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

What the Election Means for Scotland’s Economy

Air Date: March 10th, 2026

Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter

In this episode of The Go Radio Business Show, hosts Sir Tom Hunter and Lord Willie Haughey unpack the reality of Scotland’s election results—through a strictly business lens.

Cutting through party politics, the duo asks the big questions: How is Scotland performing as a business? Where are the gaps—and what needs to change now?

From a £4.7bn deficit and stalled economic growth to business rates chaos, housing bottlenecks, and the independence debate, this is a straight-talking conversation about accountability, leadership, and hard choices.

Expect bold opinions, real-world analogies, and a practical wishlist for the new First Minister’s first 100 days—including immediate wins that could restore confidence among businesses and communities alike.

It’s passionate, provocative, and grounded in one shared goal: helping Scotland flourish.

Episode Highlights

• The election fallout explained from a business performance perspective
• Why Scotland’s economy is “flat-lining”—and what that means for jobs and growth
• The reality behind “free” policies, tax burdens, and a growing deficit
• Housing, planning delays, and why faster decisions matter
• Business rates, pub closures, and saving Scotland’s hospitality sector
• Independence: what a credible economic plan must include
• A clear, actionable 100‑day priority list for government

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 

For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...

Tackling Scotland's Business Rates Crisis

Air Date: March 3rd, 2026

Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter

Scotland’s business community is sounding the alarm—and this episode puts the crisis front and centre.

Lord Haughey and Sir Tom are joined by some of the country’s most influential business leaders to confront what many are calling a broken, unfair and unaccountable business rates system.

From eye‑watering 400–500% rate hikes, to stories of bank accounts frozen, investments punished, and jobs put at risk, this is a raw, no‑nonsense conversation about how Scotland’s current approach to non‑domestic rates is choking growth, killing confidence, and threatening the future of high streets and hospitality.

The panel pulls no punches, laying out shocking real‑world examples, exposing a democratic deficit in the assessor system, and offering clear, practical solutions—including freezes, reform, and radical alternatives.

If you care about jobs, investment, or the future of Scottish business, this is an episode you can’t ignore.

Episode Highlights

• Eye‑watering rate hikes exposed – real examples of 400–500% increases in business rates, threatening otherwise successful businesses.
• Investment punished, not rewarded – owners who invested millions in properties hit with massive uplifts immediately after refurbishment.
• Jobs on the line – hundreds of roles at risk as hospitality, retail, and leisure operators warn closures are inevitable if nothing changes.
• Bank accounts frozen – shocking account of a council attempting to withdraw £134,000 directly from a business bank account.
• A system with no accountability – assessors described as answerable only to the judiciary, not government or elected officials.
• 14 assessors, 14 different rules – glaring inconsistencies across Scotland with identical properties treated vastly differently.
• The ‘800 bills’ bombshell – one business told it could face 800 separate rates bills for four sites under current interpretations.
• Northern Ireland comparison – why Scotland hasn’t followed NI’s decision to freeze rates while reform is reviewed.
• Hospitality hit hardest – licensed venues paying disproportionate rates compared to neighbouring businesses on the same streets.
• Panel solutions laid out – proposals include a Chief Assessor, capped increases, immediate freezes, and even replacing rates with a tax on profits.
• Political responses tested live – party positions revealed, challenged, and compared against real-world business impact.
• A warning shot – business leaders describe this as an “extinction-level event” for Scottish enterprise if action isn’t taken now.

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 

For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...

Optimism Meets Reality: Can Scotland Actually Grow?

Air Date: April 25th, 2026

Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter

This week on The Go Radio Business Show, Hunter and Haughey cut through the noise to tackle the big issues shaping Scotland’s business future.

From surprise drops in unemployment and stubborn inflation pressures, to bold bets on AI, renewables and tech spin‑outs, the lads ask one core question: how does Scotland turn cautious optimism into real economic growth?

If you care about jobs, investment, innovation—or just want straight‑talk business insight without the spin—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Key Episode Highlights

• Unemployment falls unexpectedly – good news, but is it sustainable?
• Inflation ticks back up – what it means for interest rates and businesses
• AI reality check – efficiency gains vs job losses
• Big bets on Scotland’s future – AI data centres, renewables & university spin‑outs
• Apple’s $4 trillion lesson – what Tim Cook teaches every business owner
• Housing crisis insight – why leadership and delivery actually matter
• Business rates scandal – real cases, real anger, and a system “not fit for purpose”
• Pre‑election warning – who really has business’s back?

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 

For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...

Freebies, Deficits & Denial: Scotland’s Economic Reality Check

Air Date: April 19th, 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.

This week on The Go Radio Business Show, Willie and Tom pull no punches as they tackle the hard truths politicians keep dodging. From Scotland’s growing deficit and the illusion of “freebies”, to the housing crisis, punishing business rates, and the real cost of economic short-termism, this episode asks one urgent question: who’s actually listening to business?

The conversation spans election debates, financial literacy in politics, interest rates, energy policy failures, and why Norway keeps winning while Scotland stumbles.

Unfiltered, outspoken, and grounded in real-world experience, this episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about economic growth, jobs, and the future of Scottish business.

Key Episode Highlights

• Why Scotland’s £4.7bn deficit is being ignored — and why that’s dangerous
• The political obsession with “free” policies and who ultimately pays
• Housing crisis reality check: why building more homes is the only solution
• Shock stories from the frontline of business rates crippling SMEs
• Interest rates, energy shocks, and IMF warnings on UK growth
• Lessons Scotland refuses to learn from Norway’s energy model
• A blistering critique of lazy policy, hollow promises, and economic denial

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/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...

War, Oil & Scotland’s Future: What Businesses Must Prepare For

Air Date: April 12th, 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.

In this week’s Go Radio Business Show, Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter dive straight into one of the most turbulent global landscapes in years — unpacking how geopolitical shockwaves, oil disruption, and shifting world alliances are reshaping the economic outlook for Scottish businesses.

From the impact of the U.S.–Iran conflict on supply chains and inflation, to the changing role of the U.S. as a global partner, the hosts explore what it all means for interest rates, energy security, and the future of Scotland’s economy.

Key Highlights

• How global conflict is driving inflation, supply‑chain turmoil, and energy insecurity
• Why the U.S. may no longer be the partner it once was — and what it means for Scotland
• The case for renewed North Sea exploration and energy independence
• The challenges facing food & drink investment despite massive sector value
• Glasgow’s development opportunities and what’s holding projects back
• SpaceX, moon missions, and why Elon Musk is still impossible to ignore

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/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...

Scottish Businesses Are at Breaking Point — Here’s Why

Air Date: March 29th, 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.

Scotland’s business landscape takes centre stage as Willie and Tom dive into the escalating crisis around commercial rates, the energy shock triggered by global instability, and the mounting pressure on government accountability.

The episode moves from heavy geopolitical and economic realities into a powerful health initiative, before closing with upbeat Scottish business wins and a fiery debate on late payments.

Episode Highlights

Rates Revaluation Meltdown

• Willie reveals a letter from assessors claiming they are “not accountable to anyone”

• Businesses facing crippling increases — Radisson’s rates jump from £500k to £1.3m.

• Call for government to stop hiding behind assessors and take responsibility.

Global Energy Shock & ‘Drill Baby Drill’

• Discussion on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and looming blackouts.

• Industry leaders Chris O’Shea and Greg Jackson back North Sea production.

• Tom argues for energy security over ideology.

Inflation, Interest Rates & Economic Turbulence

• Inflation expected to rise above 4%.

• Willie predicts two rate hikes; Tom pushes back, citing Andy Haldane’s call to hold firm.

Geopolitical Tension & Business Fallout

• Middle East instability threatens global supply chains.

• Willie warns: “Never been anything like this”

• Discussion on desalination plants and catastrophic regional risk.

Prostate Cancer Screening Campaign

• Launch of a free test for 25,000 Scottish men.

• “Early detection saves lives” — Tom and Chris Evans push for NHS adoption.

• Early results already catching cases.

Scottish Business Wins

• £20m boost for Dundee’s creative sector.

• House of Bruar turnover up 17%, US e‑commerce doubled.

• AI strategy for Scotland — potential £23bn GDP uplift (with a side of Willie’s cynicism).

Late Payments Crackdown

• UK reforms promise fines in the tens of millions.

• Willie calls it “NONSENSE” and says he’s “heard it all before.”

• Push for 30‑day terms with a 15‑day buffer.

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/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...

Lord Haughey Predicts Blackouts as Sir Tom Calls to ‘Drill Baby Drill’

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.

A fast‑moving, high‑stakes week in business, energy, and Scottish industry — with Willie & Tom bouncing between global turmoil, local crises, and rare bursts of good news.

 

Key Talking Points:

 

Energy Shock & Global Instability : The hosts unpack the escalating Middle East conflict and its economic fallout, including soaring gas prices and fears of “blackouts” if major energy infrastructure is hit .

Tom argues for a renewed North Sea strategy — “Drill Baby Drill” — to restore UK energy security.

 

Inflation, Interest Rates & Employment: With inflation forecasts rising and interest‑rate cuts now unlikely, the pair warn of pressure on businesses and households. Scotland’s youth unemployment remains a major concern.

 

Union Street Fire Fallout: The devastating Glasgow fire triggers a deep dive into building ownership, regulation gaps (especially around vape shops), and the long road to recovery for surrounding businesses.

 

Big Wins for Scotland

 

Ryanair expands Prestwick into its largest global maintenance hub, adding 450 jobs and 60 apprenticeships.

 

Centre Parcs investment in the Borders promises hundreds more roles.

 

A £20m Aberdeen energy‑transition partnership aims to unlock £65m in new capital.

 

Apprenticeships & Skills: Strong calls for scrapping the apprenticeship levy and supercharging construction‑sector training.

 

Green Homes & Innovation: George Clarke teams with Scottish Power to champion energy‑efficient homes — with Willie hinting at involvement.

 

AI’s Disruption: From SaaS market jitters to Willie’s first encounter with an AI phone agent, the hosts debate how tech is reshaping work and investment.

 

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/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...

Mortgage Meltdowns, Market Mayhem & the Battle for Scotland’s Future

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 

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/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...

Oil Blocked, Jobs Cut, Costs Up!

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.

PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!

 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 

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/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...

Scotland’s £5 Billion Warning: Hunter & Haughey Sound the Alarm

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 

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/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...