Business But Better

With a shared history and strong cultural ties, the opportunities for collaboration between American and British businesses cannot be overstated. But what are the differences between the two countries? What will you need to know if you're looking to set up a business in either nation? In this final episode of the season, host and international trade specialist Richard Baigent is joined by Nick Farmer, tax specialist at Menzies LLP, and Georgie Collins, Head of Irwin Mitchell's US Desk. They discuss the differences in business culture between the two countries, how to enter a foreign market strategically, and what help is available to do so.

Investment Zones are helping to decentralise economic growth, ensuring overseas investors can find local talent across the country. In this episode, Richard Baigent is joined by Ben Russell, Deputy Head of Priority Opportunities for the Department of Business and Trade, and Claire Petricca-Riding, Head of Planning and Environment at Irwin Mitchell, to discuss how they work.

High on the government's industry growth strategy is inviting overseas investment into the UK. Freeports are one incentive available – but how exactly do they work? In the latest episode of our Business But Better podcast, host and international trade specialist Richard Baigent is joined by Amy Lambert, Head of Freeports and Investment Zones at the Department of Business and Trade, and Irwin Mitchell planning expert Pamela Chesterman. They discuss what a freeport is, where they are, and how to use them effectively.

For overseas businesses, it's clear that the UK remains an attractive proposition. Investors value its political stability, its robust legal structure, and educated talent pool. But what are the challenges when entering the British market? What should your company have in place before investing in the UK? And what help is available to ensure a smooth transaction?In our first episode, host and international trade specialist Richard Baigent is joined by our Head of International business, Bryan Bletso, and Nick Farmer, a tax expert from Menzies LLP. They discuss the unique advantages available to UK investors, the post-Brexit outlook, and the government's industrial strategy.

For black footballers, progression into managerial roles is still proving challenging. According to research by the Black Footballers Partnership, over 40% of Premier League footballers and more than 30% of Football League footballers were black in 2021 but just 4% of managerial roles were held by black people.Why are black footballers facing these barriers? What changes are organisations like the Black Footballers Partnership forcing? And why is it important that organisations get equality, diversity and inclusion right – both in and out of sport? In this bonus episode of Business But Better, Elise Sherwell – a double Olympic bronze medal rower turned associate solicitor in our Real Estate team – is joined by Elaine Huttley, our National Head of Employment, and Delroy Corinaldi, co-founder of the Black Footballers Partnership.

The UK has set an ambitious goal to decarbonise all sectors and become net zero by 2050.But how have businesses responded? What does progress look like in practice? And what learnings can household names pass on from their experiences?Bringing the first season of our Business But Better to a close, host Charlotte Rees-John is joined by River Island's Head of Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability, Jose Arguedas, and Irwin Mitchell's Head of Planning & Environment, Claire Petricca-Riding.

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of social injustices and are looking to their favourite brands to use their platforms to drive change.As a result, equality, diversity & inclusion is a topic that is – or should be – firmly on the agenda at board level.But what benefits do companies that prove their dedication to a truly inclusive workplace – beyond just good PR – enjoy? What does a successful equality, diversity & inclusion strategy look like? And how can we all get better at recognising the needs of individuals? Host Charlotte Rees-John is joined by JD Sports' Lead People Partner Ebony Quow and Irwin Mitchell's Diversity & Inclusion Manager William Noel-Flint.

We've all heard of – and in a lot of cases used – ChatGPT and other AI tools. But what's next? How can AI be used to predict actions and emotions? And what does it mean for ethics, compliance and data?Host Charlotte Rees-John is joined by Kurt Geiger's Chief Digital Officer Gareth Rees-John and Irwin Mitchell's Chief Information Security and Innovation Officer Graham Thomson. They delve into the risks and rewards of embedding AI into your organisation, and discuss the impact of new technology on the workforce. They also share key takeaways from the recent South by SouthWest (SXSW) Festival, and reveal why NFTs and the Metaverse are no longer dominating discussions around technology innovation.

It's a term that's gained increasing momentum in recentyears, but what's actually meant by greenwashing? How can marketing teamsensure that they remain compliant, as well as creative? And what are thedangers of putting out green credentials that can't be validated? HostCharlotte Rees-John is joined by experts Georgie Collins and Duncan Sparke todiscuss the legal and reputational pitfalls of getting it wrong, theimpact of the impending Digital Product passport, and much more.