The Business

Last week, two successful young UK founders joined The Business - venture capitalist Harry Stebbings, who founded 20VC and Amy knight, whose company Must Have Ideas sells home cleaning products. Both have a full in-office policy, believing it is best for their companies, and the only way for their staff to thrive. In this bonus episode, we talk about why they believe "in-office" is the best, and only way to go.PresenterHannah Prevett, associate business editor, Sunday Times Guests:Harry Stebbings, founder, 20VCAmy Knight, founder, Must Have Ideas Producer: Miriam HallExecutive Producer: Kate FordPhoto credit: GettyGet in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com

The Sunday Times Young Power List drops today: 30 of the nation’s most inspiring, influential people who are under the age of 30. On this episode, we’re speaking to two members of the next generation of British business talent about taking a leap, building a company in your early twenties– and what it’s like to launch a venture in the UK today. Is age a barrier to forming a business? Is university degree a waste of time? And is a commitment to hustle culture imperative to making something of your outfit? Read more: The Young Power List 2026  Five successful entrepreneurs share how they made it without a degree PresenterHannah Prevett, associate business editor, Sunday Times Guests:Harry Stebbings, founder, 20VCAmy Knight, founder, Must Have Ideas Producer: Miriam HallExecutive Producer: Kate FordGet in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com

With stock prices and energy costs reeling as the fragile Middle East ceasefire threatens to shatter, we ask what happens next for global business? And what has the conflict taught us about long-term weaknesses in the British economy?Presenters:Hannah Prevett, associate business editor of The Sunday TimesRichard Fletcher, business editor of The Times Guests:Simon French, Chief Economist & Head of Research, Panmure LiberumJorge León, Senior Vice President & Head of Geopolitical Analysis, Rystad EnergyProducer: Hope FedericoProducer: Miriam HallExecutive Producer: Kate FordPhoto credit: GettyGet in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com

New week, the government’s Employment Rights Act begins to take effect. The legislation, a fulfillment of one of Labour’s biggest manifesto promises, changes sick pay, parental leave and unfair dismissal rights. Plus, future measures will target zero hours contracts. Keir Starmer has described the legislation as the “biggest upgrade in workers’ rights in a generation”. But - coming on top of increases in the National Minimum Wage, higher national insurance contributions and increases in business rates - many business owners are concerned. So, what exactly is coming down the track? And how can businesses get ready? Presenters:Dominic O’Connell, columnist at The Times and business correspondent at Times RadioHannah Prevett, associate business editor of The Sunday TimesGuests:Brian Whiting, WH PubsShevaun Haviland, Director General at The British Chambers of CommerceProducer: Miriam HallSenior Producer: Julia JohnsonExecutive Producer: Kate FordPhoto credit: GettyGet in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com

As the conflict in the Middle East  threatens to whack the world economy with an energy shock - and possibly a huge recession, the debate about the UK’s North Sea has re-ignited. Should we be drilling there to help our energy security in a volatile global market? There’s now a growing chorus of voices, from surprising places, calling on the government to support more North Sea exploration. So, will the government – having banned new licenses as part of net zero drive – now give them the go ahead?Presenters:Dominic O’Connell, columnist and business presenter, Times RadioEmma Powell, media and telecoms editor, The TimesGuests:Tessa Kahn, founder and executive director, Uplift.Chris Wheaton, energy analyst, Stifel. Producer: Miriam HallSenior Producer: Julia JohnsonExecutive Producer: Kate FordPhoto credit: GettyGet in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com

Drones are transforming war, from Ukraine to the Middle East - some 80 percent of battlefield casualties in Ukraine are now the result of drone strikes. The devices are cheap to manufacture, are transforming military strategy but represent a massive challenge for the British armed forces as they try to modernise. It is also a business challenge. So, which companies are best-placed to make the drones needed? And how do they get through the complexities of tight budgets, ever-changing technology and tough competition?Presenters:Dominic O’Connell, columnist and business presenter, Times RadioHannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times Guests:Oliver Gill, Deputy Business Editor at The Sunday TimesNick Sharpe, Chief Executive, ModiniProducer: Miriam HallSenior Producer: Julia JohnsonExecutive Producer: Kate FordPhoto credit: GettyGet in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com