Barclays Corporate Insights

On this episode, we pull on our lab coats for a chat with Colin MacKay, CEO and Founder of Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services. Symbiosis is a specialist manufacturer of biopharmaceuticals for clients worldwide with an expertise that's globally recognised. We speak to Colin about the relentless incremental growth of Symbiosis, future expansion ambitions – and how Symbiosis negotiated symptomatic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit. What can your business learn from Symbiosis' journey? Join us to hear more.

Producing premium single malt Scotch whisky requires significant upfront investment, with products maturing for years before sale. So, what strategies do distillers employ to keep their cash flow off the rocks whilst laying down a legacy for the future? Pour yourself a wee dram and listen in as Euan Mitchell, Managing Director, shares the rich history, challenges, and future aspirations of Isle of Arran Distillers. Slàinte!

Join us as we dive headlong into discussion with Raffi Schieir, Director of supply chain business Bantam Materials UK Ltd and founder of Prevented Ocean Plastic (POP). With multiple sustainability-related awards and nominations under the belt, the POP brand is making a splash for both the business and their clients alike. Raffi shares how his goal to 'win the decade' has fostered growth that's both sustainable and profitable, and how embracing change, even in the face of challenges, can create new opportunities. Ready to chart your course to business success? Then tune in as we plunge into the full story.

Joining as a hands-on manager in his family's multi-generational business, Shyam Raja, Managing Director of Midlands Care has since implemented back office structures - freeing his time to focus on the growth of the business. Sharing the success of recent acquisitions, Shyam describes how the business has stood resilient through hardship, integrating an inclusive organisational culture with a spotlight on evolving customer needs to make a real difference in the local care sector.

Celebrating Swift Dental's 40th anniversary, Roy McGillivray, CEO and co-founder, shares the growth story of the business. From its inception in a garden shed, Swift Dental has developed to become the UK's largest full service dental lab, bridging the gap in skill shortages by leveraging digital technology to streamline workflows and attract a new set of talent. So, brace yourself as we drill into this story to discover how this future-focused business is upholding their position as an industry leader whilst staying true to their family business roots.

Founded in 1923 by pioneering psychiatrist Dr Kate Fraser, SAMH is a mental health charity built on change-making foundations. Alongside providing crucial support in local communities across Scotland, their audience-focused approach includes campaigning and educating at its core, with pivotal work done raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health. Billy Watson, Chief Executive, joins us on this episode to discuss everything from changing attitudes towards mental health and illness, to the benefits reaped through their digital strategy.

Starting out as a distributor in the office furniture space, OE Electrics have evolved - through investment, acquisition and ambition - to become a manufacturer that's reshaping how we think about power and charging solutions. From lecture halls to airport lounges and beyond, their goal is to enable people to charge their devices wherever they can sit, stand or walk. So, tune in to draw power from their growth story that could spark an idea for yours!

From humble beginnings as a mechanic on his family's pig farm, Robert Collard started out with nothing more than a set of spanners to his name. Utilising his mechanical know-how, combined with a focused, disciplined mindset honed through his racing career, he has built his business to become one of the leading demolition contractors in the UK and largest privately-owned waste management business in the South. You won't want to skip this episode!

With a decline in Northern Ireland's textile and garment industry, Celia & Bernard Birt had a decision to make – move overseas to follow the opportunities or create their own at home. More than 25 years later, they are managing their own successful business specialising in corporate uniform design across a number of diverse industries. So, pin back your ears as we unravel their story and hear how they are weaving innovation throughout the fabric of their business.

Get ready for an adrenaline-packed ride into the world of Philip Miller MBE – owner and CEO of the Stockvale Group. With a number of diverse, but linked, businesses - including the iconic Adventure Island theme park, bars & restaurants, a ‘zooquarium', Radio Essex, and a property development portfolio - he shares his thoughts and experiences on his ups and his downs through his professional life. Here's your free ticket to the tale of an East End boy who built a Southend-on-Sea family empire and those who have helped him on the way.

In 1987, when district nurse, Ruth Appleby, was looking to place her children into childcare, she saw an opportunity in her local area. 36 years later, her business operates 16 nurseries, each with a good or outstanding rating from Ofsted. As well as working with a number of family members, she maintains a very loyal workforce and even employs staff who were toddlers at the first site she opened. So, how has she achieved this business growth whilst balancing standards with fees, and maintaining loyalty and trust from both staff and clients alike? Tune in to learn about the ‘Ripley way'.

What happens when a passion for history and storytelling collides with the hospitality & leisure industry? Rob Cox, CEO, talks to us about the development of the heritage sites in their collection, including the trials and rewards of transforming an 18th century derelict prison into a luxury hotel and visitor attraction. The ethos of this business is to give guests an experience which can be educational, emotional and will stay with them for life, underpinned by both luxury and sustainability. But is this all achievable? Listen in to find out.

This cultural music venue based in the north east of England is run as a charity for music lovers of all sorts, but it can't rely on tickets sales alone. It needs to provide a diversified offering and evolve to remain relevant to audiences young and old. Sara Vening, Director of Finance and People at The Glasshouse ICM talks to us about the business strategy, product development and brand evolution that ensures The Glasshouse ICM remains a place where music lives and grows.

From economic recessions, wars and a global pandemic, to developing technology, sustainability and diversity opportunities, there are multiple challenges and changes in the wider world that businesses need to navigate. We speak to Lee Spong, Financial Director of Mala Engineering, about her experiences – not just about how Mala is evolving for the future and the strategies it adopts to protect itself financially in challenging times, but also how it feels being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

When you're growing a company, you need the right team around you. But how do you evolve and build that team to keep pace with the company's progression? What strategies can you put in place to ensure the team moves forward with a shared mindset that allows the business to flourish? On this episode, Steven Cartlidge, Managing Director, talks to us about his business, Lake – the growth journey, its innovative learning management system and much more besides.

The Wemyss business has been operating not just through the generations, but through the centuries too. So, what's the family secret to success? In this episode, William Wemyss talks openly about the history of the business and their approach to risk management, growth and sustainability. Tracing back to the 16th century, the business has more recently diversified its operations, and risk, into renewable energy, superfood farming, property development, whisky distilling and even owns a vineyard – spread across several continents. The breadth of this business is extraordinary and William has a wealth of insights to share.

When his local Gaelic football team received less-than-ideal support from a gym equipment supplier, it sparked an idea in Greg Bradley. In just 11 years, he has built a business that now serves some of the biggest global sports brand names, as well as many elite sports clubs. We delve into the challenges faced along the way and explore the strategies that have strengthened and defined BLK BOX to keep clients coming back year after year. 

In this episode, Mitesh Dhanak – founder of Precious Homes – takes us on his career journey, from his own beginnings in banking, to opening his first learning disability home, and now to the day-to-day running of over sixty units nationwide. We explore the challenges facing the healthcare sector and, importantly, how Mitesh has navigated these by creating the right organisational culture, striving for quality and maintaining talent in his team.

From the loss of a major customer, to the devastation caused by Storm Dennis and then straight onto Covid-19, Rod Parker, Managing Director of Gwalia Healthcare, tells us about the most stressful period of his life. Listen to his captivating story of resilience and hear how he found opportunities in adversity to grow his business and thrive.

In this episode, we explore the dynamics of a family-run business with Jonathan Bull, Director. As part of the 2nd generation, he shares his experiences of evolving the business for growth whilst staying true to the values set by the founder. We also touch on Jon's passion for sustainability and how he's bringing the rest of the team on that journey.

When Evolve acquired a new business, it fast-forwarded growth by three years and improved the service they could offer customers compared to the organic growth route. In this episode, CEO Alan Stephenson-Brown shares open and honest insight on what the process really involved. Has your business got what it takes?

In this episode, we hear from Macmillan Cancer Support and the Teenage Cancer Trust on how charities have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and how Barclays has supported them through its largest ever community relief effort, the £100m Community Aid Package. Interviewed by our regular host, and Head of Charities, Nazreen Visram, Macmillan's Paul Grundy and Teenage Cancer Trust's Karen Ruskin discuss the challenges they have faced around fundraising, providing virtual support, and supporting their colleague and volunteers. Discover more about how Barclays Corporate Banking is supporting our charity clients at www.barclayscorporate.com/industry-expertise/our-sector-coverage/charities/

In this episode we hear from experienced and award-winning magazine editor Marie O'Riordon, who has edited titles such as Marie Claire and Elle; alongside Professor Sharon Mavin, who is based at Newcastle University as professor of leadership and organisation studies. Sharon has spent a career researching the experiences of women leaders, women working with women, and gender dynamics in large organisations. The pair discuss their careers, diversity and the topic of intersectionality in a fascinating conversation that will help business leaders to understand the importance of diversity in corporate life.

As restrictions are lifted in England, we speak to our Head of Hospitality and Leisure to ask what is possible for the sector as it recovers from the pandemic? Arguably one of the hardest hit sectors of the Covid-19 pandemic, the industry has experienced huge transformation and showed an ability to adapt to changing restrictions and consumer habits during the past 16 months or so. Read more about this topic at www.barclayscorporate.com/bouncingback

In this episode, we will be exploring the role of finance in building a sustainable future – and how banks and business can work together to achieve this. We discuss the benefits of incorporating sustainability and corporate social responsibility into corporate strategy, as well as balancing all three aspects of ESG. Guest host Marco DeBenedictis, Head of Sustainable and Transition Finance at Barclays is joined by SITA's Global Head of Communications, Brand and Sustainability, Edna Ayme-Yahil and Group Treasury Director, Andrea Sottoriva. SITA provides IT services to airlines, airports, aircrafts and governments, claiming about 90% of the world's airline business. Charles Perret from Barclays Northern Europe Debt Finance team also joins us to help to outline our recent support for the company through their first sustainability-linked revolving credit facility.

Gender equality benefits all aspects of business, yet the impact of Covid-19 has shed light on many inequalities that continue to put women at a disadvantage. This International Women’s Day, Nazreen and her guests consider how changes brought about by the pandemic can translate into opportunities for businesses and help forge a more equitable world of work. In this episode, we hear from Leana Coopoosamy, Inclusion, Diversity & Wellbeing Specialist for Clifford Chance, on how organisations can ensure a hybrid working model is best equipped to serve their employees. Tom Wilkinson, Head of Energy & Infrastructure at Barclays Corporate Banking and the Lead for the Corporate Banking Gender Council, also shares his views on how male allyship can help to support female progression. Our speakers end by pledging what they ‘Choose to Challenge’, honouring the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day.

In this episode we discuss the scale of the risk from cyber fraud - and some of the methods by which you and your business can avoid falling victim to the fraudsters. Even with the best defences in place, unfortunately human error is one of the most common openings for fraudsters. In this episode we hear from cyber fraud expert, Jane Frankland, on how fraudsters exploit weaknesses in the chan. And we'll also hear from Barclays' Chris Dunman, a specialist who works with clients to improve their cyber resilience; he'll share some tips on how best to protect yourself and your colleagues. For up to date info on fraud trends, please visit our website by searching 'Barclays Corporate Fraud Awareness'.

The cliche of how unprecedented 2020 has been for individuals and businesses is well-worn, and it's hard to imagine how 2021 could have more surprises for us, but nevertheless, in our final episode of the year we will try to look ahead to next year. Economist Henk Potts joins Nazreen Visram to discuss everything from the impact that Covid-19 has had on the global economy in 2020, to the US election results, and Brexit. Please note this podcast has been recorded on 16 December, before any final news about a deal or no-deal scenario had broken, and before Tier 4 restrictions were announced in the UK.

Whilst the pandemic has placed immense strain on the majority of businesses, it has forced rapid transformation in order to adapt to the new, digital world. Research has shown that companies who have adapted through innovation and empowerment have been most successful in thriving during this time, rather than just surviving. But which of these changes do we really want to hang on to as Covid-19 becomes history - which of these adaptations do we want to become permanent transformations? From the basics of e-signatures, to the re-strategising from physical businesses to online platforms, innovation has been turbo-charged by Covid-19. Empowerment has led to process and product improvements, acceleration of decision-making, and a heightened resilience from employees. We need to ask ourselves what this pandemic has done positively for the culture of our businesses, and what do we really want to hang on to? We invited our host and Barclays experts to dive into the different ways companies across sectors have mastered adaptation during this time.

In what has been a seismic year for the Black Lives Matter movement, our host Nazreen Visram welcomes two colleagues to discuss whether 2020 and specifically Covid-19 has seen diversity and inclusion take a backseat or whether it has actually increased the focus. Research suggests some companies have put some of their diversity initiatives on hold. In what is Black History Month in the UK, we discuss how the Black Lives Matter protests have added urgency to concerns over inequality, both in society and the workplace, and whether Covid is being used an excuse to put D&I on hold, or if it could be the catalyst for positive and lasting change. Our guests are Zainab Kwaw-Swanzy and David Shinkins, who alongside their day jobs are, respectively, Co-Chair of Barclays’ Black Professionals Forum and Co-Chair of Barclays Corporate Banking’s Diversity and Inclusion Council.

Most companies are focused on the challenges of Brexit, and meeting them will be highly important, but there are also potential opportunities ahead with new trade deals that will bring new exporting and importing opportunities. In this podcast, recorded on Friday 11 September, Barclays' Global Head of Trade and Working Capital and Sophie Wheeler-Traherne from Barclays' Government Relations team, join Nasreen Visram to discuss what the global trading economy might look like after December 31st 2020.

Welcome to our new podcast, where each month we'll be picking a major theme impacting businesses and the world and asking, 'what is possible?' In this episode, we look at how retail, hospitality, and professional services buinesses are set to navigate the Covid-19 recovery. We also speak to our Head of Sustainable Finance to ask if the recovery is set to be a green recovery? Find more insights from Barclays Corporate Banking on our website at www.barclayscorporate.com/insights

In this episode we look at UK Export Finance (UKEF) and how the UK’s award winning Export Credit Agency may be able to help your business. As the world’s first Export Credit Agency, UKEF have a long and proud history of supporting British exporters. The support UKEF can provide has never been more important or more relevant, with both Covid-19 and Brexit giving increased focus to the UK’s global trading ambitions. We cover UKEF’s current capability, capacity and the innovative ways in which UKEF are seeking to support businesses during the Covid-19 crisis and beyond. We also provide insight into how Barclays works with UKEF to enable businesses to access the various schemes available. Find more from us at www.barclayscorporate.com

This week's regular call features Tom Wilkinson, our Head of Energy and Infrastructure explaining what happened on oil markets this week, as well as the latest payments trend data from Barclaycard, and an update on the launch of the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme. Find more at www.barclayscorporate.com/covid-19

This week's Trade and Working Capital call is led by Russ Grazier, featuring other members of the Trade and Working Capital team. They discuss how to optimise working capital at a time when it's never been more important for businesses. Find more info about our support at www.barclayscorporate.com/trade

Catch up on the latest economic forecasts from Barclays in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. More info can be found at www.barclayscorporate.com/covid-19-hub

Kevin Shakespeare from the Institute of Export and International Trade joins Barclays' David Whyman to discuss documentary trade in the latest of our special podcast episodes on Covid-19. This is the second replay of a call covering specifically issues surrounding trade and working capital. Subscribe to listen to upcominig episodes on cashflow and working with UK Export Finance. Find out more at www.barclayscorporate.com/trade

In the latest Covid-19 call with our team at Barclays Corporate Banking, we hear from our FX and trade teams on the latest in the marketplace, as well as from our coverage team on the large business loan scheme recently announced by the UK Treasury. For the latest and details to join our calls as they go out live, visit www.barclayscorporate.com/covid-19

Russ Grazier introduces a call with Sandy Hall, a partner in Clifford Chance's International Construction Group, and John Batty, Technical Director at Bridge Insurance Brokers Ltd. Literally meaning 'superior force', force majeure ia a clause in a contract normally used to describe a contractual term by which one or more of the parties is entitled to suspend performance of its affected obligations following an event beyond its control. We discuss how this may impact contracts in the time of the Covid-19 outbreak.

For 4 weeks now, Barclays Corporate Banking has been hosting regular calls for businesses adapting to the Covid-19 outbreak. We are sharing these calls now through our podcast channel, to help support as many businesses as we can with our regular insights. This week, Head of UK Corporate Banking, Tasnim Ghiawadwala, is joined by guests from Barclaycard, our Trade and Working Capital team, and our fraud protection team. You can find the details of our regular weekly calls on our website at www.barclayscorporate.com/covid-19 #StayHomeSaveLives

Barclays' Tom Mason and Karen Johnson, National Head of Retail & Wholesale, discuss the hot topic of sustainability in the retail and wholesale sectors. They discuss our recent research that surveyed over 500 retailers and 2,000 consumers. Large numbers of retailers say they are investing significant sums into sustainability as they see this as an enabler to growth, with 9 in 10 making their deliveries more sustainable. We also hear from Boohoo, Co-op and AO. Visit our website to read the full report, just search 'Barclays sustainability in retail'.

The world economy faces trade wars, while at home the UK political crisis drags on. As we get closer the revised Halloween Brexit deadline we sit down with Sophie Wheeler-Traherne from out Government Relations team, alongside Henk Potts to try and unpick some of the political and economic headlines. This episode was recorded on September 16, 2019.

Henk Potts gives us an update on some of the big headlines in the UK and global economies. In spite of trade was intensifying, extended Brexit uncertainty and internal disruption in nations across Europe, global growth seems robust and businesses have somewhat given up on predicting the outcome of Brexit. This podcast was recorded on 3 June 2019.

Henk Potts reflects on how 2019 is shaping up for the UK, US and global economies. With trade wars having an impact on global growth; higher US interest rates, a slowdown in China, as well as Brexit, there is much to be cautious about, he says. Read more analysis on our website at barclayscorporate.com

In this episode of Barclays Corporate Insights, Alison Tattersall, Head of Marketing, Barclays Corporate Banking, is joined by Damian Brazendale, Director of Fraud Operations & Product Implementation at Barclays. They discuss the key cyber fraud threats that are currently facing businesses, how to mitigate these risks, and how to raise awareness of cyber fraud amongst employees.

We discuss the link between a company's bottom lines and their C-Sat scores, and why C-Sat should be the responsibility of everyone in a company, including the board and the CEO.

In this podcast, we discuss the future of C-Sat and where the opportunities and challenges lie for both B2B and B2C businesses.

We look at some of the common traits shared by businesses which have high levels of customer satisfaction and whether there are lessons that other organisations can learn from them.

In the first of our series on C-Sat for the C-Suite, we discuss the value of C-Sat as a metric – and how this and other measurements can be translated into continuous, practical improvements. As it’s such an important topic, we’re dedicating four episodes to it. All four feature Jo Causon, CEO of the Institute of Customer Service. We’ll be discussing other key customer satisfaction topics during the rest of the series. Throughout, Jo will be sharing her thoughts on why such a strong focus on customer satisfaction is so important today.