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With pump prices passing £2 a litre and national reserves dropping, could the diesel crisis force ministers to activate emergency fuel rationing? In this episode of The Business, Dominic O’Connell looks at what current diesel pricing means for the UK economy. Joined by Helen Thompson, Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge, and Joe DeLaura, Global Energy Strategist at Rabobank, we examine whether low reserves and refining capacity threaten long-term economic growth. They break down how global supply disruptions, refinery closures, and changing government fiscal policy are squeezing margins across British business. Crucially, they consider - could rationing truly be a reality in the United Kingdom? “There's always that possibility because the Trump administration has shown that we will extract our pie from other countries. [The thinking is]: ‘If you don't buy American we'll stop selling you diesel, or maybe we'll do a diesel export ban for 90 days unless you release some of your strategic petroleum reserves, or unless you sell us something, or unless you let us have an aircraft base in your country,’” DeLaura says on the show. “Fortunately, I think the US and the UK have a pretty strong long-standing relationship, but the Administration has tested a lot of those long-standing relationships … it's the fact that we even have to ask this question that really concerns me.” Thompson, however, said it is a risk, but not likely - though she pointed out that some Asian countries did have to take that path. “I think for that situation to materialise in Europe, there would have to be something else on top of what has already happened … [but] the Trump administration itself might bring that about,” she says on the program. “This administration's first port of call, in a way, in dealing with its supposed allies, is the energy weapon.” More from the Times: Get drilling at Rosebank or risk diesel shortages, ministers warned Trump’s diesel deal with Putin is gift to Russia, says Zelensky More from the Business North Sea Oil and Gas: The Future of UK Energy Security Could the UK Electricity Grid Fail? Guests: Helen Thompson, Professor of Political Economy at Clare College, CambridgeJoe DeLaura, Global Energy Strategist at Rabobank Presenter: Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondent Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Photo: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Dubai’s $35 billion Al Maktoum International Airport expansion survive growing Middle East conflict, or will regional tensions stall the world's biggest aviation megaproject? In this episode of The Business, Dominic O’Connell is joined by Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports, to discuss the ambitious expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport. Designed to handle 260 million passengers across five runways, the airport represents a massive investment in the future of global travel and trade. Griffiths reflects on navigating regional instability, missile threats, and managing airport security during heightened tensions. “I think there are some things that we are considering which could harden some of the infrastructure against possible threats, but I think most of this is going to be technology that actually stops the impact of any conflict being felt by the infrastructure, that’s the most important thing,” Griffiths says on the show. Following Houthi missile attacks on Saudi’s Riyadh airport, the UK Foreign Office has now advised against all but essential travel to a large portion of Saudi Arabia. Griffiths tells the program Dubai’s airspace is so far unaffected. “The attacks on civilian infrastructure that are happening in Saudi are very regrettable and abhorrent in so many ways,” he says. “We have to remember that the Middle East is a pretty big place - and Riyadh and Jeddah are as far away as Italy is from the UK, so it is a war between two countries that are not fortunately touching the UAE. Obviously we are maintaining vigilance.” From his early career alongside Sir Richard Branson at Virgin Atlantic to running Gatwick and leading Dubai Airports, Griffiths outlines his corporate strategy for connecting world markets. He also discusses how international aviation disruptions impact passenger recovery, supply chains, and the wider UK economy - as well as how he has balanced his other career as a pipe organ musician. Guest: Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports Presenter: Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondent Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Get in touch: [email protected] Picture: Getty More from the Business: EasyJet vs Wall Street: The £5.7bn Battle for a British Budget Airline Inside the Multi-Billion-Pound Resurgence of Marks & Spencer Wealth and inheritance tax driving away the UK’s super rich? More from the Times: Saudi Arabia airport hit by second Houthi strike after 13 killed in attack — as it happened Dubai airport prepares for take-off amid US-Iran conflict Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This series is sponsored by PwC. What should business leaders expect from the chancellor's first Budget? President of the British Chambers of Commerce and former Bank of England Chief Economist Andy Haldane joins The Business to discuss. Hannah Prevett and Dominic O’Connell explore what John Healey will be weighing up before heading to the despatch box. Joined by Andy Haldane and Claire Blackburn (PwC’s UK Tax Leader), they examine the economic pressures facing the UK economy, the politics behind the potential fiscal policy choices, and potential changes to capital gains tax. They discuss what British business and industry leaders need from this Budget to drive economic growth, manage corporate strategy, and restore commercial confidence. You can also watch this episode on Times Business channel on YouTube. Guests: Andy Haldane, President of the British Chamber of Commerce and former Chief Economist at the Bank of England Claire Blackburn, PwC’s UK Tax Leader Presenter: Hannah Prevett, associate business editor, The Sunday Times Dominic O’Connell, business correspondent, Times Radio Producer: Shabnam Grewal Executive Producer: Emily Leahy Video Producer: Super Llama Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will a re-imagined version of Help to Buy solve Britain's housing crisis? Dominic O’Connell examines whether government mortgage subsidies can rescue Labour's ambitious homebuilding targets. In this episode of The Business, we explore "Your First Home" - the government's proposed scheme to resurrect Help to Buy and subsidise mortgages for first-time buyers without the bank of mum and dad. With construction stalling across the UK economy, we ask whether restarting Help to Buy will stimulate homebuilding or simply inflate property prices. Dominic is joined by Jennie Daly, chief executive of Taylor Wimpey - one of Britain's largest house builders - and Carol Lewis, property editor at The Times. Together, they discuss planning delays, red tape, and how changing government fiscal policy impacts British business confidence. They analyse whether mortgage subsidies and supply chain reform can overcome material costs, unlock land development, and deliver long-term economic growth. “We have to step back and think: what does housebuilding deliver? It’s a fundamental human right,” Jennie Daly said on the show. “New home building is the only route to increasing the housing stock. So there's a fundamental economic and social case for intervention at times in the economic cycle where house building is particularly in danger of contracting.” Guests: Jennie Daly, chief executive of Taylor WimpeyCarol Lewis, property editor at The Times Presenter: Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondent Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Get in touch: [email protected] Hear more from The Business: Why are the super rich leaving Britain? Does Andy Burnham’s government have the guts to deliver growth? The rise of the corporate landlord - with Grainger’s Helen Gordon Read more from The Times: New home approvals sink to 13-year low as PM revives Help to Buy How housebuilders won argument to revive help for first-time buyers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This series is sponsored by PwC. What can business learn from the high-stakes of Formula 1® racing? In the fourth and final episode of a special series, host Andy Jaye speaks to 2009 F1® World Champion Jenson Button and Amish Patel, PwC’s UK Transport Lead, about how elite drivers and teams perform under pressure. Jenson Button shares unique insights from his career in Formula 1® about how to manage talent in high-stress environments, build resilient teams, foster supportive workplace cultures, and allow room to experiment and sometimes fail. They explore what British business and industry leaders can learn from Formula 1® about execution under pressure, corporate strategy, and driving economic growth when stakes are high. You can also watch this episode on Times Business channel on YouTube. Presenter: Andy Jaye, Broadcaster Guests: Jenson Button, 2009 F1® World Champion Amish Patel, PwC’s UK Transport Lead Producer: Robert Wallace and Shabnam Grewal Executive Producer: Emily Leahy Video Producer: Super Llama Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Labour’s promise of reindustrialisation realistic for the UK economy? Dominic O’Connell explores the future of British manufacturing. In his speech to the Labour Party conference, Chancellor John Healey promised "a new age of industrialisation". But with UK manufacturing output stagnant and England losing over 6,000 manufacturing businesses in the past five years according to the Office for National Statistics, can government fiscal policy turn the tide? In this episode of The Business, Dominic O’Connell considers whether genuine reindustrialisation is possible, as well as the obstacles in the way including the impact of high energy costs, skills shortages and the global impact of Chinese manufacturing competition. Joined by David Smith, economics editor at The Sunday Times, and Liam Sides, director of regional analysis at Oxford Economics, we examine the structural shifts that transformed Britain into a service-based economy over the last 50 years and evaluate what a realistic reindustrialisation strategy looks like for British business, from growing advanced manufacturing sectors like aerospace and pharmaceuticals to regional investment and planning reform. Guests: David Smith, Economics Editor at The Sunday TimesLiam Sides, Director of Regional Analysis at Oxford Economics Presenter: Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondent Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Picture: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does Labour’s industrial strategy mean for British business? Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds speaks to Hannah Prevett at the Labour Party conference. In this episode of The Business, recorded live on stage at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds joins Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times, to outline the government's plans for driving economic growth across the UK economy. Reynolds discusses how Labour’s industrial strategy will operate alongside regional growth plans, what the government's corporate strategy is for taking British Steel into public control, and how fiscal policy will support UK manufacturing and infrastructure. He also shares his perspective on Heathrow expansion, rising diesel costs, and the government's plans to restore business confidence. Guest: Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and TradePresenter: Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This series is sponsored by PwC. How has Formula 1® evolved from a legacy sport into a global entertainment powerhouse? In the third episode of a special series, host Andy Jaye speaks to Charlie Minors, Director of Strategy and Transformation at F1® and Jon Glick, PwC Advisory Marketing Leader to discuss the corporate strategy behind the business’ transformation. They discuss the key drivers of this commercial transformation from the success of the Netflix show Drive To Survive, expanding in the US market and creating engaged communities on social media. And the guests offer practical insights for industry leaders looking to scale modern consumer brands in a fast-changing global trade landscape. Presenter: Andy Jaye, Broadcaster Guests: Charlie Minors, Director of Strategy and Transformation at F1® Jon Glick, PwC Advisory Marketing Leader Producer: Shabnam Grewal Executive Producer: Emily Leahy Video Producer: Super Llama Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did M&S pull off one of the biggest turnarounds in British retail? Hannah Prevett speaks to operations director Sacha Berendji about the high street giant's transformation. In this episode of The Business, we explore how M&S transformed its food, fashion, and shop location strategy to capture market share across British business. From store renewals and digital growth - to managing a cyber attack - we consider what its resurgence reveals about wider retail trends and consumer spending across the UK economy. M&S operations director Sacha Berendji joins Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times, to discuss the corporate strategy behind the multi-billion-pound revival of M&S. He explains how leadership set the course to revamp its product lineup, handle the logistics of "fortress factories" and is now approaching shoplifting challenges. He also discusses the tax burden on high street retailers, along with what M&S wants from government fiscal policy to address rising costs and the youth unemployment crisis. He breaks down the company's decision to close a number of high street shops across the country: “We're very well aware of the role that we play on a high street and within a local community, so we never take these decisions [to close a location] lightly - but when you look at the economics at play, not just for us, but for all retailers, and, really importantly, where customers are shopping, it has become more and more difficult to justify being in locations where there isn't customer foot fall,” he says on the show. “It's not an anti-high street agenda … If the high street is the right place, then we'll be on the high street.” Guest: Sacha Berendji, operations director at M&S Presenter: Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Get in touch: [email protected] Picture: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This series is sponsored by PwC. Could we see the first female Formula 1®  driver in 50 years racing in a Grand Prix? In the second episode of a special series, host Andy Jaye speaks to 19 year old F1 ACADEMY driver Rachel Robertson, who’s chasing that dream and breaking down barriers in motorsport. Joined by PwC’s chief people officer Phillippa O’Connor they discuss Rachel’s inspirational story from a karting to the F1 ACADEMY, and how talent investment and more inclusive workplace cultures can open up new career pathways. Together they explore how nurturing talent is vital for Formula 1® and how industry leaders can attract more diverse talent to drive high performance and long term economic growth. You can also watch this episode on Times Business channel on YouTube. Presenter: Andy Jaye, Broadcaster Guests: Rachel Robertson, F1 ACADEMY driver Phillippa O’Connor, PwC Chief People Officer Producer: Harry Bligh and Shabnam Grewal Executive Producer: Emily Leahy  Video Producer: Super Llama Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are wealth creators fleeing Britain, and what does a super-rich exodus mean for Treasury tax revenues and the wider UK economy? In this episode of The Business, Hannah Prevett investigates why high earners are leaving the country and whether changes to non-dom status are accelerating the trend. She is joined by Dan Neidle, tax lawyer and founder of Tax Policy Associates, and Robert Watts, Times contributor and compiler of the Sunday Times Rich List. Together, they explore high-profile departures, including hedge fund founder Chris Rokos, who paid £330m in UK tax in a single year. They examine how abolishing non-dom rules, rising inheritance tax, and proposed exit taxes impact capital investment across British business. And as ministers prepare their upcoming budget, Hannah asks how government fiscal policy can retain top talent in the country, protect tax receipts, and drive long-term economic growth. Presenter: Hannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times Guests: Dan Neidle, founder of Tax Policy Associates Robert Watts, Times contributor Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producer: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall  Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This series is sponsored by PwC. What does it take to broadcast the excitement and drama of Formula 1® to millions of fans across the world, with high pressure stakes and no room for error? In the first episode of a special series, host Andy Jaye speaks to Dean Locke, Formula 1®’s Executive Director of broadcast, Media and Race Operations and PwC’s UK Consulting Chief Markets Officer David Allen. Together they examine how innovation, AI and tech have transformed Formula 1®’s high-stakes broadcasting operation to deliver greater efficiency, sustainability and quality, and what industry leaders can learn about corporate strategy and harnessing tech. You can also watch this episode on Times Business channel on YouTube. Presenter: Andy Jaye, Broadcaster Guests: Dean Locke, Formula 1® Executive Director of broadcast, Media and Race Operations  David Allen, PwC UK Consulting Chief Markets Officer  Producers: Harry Bligh and Shabnam Grewal Executive Producer: Emily Leahy  Video Producer: Super Llama Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coming soon…The Business of Formula 1® A series sponsored by PwC. Listen on The Business wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on Times Business channel on YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How is Pret A Manger turning a London high-street staple into a powerhouse brand? In this episode of The Business, chief executive Pano Christou breaks down the Pret A Manger global strategy, detailing how the company adapts its corporate strategy for international markets while staying true to its British business roots. Recorded live at The Times Future of London summit, Hannah Prevett sits down with one of retail's most prominent industry leaders. Pano reflects on his 26-year journey from the shop floor to the executive suite, sharing lessons in entrepreneurship, building a resilient model, and navigating changing retail trends and consumer habits. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to press follow at the top of your podcast app. Presenter:  Hannah Prevett, associate business editor of The Sunday Times Guest:  Pano Christou, Chief Executive of Pret A Manger Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Miriam Hall and Emily Leahy Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Image: Getty Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Jaguar Land Rover cuts 4,000 jobs to pivot toward electric vehicle production, Dominic O’Connell asks what this means for British car manufacturing. In this episode of The Business, we break down the decision by Jaguar Land Rover to cut nearly 10% of its UK workforce as the car maker pushes to save £1.7 billion. With automotive output falling to levels not seen since the 1950s in the UK, we ask whether soaring energy costs, Donald Trump's tariffs, and fierce Chinese competition threaten the wider UK economy and long-term economic growth. Dominic is joined by Oliver Gill, deputy business editor at The Sunday Times, who broke the story, and David Bailey, professor of business economics at Birmingham Business School. Together, they explore whether Jaguar Land Rover can successfully pivot to luxury electric vehicles (EVs), how changing government fiscal policy impacts British business, and whether Prime Minister Andy Burnham's pledge to re-industrialise Britain is realistic. Read more on Jaguar Land Rover in The Times: https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/driving/article/jaguar-type-01-electric-car-revealed-times-driving-27v7f9625 https://www.thetimes.com/business/companies-markets/article/jaguar-land-rover-jobs-redundancy-ztlfxr6b9 You can also watch the episode on YouTube here. Guests: Oliver Gill, deputy business editor at The Sunday TimesDavid Bailey, professor of business economics at Birmingham Business School Presenter: Dominic O’Connell, Times columnist and Times Radio business correspondent Producer: Hope Federico Executive Producers: Emily Leahy and Miriam Hall Video Producer: Bronwen Latham Get in touch: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.