Podcasts

Today we’re joined by the IEA’s Research Director Dr Jamie Whyte, and Catherine McBride, Senior Economist in the IEA’s International Trade and Competition Unit, who analyse the future of Britain’s financial services post-Brexit. Interviewed by the IEA’s Digital Officer Madeline Grant, the pair discuss to what extent Brexit will actually effect the vibrancy of Britain’s financial services, and what opportunities lie outside of European Union for the finance industries. Catherine and Jamie give particular focus to the fear-mongering, perpetuated by certain camps, around the future of financial services, arguing that the EU’s regulatory fixations have held the City of London back for years, and made it significantly harder for genuine competitors to enter the market.

Political commentator and author of The Groucho Tendency blog, Mike Indian looks at Amber Rudd's resignation and at Sajid Javid's appointment, wondering what it will mean for the Government and its handling of the Windrush scandal and wondering if Javid might be the next Tory leader. He also takes a look at the accusations of bullying against Speaker Bercow.

Sue Dougan interviews Jonathan MacDonald, an expert in managing change who has worked with major organisations such as IKEA, Procter and Gamble, Google, Apple and Unilever. He draws on a tough childhood – he was often bullied at school owing to his ethnic origins and holds his hardworking parents in high regard. He advocates applying ‘your passion and purpose into practice’ and surrounding yourself with those who share your vision. He’s now a published author and wants us all to start each day with spirit and positivity! His latest book is Powered by Change: How to Design Your Business for Perpetual Success.

Adam Cox talks to Ollie Trew, a former professional beat boxer and film producer, who now coaches people on finding the purpose in their lives that aligns with their spiritual side. They discuss the importance of resilience, and why challenges can give you clues to your identity; as well as whether it’s possible to monetise your purpose and also be spiritual. Adam also shares why he set himself the challenge of sticking to a “juice cleanse”, with no solid food, for 60 days.

Mel Stride, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, talks to Share Radio's Simon Rose about the Government's latest initiative to crack down on online sellers trying to evade VAT, particularly those based overseas. VAT is the third-largest source of revenue for the government after income tax and National Insurance and, as the minister explains, the Government is determined that the playing field should be level with bricks-and-mortar retailers and that those owing tax are not able to escape paying.

Helal Miah discusses the Sainsbury's-Asda merger proposal, as well as results from Sainsbury's itself, along with WPP, BP and Sage. He also looks ahead to forthcoming numbers from Morrison's and Next.

James Cameron-Wilson discusses Avengers: Infinity War, the UK's 3rd most successful opening ever. And while the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society shows growing popularity, the amazing success of The Greatest Showman continues, despite already being out for home viewing. James also reviews the home release of Suburbicon, which he reckons to be much under-rated.

Steve Caplin and Simon Rose discuss Google's new "Talk to Books" function, the Amazon Echo that insists on good manners, a MIDI representation of the world, Snapchat's relaunch of its Spectacles and a game combining physics with a word game.

Dividend investing isn’t just for retired people who need an income from their share portfolio – it can also be a rewarding strategy for younger investors who can reinvest their dividends. Ed Bowsher finds out more from Adam Laird of Lyxor, Oliver Smith of IG Smart Portfolios, and Laura Suter of the Telegraph.

As a generation retires with more money in their houses than the bank, this question will only become more pressing. We revealed how a new wave of retirement interest-only mortgages could be about to emerge. Homeowners could use one to have a more comfortable retirement, clear some debt, or hand the kids or grandkids an early inheritance – perhaps to buy a home for their own young family. Is that a good idea or a recipe for disaster – and how did we even end up here? In a conversation that tracks all the way back to the mortgage boom of the Thatcher years, Simon Lambert, Rachel Rickard Straus and Georgie Frost dive into the homes as a cash machine question on this week’s podcast.