Business in Focus

In this episode Virgin Group CEO Josh Bayliss sits down with PwC's Global Workforce Leader Pete Brown to discuss the decisions and culture that have propelled the brand's trailblazing reputation for reinvention. How has that mindset and purpose been successfully infused across a broad portfolio that covers everything from finance to telecoms and health to holidays? We look at the role of leadership when it comes to finding the right path through today's challenges as well as how technology, GenAI and purpose are all playing a role in taking the Virgin experience forward.

How do you compete and win as a manufacturer in today's challenging environment? For mattress manufacturer Sleepeezee, doubling down on quality and purpose has been their continued route to growth. Host Quentin Cole is joined by Sleepeezee Managing Director Steve Warren alongside Cara Haffey, PwC UK Industrial Manufacturing Sector Leader, to explore how purpose and brand factors into productivity, net zero and the sustainability agenda as well as recruiting and retaining talent in our latest In Conversation With episode.

How can a broader view of resilience not only protect your organisation but support taking advantage of opportunity? We explore how elevating resilience - to a mindset and culture that cuts across your organisation - goes beyond managing risk and empowers you, your people and supply chain to collaborate for better outcomes for all. Join host Emily Khan and special guests Elaine Bucknor, PwC strategic advisor for cyber, technology and enterprise resilience, and Elisa Moscolin, Sage Executive Vice President for Sustainability as they explore how doing the right thing for your resilience is often also the right thing for business.

Digital and data offer insight into changes around how your customers shop, their needs and expectations. And when harnessed with the right blend of creativity and innovation, there are real opportunities to forge brand loyalty. Host Rowena Daines is joined by Tom Adams, our Experience Consulting and Marketing Transformation leader and Sam Tomlinson who leads our Customer Marketing and Media Insight team to explore how brands can carve out distinctive experiences for their customers.

Flexible working, talent and capability gaps, challenging decisions around pay and reward - how can business leaders unpick these complex issues to move forward in a way that works for their people as well as their bottom line? Host Emily Khan is joined by economist Nabil Taleb and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion consulting director Katy Bennett to examine what the findings of Women in Work Index mean for society and the competitive position of both businesses and the UK as a whole. When an 18 year old woman entering the UK workforce today will not see gender pay parity in her working lifetime, are there unexpected areas that could create a more equal workplace?

Energy security and the societal impact of rising prices amid a cost of living crisis have added to the pressure facing the energy, utilities and resources industry as set out in our recent ten point response plan. How has the impact of recent events - from the geopolitical to the economic - affected the progress of a transition to a greener, Net Zero future? And where do we go from here?PwC's Head of Industries, Quentin Cole, is joined by Energy UK's Deputy CEO, Dhara Vyas, and PwC's Leader of Industry for Energy, Utilities and Resources, Drew Stevenson, to unpick a complex set of issues affecting many in different ways. And together they uncover where the pacesetters and power of purpose are pointing a way forward.

Whether driven by a shift to digital, the ESG agenda or changing regulation, transformation has been a major theme of 2022. And the scale, pace and expectations seem to keep increasing. But delivering that degree of change is a different challenge - especially as resource pinch points, cost pressures and inflation put budgets and scope under scrutiny. This episode, we go behind the scenes of how that change works in practice - and the importance of relationships and trust in making sure everyone feels part of the journey. Host Rowena Daines is joined by Richard Bailes, PwC UK's national leader of governance, risk and compliance and Mercedes Bermejo Alverez, Global Head of Internal Audit for Ferroglobe to use their recent work around internal audit and SOX reporting as a case study for ‘human-led, tech-powered' transformation.

Shifting consumer behaviours have been driving a case for change across the financial services industry for years - from the rise of mobile banking to demand for more active control over their investments. Having seen some of these trends accelerated first by the pandemic and now by the rising cost of living crisis, how can this wave of change be harnessed effectively and responsibly? PwC's Head of Industries, Quentin Cole, is joined by Starling Bank's Head of Strategy, Adnan Ahmed, and PwC's Leader of Industry for Financial Services, Isabelle Jenkins to explore how the industry is adapting and finding ways to ensure the speed of change and its opportunities doesn't leave others behind.

As COP27 kicks off, how can conversations and pledges turn into meaningful action at the pace needed? The challenges are of a scale and complexity that can't be solved in isolation. Join host Rowena Daines to explore how organisations and investors can work alongside innovative ClimateTech to direct focus and funding towards collaborative momentum on progress. PwC's ESG leader for Deals, James Pincus will be providing insight into the trends in the market while Grey Parrot's CEO Mikela Druckman will share the perspective of the innovative new scaleups offering new ways to tackle sustainability.

he relationship between people and technology has not always been an easy one, but when businesses strike the right balance - of human ingenuity combined with the power of technology - they can achieve great things. Our host Will Sturgeon is joined by Steph Kelly, Chief People Officer at IRIS Software Group, and Lola Evans, a technology Director at PwC. Together, they cover the role of culture and embedding a passion for technology within your company, and discuss how organisations can access the skills and diverse perspectives they need. 

Following the pandemic we're more online, more aware of emerging technology and more likely to place as much greater emphasis on a brand's reputation and purpose as their products or services. So what does this mean for businesses looking to connect with their customers? PwC's Head of Industries, Quentin Cole, invites WPP's Chief Client Officer, Lindsay Pattison, and Leader of Industry for Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Mary Shelton Rose, for a closer look at how the trends seen in this sector are creating opportunities and challenges for businesses of all sorts.

Synopsis - Where sports leads, business follows. The 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games has not only created a showcase for sporting talent and the cultural vibrancy of its host city, but worked to place diversity, inclusion and accessibility at the heart of everything they do. As proud sponsors of Birmingham 2022, this episode explores how business can not only support these events, but use them as an opportunity to reinforce their social values and purpose for their people and communities. Join host Rowena Morris, PwC Head of Regions Carl Sizer and four-time medal-winning olympian and Head of Inclusion and Engagement for Birmingham 2022 Donna Fraser OBE for a passionate and inspirational look at delivering on your purpose.

What does today's external environment and its rapidly evolving risks mean for business resilience? Organisations of all types are now having to grapple with high impact, severe events at a pace that has been amplified by the move to digital. So how can business leaders move to an agile mindset that lets them respond and maintain reputation and trust with investors and the public? Host Emily Khan is joined by Paul Williams, formerly of the Bank of England PRA and special adviser on the topic of resilience, and PwC Crisis and Resilience partner Bobbie Ramsden-Knowles to explore the case for looking at resilience differently.

Supply chains and operations are now a boardroom priority. Brexit, the pandemic and now the war in Ukraine have all challenged existing models. And with digitalisation and the ESG agenda encouraging us all to think again about the competitive models of the future, how do we build successful, resilient and responsible supply chains? Podcast host Rowena Morris unpicks the current challenges and how businesses are responding with the support of PwC partners Fred Akuffo, Supply Chains and Operations, and Cara Haffey, Leader of Industry for Manufacturing and Automotive.Recording - Link is hereTranscript - Link is hereWebsite preview - Link is here

We all know we need to get to net zero - and fast - but the challenge has always been putting it into practice. The scale of change required - and the amount of time to make it in - makes for a daunting prospect. Where do you start? (Especially when you're a huge, complex organisation)? Which is why we've invited Jude's ice cream, a certified B Corp and makers of carbon negative ice cream - to talk through their transformation journey and how purpose and the disruption of the pandemic became the catalyst for changeTranscript  - hereRecording - here

In the face of a rapid shift toward cloud and digital technology, how can businesses overcome the project delivery lag before seeing results? Amid a workforce crunch, the answer could be to look to new partnering arrangements. Joining host Rowena Morris are Darren Hardman, VP and General Manager at Amazon Web Services and David Allen, PwC Market Activation Lead for Execution Managed Services. Together they discuss how keeping pace with transformation should start with looking at the delivery as well as the solution.

The past two years have caused many of us to reassess what we look for in where we live. We explore that impact in our latest Good Growth for Cities index and what this means for the levelling up challenge across the UK. How can local authorities, central government, public and private sectors come together to create cities where everyone can live, work and socialise? Join host Rowena Morris, PwC Partner Karen Finlayson and John Walsh from Belfast City Council to hear about the importance of passion, purpose and partnerships in creating cities for all.

The impact of the pandemic on women has shone a spotlight on many of the issues that have long held back fair and equal opportunities in the workplace. There's more need than ever to see how this can be addressed, and arguably more opportunity as governments and businesses look to create a greener future. Joining host Emily Khan, to bring life to the results of our latest Women in Work Index, is PwC Economist Tara Shrestha Carney, while PwC Chief People Officer Ian Elliott offers his insight into how this affects the priorities in the boardroom.

The results of our 25th CEO Survey indicate a tipping point for purpose. With their actions and decisions under the microscope, how do CEOs see this as a chance to showcase the role business plays across society? Host Teresa Owusu-Adjei is joined by Alex Baldock, CEO of Currys and Kevin Ellis, PwC Senior Partner and Chairman to discuss the importance of trust and transparency in navigating the way forward.

The start of 2022 has brought with it the full effects of post-Brexit border control for goods moving between the UK and EU. With the window of time to prepare for these changes closed, what must businesses with international supply chains know - and do - when navigating this complex landscape? Host Emily Khan is joined by Matthew Clark, Head of Customs, Excise and International Trade at PwC UK and Jos Verstraten, Head of Customs and International Trade at PwC Netherlands for an essential rundown for businesses to avoid disruption to their supply chains.

The potential of technology to transform organisations has kept it at the heart of strategy considerations. But, as we explore in this podcast episode, lasting success will be driven by people. Host Rowena Morris is joined by Mark Moffat, CTO for PwC's consulting practice, and Semsi Sonmez, Digital Audit Partner and Technology Talent Leader, to explore how diversity helps make the right technology choices and the steps to find, attract and retain the right talent to put businesses ahead.

Events of the past two years have shone a spotlight on ethnic and racial inequality in the UK and beyond, kickstarting much-needed conversations. Our latest Future of Government report, and a Strategy& analysis of ethnicity pay gaps, explore both public perceptions of ethnic and racial inequality, and how pay gaps continue to exist across the UK. Host Emily Khan is joined by Karen Finlayson, regional lead partner for government and health industries and Lola Evans, markets and services director in PwC UK's risk practice to discuss how businesses, policymakers and educators need to work together to tackle inequality in workplace and society.

The pandemic forced many organisations to adapt at pace and this was certainly the case for those at the heart of developing and producing a viable vaccine. Over the past 18 months the pioneering work of AstraZeneca has thrust them into the spotlight and they suddenly became front page news. What was it like to have the eyes of the world on you, while maintaining the controls and transparency needed to retain trust? In this episode, Philip Broadley, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair of AstraZeneca, joins PwC's Head of Audit, Hemione Hudson, and host Teresa Owusu-Adjei. They discuss how disruption led to innovation in the face of a global crisis. And looking towards the global challenge of combating climate change, what lessons can be learned about responding to a crisis at speed?

From the economic impact of the pandemic to ESG and regulatory changes, there have been a number of factors reshaping the pensions agenda. And as business leaders look ahead to hybrid working, it's important to factor in the impact on pensions - both in terms of investment as well as what it means for their people. Joining host Rowena Morris is PwC Global Head of Pensions Consulting, Raj Mody, and Pensions Actuary, Shanu Ghai to cover the key developments around pensions that should be priority items for boardroom agendas.

The build up to COP26 is focusing the minds of business leaders on their path to Net Zero. In this episode, host Rowena Morris is joined by Rob Smith, Finance Transformation Lead, and Claire Reid, Regional Leader for Scotland and Head of Technology, Data and Analytics for Risk to explore the transformational role finance teams can play. Not only in accelerating the path to credible action on Net Zero emissions, but in using data to enable better business decisions that build trust alongside lasting success.  Discover more about how Finance can lead change: https://pwc.to/3jGzCep

In the face of new, complex challenges now is the time for organisations to reset their approach to risk. Host Emily Khan is joined by Dr Jonathan Gillham, Chief Economist and Director of Econometrics and Economic Modelling at PwC UK and Stephanie Bruce, Chief Financial Officer at Abrdn plc to explore this new landscape and how it creates the need for a new perspective. Hear about the opportunities, challenges and practical steps that will help you start to rethink risk. Listen and subscribe today.

Restructuring and transaction activity is picking up as companies look to recover from the pandemic. How can a focus on ESG or diversity and inclusion (D&I) support better outcomes for these businesses - and where are the challenges holding them back? Restructuring partners Steve Russell and David Kelly join host Rowena Morris to talk through PwC's research findings and the steps to take to act now to recover and grow. Listen and subscribe today.

The sudden push to a digital day-to-day wasn't only experienced by businesses, but also by their customers. And while digital and ecommerce offer a new way to connect, getting it right across operating models, supply chains and reporting isn't easy. In this episode, Herculano Rodrigues from THG Ingenuity and PwC's Carl Sizer, join host Teresa Owusu-Adjei to discuss how digital transformation - for both businesses and consumers - offers new routes to success for those who can overcome the challenges.

The innovation displayed during COVID-19 has meant businesses have grown quickly, but have they grown responsibly? Colin Light and Caitroina McCusker join host Rowena Morris to discuss how businesses can successfully embrace responsible growth and who's doing it well. Listen now.

The way the disruption of the past year disproportionately hit certain groups within society was an opportunity for organisations to live their purpose like never before. In the latest installment of our ‘In conversation with' series, Charley Davies, General Counsel and Company Secretary at Provident Financial Group, joins Dan Schwarzmann, PwC's Head of Market Initiatives and Industries in a conversation hosted by Teresa Owusu-Adjei, PwC's Head of Legal and Financial Services Tax Partner. Charley, Dan and Teresa discuss the importance of living your brand values - and doing the right thing for your people as well as your customers. From making the hard decisions to maintaining the focus on wellbeing, join us for an inspirational and uplifting episode of purpose in action.

In a new trading environment, what areas do UK businesses need to prioritise in order to drive growth? International Trade Lead Partner Matt Alabaster and Sam Myers, Her Majesty's Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific join host Emily Khan to discuss the role of trade in driving growth and innovation at home and abroad. Listen and subscribe today.

Our podcast brings you our latest insights and practical advice, helping you navigate change with confidence. Hear from diverse voices - from the UK's top business leaders to athletes, psychologists and politicians - on the issues that matter today. For more expert insights, or to find transcripts for all our episodes, visit our website, at pwc.co.uk/businessinfocus

The pandemic was a crisis lab that forced people and businesses to reinvent how they lived and worked. How can we draw on this innovation, momentum and focus for a greener future? Volker Beckers and Leo Johnson join host Teresa Owusu-Adjei to discuss the industry trends - and the need to move with pace to take advantage.

How businesses approach social mobility - the ability to succeed based on people's potential, not background - will be a crucial part of creating a successful and prosperous UK. Emma Cody and Armoghan Mohammed join host Emily Khan to explore PwC's recent research into the views of the public and the opportunities for business to step in, step up and intervene. Listen now.

This past year has been an opportunity to see Business at its Best, putting their purpose into action as they supported their people and local communities. Host Rowena Morris is joined by James Rutter, Chief Creative Officer at COOK, a manufacturer and retailer of frozen ready meals, and Carl Sizer, PwC UK's Head of Regions to talk about the people and drive that sit behind inspirational stories. From the importance of giving your people the opportunity to witness their impact to building connections, find out how to demonstrate your purpose and deliver results. Listen now.Do you have an inspiring story to share? Whether you're a business, social enterprise, employee, customer or citizen, we want to hear from you. Fill in our quick and simple form at www.pwc.co.uk/business-at-its-best.

In this special episode, hosted by Will Sturgeon, PwC UK's Head of Content and Thought Leadership, our workforce experts Prasun Shah and Victoria Robinson answer your questions on hybrid working. Are you looking for practical advice to help you encourage your people to return to the office? Do you want to know how to manage capacity to avoid mid-week desk shortages? Or how to support your people's wellbeing as you introduce hybrid working? Listen to this bonus episode to find out. 

No one could have predicted the uncertainty we've experienced over the past year and the impact it's had on how we approach risk. In this episode, host Rowena Morris is joined in our virtual studio by Matt Margereson, Chief Operating Officer of Hotel Chocolat, and Richard Bailes, PwC UK's National Leader of Governance, Risk and Compliance, to discuss the risks that are shaping UK organisations - and how leaders are looking at them differently. We also share practical advice to help you manage the business risks you're currently facing, and help you plan for the future.

The past year has shown just how volatile the risk landscape can be. But it's also shown that how organisations respond can set them apart from competitors, as leaders who have demonstrated resilience and adaptability have tended to emerge stronger.In this episode, we discuss how the new and evolving risks we've faced recently have made us change our approach for good. Host Emily Khan is joined in our virtual studio by two members of the steering committee guiding the focus of our Rethink risk research - Kieron Boyle, Chief Executive of Guy's & St Thomas' Foundation, and Mohammed Khan, a partner in our UK insurance and actuarial practice, and a specialist in measuring and quantifying risk.Explore our Rethink risk insights here: https://www.pwc.co.uk/services/risk/rethink-risk.html

Every year, Mental Health Awareness week represents an opportunity for us all to recognise the importance of our mental wellbeing. This year, the social isolation imposed on many of us by the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more important than ever to look after ourselves and those around us. And this worrying trend hasn't gone unnoticed by business leaders. Our recent CEO Survey found that 61% of CEOs are worried about the declining wellbeing of their people. Host Emily Khan is joined in our virtual studio by Poppy Jaman and Ben Higgin to discuss this important issue. Poppy is CEO of the City Mental Health Alliance (CMHA), and Ben is a PwC UK Executive Board Member with responsibility for Technology and Investments, and one of PwC's Mental Health Advocates. To find out more about the CMHA, visit their website: https://citymha.org.uk/ The CMHA Global Thriving at Work framework is a useful resource to help you accelerate the pace of change and measure your progress: https://citymha.org.uk/docs///CMHA-Global-Thriving-at-Work-Framework--FINAL.pdf The CMHA Race Toolkit contains practical advice on supporting the mental health of people who are Black or from a minority ethnic background: https://citymha.org.uk/docs///CMHA-Mental-Health-Race-Toolkit.pdf

ESG - environmental, social and corporate governance - is climbing rapidly up the agenda, with 70% of respondents to our CEO Survey listing it as a key concern this year, compared with 44% two years ago. But committing to ESG targets is challenging, and many organisations simply don't know where to start. In this episode, host Emily Khan is joined by Isabelle Jenkins, PwC UK's Leader of Industry for Financial Services, and Tom Beagant, an advisor in PwC's Sustainability and Climate Change team, to discuss how you can use data to set and measure ESG targets that are achievable and aligned to your purpose.

From joining the FTSE 100 to donating huge sums to support COVID-19 relief efforts, it's been a pivotal year for Intermediate Capital Group (ICG). In the second instalment of our ‘In conversation with' series, Vijay Bharadia, ICG's Chief Financial and Operating Officer, joins Marissa Thomas, PwC's UK Tax Leader in a conversation hosted by Teresa Owusu-Adjei. Marissa, Vijay and Teresa share the most important lessons they've learned from the past year - from the importance of wellbeing to the role of transformation and growth - and explore how they'll be taking these forward to help them deliver results that make the difference over the coming months. Now as we recover from the crisis, we're sharing knowledge and experiences from business leaders and how they've responded to some of the challenges they're facing. Visit our website to find out more about how we've been working together with organisations to help them navigate the pandemic and recover for the future: pwc.co.uk/who-we-are/work-together

For many organisations, COVID-19 has brought to the fore the discrepancy between the skills people have and those that are needed for the future. Our recent Upskilling Hopes and Fears research - a survey of 32,500 workers across 19 countries - revealed fascinating insights into how people feel about the future of work. In this episode, host Rowena Morris speaks to PwC People and Organisation leaders Fiona Camenzuli and Pete Brown about the practical ways organisations can upskill their people in response to these trends.Explore our Upskilling Hopes and Fears research here: https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/upskilling/hopes-and-fears.html