#14: St James's Place CEO: Budget Speculation Damaged People's Pensions

Speculation surrounding the UK budget hurt the UK pension industry, that's according to Mark Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of St. James’s Place, the UK's biggest wealth management company. He highlights how uncertainty in government policy has led to premature pension withdrawals, with many individuals acting on speculation rather than long-term strategy. Fitzpatrick also delivers a comparison between the UK and the USA investors saying there's a marked difference in cultural attitudes towards investing. He observes that Americans are more likely to discuss and celebrate investment, viewing wealth as a sign of progress and success, while in the UK, there is a greater tendency towards risk aversion and reluctance to talk about money. This cultural divide is reflected in the proportion of adults investing in stocks, with the US showing much higher participation rates. The conversation also turns to the role of technology and the potential for an artificial intelligence bubble and its impact on the investment world. He considers whether current enthusiasm for AI could lead to overvaluation and what measures they've taken to soften the impact of any AI bubble bursting. The interview explores the impact of AI on personal finance, the importance of human relationships in financial advice, and the need for balanced perspectives as technology continues to shape the future of investing and pensions.0:00 – Fliss and Sean welcome 2:30 – Mark Fitzpatrick joins the pod & discuss UK attitudes toward investing 10:00 – Growth of female investment 14:00 – Crypto investing & generational wealth 18:00 – Budget impact on pensions 27:00 – SJP fees issue and cultural changes 36:00 – Ai bubblePresenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones

Vodafone’s chief executive, Margherita Della Valle, highlights the growing risks to Europe’s submarine cables, and calls for international cooperation to ensure the security and resilience of digital infrastructure. Addressing the recent threats posed by Russia, she calls for cross-border collaboration, and the implications for national and European security. Discussing the impact of the merger with Three, Della Valle examines the UK’s persistent “not spots”—areas with little or no mobile coverage—and the company’s commitment to eliminating these gaps through an £11billion pound investment. Della Valle also notes that Vodafone is set to launch a rival to Elon Musk's Starlink in 2026, providing total broadband coverage to the UK via satellite to standard mobile phones. Launching this first in the UK, she says you will even be able to get the internet at sea and in the most remote parts of the UK.The demands of artificial intelligence on telecoms infrastructure are also addressed, with Della Valle acknowledging that while progress has been made, the UK’s mobile networks are not yet fully prepared to support the scale and speed required for widespread AI adoption.The interview also addresses the reduction in the number of female chief executives in the FTSE 100, and the ongoing challenges faced by women in senior roles, with 00:00 Sean Farrington and Will Bain introduce BBI 02:04 Start of Interview with Margherita & early days at Vodafone 07:56 Impact of the UK merger with Three 09:29 Eliminating Not Spots in the UK 11:12 Satellite Technology & competition to Elon Musk's Starlink 19:00 Infrastructure for mobile use of AI is not there yet. 26 - Female FTSE CEOs 34 - the need to work closer with Europe on sea-cable/telecoms security co-operationPresenter: Will Bain Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones

The UK automotive sector is navigating a period of significant change, with government policy, economic pressures, and international competition shaping the landscape. Ford UK boss Lisa Brankin outlines the risks posed by reported government measures, including a “pay per mile” on EVs, one of the measures the Chancellor is supposedly looking to address. Brankin tells Sean Farrington that these changes could further suppress demand for electric vehicles at a time when the market is already fragile. She also draws attention to the role of employee car benefit schemes, explaining that any reduction in these incentives could have a substantial impact on the auto industry.Ambitious climate targets set by the government are juxtaposed with the realities of consumer demand, as Brankin describes a market where regulatory ambition outpaces public appetite for electric vehicles. She calls for a coordinated and consistent approach to policy, stressing that ongoing government support is essential for the industry to meet net zero objectives. The interview also addresses the effects of economic uncertainty and the increasing influence of Chinese car manufacturers, which present additional challenges for established brands like Ford.Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones00:00 Introduction and welcome from Fliss and Sean 02:39 Lisa Brankin joins pod discusses tough UK car industry 06:36 Electric vehicle targets and government policy impact 15:29 Chinese car manufacturers and competition 21:21 Brand loyalty and UK manufacturing footprint 26:16 Northern Ireland’s economy and opportunities

Sundar Pichai, chief executive of Google and Alphabet, acknowledges that no company is immune from the risks of an AI investment bubble, including Google itself, and warns that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence will lead to significant societal disruptions. Speaking to BBC Economics Editor Faisal Islam he explains that, despite the company’s scale and diversified approach, overinvestment in artificial intelligence could still require Google to navigate challenging phases, just as any other business would. This admission comes as Google’s annual AI infrastructure spending surpasses $90 billion, reflecting the extraordinary scale and pace of global investment in the sector.The interview explores the implications of this rapid growth, with Pichai highlighting the unprecedented demand for energy and the need for new sources of power to support AI development. He outlines Google’s efforts to invest in renewables, nuclear, and geothermal energy, and describes the company’s commitment to achieving 95% carbon-free operations in the UK by 2026. Pichai notes that the speed of AI expansion is testing the limits of existing sustainability targets, but maintains that technological progress can support both economic and environmental objectives.He also addresses the evolution of copyright frameworks, and the responsibilities of technology companies. He discusses the UK’s ambition to become an AI superpower, the importance of scaling energy infrastructure, and the need for responsible development to ensure that the benefits of AI are widely shared.00:20 Felicity and Faisal set out interview 02:00 Sundar Pichai joins the interview 03:30 Google now spending 90 billion dollars annually on AI 04:05 Is AI a Bubble? 05:51 Google’s AI strategy 07:03 The power and potential of AI agents 08:34 Automation, jobs, and societal Impact 11:07 Advice for the next generation 11:50 AI accuracy, and truth 14:22 Energy demands & climate impact 16:48 Google’s UK investments 18:25 Copyright issues 22:26 Immigration, talent, and innovation 23:12 AI as Open Source 25:31 Quantum computing & future technologies

Centrica CEO Chris O’Shea provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the UK energy sector. He begins by addressing the recent collapse of Tomato Energy, emphasising that when energy suppliers fail, the costs are ultimately borne by consumers. He calls for stronger regulation and greater financial resilience among energy companies, criticising Ofgem for a lack of transparency. He argues that the current system allows "profits to be privatised while losses are socialised".O’Shea discusses the government’s net zero by 2030 target, describing it as “unbelievably ambitious” but necessary to drive progress in the industry. He stresses the importance of a balanced and paced transition, warning that moving too quickly could leave communities behind, as happened with the closure of coal mines in Fife. The interview explores the decline of the North Sea oil industry and its impact on Aberdeen, with O’Shea noting that the full effects on jobs have yet to be felt. He highlights Centrica’s commitment to job creation and apprenticeships, aiming to take on one apprentice every day for the next decade.Drawing on his own experience of job insecurity as a graduate, he underscores the need for careful planning and investment in skills to ensure a just transition. He also addresses the challenges of the energy transition, acknowledging that it will be neither cheap nor easy, but insisting that it is essential for the country’s future.Presenter :Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry JonesTimecodes: 02:54 Collapse of Tomato Energy 05:52 Regulation and financial resilience in the energy sector 12:05 Centrica’s investment strategy and shareholder returns 14:07 Profits in energy retail vs. other business segments 21:15 Net Zero 2030 aspirations 24:36 Government policy on renewables, net zero, and North Sea licenses 29:39 The impact of the North Sea’s decline on Aberdeen and job creation 34:00 Graduate programs and youth employment 37:19 Redundancies and management cuts

Julian Dunkerton co-founded Superdry and took it to a £2billion market cap at its height in 2010 - within years the company was fighting for survival, and in 2018 he walked away. A decision he says he regrets.  But with Superdry now valued at just £8million and looking like it might fail, he returned just one year later and wrestled back control of the company he set up, and began turning it around.  After a restructuring, renegotiating rent, and now a rebrand, Superdry has just turned a profit once again.This is the story of that turn around.In it he calls for town centre regeneration and a High Street Renaissance, warning that current policies and Brexit have left British retailers at a disadvantage. He highlights the economic impact of leaving the EU, citing lost free trade and increased costs, and argues that the UK has “gone backwards” since Brexit. In fact he believes a free trade relationship with the EU is possible, and also imperative. Dunkerton also challenges the narrative that young people only shop online, stating that teenagers value physical retail and social experiences, and credits this demographic with driving Superdry’s renewed success on the high street.00:00 Sean Farrington and Will Bain introduce the podcast 02:30 Julian Dunkerton joins the podcast, discusses the rise of Superdry 05:25 Stepping aside as Chief Executive & company changes 06:35 Return to profitability 08:44 The turnaround and rebrand of Superdry 10:56 What makes a good shopping experience 13:20 Branding & product quality 14:42 Policy, Brexit & business challenges 20:35 High street policy ideas & town centres 27:24 Tax, globalisation & retail trends 32:13 The future of Superdry & personal projectsPresenter: Will Bain Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones

Tim Richards is the CEO and Founder of Vue International—one of Europe’s largest cinema groups. He joins Will Bain for the Big Boss Interview to share his remarkable journey from mergers and acquisitions (M&A) lawyer to major Hollywood player, all sparked by a chance ad in the Financial Times. The anonymous job listing turned out to be for a role at Paramount and Universal, leading to first-class travel on Concorde and a front-row seat in the film industry.Despite the glitz and glamour, Tim recounts a moment of reckoning when he realised his division was in trouble. That prompted him to seek a new venture—and Vue was born. Raising capital and acquiring the Warner Brothers circuit became, pardon the pun, paramount to Vue’s success. In a scene straight out of a Hollywood film, Tim describes a rival cinema boss who, over lunch, threatened to build across the street from every Vue location in a bid to run them out of town.Tim reflects on how the industry has evolved over his four decades in it, including the catastrophic impact of COVID-19, which forced all Vue cinemas worldwide to close for two years. He describes the experience as an “emotional rollercoaster,” admitting to moments of real struggle.The conversation shifts to the rise of streaming and the so-called “content wars.” Tim doesn’t see Netflix and Disney+ as direct competitors. Instead, he views other out-of-home entertainment—like theme parks and football matches—as the real rivals. He’s confident there’s room for both streaming and theatrical releases and is optimistic about the future, especially with a new wave of films and innovations on the horizon.He also addresses the challenge of attracting younger audiences and keeping cinema affordable, while criticising government policies that raise costs for the leisure sector—arguing they often hurt the very people they aim to help.Despite the hardships the industry has faced, Tim believes 2026 could break all box office records.His story has all the trappings of blockbuster movie, but it's unlikely to be streamed first.00:18 Sean Farrington and Will Bain set out who Tim Richards is and give overview of topics 01:42 Tim Richards joins the interview 02:55 Tim's early career as a lawyer and move into entertainment 04:01 Working at Paramount and Universal; global cinema industry in the 80s/90s 06:05 Tim's transition from studio executive to entrepreneur 09:38 Identifying a gap in the cinema market 11:28 The pivotal Warner Brothers Circuit acquisition 12:48 Innovations in cinema experience: stadium seating and customer focus 14:00 The impact of the pandemic and streaming on the cinema industry 16:21 Theatrical vs. streaming releases; industry changes post-pandemic 19:45 The ongoing role of made-for-TV movies and studio strategies 22:05 The emotional toll of the pandemic and business survival 23:55 Innovations in customer experience: frictionless cinema visits 26:30 Record-breaking attendance across genres and demographics 27:30 The challenge of attracting younger audiences 28:30 Cinema pricing, accessibility, and dynamic pricing strategies 29:45 Navigating rising costs and government policy impacts 30:45 The future of cinema: upcoming films and industry optimism 32:00 Supporting British and independent films; new ventures 36:00 Closing remarks and outroPresenter: Will Bain Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones

Jo Whitfield, in her first chat since becoming Chair of the British Retail Consortium, tells Sean Farrington how she ended up hat the organisation after a career spanning some of the High Street's biggest businesses. She shares why it’s such an important time for retail, and talks about how the sector’s changing—thanks to online shopping, social media, and shifting customer habits—and how retailers are adapting. Jo dives into the pressures businesses face, especially around business rates and taxes, and calls for a fairer system that doesn’t penalize physical stores. There’s also a look at how supermarkets, independents, and online influencers all play a role in today’s retail ecosystem. Jo reflects on being the BRC’s first female chair and why diversity in leadership—across gender, ethnicity, and background—matters for the future of retail. She also touches on tech, AI, and how retail offers flexibility and opportunity, especially for women, whilst on safety, she highlights rising retail crime, the risks to staff and delivery drivers, and what the industry and government are doing about it. Cybersecurity is another hot topic, with Jo stressing the need for constant vigilance and investment.01:26 Joe Whitfield’s career and appointment as Chair of the British Retail Consortium 03:51 Transformation and challenges in the retail sector 07:40 Impact of business rates, taxation, and the upcoming budget on retailers 14:31 Role of large supermarkets, independent retailers, and online influencers 19:58 Inclusion and diversity in retail leadership 23:41 Women’s careers, technology, and AI in retail 25:23 Retail crime, safety for workers and delivery drivers 32:33 Threats of cyber crime and security in retail(Picture: Getty)Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Angus Tiffin Editor: Henry Jones

Glenn Fogel, CEO and President of the world's largest online travel platform, Booking.com joins Will Bain to discuss whether the USA is witnessing a downturn in foreign visits due to the policies of the Trump administration. He also outlines his thoughts on issues that affect many Brits on their summer holidays: over-tourism. You’ll also hear how his company is positioning itself in legal disputes over some property listings, and why the rapid rise of AI could reshape the way we plan and experience our trips. Plus find out why Will got offended!Presenter: Will Bain Editor: Henry Jones00:00 Intro from Fliss and Will 02:00 Tourists to USA down 05:00 Over-tourism 13:30 Legal cases against Booking.com 17:30 Use of AI(Picture: Getty)

Fiona Eastwood, CEO of Merlin Entertainments tells Sean Farrington what it is like running one of the world’s leading entertainment companies. Merlin runs over a hundred theme parks and attractions around the world from Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures, to Sea Life and Madame Tussauds. She explains how the main competition to her business is the amount of screen-time kids have, and how that influences the partnerships that they make with the likes of Lego, Peppa Pig, Bluey and now, most recently, Minecraft. But the industry has been struggling - from covid lockdowns to the cost of living crisis, in fact Merlin's credit rating was recently even downgraded; Fiona addresses this and calls for a reduction in VAT on the Tourism and Leisure industry and says that there is too much red tape when it comes to planning reforms. And despite being the Big Boss, find out which ride Fiona can't stomach.00:00 Fliss and Sean Intro 02:15 Interview starts 03:54 Our competition is the home and screen time 04:50 Trends of customer spending 09:35 The growth and importance of Halloween 12:45 Credit rating downgrade of Merlin Entertainments 15:55 Impact of a late Autumn Budget 17:00 We need a VAT cut in Leisure and Tourism sector 20:35 How Merlin develop partnerships with Peppa Pig and now Minecraft 27:00 The role of Madame Tussauds for the business 30:20 Merlin operating in China for 25 years 31:45 How does Chief Operating Officer differ from Chief Exec Presenter: Sean Farrington Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones(Picture credit: Getty)