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.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Air Date: March 22nd, 2026
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays from 11am.
Join the Conversation
What did you think of this episode? Email: GoBusiness@thisisgo.co.uk
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Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBoA8NYTpHtff-aHpC2es4NU-DfV7CdEG
For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Mar 15, 2026
Sunday Mar 15, 2026
Air Date: March 15th, 2026
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays from 11am.
A high‑stakes housing summit with Scotland’s Housing Minister and industry leaders. The conversation quickly widens into a fast‑moving tour of Scotland’s most pressing business and economic challenges — and a few positive surprises.
The Union Street Fire Fallout
A deep dive into the devastating blaze at Glasgow Central Station’s doorstep — what caused it, how unregulated vape shops factor in, and the massive long‑term consequences for businesses, infrastructure, and the city’s heritage.
Scotland’s Housing Emergency: Solutions or Stalemate?
Fresh from a roundtable with major housebuilders, Willie and Tom unpack:
Scotland’s looming housebuilding shortfall
The impact of 472 mortgage products vanishing from the market this week alone
Why Build‑to‑Rent could become the lifeline for the sector
The newly passed rent bill — and why every party except the Greens backed it
Geopolitics & the Economy: Turbulence Ahead
The escalating Iran conflict and its shockwaves:
Oil spiking over $100 a barrel
Lenders slashing credit limits
Mortgage rates rising despite falling inflation
Whether someone, somewhere, knows something the public doesn’t
Energy Security & National Priorities
From fracking to renewables to nationalisation, the duo debate:
America’s energy independence vs. UK vulnerability
The fragility of the North Sea transition
Why energy, water and utilities may need to be part of national security
The Curious Case of Prestwick vs. the Ferries
A tale of two state interventions:
Prestwick Airport’s surprising turnaround
Ferguson Marine’s ferry fiasco — six years late, over budget, and needing new propellers after less than a year
Business Wins & Losses
The fall of Innis & Gunn
Lessons from failure and why entrepreneurs should talk about it
Good news: RBS’s commitment to support 5,000 entrepreneurs and boost Scottish Edge funding
Join the Conversation
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Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBoA8NYTpHtff-aHpC2es4NU-DfV7CdEG
For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Mar 08, 2026
Sunday Mar 08, 2026
Air Date: March 8th, 2026
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays from 11am.
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Willie and Tom tackle a week dominated by global upheaval, economic uncertainty, political drama, and major business shake‑ups!
From the escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz and its seismic impact on global energy prices, to the UK’s first fiscal statement under Rachel Reeves, the duo dissect what all of this means for growth, jobs, and the future of Scotland’s economy.
The conversation heats up with:
Energy Chaos & the North Sea Debate: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatens 20 million barrels of daily oil trade, exposing the UK’s vulnerability. Willie and Tom question why the UK is shutting down North Sea jobs while still importing the same oil elsewhere.
Economic Fallout: A 10% rise in oil prices could spike inflation significantly — and the new fiscal statement may already be outdated. Is UK economic planning now meaningless?
Housing Crisis Reality Check: Ahead of a major housing summit, Willie and Tom call for real solutions — not moans — to unlock growth and address Scotland’s deepening housing emergency.
AI Shockwaves: Jack Dorsey’s company shedding 4,000 jobs and Amazon cutting tens of thousands more prompts urgent discussion about AI’s looming global impact on employment.
Scottish Business News: BrewDog job losses, senior leadership changes at Maven Capital and Robertson Group, and the collapse of long‑standing retailer Pagazzi signal a turbulent landscape for Scottish enterprise.
NHS Rant of the Week: Willie unloads about triage systems, GP access, and why rising NI contributions don’t match lived reality.
The Rise of the Greens: A frank — and fiery — challenge to the Scottish Green Party: where is the plan for growth?
Join the Conversation
What did you think of this episode? Email: GoBusiness@thisisgo.co.uk
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Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBoA8NYTpHtff-aHpC2es4NU-DfV7CdEG
For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Mar 01, 2026
Sunday Mar 01, 2026
Air Date: March 1st, 2026
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays from 11am.
PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
In this week’s episode, Hunter & Haughey tackle some of Scotland’s most pressing economic issues — from soaring business rates to the future of energy, employment, and growth. With trademark honesty and humour, they cut through political noise to ask the big questions: Where is Scotland headed… and who’s brave enough to tell the truth?
Big Economic Decisions & Political Realities
North Sea windfall tax may be reduced — potentially boosting investment and protecting jobs.
Scotland’s energy bills set to drop 7%, but confusion around energy caps remains.
UK’s sky‑high energy costs are pushing investors away — and damaging competitiveness.
Scotland’s Fiscal Cliff
Independent bodies warn of a looming £5 billion gap between revenue and spending.
Shock revelation: 1 million Scots are projected to claim disability benefits in coming years — raising sustainability concerns.
Political parties accused of avoiding honest conversations with voters.
Quangos, Agencies & Accountability
Scotland currently has 133 quangos costing £6.6 billion to run.
Debate over merging major bodies like Scottish Enterprise, SNIB, and others into one agency.
Tom calls for leadership that’s agile, honest, and focused on economic growth.
Business Rates Uproar
Hospitality and other sectors escalating protests with nationwide billboard campaigns.
Some business owners prepared to refuse payment altogether.
Call for the Scottish Government to freeze or pause the rate system for 12 months.
Young People & the NEET Crisis
Alarming increase in 16–24‑year‑olds not in education, employment, or training.
Concerns that early disengagement leads to lifelong unemployment.
Ideas from abroad: tiered youth wages (like in the Netherlands) to get young people into work.
Practical suggestion: large‑scale youth skills programmes, including infrastructure repair.
Growth, Entrepreneurs & the Ecosystem
The Scottish Ecosystem Support Fund returns to fuel early‑stage projects.
Praise for Kate Forbes and concerns about losing one of the few “growth‑literate” leaders.
Call for a national plan focused on entrepreneurship, scale‑ups and innovation.
Election Season Ahead
Willie plans to invite economic spokespeople from all major parties for honest debate.
Special shout‑out to the hospitality sponsors — and regret that Sir Alex Ferguson won’t be joining this particular episode (but will appear on the Go Radio Football Show).
Join the Conversation
What did you think of this episode? Email: GoBusiness@thisisgo.co.uk
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Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBoA8NYTpHtff-aHpC2es4NU-DfV7CdEG
For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Feb 22, 2026
Sunday Feb 22, 2026
Air Date: February 22nd, 2026
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays from 11am.
PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
Hunter and Haughey spotlight the sharp rise in NEET levels, with Willie warning that “for young males… it’s up 40%” since COVID. They argue that rising taxes, regulation, and the rapid advance of AI are discouraging employers from hiring and reshaping the job market.
The episode then races through major Scottish business stories: public‑sector cuts looming as councils edge toward bankruptcy, BrewDog’s uncertain future after its founders’ departure, record Scottish salmon exports, the urgent need for SME‑level AI adoption, Scotland losing access to billions in EU innovation funding, and Edinburgh Airport boss Gordon Dewar stepping down after 14 transformative years.
Youth Unemployment Crisis
Nearly 1 million 16–24‑year‑olds unemployed in the UK.
NEET numbers since COVID: +7% for young women & +40% for young men
Tom warns: “If they don’t catch the habit of employment now, maybe they never will.”
AI’s Disruption of the Labour Market
Graduate roles already being replaced by AI.
Only one‑third of Scottish businesses have an AI plan.
Willie calls for SME‑level AI education: night classes, practical training, “Janet and John level” guidance.
Public Sector Pressures & Council Finances
Glasgow facing a £56m homelessness‑related deficit.
Potential 5% council tax rise.
Willie warns civil servants: cuts are coming unless growth returns.
BrewDog’s Future Uncertain
Founders James Watt & Martin Dickie both gone.
Private equity ownership + declining beer consumption = instability.
Tom: “Let’s see if there’s room for BrewDog 2.0.”
Scottish Salmon Hits Record Export Year
$828m in exports — UK’s top food export.
France and the US remain the biggest markets.
Scotland Missing Out on EU Innovation Funding
Loss of access to $15.2bn in potential support post‑Brexit.
Willie: “Get us back into that trading bloc.”
Edinburgh Airport Leadership Change
Gordon Dewar steps down after 85% passenger growth in 14 years.
AI in Recruitment
London law firm uses AI chatbots for first‑round interviews.
Housing Emergency Roundtable
Tom’s upcoming session with ministers Ivan McKee and (potentially) Màiri McAllan
Focus: unlocking large sites (500+ homes) and practical solutions.
Join the Conversation
What did you think of this episode? Email: GoBusiness@thisisgo.co.uk
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Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBoA8NYTpHtff-aHpC2es4NU-DfV7CdEG
For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Feb 15, 2026
Sunday Feb 15, 2026
Air Date: February 15th, 2026
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays from 11am.
PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
Hunter & Haughey tackle rates, growth, political drama, investment failures, success stories, and Scotland’s housing crisis — with trademark humour, candour, and big‑picture thinking.
The Real Story Behind Rates Uproar
Willie and Tom unpack the comedy segment from last week, explain why YouTube viewers got the full experience, and reveal how the rates assessor himself reached out.
Stagnant UK Growth & Why It Matters
With GDP crawling at 0.1%, the hosts argue that Scotland must shift from a tax‑first mindset to a growth‑first economy.
The Anas Sarwar Political Shockwave
Anas’ dramatic move sparks what Willie calls “the best Machiavellian plot Labour ever hatched.” A must-hear breakdown.
SNIB: Big Losses, Bigger Lessons
Two major investments collapse — but Tom explains why failure is part of the game and where successes should be celebrated.
Prestwick Airport: A Government Intervention Success Story
Cargo booms, engineering jobs surge, and even the Canadian Air Force sets up shop.
Shoplifting Crisis Out of Control
Up 129% — Willie predicts a return to counter‑service shops within a decade unless government action shifts.
A Tribute to Andrew Marshall
Both hosts pay respects to the beloved businessman, philanthropist, and past show guest.
Jim Ratcliffe’s Controversial Comments
Tom and Willie dissect Radcliffe’s remarks, tax history, and the Old Trafford funding implications.
Housing Emergency: A Breakthrough Meeting
Tom reveals an exclusive roundtable with government and top housebuilders — aiming to finally unblock Scotland’s housing pipeline.
A Story That Shows How Bad Housing Has Become
Willie shares a powerful first‑hand account from a mould‑riddled home that brings Scotland’s housing crisis into sharp focus.
Join the Conversation
What did you think of this episode? Email: GoBusiness@thisisgo.co.uk
Follow us @thisisgoradio on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tik Tok
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBoA8NYTpHtff-aHpC2es4NU-DfV7CdEG
For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Feb 08, 2026
Sunday Feb 08, 2026
Air Date: February 8th, 2026
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays from 11am.
PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
Willie and Tom dive head‑first into the biggest crisis currently gripping Scottish business: the looming commercial rates revaluation — and the sheer silence from the assessor behind it.
With frustration pouring in from hospitality, retail, and every corner of Scotland’s business community, the duo deliver their clearest message yet: halt the revaluation now or risk thousands of jobs.
Alongside the main debate, Hunter and Haughey unpack:
Northern Ireland vs Scotland: How NI halted their rates revaluation — and why Scotland should follow immediately to prevent economic fallout.
Hospitality Under Siege: Real stories from operators facing unbearable costs, contrasted with positive accounts from well‑capitalised groups like DRG and BuzzWorks.
A Direct Plea to Government: Willie offers to personally bring hospitality leaders to Edinburgh to show the damage being done if action isn’t taken now.
Taxing Wealth Creators: A frank discussion on tax, migration of high‑net‑worth individuals, and why over‑taxing Scotland’s biggest contributors risks long‑term harm.
Walmart Hits a $1T Valuation: Willie and Tom spotlight Doug McMillon’s people‑first leadership as Walmart becomes the first traditional retailer to hit a trillion‑dollar valuation.
Clean Energy & Infrastructure: The UK’s largest offshore wind procurement to date, SSE’s massive investment, and the knock‑on impact for housing and energy strategy.
Jeff Bezos & The Washington Post Cuts: The eyebrow‑raising contrast between major media layoffs and huge creative project spending.
Join the Conversation
What did you think of this episode? Email: GoBusiness@thisisgo.co.uk
Follow us @thisisgoradio on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tik Tok
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBoA8NYTpHtff-aHpC2es4NU-DfV7CdEG
For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Feb 01, 2026
Sunday Feb 01, 2026
Air Date: February 1st, 2026
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays from 11am.
Don’t miss it – PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
Sir Tom Hunter and Lord Willie Haughey dive straight into the pressing challenges facing Scotland’s business community—from soaring rates and inflation to job losses and policy gridlock.
The conversation is fast, fiery, and full of real‑world examples that shine a light on the growing frustrations across the entrepreneurial landscape.
But it’s not all doom and gloom—there are sparks of optimism too, with investment wins and innovative growth projects making their way into the spotlight.
Episode Highlights
Rates, Taxation & Real‑World Impact
Tom and Willie blast the “archaic” non‑domestic rates system, calling it unfit for purpose and a direct cause of job losses.
A heartbreaking example of a small business forced to lay off two staff—including an apprentice—shows the human cost of policy misalignment.
Scotland’s Economic Mood: The Gloomiest in 30 Years
New surveys reveal a sharp decline in business optimism—the worst in three decades.
A surge in unemployment and stalled growth leaves the hosts urging government and civil servants to wake up and act.
Housing Emergency… with a 5‑Year Wait?
The hosts dissect Scotland’s response to the housing crisis, baffled at why action announced in 2024 won’t take effect until 2029.
Investment & Good News Amid the Turbulence
Scottish Capital’s £25M investment into flexible “lock‑up” business spaces gets a big thumbs‑up as a boost for SMEs.
Edinburgh‑based Epidarex Capital raises $145M for life‑science ventures, proving Scotland still has strong innovation pull.
Big Geopolitics: China, the US & the UK’s Place in the Middle
A detour into global politics and economic partnerships, from security‑flagged Chinese investments to the potential of renewed European cooperation.
Nuclear Talent—But Not at Home
Scotland’s anti‑nuclear stance is questioned as Scottish engineers head south to work on multi‑billion‑pound projects like Hinkley Point.
AI, Job Losses & the Future Workforce
Morgan Stanley research reveals an 8% net job loss from AI in the UK—but also an 11% productivity boost for adopters.
Ending on a Positive Note
With the Commonwealth Games promising £150M in economic opportunity, the hosts look to “Positive Patrick” from the Chamber of Commerce for a brighter horizon.
Join the Conversation
What did you think of this episode? Email: GoBusiness@thisisgo.co.uk
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Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBoA8NYTpHtff-aHpC2es4NU-DfV7CdEG
For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Jan 25, 2026
Sunday Jan 25, 2026
Air Date: January 25th, 2026
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays from 11am.
Don’t miss it – PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
In this episode of The Go Radio Business Show, Sir Tom Hunter and Lord Willie Haughey confront the uncomfortable economic realities facing Scotland.
At the heart of the episode is the launch of the Entrepreneurs’ Manifesto, a direct challenge to politicians of all parties to stop paying lip service to business and start listening to the people who actually create jobs, grow companies, and generate tax revenues. Drawing on insights from thousands of entrepreneurs, the manifesto sets out practical, common‑sense solutions on housing, energy, taxation, and economic growth.
The episode also scans the global horizon—from Donald Trump, tariffs, and geopolitical risk, to Brexit’s economic fallout and whether the UK should seize a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to reset relations with Europe.
This is a candid, solutions‑focused conversation about putting country before party—and what happens if we don’t.
Key Episode Highlights
The Entrepreneurs’ Manifesto unveiled
A blueprint built by entrepreneurs, for policymakers—focused on growth, jobs, and long‑term prosperity.
Business rates backlash
Why revaluations are hammering hospitality and retail—and putting thousands of jobs at risk.
Housing crisis: solvable, but stalled
A practical proposal to cut costs, build more homes, and reduce energy bills—now, not in a decade.
Clean energy vs common sense
If Scotland is heading for 100% clean energy anyway, why burden new homes with unnecessary costs?
Trump, tariffs & global uncertainty
Why businesses are struggling to assess risk—and what the UK and Europe should do next.
Good news for Scottish tech & leadership
Fast‑growing companies, new leadership initiatives, and reasons for cautious optimism.
Join the Conversation
What did you think of this episode? Email: GoBusiness@thisisgo.co.uk
Follow us @thisisgoradio on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tik Tok
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBoA8NYTpHtff-aHpC2es4NU-DfV7CdEG
For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Jan 18, 2026
Sunday Jan 18, 2026
Air Date: January 18th, 2026
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays from 11am.
Don’t miss it – PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
The GO Radio Business Show returns for 2026 with Sir Tom Hunter and Lord Willie Haughey diving straight into Scotland’s biggest economic and political talking points.
From budget fallout and business rates fury to global financial instability and major wins for Scotland’s renewable future—this episode is packed with sharp insights, bold opinions, and candid commentary from two of Scotland’s most influential business leaders.
Tom and Willie unpack the pressures facing entrepreneurs, the consequences of government policy on jobs and investment, and the urgent need for enterprise‑led solutions to Scotland’s looming economic challenges.
Key Episode Highlights
The Scottish Budget Backlash
Tom and Willie pull no punches discussing:
The private jet levy—“a brilliant political move that raises next to nothing.”
The mansion tax—fairness vs. rhetoric.
The urgent need to grow the tax take, not just tax rates.
Scotland’s Housing Emergency & Enterprise Barriers
Willie warns of plunging homebuilding rates and mounting disincentives for development. A £3.5k cladding tax sparks particular outrage.
The Business Rates Crisis
One of the episode’s biggest flashpoints:
Businesses facing massive rate hikes with no apparent logic.
Jobs, investments, and entire sites now at risk.
An urgent call for government to pause, review, and modernise the system—fast.
Entrepreneur Manifesto Incoming
Tom teases next week’s “Entrepreneurs' Manifesto,” built from input across Scotland’s business community, designed to help any political party supercharge growth.
Trump, Jerome Powell & Global Market Shockwaves
The hosts react to Donald Trump’s unprecedented attack on the Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve—an event with potential worldwide financial consequences.
Scottish Enterprise, SNIB & Leadership News
Praise for new board appointments at Scottish Enterprise, Jim McDonald’s leadership, and David Ritchie’s appointment to SNIB—seen as key players in reviving economic momentum.
Remembering Douglas Anderson
A heartfelt tribute to the co‑owner of GAP Group—one of Scotland’s greatest entrepreneurial success stories.
Renewable Energy Triumphs
£130m investment in a liquid‑air energy storage facility at Hunterston.
The world’s largest offshore wind farm approved in Scotland, supporting 9,000 jobs.
Closing Rallying Cry
“Let’s put the doom and gloom behind us and get the country booming again.”
Join the Conversation
What did you think of this episode? Email: GoBusiness@thisisgo.co.uk
Follow us @thisisgoradio on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tik Tok
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBoA8NYTpHtff-aHpC2es4NU-DfV7CdEG
For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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