Big Boss Interview

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, founder and CEO of Vue International, shares his fascinating transition from M&A lawyer to cinema mogul after answering a blind ad. He discusses Vue's innovative approach to the cinema experience and reflects on the challenges posed by COVID-19. Interestingly, Tim argues that streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ aren't the main competition; instead, it's theme parks and sports that vie for audiences' time. He also highlights efforts to attract younger audiences and improve accessibility by lowering ticket prices.

Jo Whitfield, a retail leader with 25 years in major UK retailers, now chairs the British Retail Consortium. She shares insights on the shifting retail landscape influenced by online shopping and social media. Jo discusses the urgent need for fairer business rates that support physical stores and the importance of diversity in retail leadership. She highlights rising retail crime and advocates for better protections for delivery drivers. Additionally, Jo emphasizes the necessity of cybersecurity and how AI can reshape retail jobs for the better.

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)

Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, has issued a direct appeal to the Chancellor ahead of the autumn budget, urging immediate tax relief for Britain’s pubs. He told Felicity Hannah in this week's Big Boss Interview that unlike the last Budget, he hopes there are no surprises this time aound. The hospitality sector has absorbed over £300 million in additional costs since 2019—driven by rising energy, food, labour and tax burdens—and he says without action on business rates and alcohol duty, investment, jobs and vital community spaces are at risk. Mackenzie, who chairs the British Beer and Pub Association, says the government must honour its manifesto pledge to reform business rates and stop blindsiding the industry with surprise tax hikes.Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Olie D'Albertanson Editor: Henry Jones00:00 Sean and Felicity introduction 02:00 Intro Nick Mackenzie & why the pub is important 06:35 The evolution of the pub 10:45 The issues affecting the industry 14:57 How did the last budget impact your business 18:18 Govt need to stick to manifesto 23:40 Should opening hours be increased? 26:20 Impact of Covid and latest trends 31:45 Greene King and slavery apology 36:00 Reasons for optimism