Podcasts about business nz

A new Business NZ report estimates by 2045 Aotearoa will be 250,000 workers short. Without policy reform the rising cost of pensions and healthcare will consume all income tax. It concludes on our current trajectory we're under delivering on future prosperity. Business New Zealand director of advocacy Catherine Beard spoke to Lisa Owen.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 19th of November 2025, a new report from Business NZ projects a shortfall of at least 250,000 workers by 2045, Chief Executive of Business Canterbury Leeann Watson shares her thoughts. Over half of our apprentice trainees in new zealand drop out before they complete their course, Te Pukenga CEO Gus Gilmore tells Andrew what needs to change. It's been revealed the Government spent over $38 million on business start-up grants to beneficiaries, Small Business NZ founder Phil Wicks shares his thoughts. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Peter Anderson has the latest on British MPs warned by security service MI5 they're at risk of being targeted by Chinese spies and technology from Formula 1 cars is being used in a pilot scheme to provide faster and more reliable wi-fi on British trains. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bold, bipartisan centred planning is key to ensuring New Zealand doesn't succumb to the effects of a dwindling population and economic growth. A new BusinessNZ report's calling for a cross-party vision and long-term goals to strengthen the country by 2050. It notes a labour shortage of at least a quarter of a million is expected before then, and there's also a one in four chance the population doesn't grow. Advocacy Director Catherine Beard says businesses are sick of political u-turns and flip-flops. She told Mike Hosking we're currently stumbling towards the future in a blindfolded fashion, and the report is designed to get everyone to think outside of the box. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bold, bipartisan centred planning is key to ensuring New Zealand doesn't succumb to the effects of a dwindling population and economic growth. A new BusinessNZ report's calling for a cross-party vision and long-term goals to strengthen the country by 2050. It notes a labour shortage of at least a quarter of a million is expected before then, and there's also a one in four chance the population doesn't grow. Advocacy Director Catherine Beard says businesses are sick of political u-turns and flip-flops. She told Mike Hosking we're currently stumbling towards the future in a blindfolded fashion, and the report is designed to get everyone to think outside of the box. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A warning our major political parties need to display more bipartisan planning so we don't buckle to a dwindling population and economic growth. Business NZ's report warns a labour shortage of at least a quarter of a million is expected before 2050, and there's also a one in four chance the population doesn't grow. Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson told Andrew Dickens says major parties need to reach a certain level of bipartisan agreement on the country's big decisions She says businesses want to see steady incremental progress not a pendulum shift which potentially puts us backwards. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A warning our major political parties need to display more bipartisan planning so we don't buckle to a dwindling population and economic growth. Business NZ's report warns a labour shortage of at least a quarter of a million is expected before 2050, and there's also a one in four chance the population doesn't grow. Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson told Andrew Dickens says major parties need to reach a certain level of bipartisan agreement on the country's big decisions She says businesses want to see steady incremental progress not a pendulum shift which potentially puts us backwards. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business New Zealand is warning the gig economy could collapse, after the Supreme Court's ruling in favour of Uber drivers' rights. Business NZ chief executive Katherine Rich spoke to Corin Dann

Business NZ believes further action is still needed to address compliance costs for small businesses. It says the Government's making good on its promise to cut red tape, but its new progress report shows several compliance burdens across sectors, including construction. The Ministry for Regulation's engaging with businesses, councils, and industry bodies to begin removing inconsistent regulations. Chief Executive Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking some areas, including hairdressing, are showing positive progress, but wants to see a similar approach applied across all sectors. She says 97% of all businesses are small, and the red tape they face can be significant. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business NZ believes further action is still needed to address compliance costs for small businesses. It says the Government's making good on its promise to cut red tape, but its new progress report shows several compliance burdens across sectors, including construction. The Ministry for Regulation's engaging with businesses, councils, and industry bodies to begin removing inconsistent regulations. Chief Executive Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking some areas, including hairdressing, are showing positive progress, but wants to see a similar approach applied across all sectors. She says 97% of all businesses are small, and the red tape they face can be significant. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Those who are in work are taking more sick leave. New research by Southern Cross Health Insurance and Business NZ has found an average staff member took almost seven days of sick leave last year, up 1.4 from two years earlier. It's costing the country about $4 billion a year. Business NZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking the rise in leave entitlements has had an impact, but many employees are also doing what they've been told, staying home when sick so they don't pass it onto their coworkers. She says post Covid, people think more about their wellness and are less likely to solider on like the Codral ad. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Assurance news of a rise in Kiwis calling in sick indicates a positive cultural shift. A Business NZ and Southern Cross report shows workers are taking an average of 6.7 sick days a year, up from 5.5 in 2022. Employers and Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald told Ryan Bridge while it is a cost, most employers recognise it stops infections spreading. McDonald says the stats better reflect the understanding in a workplace, that people do genuinely get sick, and it's better to manage this than have them in. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Those who are in work are taking more sick leave. New research by Southern Cross Health Insurance and Business NZ has found an average staff member took almost seven days of sick leave last year, up 1.4 from two years earlier. It's costing the country about $4 billion a year. Business NZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking the rise in leave entitlements has had an impact, but many employees are also doing what they've been told, staying home when sick so they don't pass it onto their coworkers. She says post Covid, people think more about their wellness and are less likely to solider on like the Codral ad. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belief that both employers and the Government need to up their game to ensure Kiwis are being hired before migrants. The Immigration Minster's getting tougher on employers hiring more migrants than unemployed New Zealanders. Erica Stanford says employers will be stripped of the chance to recruit migrants if they're not looking closer to home. Business NZ Immigration Specialist Rachel Simpson told Ryan Bridge the Ministry need to help businesses prioritise Kiwis. She says employers will always look locally but immigration is about the skills those people bring to the country. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business NZ says the Government's making workers leave simpler and more cost-effective. It's announced a new hours-based annual and sick leave accrual system, including flexibility of being able to take only the hours needed off work rather than a full day. It'll also mean part-time workers will no longer have a minimum sick leave entitlement. Business NZ's Paul Mackay says leave's always been accrued, but there were other rules attached. "The Government has simplified it by saying - you accrue leave or you earn leave as you go, it's effectively money in your bank and you will take out from that bank of leave when you want it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business NZ says the Government's making workers leave simpler and more cost-effective. It's announced a new hours-based annual and sick leave accrual system, including flexibility of being able to take only the hours needed off work rather than a full day. It'll also mean part-time workers will no longer have a minimum sick leave entitlement. Business NZ's Paul Mackay says leave's always been accrued, but there were other rules attached. "The Government has simplified it by saying - you accrue leave or you earn leave as you go, it's effectively money in your bank and you will take out from that bank of leave when you want it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our largest sector is continuing to do it tough. Latest data from BNZ and Business NZ shows our services sector —which makes up almost three quarters of the economy— has contracted for the 18th consecutive month. Our manufacturing sector is also back in contraction after a period of growth. Business NZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking we're still seeing a tale of two economies. She says the primary sector is doing quite well, but the services sector is continuing to face challenges. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our largest sector is continuing to do it tough. Latest data from BNZ and Business NZ shows our services sector —which makes up almost three quarters of the economy— has contracted for the 18th consecutive month. Our manufacturing sector is also back in contraction after a period of growth. Business NZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking we're still seeing a tale of two economies. She says the primary sector is doing quite well, but the services sector is continuing to face challenges. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a belief new tax rules will attract top tech talent to the country. The Government's changing the rules so migrants will only pay tax on income they actually receive. Currently new arrivals are taxed on estimated overseas income, even if that ends up being wrong. Business NZ immigration specialist Rachel Simpson told Ryan Bridge this law would ensure people coming here for a short period wouldn't get double taxed. She says it would make rules around people working as social media influencers clear. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The speed of decline of our gas supply could be hampering the transition to alternative energy. A Business NZ survey of commercial and industrial users shows average price rises have topped 100% in the past five years. Nearly half made various cuts to their business. Energy innovation centre Ara Ake's Jonathan Young told Kerre Woodham supply's fallen a lot quicker than anyone expected. He says it's hurting as companies try to transition. Young says it's like a relay runner falling short ahead of the baton exchange, and it's leading to de-industrialisation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The speed of decline of our gas supply could be hampering the transition to alternative energy. A Business NZ survey of commercial and industrial users shows average price rises have topped 100% in the past five years. Nearly half made various cuts to their business. Energy innovation centre Ara Ake's Jonathan Young told Kerre Woodham supply's fallen a lot quicker than anyone expected. He says it's hurting as companies try to transition. Young says it's like a relay runner falling short ahead of the baton exchange, and it's leading to de-industrialisation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view businesses have been taken by surprise by surging gas prices. Energy management company Optima and Business NZ's joint survey reveals gas prices have risen by more than 100% on average in the past five years. Nearly half report it's led to them reducing operations, increased prices, or cutting staff. Business NZ Energy Council Executive Director Tina Schirr told Mike Hosking they didn't know how quickly supply would dwindle. She says they knew there'd be moderate reduction over the next few years, but didn't think it'd be this steep over the last two years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view businesses have been taken by surprise by surging gas prices. Energy management company Optima and Business NZ's joint survey reveals gas prices have risen by more than 100% on average in the past five years. Nearly half report it's led to them reducing operations, increased prices, or cutting staff. Business NZ Energy Council Executive Director Tina Schirr told Mike Hosking they didn't know how quickly supply would dwindle. She says they knew there'd be moderate reduction over the next few years, but didn't think it'd be this steep over the last two years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Major gas users are looking to the Government for help, with many struggling with high prices. A survey by energy management company Optima and Business NZ reveals gas prices have risen by more than 100% on average in the past five years. Nearly half of industrial and commercial users have had to make cuts as a result. Resources Minister Shane Jones is seeking advice whether rationing gas supplies is possible. Major Gas Users Group spokesperson Len Houwers told Andrew Dickens Jones has proposed a triage-like system. He says Jones is exploring reserving gas for industrial users instead of electricity companies. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business NZ is welcoming the introduction of two new seasonal visa pathways saying they will support the agriculture and tourism sectors. 

Many Kiwis are studying or training in skills that aren't needed in the job market. That's the warning from Business NZ as the Government reviews New Zealand's vocational education system. The lobby groups say graduates are being held back from gaining employment because they've trained in the wrong area. They're calling for an industry-led vocational system, with more focus on work-based training and relevant, up-to-date skills. Business NZ Education Specialist Rachel Simpson told Heather du Plessis-Allan that many of the current qualifications and programmes haven't been changed in years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand isn't likely to get a better deal than we're currently getting, when it comes to trade with the US. Almost all goods to the US now face a 10% base tariff rate. Donald Trump's announced a 25% tariff rate for Japan and South Korea from the start of next month and may also raise tariffs on other trading partners. Business NZ Advocacy Manager Catherine Beard told Heather du Plessis-Allan New Zealand probably can't negotiate a tariff rate below the 10% rate we're facing. She says if that's the best rate going, it's probably not worth New Zealand trying to get into a "David and Goliath" battle with the US. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand isn't likely to get a better deal than we're currently getting, when it comes to trade with the US. Almost all goods to the US now face a 10% base tariff rate. Donald Trump's announced a 25% tariff rate for Japan and South Korea from the start of next month and may also raise tariffs on other trading partners. Business NZ Advocacy Manager Catherine Beard told Heather du Plessis-Allan New Zealand probably can't negotiate a tariff rate below the 10% rate we're facing. She says if that's the best rate going, it's probably not worth New Zealand trying to get into a "David and Goliath" battle with the US. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business NZ's Advocacy Director says Invest New Zealand is looking to hire people with an array of international connections. The government organisation's been given $85 million over four years to work with global investors to create jobs, boost innovation, and lift productivity. Catherine Beard told Ryan Bridge potential employees should be well-connected around the world. She says they should be looking at where the opportunities and gaps are, and where we actually need investment. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business NZ's Advocacy Director says Invest New Zealand is looking to hire people with an array of international connections. The government organisation's been given $85 million over four years to work with global investors to create jobs, boost innovation, and lift productivity. Catherine Beard told Ryan Bridge potential employees should be well-connected around the world. She says they should be looking at where the opportunities and gaps are, and where we actually need investment. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's being suggested small businesses are finding it tougher to get loans than big businesses, despite being a safer option. The latest data shows the compound annual growth rate of bank lending has slowed from 6% to 1.5% since 2013. Small Business NZ Founder Phil Wicks told Mike Hosking most banks are making business hard. He says lending to someone with skin in the game should be more attractive to banks. Wicks told Hosking many banks assess loan risks like it was centuries ago. He says there are small businesses with strong work ethics, no debt, and personal guarantees, still being declined LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is shifting WorkSafe's priorities from enforcement, to giving more advice. Business New Zealand chief executive Katherine Rich spoke to Corin Dann.

A promise today's budget will deliver real growth for the economy. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is hours away from unveiling her 'No BS Budget', claiming there'll be no frills or excess. The Government's been slowly teasing figures, concentrating on balancing the books through cuts and reprioritisation in spending. Business NZ CEO Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking the government knows its role in business recovery. She says they're the first government in a long time that's methodically looked through what can be done to make things easier. It's also been teasing changes to the KiwiSaver scheme, with more to be revealed. It's expected to increase KiwiSaver's default contribution rate from the current 3% as well as means-testing its own annual contribution, up to $521 dollars. Rich told Hosking they'll be keeping a close eye on things. She says it depends on how it's phased in over time, so businesses can factor it into wage negotiations and salaries. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A promise today's budget will deliver real growth for the economy. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is hours away from unveiling her 'No BS Budget', claiming there'll be no frills or excess. The Government's been slowly teasing figures, concentrating on balancing the books through cuts and reprioritisation in spending. Business NZ CEO Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking the government knows its role in business recovery. She says they're the first government in a long time that's methodically looked through what can be done to make things easier. It's also been teasing changes to the KiwiSaver scheme, with more to be revealed. It's expected to increase KiwiSaver's default contribution rate from the current 3% as well as means-testing its own annual contribution, up to $521 dollars. Rich told Hosking they'll be keeping a close eye on things. She says it depends on how it's phased in over time, so businesses can factor it into wage negotiations and salaries. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the time of preparing this show Craig Renney and the CTU have been banned by Treasury to attend the budget lock up for the first time ever. Along with other third party, non-media groups such as the TPU, Business NZ and the NZ Initiative have also been banned. The company that makes BHN applied for access to the lock up and we'll tell you the whole sordid story tonight after 9pmMarama Davidson joins us LIVE at 9pm to talk the Green Party Alternative Budget. The Green Party is proposing an "income guarantee" that would give everyone who is out of work at least $395 a week, and to completely overhaul the Working for Families scheme. It is one of the announcements in its alternative Budget revealed this morning.=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

Joe Slater co-founded Six Barrel Soda, turning a small idea into one of New Zealand's most recognisable beverage brands. In this episode, we dive into the journey of building Six Barrel Soda from the ground up, the challenges of scaling a niche business, and how Joe handled a competitor blatantly copying their brand. We also talk about the process of selling Six Barrel Soda, the lessons Joe learned along the way, and his best marketing hacks for businesses operating in niche markets. As well as advice for young entrepreneurs out there, this was a really fun one!  An episode packed with insights for entrepreneurs, brand builders, and anyone who loves a good business story. Joe Slater – https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-slater-nz/ Moana Road – https://moanaroad.co.nz/ Kaboose Media – https://www.kaboosemedia.co.nz/ Beyond the Surface Insta – https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_surfacenz/ Beyond the Surface YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthesurfacenz

An advocacy group for New Zealand business owners says planned changes to the Overseas Investment Act will send a positive signal to the rest of the world. BusinessNZ Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard spoke to Corin Dann.

On the Early Edition Full Show Podcast for Monday the 24th of February 2025, The Government's announced an overhaul of the Overseas Investment Act, Business NZ's Catherine Beard shares reaction from businesses. The Prime Minister is heading to Vietnam this week for bilateral talks, Chief Executive of the NZ Asia Foundation Suzannah Jessep tells Andrew Dickens what she'd like to see from the meeting. Andrew shares his thoughts around the Chinese Navy planting ships around the Tasman Sea. The Vatican announces the Pope's condition has worsened and continues to be "critical" after suffering a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis" Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey shares the latest. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is making it easier for wealthy foreign investors to get residency in New Zealand. Business New Zealand chief executive Katherine Rich spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

New Zealand remains in the dark about Donald Trump's tariff plan, as new data shows the US has overtaken Australia as our second largest destination for exported goods. Business NZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard told Andrew Dickens blanket tariffs wouldn't have the same impact as targeted tariffs. She says it would mean the cost will be passed on to the US consumer rather than having to be absorbed by exporters, and we would still be competitive against other markets. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand remains in the dark about Donald Trump's tariff plan, as new data shows the US has overtaken Australia as our second largest destination for exported goods. Business NZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard told Andrew Dickens blanket tariffs wouldn't have the same impact as targeted tariffs. She says it would mean the cost will be passed on to the US consumer rather than having to be absorbed by exporters, and we would still be competitive against other markets. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small businesses want the Government to rethink regulations it describes as a burden. A new report from Business NZ claims small Kiwi businesses are bogged down by compliance hurdles and complicated regulations, which it says cost time and money. Business NZ CEO Katherine Rich told Mike Hosking politicians need to ease the burden, and not politicise it. She says too often the debate around small business involves politicians promising to cut red tape, but she says they need to be more specific about what will actually change. Rich says they've provided a practical shopping list of possible regulation changes that would help businesses almost immediately. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acceptance that reviewing the way fees are charged for PayWave and online card transactions in New Zealand is a positive for all. The Commerce Commission is consulting on regulation it says could save Kiwis $250 million. People spend $1 billion each year on fees in-store and online. Small Business New Zealand founder and BSP advisory group director Phil Wicks is questioning whether some retailers are taking advantage. “There is quite a variation in fees. I mean at the end of the day, the retailers shouldn't really be making profits from their EFTPOS. They should be making their profits from the goods and services that they sell.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Service sector activity has plummeted to its lowest level outside the Covid lockdowns.  The BNZ-Business New Zealand Performance of Services Index (PSI) fell 3.6 points in May to 43.0.  Business NZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Heather du Plessis-Allan “It's consistent with other data – like profit margins being below pre-Covid rates.”  Hope said “Corporate insolvencies are around the same level as during the GFC – it's a pretty tough time.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business NZ is welcoming a rise in spending on infrastructure, saying it has the potential to improve economic growth. Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Tariffs across the ditch are getting scrapped to lower living costs and some are asking if New Zealand should follow suit.  Australia will remove import taxes on a wide range of goods from July to bring cost-of-living relief.  It will streamline $9 nine billion worth of annual trade and save businesses over $30 million yearly.  Business NZ's Catherine Beard told Mike Hosking that we got rid of most tariffs in the 1980s, there's just a few left.  She says it's a legacy of the past —as most of them left are between 5-10%— and aren't doing much.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's latest unemployment figure didn't quite land where many expected.  Stats NZ figures show it's risen to 4% in the three months to December.  Business NZ Advocacy Director, Catherine Beard told Mike Hosking that the numbers feel wonky.  She says they expected the figure to be higher after the Employment and Manufacturers Association highlighted the rise in enquiries about restructures and redundancies.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former boss of Business NZ says it's past time for a proper government strategy regarding immigration. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says current immigration settings are unsustainable, and position echoed by the Labour Party. New Zealand had a net gain of nearly 120,000 migrants over the year to September, putting serious pressure on housing and infrastructure. Iron Duke Partners managing director Phil O'Reilly says immigration settings are now too loose, and he's encouraged by the Prime Minister's comments that an immigration strategy was needed. O'Reilly spoke to Corin Dann.

Business leaders want to see quick changes from the new National-led government, scrapping fair pay agreements and reintroducing 90-day trials. Unions say that's nothing but bad news for workers. Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope, and Council of Trade Unions president Richard Wagstaff spoke to Corin Dann.

Sick leave is becoming an increasing issue for employers.  Business Desk reports bosses are noticing that people are not shy about using up all their sick leave entitlements.  Data shows that on average people take 5.5 sick days a year, a big jump from where it was at 4.5 pre-pandemic.  Business NZ's Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard told Mike Hosking that everyone's position on illnesses has changed.  She puts it down to a shift in attitudes towards sickness following the pandemic, as well as a more progressive view of mental health.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National could have its work cut out for itself following its latest trade promises.  The party is vowing to double the value of exports in the next decade, pursue Free Trade Agreements, increase trade missions, and make India a focus.  Business NZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard told Mike Hosking that it's a heroic goal.   She says it would be great to get the gulf, the UAE, and particularly India under our belt, but they're not easy.   Beard says geopolitics, particularly what is being seen in the Middle East, makes these areas challenging.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.