and retire. But is there a better model?

Evan Davis and guests discuss whether more of us should think about easing into retirement by taking more junior roles, going part time, or switching profession altogether, instead of stepping off a career cliff edge when we reach pension age. Could this expand the number of job opportunities for older workers, whilst also helping younger workers push through the ranks?

Stepping back isn't an option open to all, though, and there could be big implications for pensions, so how should older workers begin to calculate if, or when, it might be possible?

Evan is joined by:

Matthew Rideout, founder of Knead & Desire Bakehouse;

Sir Howard Davies, chairman of NatWest Group;

Zoe Ashdown, head of culture and people engagement at AXA UK and Ireland.

Thanks also to the listeners who sent in voice notes, and to everyone else who emailed bottomline@bbc.co.uk

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producers: Simon Tulett

Researcher: Paige Neal-Holder

Editor: Matt Willis

Sound: James Beard and Rod Farquhar

Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge

The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University.

(Picture: An older man laughing and looking at a laptop with a young woman in a workshop. Credit: Alys Tomlinson/Getty Images)

Should we think about stepping down the career ladder as we approach pension age?

Evan Davis hosts the business conversation show with insights from the people at the top.

Should we think about stepping down the career ladder as we approach pension age? Evan Davis and guests discuss a new way to approach older workers.

Return To Brexit2021020420210206 (R4)Almost five years ago on The Bottom Line - just before the EU referendum - debated the pros and cons of being in the EU. In a tribute to Radio 4's The Reunion, the programme has reassembled most of the original contributors to get a sense of whether hopes and fears have been delivered. From current customs glitches, aspirations to increase UK global exports, to Brussels red tape versus ease of trading in a European Single Market. What do guests think now?

Joining Evan Davis will be:

Jon Moynihan, venture capitalist

Rachel Kent, head of financial services regulation at the law firm Hogan Lovells

Julia Gash, artist and entrepreneur

and Christopher Nieper, managing director of clothing manufacturer David Nieper,

Five years on, we reassemble a panel that debated leaving the EU.

Rewriting The Rules Of Business2018100420181006 (R4)Business has undergone seismic changes over the past decade; do the rules of business need to be re-written? If so, who should write them and what should they say?

Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Ian Taylor, Chairman, Vitol

Dame Helena Morrissey, Head of Personal Investing, Legal & General Investment Management

Wendy Tan White, Partner, BGF Ventures

Do the rules governing business need rewriting? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Rolling Out Electric Vehicles2021070120210703 (R4)Electric vehicles are a hot topic. Nissan has announced it will construct a factory to produce EVs, while the government says no new vehicles running on petrol or diesel will be sold after 2030. The electric transport sector will play a crucial role in tackling climate change. But are we on track to hit these targets? Can EVs deliver the same reliable service as combustion engine vehicles and reduce 'range anxiety'? Does the rolling out of this transition have consumers convinced? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Lex Hartman, CEO, Ubtricity

Toddington Harper, CEO, GridServe

Tanya Sinclair, UK & Ireland Policy Director, Chargepoint

Producer

Lucinda Borrell

Evan Davis and guests explore how to roll out electric vehicles across the country.

Running Rolls Royce2023021620230220 (R4)Warren East has run two of the UK's most successful companies, ARM and Rolls Royce Holdings. During his tenure at ARM he oversaw a rapid growth of this globally successful Cambridge semi conductor company. He went on to lead Rolls Royce during a time of turbulence, from aircraft engine trouble, to COVID and a massive restructure which led to several thousand redundancies. He shares his reflections on his business career, as well as his thoughts on Brexit, tax and economic growth.

GUEST

Warren East, former CEO Rolls Royce Holdings Ltd.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: China Collins

Sound: James Beard and Graham Puddifoot

Prod Co-ordinator: Siobhan Reed

Warren East, former CEO of Rolls Royce Holdings, reflects on his career so far.

Russia And The Global Economy2022030320220305 (R4)What will the consequences of the invasion of Ukraine be for the world's economy - and for us? From the effects on the energy markets to the tough sanctions regime, we can already see ripple effects across Europe and the rest of the globe, at a time when the world's economy is still in a febrile post-Covid state. Evan Davis and guests discuss the likely and immediate picture for business, growth and incomes.

Guests:

Duncan Weldon, economist and author of the Value Added newsletter on Substack.

Anna Leach, deputy chief economist at the CBI

Chris Rogers, supply chain economist for Flexport

Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy

Producer: Julie Ball

Research: Johnny I'Anson

Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed

Editor: Hugh Levinson

Produced in association with The Open University.

What will the invasion of Ukraine mean for the world's economy - and for us?

Russian Exodus2022072120220725 (R4)Hundreds of western businesses have decided to stop operating in Russia as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. But what does leaving Russia actually mean in practical terms - how do you go about it and who bears the cost? Can you end up hurting your own company and your Russian workers more than the Russian state? Evan Davis debates with his guests, one of whom leads a global automotive dealer that has just sold its business in Russia to its local managers.

GUESTS:

James Alexander, Chief Executive of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association

John Morrison, CEO of the Institute for Human Rights and Business

Duncan Tait, CEO of automotive dealer Inchcape

Producer: Lucinda Borrell

Sound: Rod Farquhar

Editor: Jon Bithrey

Production Co-Ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross

Evan Davis asks what it really means when a business leaves Russia.

Ruthlessness2012032920120331 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

It's tough at the top, but when is it right to be tough at the top? Evan's executive panel debate the pros and cons of ruthlessness as a management style. They also talk about investing and selling in deprived areas - places capitalism often overlooks.

Joining Evan are Jasmine Montgomery, founder of Seven Brands; Michele Giddens, co-founder of Bridges Ventures; Dido Harding, chief executive of Talk Talk Group.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Richard Vadon.

Evan Davis and guests discuss ruthlessness, and investing and selling in deprived areas.

Saving Companies20200604Should the government continue to bolster companies, large and small when lockdown is finally eased? If so what businesses do you choose to save and what are the criteria? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Michael Jacobides, holder of the Sir Donald Gordon Chair of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, London Business School

Julie Palmer, Regional Managing Partner, Begbies Traynor, Insolvency practitioners

Mark Blyth, Director of the William R Rhodes Centre for International Economics and Finance, Brown University

Produced in association with The Open University

Should we be saving businesses from collapse post-Covid 19 and if so how do we choose?

Second-hand Trade2014071020140712 (R4)Making money from old phones, engines and plastic bottles is the topic for Evan Davis and guests.

How do you ensure that you collect what others throw away? How much profit is there really to be had from creating new from old? And why aren't milk bottle tops quite the colour they once were?

Charlo Carabott, co-founder & CEO Mazuma Mobile

Matt Bulley, managing director Caterpillar Reman Europe

Chris Dow, Founder & CEO Closed Loop Recycling

Producer : Rosamund Jones.

Making money from used goods is the topic for Evan Davis and guests.

Sector Shutdown2020111220201114 (R4)How are industries like live music, travel, conferences and events coping with the pandemic recession - and what plans do they have for survival? These business sectors have been hit disproportionately hard by the dramatic changes in our ways of life. In a programme recorded before the recent announcement of an apparently successful vaccine trial, Evan Davis discusses with business leaders from across these industries.

Producer: Julie Ball

GUESTS

Tim Hawkins, Chief Strategy Officer, Manchester Airports Group

Charlotte Gough, Divisional Director, Corporates, MCI Group

Peter Marks, Chief Executive, The Deltic Group

How can industries like live music, travel, conferences and events survive?

Self-improvement2014022720140301 (R4)Self-improvement: If you want to look better, feel better, perform better, there's no shortage of help available. Whether it's cosmetic surgery for the perfect body, fitness programmes to boost self-esteem, or self-help books to improve the mind, there's plenty of choice. But do they promise the world and fail to deliver - or give you the strength to achieve the personal growth you desire? Evan Davis and guests discuss the industry of making your life better.

Guests:

Jon Congdon, President and Co-Founder, Beachbody.com

Carole Tonkinson, Publisher, Harper NonFiction

John Ryan, Founder and Chairman, Make Yourself Amazing

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the business of making your life better.

Selling Corporate Baby2016102720161029 (R4)Starting a business is often compared to bringing up a baby, and with good reason: it's costly, gives you sleepless nights and requires your attention during every waking moment. But what happens when it is time sell the business you have nurtured? Three successful entrepreneurs talk to Evan Davis about the feelings of relief and regret which can accompany selling off a business.

GUESTS

Liz Earle, Co-founder of Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare

William Kendall, Chairman, Cawston Press

Jules Coleman, Co-founder of Hassle.com.

Evan Davis and entrepreneurs discuss selling your company.

Selling Expertise2012022320120225 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Evan and three top executives discuss the curiosities of selling their expertise, knowledge the customer doesn't have. If consumers are in a state of relative ignorance, how can they shop around? What stops them getting ripped off? They also swap thoughts on religion in the workplace.

Joining Evan are Heather McGregor, managing director of headhunters Taylor Bennett; Rupert Soames, chief executive of mobile energy company Aggreko; Gavin Oldham, chief executive of retail stockbroker The Share Centre.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis and guests talk about selling expertise and religion in the workplace.

Serving The Super-rich2014032020140327 (R4)
20140329 (R4)
Serving the super-rich: what do the seriously wealthy do with their money? How do they preserve or spend their multi-million or even billion pound fortunes? And who is helping them manage those assets? With more billionaires in the world than ever before, working for the very rich is a growth industry. Whether finding staff for their superyacht or helping them give away the money, there's a raft of businesses ready to serve the ultra high net worth individual. Evan Davis talks to three firms whose job is to serve the wealthy elite.

Guests:

Richard Wilson, CEO, Billionaire Family Office

Karen Clark, Director and Head of Private Clients, SandAire

Lucy Challenger, Manager, Bespoke Bureau

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Evan Davis and guests discuss how to look after the wealthy elite.

Sex And Drugs2014061220140614 (R4)Making money from products with a controversial image is the topic for Evan Davis and his guests who represent companies selling drugs and sex toys. These companies are testing our morals and the regulations set up to protect them. So how do you market products that many people disapprove of? And how do you manage the social and business opprobrium you encounter?

Guests :

Jean Rasbridge, founder ECigaretteDirect.co.uk

Andy Williams, co-founder Medicine Man Denver

Neal Slateford, co-founder LoveHoney

Producer : Rosamund Jones.

Making money from products with a controversial image. Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Shake-up In The Skies2017101220171014 (R4)What's behind the recent collapse of airlines such as Monarch, Alitalia and Air Berlin? Is it a case of supply outstripping demand or is there a larger crisis

looming? Will Ryanair's cancellation of thousands of flights do the company permanent damage?

What's really happening to Europe's airline industry?

Evan Davis and guests discuss.

John Strickland, Aviation consultant

Peter Duffy, Chief Commercial Officer, EasyJet

Roger Flynn, Chairman, Loveholidays.com.

What is really going on in Europe's airline industry? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Shipping2013111420131116 (R4)It's the lifeblood of the world's economy, moving most of our imports and exports and around the globe. But shipping is changing: vessels and ports are getting bigger and competition for trade is coming from the Far East.

Evan Davis and guests from the world of shipping discuss how ports are run and how the shipping business manages the risk of accidents and piracy.

Guests:

James Cooper - CEO of Associated British Ports. , a private company which owns and runs 21 ports in the UK.

Kenneth MacLeod - Chairman of Stena Line UK and President of the UK Chamber of Shipping.

Rupert Atkin - CEO of Talbot Underwriting and Chairman of the Lloyd's Market Association.

Producer - Smita Patel.

It's the lifeblood of the world's economy - Evan Davis and guests discuss shipping.

Shortages2018101820181020 (R4)No supply chain is immune from disruption and shocks. From extreme weather to strikes and cyber crime, what causes a supply chain to fail? Join Evan Davis and guests.

Tim O'Malley, Managing Director of Nationwide Produce

Richard Oldroyd, Regional Managing Director of Persimmon Homes

Liam Fassam, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Geography and Research Director at the University of Northampton

What do businesses do when their supply chain fails?

Should Ceos Have Term Limits?2018062820180630 (R4)In some countries politicians have fixed term limits. What would happen if the same principle applied to CEOs? On average bosses in the UK stay for just under six years. But founder chief executives stay much longer. Evan Davis and guests discuss whether chief executives know when their time is up?

Guests:

Martin Gilbert, co-ceo, Aberdeen Standard Investments.

Margaret Heffernan, author and entrepreneur

Catherine Bright, a leadership consultant with Spencer Stuart.

Would it be good for businesses if CEOs faced term limits?

Single Product Companies2014062620140628 (R4)Can you conquer the world by selling only one product? Many companies start small, focusing their energies on a single item, with plans to expand into other areas once the business takes off. But not everyone wants to diversify. Some prefer to do one thing and do it well, rather than risk diluting the brand and perhaps also the quality of the goods. In this edition of The Bottom Line, Evan Davis talks to three companies that have stuck with the core product that made them a success in the first place. They'll discuss the benefits of keeping focused, the challenges of staying ahead of the game and explore the perils of relying on just one source of income. Does it make good business sense to put all your eggs in one basket?

Guests:

Vince Gunn, Managing Director, Crocs Europe

Carolyn Komminsk, Head of Creative, Maclaren

Bill Noble, Managing Director, WD40 Company

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the pros and cons of focusing on just one source of income.

Sir Terry Leahy2017112320171125 (R4)Evan Davis and an invited audience question Sir Terry Leahy, former CEO of Tesco.
Slow Growth2011031020110312 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented this week by Stephanie Flanders, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

This week, Stephanie's top executive guests hail from the worlds of mobile energy, sanitary fittings and business services. They discuss how businesses cope in a 'slow growth' environment. Could years of slow growth be more challenging than a short sharp shock?

And not so long ago, the slow coach economy in Europe was Germany - now it's steaming ahead of everyone. What's gone right for Germany - and what lessons could other countries learn?

Stephanie is joined in the studio by Rupert Soames, chief executive of mobile energy group, Aggreko; Neal Gandhi, chief executive of international business services company Quickstart Global; David Haines, chief executive of German bathroom fittings company Grohe.

Producer: Caroline Bayley.

Stephanie Flanders and guests discuss slow growth and Germany's current economic success.

'sorry, All Our Agents Are Busy Right Now'2022070720220711 (R4)Why does it seem so hard to contact a business these days? It's almost like they deliberately hide their phone numbers from us. When we do manage to ring, they often make us sit through an endless list of 'caller options' before allowing us to speaking to anyone. Are they deliberately trying to dissuade us from getting in touch or are we expecting too much too soon from customer services? Evan Davis speak to the people managing our calls.

Guests:

Leigh Hopwood: Chief Executive of the Call Centre Management Association

Dave Mills: NHS specialist at EVAD

Tim Callington: Director of technology firm Flipside

Producer: Nick Holland

Studio Managers: James Beard & Rod Farquhar

Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed & Iona Hammond

Editor: Hugh Levinson

Why does it seem so hard to get in touch with a business? Presented by Evan Davis.

Sound Of The Suburbs2021061020210807 (R4)For years the suburbs have been seen as places to live, from which you can commute to a big city to work. But has the pandemic pushed the economic pendulum in the other direction? With more people working from home and cities becoming quieter, could this lead to a revival of the suburban economy? Evan Davis explores the national picture and hears from entrepreneurs in Denton, Greater Manchester, who have helped revive its struggling town centre, encouraging people to spend money locally.

Guests

John Spencer, Chief Executive of BizSpace

Yael Selfin, Chief Economist of KPMG in the UK

Producer: Lesley McAlpine

Has the pandemic pushed the economic pendulum back to the suburbs?

Special Relationship2011110320111105 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

This week Evan and his panel consider the secrets of a happy business marriage - those key symbiotic partnerships companies have with each other. They also discuss whether flat organisations work best.

Joining Evan in the studio are Mike Roney, chief executive of business supplies distributor Bunzl; James Reed, chairman of recruitment specialist Reed; Nicola Shaw, chief executive of HS1, the fast rail link from London to the Channel Tunnel.

Producer: Ben Crighton Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis and guests on key relationships and whether flat organisations work best.

Sponsorship2015102220151024 (R4)Whether it's high-profile sports events or blockbuster art exhibitions, companies like Adidas and Unilever spend millions of pounds on sponsorship - to get their brand associated with sporting or artistic excellence. The global sponsorship market is worth more than 30 billion pounds a year, but what happens when negative publicity - like Fifa's World Cup corruption scandal - starts to tarnish a brand? Evan Davis and guests discuss whether sponsors should walk away or use their influence to press for change.

Guests:

Peter Mather, Group Regional Vice President for Europe, BP;

Jan Gooding, Group Brand Director, Aviva;

Jaimie Fuller, Chairman, Skins.

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Companies like BP and Aviva use sponsorship to promote their brands. How effective is it?

Start-ups2013062720130629 (R4)Entrepreneurs discuss how much money you need to start a business - and where to get it from - with Evan Davis.

Why do some start-ups require millions and others just a few hundred pounds? And what are the benefits and pitfalls of finding investors on the web? It's called crowd-funding and many consider it to be the next big thing in venture capital.

Guests:

Mark Popkiewicz, founder, MirriAd

Julie Deane, founder, The Cambridge Satchel Company

Jonathan Medved, venture capitalist and founder, Our Crowd

Producer : Rosamund Jones.

Entrepreneurs discuss their start-up stories with Evan Davis.

Startups And Mistakes2011100620111008 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

Evan asks his panel if it's getting easier to create a new business in the wired world, or does a lower barrier to entry mean it's more difficult to get noticed? They also consider how good businesses are built on the back of mistakes.

Evan is joined in the studio by Matt Brittin, managing director of Google, UK and Ireland; Lara Morgan, founder of Pacific Direct and Company Shortcuts; Luke Johnson, serial entrepreneur and chairman of Risk Capital Partners.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Evan Davis asks his guests about the perils and pitfalls of creating a business online.

Supermarkets2015072320150725 (R4)Food deflation, the rise of the discount grocers and continuing price wars. Evan Davis and guests discuss who are the long-term winners in the supermarkets' battle to gain market share.

Guests:

Mark Price, Managing Director, Waitrose

Steve Murrells, CEO, Co-operative Foods

Kevin Gunter, Chairman, Fulton's Foods

Producer:

Sally Abrahams.

Food deflation, more discount grocers and continuing price wars, who wins long term?

Super-premium Drinks2018110820181115 (R4)
20181117 (R4)
There has been an explosion in the number of craft ale breweries and small-scale gin distilleries in recent years. The so-called super premium alcohol sector is growing. Why are these drinks popular among consumers? Is this a passing fad or is the drinks business facing fundamental change? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Guests:

Tina Warner-Keogh, partner and co-owner of Warner Edwards Gin Distillery

Laura Edwards, general manager at Meantime Brewing Company

and Andrew Geoghegan, global consumer planning director at Diageo

Craft ales and small-scale distilled gins are popular but pricey. What is their appeal?

Synthetic Biology2020020620200208 (R4)Synthetic Biology is a process that allows the re-engineering of cells in everything from humans to plants and even mosquitoes. It allows scientists to manipulate DNA to make nature do things it wouldn't naturally, for example mosquitoes that don't pass on malaria. But it has applications in healthcare, agriculture and could even stop our reliance on oil. This is why the UK government is investing heavily in the science as they believe it could be worth around 400 billion. Evan Davis and guests discuss the business of Synthetic Biology.

Synthetic Biology - what is it and why is the government investing in its future?

Tax Avoidance2016030320160305 (R4)Global firms like Amazon, Google and Starbucks have been criticised for using clever accounting tricks to reduce their tax bills in the UK. But how much tax should they be paying? Evan Davis and guests discuss the whys and wherefores of the international tax regime, including the role of tax havens. Along the way, they'll digest the 'Dutch sandwich' and the 'double Irish' tax avoidance devices used by some multinationals. And given the widespread perception that many firms don't pay their fair share of tax, they'll assess efforts by the world's major economies to rewrite the rules on corporate tax.

Guests:

Heather Self, Tax Partner, Pinsent Mason

Rolf Rothuizen, Partner, RPS Legal, Amsterdam

Anthony Travers, Chairman, Cayman Islands Stock Exchange

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

How much tax should global companies like Google and Starbucks pay in the UK?

Teenage Business Entrepreneurs2018032220180324 (R4)As children few of us have had experience of running a business. But this week we'll be hearing from four teenage entrepreneurs who have been honing their business skills in one case, since the age of 6. Evan Davis hears their stories.

GUESTS

Kate and Annie Madden, Co-founders, FenuHealth

Henry Patterson, Founder and Director, Not Before Tea

Rebecca Patterson, Not Before Tea

Akshay Ruparelia, Founder and CEO, Doorsteps.co.uk.

How do you run a successful business while still at school? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

The Age Of The Train?2023110220231106 (R4)For most people, the aeroplane is the default mode of long distance transport Whilst the UK has only two overnight sleeper services, long distance train travel and sleeper services are experiencing a resurgence in Europe. One company OBB, the Austrian State Railway has just ordered thirty new trains, some of which will be in service from December. But are these services mainly for train aficionados, romantics and those scared of flying, or could they become a serious competitor to the plane?

Evan Davis and guests discuss what's behind this apparent new 'Age of the Train'.

Kurt Bauer, Head of Long Distance Passenger Services and New Rail Business, OBB/Nightjet

Michael Guerra, Rail Design Engineer and Co-founder, Night X

Monisha Rajesh, Travel journalist and Author, 'Around the World in 80 Trains

Reporter: Lisa Louis

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor : China Collins

Sound: Neil Churchill and Rod Farquhar

Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman

Could long-distance trains become a serious competitor to the plane?

Could we be on the verge of a new 'age of the train'? Evan Davis and guests discuss the resurgence of long distance and sleeper trains in Europe.

Evan Davis hosts the business conversation show with insights from the people at the top.

The App Industry2013053020130601 (R4)Evan Davis meets 'appreneurs' trying to make money in a marketplace where traditional business rules do not apply. Becoming an appreneur is easy. All you need is a computer and a couple of hundred pounds. And an idea of course. No surprise perhaps that thousands of new apps are created every week to serve the ever growing smart phone and tablet computer market. But what happens next? How do you make a living if your product is free? And if you sell your app, how high can you go when buyers expect a lot for very little? And how do you market to customers without knowing who they are?

Guests :

Barry Meade, co-founder Fireproof Studios

Professor Anthony Steed, co-founder Chirp

Max Whitby, co-founder & CEO Touch Press

Producer : Rosamund Jones.

Appreneurs' trying to make money in a new market discuss the challenges with Evan Davis.

The Bottom Line: Can We Trust Big Business?2017060120170603 (R4)Business and its place in society is a prominent issue at the moment. Zero hours contracts, executive pay, tax avoidance are all issues where opinion has shifted dramatically. Has Shareholder driven capitalism finally gone too far?

In a special programme recorded at the Royal Academy of Engineering in front of a live audience, Evan Davis talks to the former BP CEO, Lord John Browne on his thoughts about big business as it relates to society. And asks whether it's now time to trust big business?

Is it time to trust big business? Evan Davies asks the former head of BP, Lord Browne.

The Business Of Being A Gp2022102720221031 (R4)Since the very beginning of the NHS, GP surgeries have been, in effect, businesses with contracts to do the work the Health Service needs. But in recent decades, patient numbers have grown, surgeries have become larger and the services offered more varied. Many GP surgeries now employ administrative staff, nurses, physiotherapists and paramedics, as well as doctors.

What's it like to be a clinician and run a small business at the same time? What are the pressures? How do you get the books to balance? And how do you attract more people to join one of the front lines of the NHS? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Dr. John Lynch, GP Partner, Framfield House Surgery, Woodbridge Suffolk

Dr. Matt Noble, GP Partner, GP@hand, Bablyon Health a 'digital first' practice

Dr. Yazmin Razak, Single GP practitioner, North Kensington

and Dr. Rebecca Rosen, Senior Fellow, Health Policy at the Nuffield Trust and part-time GP, South London

Producers: Julie Ball and Kirsteen Knight

Researcher: Louise Byrne

Sound Engineers: Graham Puddifoot and Rod Farquhar

Editor: Simon Watts

GPs are not salaried staff but contracted service providers. How do the economics work?

The Business Of War2013101020131012 (R4)Where there is war and fear there's money to be made from protection. In The Bottom Line, Evan Davis talks to ex-army leaders turned businessmen about the world of private defence and security work.

Why are governments employing private contractors to do work previously done by the armed forces? How do those businesses maintain their reputations in such a controversial sector?

Guests:

Major General Graham Binns CBE, DSO, MC, a former British army officer, now CEO of Aegis Defence Services Limited.

Major General Andrew Pringle, CB, CBE, President of KBR UK and a former British army officer.

Gabriel Carter, Managing Director of LPD Risk Management.

Producer: Smita Patel.

Ex-army leaders-turned-businessmen discuss private defence and security with Evan Davis.

The Challenges Of Running A Charity2017020920170211 (R4)How can people running charities balance doing good, maximising income, while retaining public trust? The sector is undergoing changes in regulation in the wake of scandals involving fundraising and governance. Evan Davis meets the experts. Taking part are: the chairman of the new Fundraising Regulator, Lord Grade of Yarmouth; Jayne Clarke of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Simon Gillespie from the British Heart Foundation.

The challenges of running a charity. Evans Davis meets the experts.

The Covid Hangover2021021120210213 (R4)What are the long-term implications for the Covid crisis for the British economy. The government has borrowed more money over the last 12 months than ever before in peacetime. The ratio of public debt to national income is above 90%. If it rises even further do we need to worry? How will the chancellor manage the economic pain caused by coronavirus? What will it mean for tax and spending - and is there a route back to growth? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

John Kay, economist, author, consultant

Dame Minouche Shafik, director of London School of Economics and Political Science, former deputy governor of the Bank of England

Gemma Tetlow, chief economist, Institute for Government

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: Hugh Levinson

How much pain will we have to endure in public tax and spending to pay for Covid?

The Discounters2019070420190706 (R4)Poundland, Lidl, B&M Bargains and Primark are thriving successes on the High Street, while more mainstream retailers have seen their profits hit. Just how do the discounters keep their prices so low? Keeping the business model simple, supply chains lean and costs down are key parts of the story.

Guests:

Barry Williams, Managing Director of Poundland

Simon Arora, Chief Executive, B&M Bargains

Catherine Shuttleworth, Chief Executive of Savvy Marketing

How discounters like Aldi, Poundland and B&M Bargains are thriving on the high street.

The Economy, Winter Is Coming2020100820201010 (R4)The second pandemic wave means UK businesses have to live with uncertainty for at least another six months. Those economic green shoots and the summer of 'eat out to help out ' seem a while back. So what are the implications for jobs and overall business viability in this climate? Difficult conversations are going on in boardrooms across the country. Evan Davis with expert guests reflect on the choices businesses face in these extraordinary times.

Nobel economist, Professor Joseph Stiglitz

Wendy Carlin, Professor of Economics at University College London and member of the advisory panel to The Office for Budget Responsibility

Entrepreneur Paul Campbell, founder of Hill Capital Partner

Hannah Bernard, Head of Business Banking at Barclays

What are the key challenges UK businesses face as the pandemic continues to bite?

The Education Business2013032820130330 (R4)Education and how to make a profit from it is the focus for Evan and his three guests this week - each of them business leaders in the learning sector.

From low-cost private schools in Ghana to no-frills law courses and a University of Liverpool campus in China, our guests will share their business lessons on how to build a reputation and how to price a good education. They'll also talk about the challenges of taking on traditional, public institutions as well as the technological advances that look set to transform learning over the next 20 years.

As usual, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion and spin to present a clearer view of the business world.

Guests this week are Carl Lygo, Chief executive of BPP; Professor Sir Howard Newby, Vice Chancellor of the University of Liverpool and Professor James Tooley, chairman of Omega Schools.

Series producer: Helen Grady

Series editor: Innes Bowen

Series researcher: Ben Carter.

Education and how to make a profit from it is the subject for Evan Davis and his guests.

The Ethics Of Business2018030120180303 (R4)Are 'ethical' businesses all they're cracked up to be? Evan Davis and guests discuss the newest type of certification in ethical business, the B Corp, and ask if it'll catch on.

Katie Hill, Executive Director, B Lab UK

Wendy Chapple, Associate Professor in Management and member of the Responsible and Sustainable Business Lab, Nottingham Business School

Jean-Cristophe Laugee, Vice-President, Nature and Cycle Sustainability, Danone.

Are 'ethical' businesses all they are cracked up to be? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

The Experience Economy2018110120181103 (R4)There is some evidence to suggest we are falling out of love with buying material things. Instead, we want to splash out creating memories that last a lifetime. What does the growth of what's known as the experience economy mean for businesses? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Tristram Mayhew, Group Chairman, Go Ape!

Myf Ryan, Chief marketing officer Europe, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

Nick Johnson, Founder and co-Director, Market Operations

Would we rather splash out on creating memories than buy material stuff?

The Festival Business2018072620180728 (R4)There are thousands of festivals in the UK each year and millions of us go to them. But as an organiser how do you make any money? Do logistics and the British weather make them a risky business? Every year festivals get cancelled and some cease trading. Profit margins are tight, say organisers, and set-up costs are high. A big festival may have to pay more a million pounds to secure a top headline act.

Evan Davis and guests discuss mud, music and hard cash.

Guests:

Syima Aslam, co-founder and director of the Bradford Literature Festival

Ian Stockley, chief executive of the Bath Festivals.

Simon Taffe, co-founder of the End of The Road Festival.

Millions go to festivals each summer, but how do festivals make money?

The Finance Of Films2016061620160618 (R4)The business of film. Evan Davis follows the money trail from script to screen. With the help of a top independent film producer, a film distributor and the head of a top cinema chain, Evan discovers who takes the risks and who makes the money behind the scenes.

Guests

Alex Hamilton, Managing Director, Entertainment One UK

Elizabeth Karlsen, Producer and co-founder, Number9 Films

Tim Richards, CEO, Vue International.

From script to screen: how to finance a film. Evan Davis and guests discuss.

The Fitness Industry2019061320190615 (R4)Who wins and loses in the cut-throat exercise market? Looking good and being fit has become more important as we have become more wealthy. Yet most new gyms and fitness centres fail. Evan Davis and his guests work out the secrets of success in this growing industry, which is is worth over £5 billion in the UK.

Stuart Broster, CEO, Anytime Fitness UK

Tommy Matthews, Managing Director, Be Military Fit

Dawn Tuckwell,, Director and Co-founder, Action PR

PRESENTER: Evan Davis

PRODUCER: Julie Ball

Who wins and loses in the cut-throat exercise market? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

The French Correction?2023020220230206 (R4)The French work fewer hours, take longer holidays and retire earlier than UK employees, but they are also more productive and their economy is therefore roughly the same size as ours. How do they do it?

As the UK looks for a way out of its sluggish economic growth, Evan Davis asks what we can learn from our neighbours. Why is it that for each hour worked a French employee produces almost 20 per cent more than a British one?

GUESTS

Olivier Morel, board member of the French Chamber of

Great Britain and partner at Cripps.

Rebecca Riley, professor of practice in economics at

King's Business School, London, and member of The Productivity Institute.

Neil Coales, managing director of Agilit退 Solutions, Paris.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producers: Simon Tulett and Julie Ball

Researcher: Marianna Brain

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Rod Farquhar and Graham Puddifoot

Production Co-ordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed

What can the UK learn from France about economic growth? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

The Future Of Commercial Aviation2019072520190727 (R4)How can the aviation industry marry sustainability with increasing passenger numbers? Since the deregulation of Europe's airlines in the late 1990s, more and more of us have been flying every year. Whilst this may be good news for the airline industry, it's not good news for the environment. Manufacturers are trying to make models lighter and more fuel efficient, with a pledge by IATA to cut emissions to 50% by 2050. Nevertheless, experts say we are at least fifteen years away from hybrid engine powered flight. Evan Davis and guests ask whether commercial aviation can meet its climate targets through new technology and more fuel efficient engines, whilst keeping costs down for the airlines and the customer?

Paul Kahn, president, Connectivity, Cobham Plc

Volodymyr Bilotkach, economist, author of The Economics of Airlines

Rob Morris, head of Global Consultancy, Ascend by Cirium

Presenter: Evan Davis

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: Hugh Levinson

The Future Of Cruises20210617For nearly 20 years, the cruise industry experienced huge growth. Then a pandemic hit. After a year of forking out for boats docked in port and devastating headlines chronicling outbreaks early on in 2020, what does this mean for the future of cruises? How are they restarting, what barriers are they facing and - most importantly - how do they convince customers that they are indeed safe?

Guests

Dr Jennifer Holland, Lecturer in Tourism, Suffolk Business School

Ben Bouldin, Vice President, EMA, Royal Caribbean Cruises

Following the pandemic, what is the future of the cruise industry?

The Future Of Farming2017060820170610 (R4)What's the future for UK Farming? Evan Davis meets three food producers from across the country to talk about the daily challenges of farming in Britain today. Guests include one of the biggest carrot producers in the country, a Wiltshire Beef farmer and Deputy President of the National Farmers Union and a lowland sheep farmer whose herd shares the land with cadets from the Ministry of Defence in Kent.

Guy Poskitt, Managing Director, M H Poskitt Ltd

Marie Prebble, Lowland Sheep farmer

Minette Batters, Beef farmer and Deputy President of the National Farmers Union.

What is the future for UK farming? Evan Davis discusses with three food producers.

The Future Of Money20210527The pandemic has given a nudge to the decline of cash. If that is the past - what is the future for our payments system? Could it simply be cards linked to bank accounts, handled via apps? Or could we be approaching a pivotal moment when the exciting (or maybe alarming) world of crypto and digital currencies take over? Central banks around the world are pondering this very question and are poised to launch their own digital currencies. Evan Davis and guests look into the future of money.

Guests:

Professor Catherine Mulligan, visiting lecturer at Imperial College, London and director of D-Central Lab at Lisbon University,

Marcus Hughes, European managing director for Coinbase, a crypto trading platform

Paige McCartney, senior business reporter at the Nassau Guardian

With the use of cash in decline, will digital currencies be the way forward?

The Future Of The Car Industry2016111020161112 (R4)The future of the car industry. How car manufacturers are joining forces with 'ride hailing' companies like Uber and why the future might be driverless. Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Disruptive technology has made seismic changes to several business models: think Apple iTunes and the music industry or Netflix and our television viewing habits. It seems that the car industry might be next. Unlike their predecessors, car manufacturers are joining forces with the technology companies. Google with Ford, Uber with Volvo, General Motors with Lyft, pooling their expertise and resources. Joining Evan Davis on the programme are three guests who will talk about the hopes and fears for the industry and what this will mean for the rest of us.

Georg Ell, Director, Western Europe, Tesla Motors

Matteo de Renzi, CEO, Western Europe, Gett

Dr. Eberhard Zeeb, Senior Manager, Function and Software Driving Assistance, Daimler

Producer: Julie Ball.

The future of the car industry - is it driverless? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

The Future Of The Web2011063020110702 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies.

This week Evan's panel of business leaders hail from the worlds of social networking and retail. He challenges them to cast their minds forward and imagine how the Web will look by the year 2020. What will have changed? Will bricks and mortar matter any more, or will everything be in the cloud? They also consider the value of storytelling in business. So many brands these days seem to have a story to tell - but what business benefit really is there in a good yarn?

Evan is joined in the studio by Michael Birch, internet entrepreneur and founder of social networking website Bebo; Laura Tenison, founder and managing director of maternity and babywear retailer Jo-Jo Maman B退b退; Justin King, chief executive of supermarket chain Sainsbury's.

Producer: Ben Crighton.

Evan Davis and his guests imagine the Web in 2020, and discuss storytelling in business.

The Internet Of Things2019013120190202 (R4)The Internet of Things promised to revolutionise the way we live and work but what has it delivered and what more is it capable of doing? Join Evan Davis and guests as they discuss The Internet of Things.

Kevin Ashton, Author who coined the phrase the Internet of Things

Caroline Gorski, Global Director of R2 Data Labs, Rolls Royce Plc

Paul Beastall, Head of Strategy, Cambridge Consultants

Can the Internet of Things transform how we work and live? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

The Investment Industry, Luck Or Judgement?2019071120190713 (R4)You trust financial professionals to grow your long term savings and pension pot. But how do you know if they are investing it wisely? The UK investment industry is awash with complicated terms and conditions, and unclear and sometimes high charges, which can eat into your monetary returns. The woes of star fund manager Neil Woodford, who has temporarily frozen one of his funds to its investors after poor performance, highlights just how complicated an industry it is. Is some clarity starting to emerge? Evan Davis and expert guests look under the bonnet of the UK investment industry.

Guests:

James Anderson, partner at Baillie Gifford, who jointly manage the Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust

Bella Caridade Ferreira, chief executive and founder of Fundscape

Sean Hagerty, managing director of Vanguard Europe

Producer: Lesley McAlpine

Looking under the bonnet of the UK investment industry. Do investors get a good deal?

The Last Mile2019060620190608 (R4)The package brought to your door may have crossed the globe - but the most expensive and fiddly bit of the journey will undoubtedly be what's known as 'the last mile'. Delivery firms are constantly innovating how they do this - using electric vehicles and e cargo bikes, robots, or offering customers a click and collect option at a local store of their choice. Consumers take it for granted that they will get free delivery in many cases. But is the whole 'last mile' industry sustainable? Delivery vans add to traffic congestion and consumers are ordering more than they need and returning unwanted goods for free.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the latest trends in the logistical puzzle of 'the last mile.

Jon Ormond Operations Director of Hubs and Depots at parcel carrier, Hermes.

Nick Hale, Managing Director of BT Ventures.

and Catherine Weetman, founder of Re-think solutions.

The journey is expensive and fiddly. How are goods and services delivered to our homes?

The Lottery Business2021110420211106 (R4)The National Lottery contract is up for grabs. While the results aren't scheduled to be announced until early 2022, the bids are in and being considered - and across the industry it seems that this is the closest competition yet with four major players in the running. How do lotteries, large and small, operate? And what obligations does the industry have towards customers who might be vulnerable? Evan Davis speaks to Camelot, who have been running The National Lottery since its inception 27 years ago, and to industry leaders, about the changing world of lotteries.

GUESTS

Matthew Risdale, Executive Director, Camelot

Richard Dixon, Managing Director, Sterling Lotteries

Tony Vick, Chair, The Lotteries Council

PRODUCERS

Tanya Beckett & Lucinda Borrell

SOUND

Rod Farquhar

With the National Lottery contract up for grabs, how does this sector work?

The Muslim Pound2014061920140621 (R4)How big is the market for halal - not just food, but holidays, fashion and music too? Muslim consumers - and how best to serve them - are the topics this week. Evan Davis talks to entrepreneurs who think they know the answer and asks how much can established companies learn from them.

Guests :

Shelina Janmohamed, Ogilvy Noor

Elnur Seyidli, HalalBooking.com

Shazia Saleem, ieat foods

Producer : Rosamund Jones.

Muslim consumers, and how best to serve them, are the topics for Evan Davis and guests.

The Northern Powerhouse2015111920151121 (R4)Can the Northern Powerhouse solve Britain's North-South economic divide? For now, the Northern Powerhouse is a concept: an idea that towns and cities in the north can unite, forming their own economic hub to rival London and the south east. So how to turn it into a reality? Evan Davis and guests are with an audience at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce to discuss what kind of businesses will settle in the north of England and what needs to be done to encourage them to make the move. They'll talk about the frustrations of poor transport links, the joys of green spaces and the reasons why businesses like to cluster.

Guests:

Wayne Hemingway, Designer and entrepreneur, Hemingway Design

Vanda Murray, an Independent Director, Manchester Airports Group

Sir Richard Leese, Leader, Manchester City Council and Chair, Transport for the North

Jo York, co-founder, Reframed TV

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Can the Northern Powerhouse solve the North-South divide? Evan Davis hosts from Manchester

The Personalisation Revolution2019030720190309 (R4)Technological advances have made it easier for businesses to offer us more personalised goods and services, from customised cars to clothes that fit better and pioneering cell and gene therapies to target serious illnesses. How far can this personalisation revolution go?

GUESTS

Darrin Disley, Chief Executive of cell therapy company, Mogrify

Georgina Silvester, Chief Operating Officer (designate), Handelsbanken UK

Karl Howkins, Managing Director, Citroen UK

Kate Ancketill, Chief Executive of GDR Creative Intelligence

Technology has made personalisation of goods and services easy. How far can it go?

The Price Of Bread2022060920220613 (R4)The 'crust' of living: Evan Davis looks at the spiralling costs of baking a loaf of bread. On top of rising energy bills the industry is having to keep up with huge increases in the price of wheat. In this episode a farmer, a miller and a baker explain how they're trying to make ends meet.

Guests:

Sarah Bell, Wheat Farmer and Grain Consultant.

Julius Deane, Wheat Director at Carrs Flour Mills Ltd

Mike Roberts, Deputy Chairman of Roberts Bakery

Producer: Nick Holland

Sound: Rod Farquhar

Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed

Editor: Hugh Levinson

The Price Of Life2016070720160709 (R4)It's hard to put a value on a human life. When you're well, perhaps you don't think about it. But if you're ill, getting access to the right drugs, whatever the cost, is a priority. But the NHS does not have a bottomless pit of money. And some medicines are judged too expensive to be freely available, so patients miss out on treatments that could save or extend their lives. There are usually two villains of the piece: The drugs companies for charging too much; the NHS for not stumping up the cash. In this edition, Evan Davis and guests explore how pharmaceutical companies price their drugs, the role of the NHS in deciding how much the medicines are worth and, in the case of generic or non-branded drugs, they'll ask whether competition is working properly to keep down the NHS medicines bill.

Guests:

Erik Nordkamp, Managing Director, Pfizer UK

Carole Longson, Director of the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation at NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Warwick Smith, Director-General, British Generic Manufacturers Association

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

How do drugs companies and the NHS decide the value of prescription medicines?

The Price Of Time2015012920150131 (R4)How should we price services? By the hour? By results? Or by the difficulty of the task? And what impact does each model have on how businesses are run? In the first of a new series Evan Davis and guests look at the history of how we've priced our time and expertise and why this may be about to change.

Guests :

Christopher Saul, senior partner, Slaughter & May

Debbie Klein, UK CEO, The Engine Group

Russell Quirk, Founder, EMoov.

How should we price services? By the hour, by results or by the difficulty of the task?

The Price Shock2022021020220212 (R4)Prices are rising - but are we heading into an unprecedented economic period? So far, wages haven't yet followed. How different is what's going on now from the conventional boom and bust cycle? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Guests:

Dr Jennifer Smith, Associate Professor of Economics, Warwick University

Professor Michael McMahon, Oxford University

Sonali Punhani, UK Chief Economist at Credit Suisse

Producer: Julie Ball

Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed

Sound: Rod Farquhar

Editor: Hugh Levinson

Produced in association with the Open University

The Purple Pound2021062420210828 (R4)The spending power of disabled people and their families - the so-called purple pound - is valued at £249 billion a year. So is there a competitive business advantage in designing accessible goods and services? Evan Davis and guests discuss, with examples ranging from haircare products to hotel rooms.

Sam Latif, Company Accessibility Leader at Proctor and Gamble

Robin Sheppard, Co-Founder and President of Bespoke Hotels

and Gavin Neate, Chief Executive and Founder of Neatebox

Producer: Lesley McAlpine

Sound: Andy Garratt

What is the business case for desiging accessible goods and services for disabled people?

The Quick Commerce Economy2021102820211030 (R4)Evan Davis looks at the expanding world of ultrafast home delivery. App-based firms like Getir promise to get a grocery order to your home in just 10 minutes. During the pandemic demand for such services skyrocketed. As new companies enter the market, is Q-commerce economically sustainable - or will there be a brutal shake-out? Evan speaks to players in this rapidly growing sector - and to a critic of it.

GUESTS

Turancan Salur, general manager, Getir UK

Christa Bloom-Burrows, co-founder, Biff's

Jessica Moulton, senior partner, McKinsey & company

Adam Badger, research student, Royal Holloway, University of London

Producer: Lucinda Borrell

Sound: Rod Farquhar

Evan Davis looks at the expanding world of ultrafast home delivery, or Q-commerce.

The Reddit Revolutionaries2021022520210227 (R4)The rush on shares by individual investors, into struggling US video game store chain Gamestop was portrayed as an attempt by a new breed of retail investors to thwart hedge funds which were shorting the stock. Some investors won big, others lost everything and one hedge fund, Melvin Capital, lost half of its $13bn fund. Was this really a David and Goliath fight, signalling a win for retail stock pickers, collaborating on social media platforms like Reddit? And has it changed the future of investing? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Holly MacKay, Founder and MD, Boring Money

Jack Inglis, CEO of Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA)

Mo and Danny, Online retail investors

Did the recent rush on Gamestop shares herald a new era for the retail investor?

The Satellite Business2021030420210306 (R4)The government wants to boost the UK's growing space industry through its £400 m investment in satellite communications firm OneWeb. The company is a pioneer, launching satellites in Low Earth Orbit with the aim of providing broadband to under-served areas of the globe. But there are rivals, Elon Musk's Starlink Constellation being the best known. So is the UK investment in OneWeb a moonshot moment? Evan Davis and guests boldly go into discussion over what happens when you combine cutting-edge technology with uncertain business outcomes - and whether the state should be involved

Guests:

Professor Marek Ziebart, UCL

Chris McLaughlin, OneWeb

and Carissa Christensen, CEO, Bryce Space and Technology

Producer: Lesley McAlpine

The UK has invested \u00a3400 million in OneWeb satellites. Is this a moonshot moment?

The Saviour Returns2014100220141004 (R4)The best person for the job? Evan Davis hears from four bosses who took back control of the companies they had once founded. Why did they leave and what events made them return? From boardroom coups to corporate collapses, entrepreneurs explain how they took the helm - for the second time - of the businesses they knew so well. What had changed while they were away? And what were the very first decisions they made when they walked back through the doors?

Guests: Steve Morgan, founder, Redrow; Louise O'Sullivan, founder, Anam Technologies; Nick and Kath Whitworth, co-founders, Celtic & Co.

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Bosses explain why they took back control of companies they had once founded.

The Secrets Of Fixing A Price2017030920170311 (R4)From budget airline seats to insurance premiums, Evan Davis discovers the secrets of complex pricing and how to get the best deal.

Are you bewildered by constantly changing air fares when searching online? Or curious why insurance premiums can be haggled down if you pick up the phone? Welcome to the world of complex pricing. You, the consumer, may be paying more for the same goods or services than your neighbour. Businesses are coy about revealing exactly how they price their goods and services. In this programme we hear some of the secrets.

Guests:

Sophie Dekkers, UK director, Easyjet

Simon Warsop, chief underwriting officer personal insurance, Aviva

Dr John Thanassoulis, Professor of Financial Economics, Warwick Business School

Producer: Lesley McAlpine.

From budget airline seats to insurance, Evan Davis discovers the secrets of pricing.

The Sharing Economy2014013020140201 (R4)The 'sharing' economy is the topic of discussion for Evan Davis & his guests in the first of a new series of The Bottom Line. The market is built around renting out your possessions to strangers and entrepreneurs have piled in to enable us to share our homes, cars, bikes, clothes, tools and much more besides. At its heart is the idea that business works better if it collaborates, rather than competes, with other companies. How disruptive might these innovative enterprises prove to be? How much profit can they make (and is that the point anyway?).

Guests :

Even Heggernes, UK & Ireland Country Manager, Airbnb

Ali Clabburn, Founder, Liftshare

Fiona Disegni, Founder, Rentez-Vous

Producer : Rosamund Jones.

Making money in the 'sharing' economy is discussed by Evan Davis and guests.

The Shock Of The New2018020820180210 (R4)Evan Davis and guests discuss the relationship between three important pillars of modern society: science, business and the consumer. Is the public right to be suspicious of business and the science it's selling? Why do some us fear GM foods, nanotechnology, AI and gene editing?

Jackie Hunter, Chief Executive, Benevolent Bio

Justin King, Vice-Chairman and Head of Portfolio Businesses, Terra Firma

Kriti Sharma, Vice-President of Artificial Intelligence, Sage.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the relationship between science, business and consumers.

The Uk Space Industry2017022320170225 (R4)The UK space industry is growing faster than the wider economy. Its application is broad - from manufacturing satellites, earth observation projects, to advanced research and design for space exploration. The government aims to capitalise on all this activity and wants the UK to have its own space port for commercial flights and satellite missions. The programme will hear from the country's top small satellite manufacturer and from a firm developing a revolutionary hypersonic propulsion engine. Evan Davis's guests are:

Catherine Mealing-Jones, UK Space Agency

Mark Thomas, Reaction Engines

Patrick Wood, Surrey Satellite Technology

Producer: Lesley McAlpine.

Evan Davis does some black sky thinking as he hears about the growing UK space industry.

The Working Week2020022720200229 (R4)Is our working week due for major reform? Will a move to a four day week - as proposed by the Labour Party in its recent General Election manifesto - ever happen? From shorter hours to more flexibility in the workplace, what will the modern world of work be like in ten years time? Evan Davis and guests discuss the latest trends.

Guests appearing on The Bottom Line

Kate Cooper, Head of Research, Policy & Standards, Institute of Leadership and Management

David Stone, CEO of MRL Recruitment

and Karen Jansen, Professor in Leadership Challenge at Henley Business School

Will the four day working week ever become a reality?

The World Of Sport2012102520121027 (R4)Evan Davis meets three of the sport sector's top business brains and gets them to share their stories of reinvention and the secrets of their industry. Evans hears from the darts, snooker and boxing promoter, Barry Hearn, who is also chairman of Leyton Orient and creator of the televised fishing contest, Fishomania. Former Formula 1 boss Max Mosley gives the inside story on how his sport became a hit in the Far East. And former managing director of IMG India explains how the Indian Premier League turned cricket into a showbiz sporting sensation.

Three of sport's top business brains share their stories and secrets with Evan Davis.

The Youth Market2016110320161105 (R4)Evan Davis and guests explore the fast moving world of selling to 18-24 year olds. Collectively, that age group has billions to spend. Individually, many are strapped for cash. So how do companies get their attention and their money? The answer seems to be: market your brand using social media. Link up with a celebrity with millions of followers and watch the money roll in. That's the theory. Forget old style television adverts. That age group isn't watching the box - they're on their mobiles. Joining the programme will be: Josephine Hansom from Youth Sight; Philip O'Ferrall, Viacom International Media Networks and Simon Beckerman from Depop.

Producer: Lesley McAlpine.

Evan Davis explores how companies are trying to sell their stuff to young people.

There's No Business Like Show Business2017072720170729 (R4)There's no business like show business. Evans Davis and guests explore the success story that is UK theatre. From splashy musicals, and classic revivals to cutting edge new dramas the sector makes more than a billion pounds in ticket sales a year. But there's trouble on the horizon. Public subsidies for theatres are being cut back. Can corporate giving and donations from philanthropists continue to plug the shortfall?

Brenna Hobson, National Theatre of Scotland

Kate Varah, the Old Vic, London

Rachel Tackley, Chichester Festival Theatre.

There's no business like show business. Evan Davis examines why UK theatres are thriving.

Theresanomics2016092920161001 (R4)Theresa May has promised a bigger role for the state in business. The previously unfashionable concept of a comprehensive industrial strategy is back on the agenda. There is a new wariness about foreign investment in strategic industries such as electricity generation. Mrs May also wants to see employee representatives on company boards.

Presenter Evan Davis discusses 'Theresanomics' with a panel of entrepreneurs and corporate leaders.

Guests include:

Elizabeth Corley, vice-chair of Allianz Global Investors

David Pitt-Watson, former Chair of Hermes Focus Funds and co-author of The New Capitalists

Producer: Julie Ball.

Theresa May wants a bigger role for government in business. Will it happen? Can it work?

Too Much Choice?2023012620230130 (R4)If you've ever felt bamboozled by the sheer range of biscuits at your local supermarket or in a quandary over which pair of headphones to buy from the plethora on offer, then you're not alone.

Studies suggest that consumers can struggle to make decisions when there is too much choice. So how much choice should businesses offer their customers? And how can retailers help us navigate the dizzying array of products out there?

Evan Davis brings together a perfectly chosen group of experts to discuss.

GUESTS

Dr. Paul Marsden, Consumer Pscyhologist, Business School, London College of Fashion , University of Arts London

Laurence Mitchell, Buying Director, Electricals and Home Technology, John Lewis Partnership

Donna Smith, Managing Director, Thursday Cottage Ltd.

Paul Stainton, Retail Consultant, IPLC

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer: Julie Ball

Researcher: Marianna Brain

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Rod Farquhar and Neil Churchill

Production Co-ordinators: Sophie Hill and Siobhan Reed

Can too much choice be bad for shoppers? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Tradespeople2023100520231009 (R4)From plumbers to electricians, plasterers to builders, most of us need to hire a trader at some point. But what's it like to work in the industry, and how has it been affected by changes such as Brexit, the pandemic and inflation? How should you go about finding a trader who is trustworthy and will deliver quality work?

In recent decades, going into a 'trade' has not been as strongly encouraged as to going to university, but tradespeople of all kinds are in short supply, so what is being done to encourage more young people to take up a trowel or pick up a drill?

Evan Davis and guests discuss.

CONTRIBUTORS

Chris Day - Electrician, Mayday Electrical Solutions Ltd.

Kalece Okusanya - Decorator - Suave Property Care

Will Davies - Co founder , Aspect Property Maintenance

Tim Balcon - CEO, Construction Industry Training Board

Peter Gordon - Listener

PRODUCTION TEAM

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Tim Heffer and Graham Puddifoot

Prod. Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman

What's it like being a trader, and how has the industry changed?

Trading Places2015020520150207 (R4)Naked bath bombs, in-store coffee shops and customer satisfaction charts: Evan Davis and guests discuss some of the secrets to retailing success. Each of them runs of a chain of stores but with hundreds, even thousands of outlets both here and abroad, how do they maintain their brand identity? And what persuades customers to buy their products ahead of their rivals'?

Guests:

Mark Constantine, Founder and Managing Director, Lush cosmetics

Debbie Robinson, Managing Director, Spar UK

Robert Forrester, Founder and CEO, Vertu Motors plc.

Cars, cosmetics and convenience stores: What are the secrets to retailing success?

Transformation2014031320140315 (R4)Evan Davis and guests discuss how to bring a business back from the brink.
Transport After The Pandemic20200716Has staying at home during lockdown made us think more about our travel habits? Are you less likely to want to get on a bus or a train to get to work or are you itching to get on the next available flight? And what about the business travel industry? Are companies realising tele-conferencing is now just as acceptable and a cheaper option than a business flight? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Laura Shoaf, managing director, Transport for West Midlands

Simon Jeffrey, policy officer, Transport and Devolution, Centre for Cities

Michael Valkevich, vice-president, Global Customer Group, EMEA, CWT

Presenter: Evan Davis

Producer: Julie Ball

Editor: Hugh Levinson

What effect has Covid had on our travel and transport habits? With Evan Davis.

Travel2013061320130615 (R4)Travel companies have recently had to weather the storms of recession for their customers and major upheaval at popular holiday destinations around the world.

Evan Davis finds out how airlines and tour companies plan for their seasonal business in light of economic crisis in Greece and political unrest in Egypt and North Africa - getting it wrong could lead to financial disaster. And guests will discuss the future for Greece, where tourism is seen as the biggest hope for reviving the economy.

Guests:

Peter Long, CEO TUI Travel

Carolyn McCall, CEO Easyjet

Andreas Andreadis, CEO SANI Resort

Producer: Lucy Proctor.

Travel companies discuss coping with recession at home and upheaval in sunny destinations.

Tripadvisor Etc2014101620141018 (R4)Online postings about hotels, restaurants, hairdressers, electricians: How much can you trust the views of a total stranger when it comes to deciding what to buy, where to go and whose skills and services to employ? How do review sites monitor their online ratings and ensure they're genuine? Evan Davis and guests discuss the power of user-generated reviews that can make or break a business. What can firms do to limit the damage of a bad review and how can they maximise a positive review?

Guests:

Stephen Kaufer, President and CEO, TripAdvisor

Colleen Curtis, Vice President, European Marketing, Yelp

Kevin Byrne, Founder and CEO, Checkatrade

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

How TripAdvisor and similar websites can make or break a business. Evan Davis and guests.

Turnarounds2013031420130316 (R4)Evan Davis asks his guests what it takes to rescue a sinking company.
Turning Passion Into Profit2022111020221114 (R4)Col Needham set up his first business at the age of 14 designing and selling games software for computers. But his real love, since the age of 5, has always been film. Col started logging every movie he'd seen in a paper diary which he eventually set up as a database, along with other like-minded film fans. Although it began and remains a personal passion, IMDB is now a multi million pound business, which was one of Amazon's first acquisitions.

Col has remained CEO and founder, and he's now seen 15,000 films - all logged religiously in IMDB. He talks to Evan Davis about the journey from passion to profit.

GUEST

Col Needham, CEO and Founder, IMDB

PRESENTER: Evan Davis

PRODUCER: Julie Ball

EDITOR: Simon Watts

SOUND: Graham Puddifoot

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATORS: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross

Evan Davis talks to IMDB founder Col Needham about making money out of his love for films.

Turning Tables2018021520180217 (R4)Evan Davis and guests discuss why some restaurant chains thrive and others fail. Why are so many chains closing down branches now?

Paul Campbell, Founder, Hill Capital Partners LLP

Angela Hartnett, Chef and Owner of Murano, Caf退 Murano and Merchants' Tavern

Sarah Willingham, Entrepreneur and Investor.

Tv Formats2014021320140215 (R4)Successful TV formats like Big Brother, Pop Idol, X-Factor and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire are sold and broadcast all round the world, netting their creators billions of pounds. But how can you protect such a valuable asset? And are too many copycat versions saturating the market and crushing original ideas? Evan Davis finds out from those at the top of the lucrative global industry of TV formats.

Guests:

Charlie Parsons, Creator of Survivor and CEO, Castaway Television Productions

Louise Pedersen, Managing Director, all3media international

Ricardo Pereira, TV Globo Director for Europe

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Evan Davis and guests discuss the business of selling TV formats around the world.

Tv Streaming2020032620200328 (R4)There's a battle for our eyeballs in the market for video on demand. Who will win? 20 years ago Netflix was a company that rented DVDs to its customers. Now its a billon-dollar enterprise streaming its own content and movies. But new challengers are entering the market, like Disney Plus, Apple TV and the UK's Britbox. So what does it take to grab the viewers? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Richard Broughton, Ampere Analysis

Reemah Sakaan, Group Director ITV SVOD (Britbox)

Jane Turton, CEO, All3Media

University Businesses2019020720190209 (R4)Higher education in the UK is an astonishingly successful British industry, with an income of almost £35 billion a year. Universities have expanded hugely with more students from home and abroad. But uncertain times lie ahead. Tuition fees are under review and some people in the sector argue Brexit may make it harder to attract students from EU countries. Are universities sustainable as businesses?

Guests:

Professor Nick Petford, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Northampton

Professor Trevor McMillan Vice-Chancellor of Keele University

Dr Helen Carasso, Department of Education, Oxford University

Universities have expanded over the last decade. Can they be successful businesses?

Upside-down Management20141120What is the role of a business leader? To tell staff what to do or allow them to decide for themselves? One theory about management is that it should turn itself upside-down and permit those closest to the customer to dictate all sorts of business decisions including pricing, marketing and how to deal with complaints. This programme, first broadcast in 2013, won the Wincott Radio Journalism of the Year Award.

Guests

John Timpson, Chairman Timpson Group

Nikki King, Honorary Chair, Isuzu Truck UK

Sir Gerry Robinson, Chairman Moto Hospitality

Producer : Rosamund Jones.

Evan Davis and guests discuss a radical new idea for business management.

Upside-down Management20141122What is the role of a business leader? To tell staff what to do or allow them to decide for themselves? One theory about management is that it should turn itself upside-down and permit those closest to the customer to dictate all sorts of business decisions including pricing, marketing and how to deal with complaints. This programme, first broadcast in 2013, won the Wincott Radio Journalism of the Year Award.

Guests

John Timpson, Chairman Timpson Group

Nikki King, Honorary Chair, Isuzu Truck UK

Sir Gerry Robinson, Chairman Moto Hospitality

Producer : Rosamund Jones.

Evan Davis and guests discuss a radical new idea for business management.

Waiting In Line: The Business Of Queuing2015022620150228 (R4)The science and psychology of the queue. This week Evan and his guests look at how businesses manage queuing.

We're often told that queuing is one of those quintessential British habits which embodies our sense of fair play: that we should wait our turn. Despite technological innovation. queuing remains one of those unavoidable things we all have to do: be that on-line, waiting for a bus or to pay for our groceries at the check-out. But what does it mean for businesses? How do they go about managing queues and our expectations of those as customers?

Producer: Jim Frank.

The science, psychology and management of queuing. Evan Davis chairs a discussion.

Water2013071820130720 (R4)Water is the world's most precious resource. It's also big business. As climate changes and populations shift, getting water where it needs to be is a huge global challenge. And that's without the added problem of leakage. And how much should consumers pay for something that none of us can live without?

Evan Davis and guests discuss an industry which has changed almost beyond recognition in just a few decades - from state-owned water providers to international business players.

Guests:

Peter Simpson, CEO Anglian Water

Bryan Harvey, Vice President CH2M HILL

Olivier Bret, CEO Veolia Water UK

Producer : Rosamund Jones.

Water is big business. Evan Davis and guests discuss the global challenges ahead.

Wearable Technology2014103020141101 (R4)From smartglasses to smartwatches, tech companies like Apple, Google and Samsung are investing big money in technology that you can wear. They're designed to keep us eternally connected, fully fit and super smart. But will they go mainstream or are they still the preserve of the gadget geeks? Evan Davis and guests discuss how fitness bands that measure how far you walk and how deeply you sleep could transform our healthcare. And hear about the intelligent fabric that's set to revolutionise the way US and British soldiers are kitted out.

Guests:

Andy Griffiths, President, Samsung UK and Ireland

Asha Peta Thompson, Co-founder, Intelligent Textiles

Joss Langford, Technical Director, Activinsights

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Smartwatches, fitness bands and intelligent fabric: the latest gadgets to transform lives?

What Next For Water?2023072020230724 (R4)England's water companies are under fire - there's public anger over sewage spills and leaks, and now regulators and government ministers are worried some of them are drowning in too much debt. So what's gone wrong, and who will pay the price of fixing the industry?

On the face of it, running a water company seems like a licence to print money - there's guaranteed revenue, and no competition - but there's a lot of infrastructure to build and maintain, and strict targets that are getting even tougher and more expensive to hit as environmental concerns grow.

Many of England's water firms have taken on very high levels of debt, but have they used it to invest, or pay off their shareholders? And does the regulator, Ofwat, have questions to answer for strangling spending on improvements in a bid to keep customer prices low?

Evan Davis is joined by:

Nicola Shaw, CEO, Yorkshire Water;

Sir Ian Byatt, Ofwat Director General from 1989 to 2000;

Verity Mitchell, UK analyst at Global Water Intelligence.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producer: Simon Tulett

Editor: China Collins

Sound: Graham Puddifoot and Mike Woolley

Production co-ordinator: Brenda Brown

Produced in partnership with The Open University.

Sewage spills, leaks, mountains of debt - what's gone wrong with England's water industry?

Whatever Happened To?2015030520150307 (R4)Sock Shop, Golden Wonder and Lehman Brothers: big names that once dominated the high street, the supermarket shelves and the financial world. They faded from view, yet still exist today. What prompted their demise? How did they lose market share? Evan Davis and guests discuss the rise and fall of these iconic companies and explore whether they can ever reach the success of their golden years.

Guests:

Vimal Ruia, Managing Director, Sock Shop

Paul Allen, CEO, Tayto

Tony Lomas, Chief Administrator, Lehman Brothers in the UK

Producer: Sally Abrahams.

Sock Shop, Golden Wonder and Lehman Brothers: big names that faded but have not vanished.

When Robots Take Our Jobs2017062220170624 (R4)Are white collar workers under threat from the new robotic workforce? Manufacturing companies have been replacing production line workers with robots for years, but as the technology becomes more advanced, they are being increasingly used in healthcare, law firms and HR departments. So is the white collar worker under threat? Evan Davis talks to three guests, a roboticist, an Artificial Intelligence consultancy worker and the CEO of a hotel chain who is already using robots in his business.

Thrishantha Nanayakkara - Roboticist, Imperial College

Dr. Michael Chui - Partner, IT and innovation, McKinsey Global Institute

Hubert Viriot - CEO, Yotel.

Will robots take our jobs? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Where's The Life In Nightlife?2024022220240226 (R4)The UK's biggest nightclub operator recently announced the closure of around half of its venues, and with them almost 500 jobs. REKOM UK, which owns the Atik and Pryzm brands, blamed the cost of living crisis hurting its customers, along with increased operating costs. But is there something else going on?

According to the industry association the number of nightclubs in the UK has more than halved in the last decade, so have younger people – nightclubs' core customers – lost interest in drinking and dancing the night away? Are landlords eyeing up healthier returns from these enormous spaces by turning them into flats? And how are the remaining venues evolving to attract these, and sometimes older, customers?

Evan Davis is joined by:

Peter Marks, chairman of REKOM UK;

Mike Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association;

Jo Cox-Brown, CEO of Night Time Economy Solutions.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Producers: Simon Tulett and Nick Holland

Researcher: Paige Neal-Holder

Editor: Matt Willis

Sound: Rod Farquhar

Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge

The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University.

(Picture: A crowd of people dancing and waving their arms in the air. Credit: Getty Images)

Why are so many nightclubs closing, and what might replace them?

Evan Davis hosts the business conversation show with insights from the people at the top.

Why are so many nightclubs closing, and what might replace them? Evan Davis and guests discuss the financial pressures and changing tastes altering our towns and cities after dark.

Find out what can help to build sustainable organisations for better business.

Who Owns British Companies?2018022220180224 (R4)What has happened to Margaret Thatcher's dream of creating a nation of shareholders? Over the last decade there's been a big increase in the amount of foreign ownership. ONS figures show foreign investors now own over fifty per cent of shares listed on the stock exchange. Evan Davis and guests discuss why this has happened and whether it matters.

John Dawson, Founding Partner, Statera

Gillian Karran-Cumberlege, Founder, Fidelio Partners

Gervais Williams, Fund Manager, Miton Group.

Evan Davis and guests discuss who owns British companies and why that matters.

Who's Sorry Now?2017071320170715 (R4)When things go wrong in the corporate world the public expects an apology from the man or woman in charge. So why are some CEO's more comfortable with saying sorry and why won't some shoulder the blame? Evan Davis and guests discuss why sorry is sometimes the hardest word in business.

David Kirk, Partner, McGuire Woods

Mark Selby, Co-founder Wahaca, Mexican restaurant chain

Paul Charles, CEO and Founder of reputation management consultancy, The PC Agency

Producer: Julie Ball.

When should a business leader apologise? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Who's The Boss?2013102420131026 (R4)What is the role of a business leader? To tell staff what to do or allow them to decide for themselves? One theory about management is that it should turn itself upside-down and permit those closest to the customer to dictate all sorts of business decisions including pricing, marketing and how to deal with complaints. Discussing these issues with Evan Davis are:

John Timpson, Chairman Timpson Group

Nikki King, CEO Isuzu Truck UK

Sir Gerry Robinson, Chairman Moto Hospitality

Producer : Rosamund Jones.

Upside-down management is discussed by company bosses and Evan Davis.

Why Do Companies Do Bad Things?2018070520180707 (R4)Social media giants mishandle data, banks mis-sell PPI insurance, engineers arrange for cars to cheat emissions tests. Why do companies sometimes do bad things? Evan Davis and guests discuss whether it's by accident or deliberate. Coverage of business wrongdoing often focuses on bad individuals but how far can a company's culture be blamed?

Guests:

Nick Leeson, the original 'rogue trader

Sara George, Partner, Stephenson Harwood

Adrian Furnham, Professor of Psychology, Norwegian Business School.

Evan Davis and guests explore what happens when things go wrong in business.

Will 5g Revolutionise Our Lives?2018053120180602 (R4)The next generation of mobile technology - 5G - will be rolled out from 2019. It will enable faster streaming on our mobile phones and tablets and speed up the 'internet of things', allowing thousands of computers to 'talk' to each other. The fifth generation mobile network also has applications that could be used in public safety and healthcare. But will the UK build the infrastructure - installing more fibre and small communications masts - to benefit from this new technology? Joining Evan Davis for the debate will be:

Derek McManus, Chief Operating Officer at Telefonica UK, which owns O2.

Professor Dimitra Simeonidu, Director of the Smart Lab at Bristol University

and Kyle Brown, Head of Technology at Samsung Electronics.

Will the next generation of mobile technology - 5G - revolutionise our lives?

Woke Or Broke?2022071420220718 (R4)From Disney to the Halifax bank, companies are increasingly willing to take a stance on everything. But what is driving this trend and will it continue? Ultimately isn't it the job of a business to make money for its shareholders and not get involved in politics and contentious social issues? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Nina Bhatia, Executive Director, Strategy and Commercial Development, John Lewis Partnership

Ian Leslie, Journalist and Author of 'Conflicted

Becky Willan, CEO and Co-founder, Given Agency

Nicola Kilner, CEO and Co-founder of Deciem

Producer: Julie Ball

Sound: James Beard

Editor: Jon Bithrey

Production Co-Ordinators: Siobhan Reed and Helena Warwick-Cross

Evan Davis asks if firms should keep their views to themselves.

Young Entrepreneurs2012021620120218 (R4)The view from the top of business. Presented by Evan Davis, The Bottom Line cuts through confusion, statistics and spin to present a clearer view of the business world, through discussion with people running leading and emerging companies. The programme is broadcast first on BBC Radio 4 and later on BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV and BBC News Channel TV.

Three young entrepreneurs, all in their early twenties, join Evan to discuss the headaches in getting their businesses up and running. They also discuss the next chapter - moving on and crucially letting go or getting out.

Joining Evan in the studio are Suleman Sacranie, founder of online wholesaler 99pwholesaler.com; Kelly Goss of independent fashion brand Rock 'n' Needle; Louis Barnett, founder of luxury chocolate maker Chokolit.

Producer: Ben Crighton

Editor: Stephen Chilcott.

Evan Davis asks three young entrepreneurs about their business headaches and hopes.

Your Childhood In The Workplace2022020320220205 (R4)Psychotherapist Naomi Shragai talks to Evan Davis about how our emotional baggage can harm our work life.. She advises businesses and employees on how to recognise our deeper personal impulses, which often stem from our childhoods. Her book 'The Man Who Mistook his Job for His Life' catalogues phenomena like narcissism, fear of rejection and imposter syndrome, Naomi tells us how to recognise these powerful forces, and what we can do about them.

Producer: Julie Ball

Studio Manager: Neil Churchill

Production Coordinators: Siobhan Reed and Sophie Hill

This programme was made in association with The Open University

Psychotherapist Naomi Shragai on how our emotional baggage can damage our work life.