The Business

British companies have nearly always paid less than the Americans – but as the global war for talent heats up, is lower remuneration costing the UK a competitive edge? Read more:Could US-style 1,000% bonuses be heading to the City?Jaw-dropping salaries put top AI talent out of reach for UK unicornsPresenters:Hannah Prevett, associate business editor of The Sunday TimesDominic O’Connell, columnist at The Times and business correspondent at Times RadioGuests:Pippa Begg, Board IntelligenceRichard Belfield, WTWProducer: Hope FedericoExecutive Producer: Miriam HallPhoto credit: GettyGet in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com

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

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

While the UK is a breeding ground for brilliant ideas, very few start-ups ever reach "supersize" status. So what are the hurdles preventing British companies from joining the £50M+ revenue club? This week we consider a new report from the Scale-up Institute about female-founded businesses which shows that it may not just be about the funding. Presenters:Hannah Prevett, Associate Business Editor, The Sunday TimesDominic O’Connell, columnist and business presenter, Times RadioGuests:Sam Smith, co-founder, Super ScalersHelen Cannon, CEO, Ison TravelProducer: Miriam HallSenior Producer: Julia JohnsonExecutive Producer: Kate FordPhoto credit: GettyGet in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com

The attack on Iran and its consequences have sent shockwaves around the global economy, hitting stock markets, airlines and energy supplies. UK gas prices have nearly doubled and the flow of a fifth of the world’s crude oil supply - which travels through the Strait of Hormuz in tankers - has largely ground to a halt.As the ripple effect is felt across the world, how harsh will the economic fallout be, will inflation - only just under control - rise? And, with gas and oil stores in Europe limited, might there be a major energy shock ahead?Presenters:Dominic O’Connell, columnist and business presenter, Times RadioHannah Prevett, associate business editor at The Sunday Times Guest:Richard Fletcher, business editor, The Times Dr Amrita Sen, Founder and Director of Market Intelligence at Energy AspectsRead more: Markets complacent over surge in oil price, warns analystProducer: Miriam HallSenior Producer: Julia JohnsonExecutive Producer: Kate FordPhoto credit: GettyGet in touch: thebusiness@thetimes.com