Episode Summary:

In this episode, Sir Tom Hunter and Willie Haughey discuss various business topics, including the meteoric rise of reform, the challenges of change in business, and the influence of Elon Musk.

They also welcome Johnny Manning, the founder of Connekt EV, who shares his entrepreneurial journey and insights into the electric vehicle charging industry.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:15]

Elon Musk's Influence

Discussion on Elon Musk's involvement in various industries and his impact on politics and social media.

[00:03:38]

Business and Politics

Sir Tom and Lord Haughey delve into the intersection of business and politics, including Musk's potential interest in UK politics and football.

[00:07:06]

Government and Business

Analysis of government procurement and the potential for business leaders to drive efficiency and cost savings.

[00:13:25]

Economic Outlook

Discussion on the current economic climate, interest rates, and government borrowing.

[00:20:05]

Scottish National Investment Bank

Announcement of a £20 million investment in a subsea cable manufacturer in Ayrshire.

Special Guest: Johnny Manning, Founder of Connekt

Johnny is a pioneering force in the electric vehicle charging industry. As Founder and Managing Director of Connekt, he's driving the company's mission to become the UK's premier Charge Point Operator and Installer.

With his innovative vision and strategic leadership, Johnny is at the forefront of shaping a sustainable future for transportation.

Board You Can't Afford Guest: Donna Kerr, Founder DMK Finance

Donna is qualified as a Commercial Banker with extensive credit/industry knowledge & experience. DMK Finance are specialist property and business finance experts who have aided clients obtain finance from £100k to £50m loans and to date.

Access to finance is often critical in the growth journey of any business.

Donna's Question:

During both your own entrepreneurial paths, did you find yourselves fully leveraging your businesses or taking bold financial risks to fuel growth?

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Hosts: Sir Tom Hunter and Lord Willie Haughey

Board You Can't Afford Guest: Scott Munn (12th generation funeral director)

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Sir Tom Hunter and Willie Haughey discuss various business topics, including the recent budget, the state of the NHS, and the challenges faced by car manufacturers.

On the Board You Can't Afford, Scott Munn, a 12th generation funeral director, has a question and chats about his experiences in the family business and the funeral industry.

Key Topics Covered:

Budget Discussion:

Analysis of the Scottish budget and its impact on small businesses.

Discussion on business relief and the hospitality sector.

Concerns about the allocation of funds to the NHS and public services.

Critique of the SNP government's handling of economic growth and public services.

NHS and Public Services:

Examination of the NHS budget and the need for systemic changes.

Discussion on the inefficiencies in public services and the need for better management.

Business Growth and Economic Policies:

Importance of growing the economy to fund public services.

Discussion on tax policies and their impact on businesses and individuals.

The need for big ideas and quality leadership in the Scottish government.

Elon Musk's Compensation:

Discussion on Elon Musk's $56 billion pay award and the legal challenges surrounding it.

Debate on the role of shareholders and judges in executive compensation.

Political Donations:

Discussion on the influence of wealthy individuals in politics.

Debate on whether political donations should be allowed.

Car Manufacturing Industry:

Challenges faced by car manufacturers in transitioning to electric vehicles.

Discussion on the impact of government policies on the automotive industry.

Housing Market:

Concerns about the drop in mortgage approvals and the long-term implications for homeowners.

Board You Can't Afford with Scott Munn:

Scott's background and experience in the funeral industry.

The history of his family business, which started in 1811.

Transition from a family-owned business to being part of a larger company.

Scott's role and responsibilities as a funeral director and operations manager.

Insights into the funeral industry and the importance of attention to detail.

Subscribe to the podcast for more insightful discussions on business and economics.

Follow and Connect with the show :

• Subscribe: Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the show on YouTube: Subscribe to the Go Radio Business Show (launching this week).
• Feedback: We value your feedback. Share your thoughts on this episode and what you'd like to hear in the future. Email GoBusiness@thisisgo.co.uk
• Engage: Join the conversation on social media @ThisIsGoRadio or Follow Go Radio on LinkedIn. Follow the @thisisgoradio on social media for updates and additional content.

#BusinessPodcast #ScottishEconomy #NHS #PublicServices #FuneralIndustry #ElonMusk #PoliticalDonations #CarManufacturing #HousingMarket #EconomicGrowth

Episode Summary

Sir Tom and Lord Haughey discuss the relevance of the CBI and government interactions, as well as their wishlist for the upcoming Scottish budget, which includes tax reforms and business rates. They emphasise the importance of investing in apprenticeships and skills, suggesting tax incentives for companies. Additionally, Scottish Water's £9 billion investment in infrastructure is highlighted, presenting opportunities for SMEs.

The special guest is Simon Burgess, CEO of BIP Solutions in Glasgow

Episode Highlights

[00:02:00] Scale-Up Conference Recap

Discussion about the recent Scale-Up Conference at Gleneagles.

Highlights of the event and key speakers like Professor Sir Christopher Evans and James Watt.

[00:05:30] CBI and Government Relations

Conversation about the CBI's relevance and government interactions.

Sir Tom and Lord Haughey opinions on political responses and budget implications.

[00:10:00] Scottish Budget Preview

Upcoming Scottish budget discussion.

Lord Haughey and Sir Tom discusses their budget Wishlist, including tax reforms and business rates.

[00:15:00] Apprenticeships and Skills Investment

Importance of investing in apprenticeships and skills.

Suggestions for tax incentives for companies investing in training.

[00:18:00] Scottish Water Investment

Announcement of Scottish Water's £9 billion investment in infrastructure.

Emphasis on opportunities for SMEs.

[00:20:00]

Special Guest: Simon Burgess, CEO of BIP Solutions in Glasgow

BIP Solutions in Glasgow provides procurement services and solutions to the public and private sectors. BIP Solutions offers services like tendering, procurement advice, and digital tools to help organisations manage and streamline their procurement processes.

Board You Can't Afford

Craig Johnstone from Launch Foods has a question for Sir Tom and Lord Haughey..

Launch Foods was established in 2018. Craig identified the contradicting news reports of food waste and food surplus, against child poverty and children going hungry Launch work with local Glasgow primary schools, like Cowcaddens, Govanhill and every day they serve children a hot meal out of their food trucks. They focus on feeding these kids but also helping them build lives for themselves, by thinking sustainably and about their future after school.

Follow the show :

• Subscribe: Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
• Feedback: We value your feedback. Share your thoughts on this episode and what you'd like to hear in the future. Email GoBusiness@thisisgo.co.uk
• Engage: Join the conversation on social media @ThisIsGoRadio or Follow Go Radio on LinkedIn.