Podcasts

Beset by its longest recession in 20 years, Russia is losing the economic prosperity that many Russians had regarded as the hallmark of Vladimir Putin's rule. But the Russian leader, who was heavily implicated in the Panama tax papers, remains hugely popular and a strong figure abroad. Robert Van Egghen examines whether further economic issues could unravel Putin's rule.

Ed Bowsher, Share’s personal finance expert, joins Georgie in the studio for a look at the big stories of the day #tax law #pensioners #retail #spending #banks

From Libya to Daesh, and the debate over the future of Trident, there always seems to be money for war. But are there better ways to spend it? Marc Shoffman speaks to Andrew Smith, from the Campaign Against Arms Trade, looks at whether action against military spending is necessary, while Shuaghan Dolan, from Conscience, explores how the government could deal with global issues such as Isis. Reverend Mark Woods, contributing editor of Christian Today, also explains whether you are pacifist if you are religious.

In this week's programme, in association with IDG, Nick Peters looks at HR strategies that reward their staff with Ailsa Suttie, Operations Director at CSMA Club, who managed to bring a new and fresh approach to help its workers. Nick Howard, Executive Director at Edelman ENGAGE, explains the lack of trust between staff and their leaders and how the latter can build trust with their workers. Nick also speaks to Scott Stirrett, Executive Director and founder of Venture for Canada, a company that recruits and trains young graduates in start-up businesses. In contrast Andrew MacKensie, Policy and Research Manager at Reed in Partnership discusses their recent report, "Too Poor to Work", which looks at the cost of finding and sustaining work for the long-term unemployed in the UK.

POD is a firm with a mission: to change the way people eat on-the-go, selling healthy fast food to busy office workers. The company was set up by Tim Hall and Kate Skerritt and they opened the first branch in 2005 in the City of London. Now under a new management team Linda Lewis looks at their ambitious plans to expand the business beyond their current 22 branches, but still keeping to the ethos of using innovative ingredients and unusual recipes.

Tech Camp is a school for children that teaches youngsters from the age of nine how to code and get them hooked on science. The school was set up over ten years ago by Tom Ward, who worked previously as a teacher and electrical engineer. He talks to Linda Lewis about the school's mission to 'inspire tomorrow's inventors' and their courses. From building robot arms to designing computer games, the school prides itself in teaching advanced tech skills to young people before they enter the competitive industry.

As Apple turns 40 this week, Adrian Day, Independent brand consultant and Associate Consultant for Brand Consultancy, explains to Nick Peters how the brand constantly reinvents itself, while also sticking to core original principals. Adam Reynolds, from Intermarketing Agency, also discusses Donald Trump’s marketing tactics to advertise and promote himself and his campaign during the US election. Finally, Nick speaks to Richard Armstrong, Chief Strategy Officer and Founding Partner of Kameleon, looks at brands and the crossover between branding and advertising in online content and how this could potentially mislead the customers.

As part of National Pet Month Sarah Pennells speaks to Paul Manktelow, from the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals; Sonia Scowcroft, from Cats Protection; and Ross Allan a partner of Pets'n'Vets Family Practice in Glasgow and The British Small Animal Veterinary Association. During the show they discuss about pet insurance and how to make sure customers are covered for most of their pet’s care. The guests also share advice about micro chipping pets, and why you should do your research before deciding to adopt a furry friend.

If you’re thinking about retiring, what things should you look out for? Sarah Pennells is joined by Rowena Griffiths, from Female Adviser, and Michelle Cracknell, from the Pensions Advisory Service, and Jamie Jenkins, from Standard Life. Together they look at what to do with your pension once you retire, analysing the difficult jargon in more detail and simplifying the daunting paperwork in pension forms.

What is peer-to-peer lending? Sarah Pennells looks at the method behind it and how it can help set up a business and how crowdfunding can become a platform to a successful company. Sarah speaks to Karen Kerrigan, Director of UKCFA and Chief Legal Officer of Seedrs; Lucy Bott, Head of Customer Operations at RateSetter, a market place where rates are set by investors and borrowers; and Tom Britton, CTO and founder of Syndicate Room. While Tom and Lucy discuss the differences between peer-to-peer lending and crowdfunding, Karen looks at women and their attitude towards the latter. Neil Faulkner, founder of 4thWay, also gives advice on peer-to peer lending and any risks that you should be aware of. Sarah also speaks with Gem Misa, founder of Righteous and CauliRice, about her experiences in setting up her businesses using crowdfunding.