The Go Radio Business Show with Hunter & Haughey. Scotland’s Business Podcast. cover art

The Go Radio Business Show with Hunter & Haughey. Scotland’s Business Podcast.

The Go Radio Business Show with Hunter & Haughey. Scotland’s Business Podcast.

By: Go Radio
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 A weekly podcast from Glasgow that brings sharp commentary and real-time reaction to the ever-evolving world of business. Hosted by two of Scotland’s most influential entrepreneurs, Sir Tom Hunter and Lord Willie Haughey,. This is a front-row seat to how global economic shifts, political turbulence, and technological disruption are impacting businesses in Scotland and beyond. Each episode also features candid conversations with Scotland’s top CEOs, founders, and innovators, unpacking how they are navigating uncertainty, adapting to change, and seizing new opportunities. Through a no-nonsense Scottish lens, Hunter and Haughey offer grounded insight and practical advice for anyone in business — whether you’re scaling a startup or steering a legacy brand. Made in Glasgow. Relevant Worldwide.Copyright 2021 All rights reserved. Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Housing Crisis, Donaldson Family Business Legacy & Beauty Brand Growth

    Housing Crisis, Donaldson Family Business Legacy & Beauty Brand Growth
    Jun 29 2025
    Air Date: June 29th 2025 Hosts: Sir Tom Hunter & Lord Willie Haughey Special Guests: Andrew Donaldson (CEO, James Donaldson Group) & Laura Porter (Founder, Fab Salons and FAB Skincare) Episode Summary Tom and Willie tackle Scotland’s housing emergency, business rates disparity, and the future of clean energy. They’re joined by Andrew Donaldson, CEO of the 165-year-old Donaldson Group, who shares insights on solving the housing crisis through innovation and collaboration. On the ‘Board You Can’t Afford’ Laura Porter, founder of FAB Salons and FAB Skincare, discusses scaling a beauty brand post-COVID and launching a teen skincare line. Timestamps & Topics [00:01:33] Housing Levy Controversy Willie challenges a proposed builder tax. Urges alternative funding for remediation post-Grenfell. [00:04:10] Green Energy Progress Gren’s district heating project on the Clyde. DFYNE named UK’s fastest-growing private company. [00:05:52] BuzzWorks Management Buyout Kenny Blair leads MBO. Plans to scale to £100M turnover. Business rates disparity between Scotland and England. [00:11:56] Tea Fraudster Sentenced Fraudulent “Scottish-grown” tea scam lands 3.5-year sentence. [00:13:45] Derek Pierce’s Expansion New £15M factory in Bellshill. Hundreds of jobs created. [00:14:42] Housing Emergency – Still No Action Frustration over lack of progress since May 2024. Urgent need for a national housing plan. [00:16:18] Nuclear Power & Energy Costs Advocating for nuclear as part of clean energy mix. UK’s high industrial energy costs vs. Europe. [00:19:27] Redundancies to Tackle Budget Deficit Scottish government eyes civil service cuts. Call for efficiency over taxation. [00:22:24] Guest Interview: Andrew Donaldson, CEO of Donaldson Group Legacy & Leadership 6th-generation family business, founded in 1858. 50 sites across the UK, 1,500+ employees. Timber & Sustainability 75% imported timber; 25% homegrown. Challenges with UK-grown timber for structural use. Housing Crisis Solutions Donaldson Group operating at 50% capacity. Advocates for standardised house types to cut planning costs. Collaboration with Octopus Energy for zero-bill, carbon-positive homes. Family Business Governance Strong governance and decentralised leadership. Preparing the next generation with no pressure to join. [00:46:21] Board You Can’t Afford Interview: Laura Porter, Founder of FAB Salons and FAB Skincare. Entrepreneurial Journey Launched post-COVID with no prior business background. Grew from salon treatments to a 14-product cosmetic line. Scaling Challenges Self-funded growth using salon profits. Plans to launch a teen skincare range. Advice from Willie Grow within your means. Consider smart money from strategic investors. Never overpromise to large buyers. [00:54:43] Season Wrap-Up Sir Tom and Lord Haughey reflect on the season’s impact. Encouragement for Scottish businesses. Looking forward to a refreshed return after summer. Please Rate and Review The Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-go-radio-business-show-with-hunter-haughey/id1549012107 Join the Conversation What did you think of this episode? Email: goradiobusiness@go.co.uk Follow us @thisisgoradio on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tik Tok For more Go Creative Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD... Connect with the weeks guests: Andrew Donaldson: 21) Andrew Donaldson | LinkedIn Donaldson Group: (21) Donaldson Group: Overview | LinkedIn Laura Porter: https://www.instagram.com/fab.skincare?igsh=MWVjMmc2NjFiazM4aw== https://www.instagram.com/fabsalons?igsh=a2R1dm9rN2tiMTht https://www.instagram.com/fab_lauraporter?igsh=MTY3bTc2Zzk5YmpiZg== https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-porter-079848111?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Scottish housing crisis 2025, Donaldson Group timber solutions, BuzzWorks management buyout, Scottish business rates vs England, Fab Salons Glasgow, Laura Porter cosmetics, Go Radio Business Show podcast, Andrew Donaldson interview, Family business governance UK, Zero-bill homes Scotland
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    56 mins
  • From Oil Shocks to AI Surges: Scotland’s Business Future Unpacked

    From Oil Shocks to AI Surges: Scotland’s Business Future Unpacked
    Jun 22 2025
    In this episode of the Go Radio Business Show, Tom Hunter and Willie Haughey discuss the global economic impact of rising oil prices due to Middle East tensions, the UK’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and Labour’s proposed housing investment in Scotland. They explore the rapid rise of AI, including talent wars and future disruption, and highlight major developments in Scotland’s renewable energy and space sectors with guest Stuart Black of Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The episode also features Jude McCorry, CEO of the Cyber and Fraud Centre, who emphasises the growing importance of cybersecurity for businesses. Highlights & Insights [00:01:06] Global Geopolitics & Oil Middle East conflict (Iran & Israel) and its impact on oil prices. Strait of Hormuz: 40% of global oil passes through. Oil price could rise from $66 to $120/barrel. Potential global inflation and supply chain disruption. [00:04:41] UK Inflation & Cost of Living May inflation: 3.4%, down slightly from April. Cost of essentials up 25% since 2021. Discussion on price gouging and lack of market correction. [00:07:20] Housing & Labour Policy Labour’s £16B National Housing Bank plan. Scotland to receive £1.9B in consequential. Opportunity to address housing crisis. [00:09:12] SME Builders & Skills Shortage Decline in small housebuilders due to red tape and inflation. Need for skilled trades and national strategy. [00:11:03] New Housing Minister Mairi McAllan appointed to lead housing efforts. appointed to lead housing efforts. Positive reception from hosts. [00:11:51] Scale-Up Funding News Merger of Par Equity and Praetura Ventures into PXN Group. Focus: equity funding from £800K to £8M. £670M AUM, £115M in investments. [00:13:00] AI Talent Wars Meta allegedly offering $100M signing bonuses to OpenAI staff. Concerns about rising costs and talent poaching. [00:14:46] AI Disruption & Opportunity Insights from Demis Hassabis (DeepMind): AGI could rival humans in 5 years. Potential to solve climate change and disease. Urges businesses to prepare for rapid disruption. [00:17:55] AI Risks & Fusion Challenge Discussion on AI’s energy consumption. Call for AI to help solve nuclear fusion. Concerns about job displacement. [00:19:44] Entrepreneurial Scotland Andy Lothian appointed new chair. Organisation has sent 1,000+ students on global internships. [00:20:18] Crown Estate & Offshore Wind Rule changes unlock £400M for offshore wind supply chain. Positive step for renewables. [00:22:04] Guest Interview: Stuart Black (HIE CEO) Highlands and Islands aiming to be a net-zero region. £100B+ potential investment over 10–15 years. Major projects: Sumitomo, Green Freeport, Aventus. [00:29:58] Housing Needs in the Highlands Need for housing to support job growth. Historical reference to Scottish Special Housing Association. [00:31:08] Debate: One Enterprise Agency? Stuart defends HIE’s independence. Tailored regional strategies and community focus. [00:35:05] Seamless Investment Experience Example: Sumitomo and Aventus praised Scotland’s support. Importance of Scottish Development International (SDI). [00:39:37] Space Industry in Scotland Development of Spaceport One, Sutherland, and SaxaVord. Scotland to launch satellites within a year. [00:42:03] The Board You Can’t Afford: Jude McCorry CEO of Cyber and Fraud Centre. Journey from PR to cybersecurity leadership. Challenges during COVID and business transformation. 00:49:26] Cybersecurity Awareness Businesses often ignore cyber risks until attacked. Ethical hacking and proactive testing recommended. Willie shares personal experience with a cyberattack. Join the Conversation What did you think of this episode? Email: goradiobusiness@go.co.uk Follow us @thisisgoradio on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tik Tok Connect with this weeks guest, Stuart Black. Stuart’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-black-a73b7211/ Connect and Follow Highland and Islands Enterprise: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/highlands-&-islands-enterprise/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highlandsandislandsenterprise X: https://x.com/HIEScotland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiescotland/ For more Go Creative Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD... UK inflation 2025, global oil prices, Strait of Hormuz, cost of living crisis, economic outlook Scotland, business impact of Middle East conflict, Labour housing policy, National Housing Bank, Scotland housing investment, SME builders Scotland, housing crisis UK, AI talent war, Meta vs OpenAI, artificial general intelligence, Demis Hassabis DeepMind, future of AI in business, AI disruption 2025, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, renewable energy Scotland, Green Freeport Scotland, offshore wind investment, Sumitomo Scotland, regional economic development, Scotland space industry, UK...
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    53 mins
  • Innovation Nation: AI, Energy, EVs & the Entrepreneurs Driving Change

    Innovation Nation: AI, Energy, EVs & the Entrepreneurs Driving Change
    Jun 15 2025
    In this episode of the Go Radio Business Show, Sir Tom and Lord Willie dive into the latest in AI innovation, energy infrastructure, and entrepreneurial journeys. They’re joined by Brian Muslek, MD of Hugh Stirling, who shares his inspiring business transformation story, and Rebecca Hansen, MD of WYRE, is on the Board You Can’t Afford and explains how her company is revolutionising EV salary sacrifice schemes in the UK. Highlights [00:01:10] AI & Tech Conference in London Keir Starmer opens the event. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang praises UK’s AI talent. Infrastructure investment needed to stay competitive. [00:03:02] The Power Crisis & Data Centres UK’s high energy costs. Need for renewable energy investment. Norway’s model of hydro and sovereign wealth. [00:06:21] Snoop Dogg at Celtic Park? Snoop Dogg’s burger stall idea. American influence in Scottish football. [00:09:03] Musk vs. Trump Twitter Feud Elon Musk’s controversial tweets. Investor intervention to de-escalate. Potential impact on Tesla and SpaceX valuations. [00:11:27] Springburn Engineering Win Gibson Engineering lands TFL contract. 40 new jobs created in Glasgow. [00:13:02] Housing Crisis & Labour’s 1.5M Homes Pledge Unrealistic targets without planning reform. AI in planning systems being trialled in England. [00:15:31] Brand Scotland & Glasgow Airport Strike £100K grant to Chamber of Commerce. Potential strike at Glasgow Airport. [00:16:20] Special Segment: Reeves’ Review Sir Tom and Lord Haughey catch up on a call on Friday (after the show was recorded) to bring us their reaction to the Governments spending review. [00:21:14] Guest Interview: Brian Muslek – MD, Hugh Stirling Key Highlights: From retail to FM and construction. Turned a £6M lifestyle business into a £14M diversified company. Lessons in cash flow, leadership, and resilience. Importance of recurring revenue and diversification (e.g., fire doors). Value of peer support through Entrepreneurial Scotland. [00:42:10] Board You Can’t Afford: Rebecca Hansen – MD, WYRE Key Highlights: WYRE offers a unique EV salary sacrifice platform. Shifts liability from employer to employee. Ideal for high-turnover sectors like football. Employees save £4,500 a year; employers save £1,500 a year. Cultural challenges in UK adoption vs. US. Resources & Mentions Brian Muslek, MD, Hugh Stirling Ltd: www.hughstirling.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-muslek-17571888/ Rebecca Hansen MD, WYRE: www.trywyre.com LinkedIn: WYRE Join the Conversation What did you think of this episode? Email: goradiobusiness@go.co.uk Follow us @thisisgoradio on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tik Tok For more Go Creative Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD... Go Radio Business Show, UK business podcast, Scottish entrepreneurship podcast, business transformation stories, business podcast UK 2025, Sir Tom Hunter podcast, Lord Willie Haughey podcast, UK AI innovation, AI conference London 2025, Jensen Huang UK AI, AI in urban planning, AI and infrastructure UK, Keir Starmer AI speech, UK energy crisis 2025, renewable energy investment UK, data centre power demand, Norway hydro energy model, UK infrastructure investment, EV salary sacrifice UK, WYRE EV platform, electric vehicle tax savings UK, sustainable transport incentives, EV benefits for employers, Brian Muslek Hugh Stirling, business diversification strategies, FM and construction growth, recurring revenue models, Entrepreneurial Scotland network, Labour housing pledge 2025, 1.5 million homes UK, AI in housing planning, UK housing crisis solutions, Elon Musk Trump Twitter feud, Snoop Dogg Celtic Park, Glasgow Airport strike news, Springburn engineering jobs
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    56 mins
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