Philippines: The remittance lifeline

We speak to three businesswomen working in traditionally male-dominated sectors.Anna Mareschi Danieli from the Italian-based global steel company Danieli group. Caroll Masevhe, founder of a women-only construction business - Kapcor construction, in Johannesburg; and Patty Eid from Petrofac, a leader in the Middle East’s oil and gas industry. Producer/presenter: Sam Fenwick(Image: L-R, Caroll Masevhe Patty Eid, Anna Mareschi Danieli)

Unlike 'mega-influencers' with huge audiences on social media, 'micro' and 'nano-influencers' have far fewer followers. But small can be mighty in this business. These lower-profile influencers have anywhere between 250 and 10,000 followers, but businesses are increasingly turning to more niche, content creators in a bid to get more authentic engagement. We hear how they're redefining the way brands are connecting with consumers. Micro-influencers Kadide Francy, in Kenya, and Jerlyn De Silva, in India, reveal what kind of money they make from these collaborations. And East African Brewery marketing manager, Kanye Kiuru, tells us how using these kinds of influencers led to a hugely successful marketing campaign for the company.If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: [email protected] and produced by Izzy Greenfield(Picture: Kadide Francy, a lifestyle micro-influencer in Kenya. Credit: Kadide Francy)

The fruit is a beloved staple of the African country's cuisine, and a key export.But is there a missed opportunity when it comes to Ugandan matoke, or bananas?We speak to entrepreneurs who are making banana wine, fertilizers and hair extensions - adding value for local and international markets.Produced and presented by Zawadi Mudibo(Image: A man drives a motorcycle carrying matoke in Kampala, Uganda in June 2024. Credit: Getty Images)

For most people travelling abroad by plane, the airport experience can feel fairly nondescript - something to be endured rather than enjoyed. But for those with certain credit cards, a luxury experience awaits. Around the world, card issuers are spending large amounts of money building high-end lounges in airports and prime city centre locations, in a bid to attract and keep customers. And their attempts are getting more and more extravagant. But who’s paying for all of this? If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: [email protected] and produced by Rowan Bridge(Picture: Dining area at the American Express Centurion New York restaurant in New York, US, occupying the 55th floor of the One Vanderbilt skyscraper. Credit: Getty Images/Bloomberg)

We hear from businesses in California, Fiji and the UK that have been hit hard by natural disasters like floods, wildfires and extreme storms - followed by rising insurance premiums - or companies refusing to insure them at all. An alternative type of cover, parametric insurance, is being offered as a way of giving people some cover. But does it work for everyone? If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: [email protected] and produced by Lexy O'Connor(Image: A view of flash flood in Daddu district southern Sindh province, Pakistan, on September 07, 2022. Credit: Farhan Khan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

We’re in Budapest to find out how Hungary – once a satellite state of the Soviet Union – is now one of the world’s top film destinations, with movie-makers seduced by the central European country's generous tax breaks and incentives. Academy Award nominees this year, The Brutalist and Dune 2, were filmed here – plus 2024 Oscar winner, Poor Things.If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: [email protected] and produced by Wayne Wright(Picture: Actors perform a scene of the movie "Hunyadi" (Rise of the Raven) during the opening ceremony of Hungary's National Film Institute's new studio complex in Fot, close to the capital Budapest, during the complex's inauguration on January 30, 2025. Credit: Getty Images)this edition was edited on 28 February 2025

Pokémon started as a hugely successful game for Nintendo’s Gameboy nearly 30 years ago. Since then, it's become a billion-dollar global media brand. Despite the firm's huge revenue, the Pokémon Company remains private. The firm doesn’t release its historical earnings figures, but some analysts estimate it has sold up to $150 billion worth of products, making it the world’s highest grossing media franchise. Mariko Oi speaks to Pokémon Company president, Tsunekazu Ishihara, about the firm's successes over the years, and the challenges it faces - like counterfeits and the resale market. If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: [email protected] and produced by Mariko Oi(Picture: Pokemon CEO Tsunekazu Ishihara welcomes guests during the 2022 Pokémon World Championships at ExCel, London, UK. Credit: Getty Images)

We look at how to rescue brands on the brink. We hear inspired sloganeering and learn about the audacious marketing that have helped companies – even towns and cities – to turn their reputations around.If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: [email protected]/presenter: David Reid(Photo: A businessman covers his eyes and extends his arm to prevent a series of heavy walls from falling on him. Credit: Getty Images)

The outsourcing sector in the Philippines has seen significant growth, positioning itself as a global leader. However, the rise of AI technologies is reshaping the job landscape, potentially displacing traditional roles. In the second part of our series looking at the Philippine economy, Sam Fenwick investigates how the government is adapting to the change by investing in infrastructure and promoting foreign investment.If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: [email protected]/presenter: Sam Fenwick Additional reporting: Camille Elemia(Picture: Customer agents sit behind computers on the AI training in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Credit: Getty Images)

The estimated 2.3 million Filipino overseas workers form the economic backbone of their nation. The remittances they send home are vital; sustaining household incomes, driving consumer spending, supporting community development, and ensuring national economic stability - contributing 8.5% to GDP.In the first of our two-part series looking at the Philippine economy, Sam Fenwick meets overseas workers who send money home and those who have returned to set up businesses.If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: [email protected]/presenter: Sam Fenwick(Picture: Angel Kho, a head chef, in the kitchen of a care home in the UK. Credit: BBC)