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
Sunday Nov 02, 2025
Sunday Nov 02, 2025
Air Date: November 2nd, 2025
Special Guest: Ross McNairn, founder of Wordsmith AI.
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays between 11am-12pm with WYRE (www.trywyre.com)
Don’t miss it – PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
Economic Watchpoints: Inflation, unemployment, and interest rates take centre stage as the hosts unpack predictions from Goldman Sachs and the Bank of England’s next move.
Petrofac’s Plunge: A candid discussion on the energy giant’s troubles, mismanagement, and the ripple effects on jobs in the North Sea.
AI’s Double-Edged Sword: From Nvidia’s meteoric rise to Amazon layoffs, the hosts explore how AI is transforming industries—and threatening jobs.
Planning Gridlock: Scotland’s housing crisis and planning delays spark debate on leadership, bureaucracy, and the need for reform.
Energy Anxiety: Willie shares firsthand accounts of energy poverty and discusses Ofgem’s messaging around debt relief.
Entrepreneur Spotlight:
Ross McNairn, founder of Wordsmith AI, shares his inspiring journey from lawyer to tech innovator, raising $30M and powering legal teams across Europe.
Sales Geek Scotland: Davie Sneddon joins the “Board You Can’t Afford” to discuss scaling a franchise, recruiting the right talent, and building a national sales support network.
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 Oct 26, 2025
Sunday Oct 26, 2025
Air Date: October 26th, 2025
Special Guest: Nishant Sharma, Founder and CEO of Rutland Square Spirits.
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays between 11am-12pm with WYRE (www.trywyre.com)
Don’t miss it – PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
Major Investment News:
Glasgow-based Chemify secures £50M in Series B funding to revolutionise chemical design with “3D printing for molecules.”
The £166M Waste Scandal
Biffa sues Scottish Government over failed recycling scheme.
Hosts call out accountability and taxpayer impact.
Policy & Economy Watch:
Rachel Reeves’ bold plans to tackle housing shortages, cut red tape for SMEs, and unlock billions from pension funds to boost UK growth.
Why inflation holding at 3.8% could save the UK £3B in interest payments—and what that means for your business.
Skills Crisis Spotlight:
240,000 tradespeople needed by 2030—plus why Scotland is importing welders from the Philippines and what needs to change.
Prestwick Airport Success:
From criticism to praise: how Prestwick became a leading UK cargo hub and created 150 new jobs.
Special Guest: Meet Nishant Sharma, founder of Rutland Square Spirits, whose story spans continents—from £500 in his pocket to building a £30M gin and whisky brand with global ambitions.
Nish shares:
How resilience and pivoting turned rejection into opportunity.
Why purpose matters more than profit.
His advice for anyone facing setbacks: “Bet on yourself.”
Board You Can’t Afford: Euan Cameron of Cohesion Medical on the future of health data, the challenges of scaling in Scotland, and whether to stay or go when investors call.
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...
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Sunday Oct 19, 2025
Air Date: October 19th, 2025
Special Guest: John McIlvogue, MD of Morton’s Rolls
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays between 11am-12pm with WYRE (www.trywyre.com)
Don’t miss it – PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
Economic Reality Check: Willie and Tom break down the latest GDP, inflation, and unemployment figures, and what they mean for UK businesses.
Cost of Living Crisis: Why it’s still the number one issue politicians need to tackle - and how energy costs and policy decisions play a huge role.
Energy & Renewables: From North Sea oil taxes to Scotland landing a major wind turbine factory deal, we explore the future of energy and jobs.
Global Business Moves: Chinese investment controversies, semiconductor security, and the jaw-dropping profitability of Temu in Europe.
Industry Shake-Ups: Car finance scandals, AI bubble warnings, and Lloyds setting aside £2 billion - what’s next for automotive and tech?
Special Guest Spotlight: John McIlvogue, MD of Morton’s Rolls, shares his remarkable journey from a council estate in Greenock to building businesses in flooring, whisky and bakeries! His story is full of resilience, risk-taking, and bold moves.
Future Ventures: Muscle cars and plant-based food - why John believes these are the next big opportunities.
One Golden Tip for Entrepreneurs - John’s advice for anyone facing tough times in business: “The worst that can happen? You go skint. Then do it 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/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Sunday Oct 12, 2025
Air Date: October 12th, 2025
Special Guests: Donnie MacLean: The founder of Eat Balanced and Pawel Zakrzewski: Founder of Edinburgh Combat Project.
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter.
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays between 11am-12pm with WYRE (www.trywyre.com)
Don’t miss it – PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
In this dynamic episode, Sir Tom Hunter and Lord Willie Haughey dive into the hottest topics shaping Scotland’s business landscape:
RBS’s Game-Changing Finance Move: Intellectual property becomes collateral as RBS opens new funding avenues for tech, gaming, and life sciences.
Scottish Budget Preview: Tom unveils his “Build Baby Build” manifesto, calling for AI-driven planning reform and urgent investment in trades to tackle Scotland’s housing crisis.
Tax Talk That Broke the Internet: The duo revisit their viral debate on taxation, fairness, and the risk of driving wealth creators away.
EV Innovation & Energy Milestones: Scotland’s only off-road EV startup secures £2M in funding, while clean energy overtakes coal globally.
Special Guest: Donnie MacLean: The founder of Eat Balanced
Donnie shares his rollercoaster journey from supermarket setbacks to stealth health success, now serving millions of school meals and launching a new venture, Sell to Retire.
Board You Can't Afford:
Pawel Zakrzewski: Founder of Edinburgh Combat Project.
Combat with a Cause: Pawel blends martial arts with charity to support neurodivergent and underprivileged youth, with big dreams of scaling across the UK.
Packed with insights, inspiration, and real talk, this episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and anyone passionate about Scotland’s future.
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...
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Sunday Oct 05, 2025
Air Date: October 5th, 2025
Special Guests: Jamie Burns, MD Ailsa Reliability Solutions and
Paul Duffy, the newly appointed MD of Zudu.
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter.
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays between 11am-12pm with WYRE (www.trywyre.com)
Don’t miss it – PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call: A deep dive into the Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack and the growing threat landscape. Willie and Tom share personal experiences and stress the urgent need for businesses to invest in digital protection.
PPE Scandal Fallout: The hosts unpack the High Court ruling against PPE Medpro and discuss political accountability, fraud recovery, and the implications for public trust.
Scotland’s Defence & Energy Boost: Positive news as Scotland secures a share of a £250M UK defence innovation fund and opens a new Energy Transition Hub in Aberdeen, promising thousands of jobs.
Walkers Shortbread & Willow Tech: Celebrating Scottish success stories—from record revenues at Walkers to Willow’s AI-powered recruitment platform tackling fake CVs.
Guest Spotlight: Jamie Burns, MD of Ailsa Reliability Solutions
From delivering Chinese takeaways during COVID to leading a cutting-edge predictive maintenance tech firm, Jamie shares his gritty entrepreneurial journey, the power of data-driven insights, and his vision to scale to £100M turnover.
Board You Can't Afford: Paul Duffy, MD of Zudoo
A fresh face with a human-first approach to AI, Paul discusses scaling software delivery, building relationships, and keeping tech grounded in empathy.
Final Thought: The episode closes with a powerful discussion on staying “relentlessly human” in business—balancing strategy with compassion, and leading with integrity.
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...
Connect with the Guests:
Jamie Burns
Personal LinkedIn: (17) Jamie Burns | LinkedIn
Ailsa Reliability Solutions Ltd Company LinkedIn: (17) Ailsa Reliability Solutions Ltd.: Overview | LinkedIn
Ailsa ESG Solutions LinkedIn: (17) Ailsa ESG Solutions: Overview | LinkedIn
Company YouTube Page: Ailsa Reliability Solutions - YouTube
Paul Duffy:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul--duffy/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/zudu/
https://zudu.co.uk/team/paul-duffy/
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Air Date: September 28th, 2025
Special Guests: Ana Stewart, Chief Entrepreneur for the Scottish Government and Caroline Meikle of Pitman Training.
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter.
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays between 11am-12pm with WYRE (www.trywyre.com)
Don’t miss it – PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
AI Boom in Ayrshire: A £385M investment in Irvine promises to transform the region into a tech hub, but questions around energy infrastructure loom large.
Powering the Future: Lord Haughey and Sir Tom debate nuclear energy, North Sea oil, and the realistic timelines for clean energy transitions.
Housing Crisis Solutions: From rent caps to compulsory purchase reform, they explore what it’ll take to build more homes and attract investment.
Global Talent & Visas: Trump’s visa hike sparks a bold idea—Scotland should welcome top global talent with open arms and streamlined relocation support.
Entrepreneurship & Scale-Ups: Special guest Ana Stewart, Chief Entrepreneur for the Scottish Government, shares insights from the Female Founders Growth Summit and her mission to supercharge Scotland’s startup ecosystem.
Board You Can’t Afford: Caroline Meikle of Pitman Training joins to discuss vocational education, leadership, and the courage needed in modern business and politics.
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...
Sunday Sep 21, 2025
Sunday Sep 21, 2025
Air Date: September 21st, 2025
Special Guests: Jamie Hunter, COO of Aveni & John McCaig, Nexenergy.
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter.
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays between 11am-12pm with WYRE (www.trywyre.com)
Don’t miss it – PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
This episode dives into hydrogen innovation, AI in financial services, major investments in Scotland, and scaling up in the renewable energy sector. Plus, a special guest shares startup insights and funding tips.
[00:02:20]
Trump’s UK Visit & Investment Buzz
Discussion on Trump’s state visit, business announcements, and AI investments including Microsoft, Nvidia, and CoreWeave’s £1.5B data centre in Lanarkshire.
[00:07:46]
Renewables Milestone
UK grid runs entirely on renewables for one hour—first time ever.
[00:09:09]
Economic Concerns
Inflation steady at 3.8%, but UK borrowing hits £83.8B. Lord Wolfson warns of anaemic growth.
[00:13:33]
Tax Breakdown
Willie shares eye-opening stats on who pays what in UK taxes.
[00:15:31]
Hospitality Industry Struggles
Tennent's and C&C Group confirm sector-wide challenges.
[00:15:56]
Scottish Government Praise
Support for Alexander Dennis bus maker and housing sector reforms.
[00:21:41]
Kiltwalk Success
£8M raised for 1,800 charities in 2025; £58M over 10 years.
[00:22:26] – [00:44:02]
Special Guest: Jamie Hunter, COO of Aveni.
Startup Journey: From accountant to AI entrepreneur.
Funding Wins: Scottish Edge, angel syndicates, and £20M raised.
Scaling Tips: Investor readiness, storytelling, & professionalising pitch decks.
AI in Finance: Augmenting advisors, not replacing them.
Future Plans: Expansion into EU and US markets.
Board You Can’t Afford: John McCaig, Nexenergy
[00:44:55] – [00:55:06]
Scaling Solar & Battery Storage: Insights from Ayrshire’s renewable sector.
The Go Radio Business Show, on air every Sunday from 11am-12pm across Scotland on DAB, Online, Smart Speaker <launch Go Radio> and on the Go Radio App.
The Go Radio Business Show in Association with WYRE, for affordable and comprehensive EV leasing solutions through their Salary Boost scheme. www.trywyre.com
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 Guests:
Jamie Hunter, COO of Aveni.
Website - https://aveni.ai/
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/aveni-ai/
Personal Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-hunter-a1284b93/
John McCaig, Nexenergy
Website: www.nex-energy.co.uk
Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nex-energy-ltd/
Personal Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-m-169362120/
Sunday Sep 14, 2025
Sunday Sep 14, 2025
Air Date: September 14th, 2025
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter.
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays between 11am-12pm with WYRE (www.trywyre.com)
Don’t miss it – PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
[00:02:06]
Employment Rights Bill Debate
Lord Stuart Rose warns of a looming crisis. Willie critiques Labour’s plan to give full employment rights from day one, arguing it could hurt small businesses and job creation.
[00:05:00]
Worker Rights vs Flexibility
Tom and Willie compare global employment laws—from Australia to Singapore to the US—and debate the balance between fairness and flexibility.
[00:07:22]
Sick Pay & Absenteeism
UK sick leave hits a 15-year high. Is it entitlement or necessity? The hosts explore the unintended consequences of generous policies.
[00:10:34]
Benefits vs Work Incentives
A real-life example of someone choosing benefits over employment sparks a discussion on how the system may disincentivise work.
[00:12:30]
Regulation & Unemployment
Willie warns that over-regulation could push unemployment above 5%. Tom calls for smarter policy that supports both workers and employers.
[00:13:02]
Elon Musk’s Trillion-Dollar Pay Plan
Tom and Willie debate Musk’s ambitious compensation package. Willie predicts Elon will leave Tesla within two years.
[00:16:27]
Chinese EVs Disrupting the Market
Arnold Clark reports Chinese EVs are high-quality and low-cost. Elon Musk faces serious competition.
[00:21:34]
Whisky Diplomacy
Scotland’s First Minister meets Trump to discuss US tariffs on Scotch. Willie calls it a “brilliant bit of politicking.”
[00:24:19]
Fidra’s £750M Battery Project
Edinburgh-based FIDRA secures massive funding to build the UK’s largest battery—powering 780,000 homes and contributing 11% of the UK’s 2030 energy goals.
[00:25:39]
Hydrogen Innovation
Clyde Hydrogen’s breakthrough could make green hydrogen more efficient and viable. Backed by Ecotricity’s Dale Vince.
[00:29:01]
Wood Group’s Collapse
Sold for £242M after once being valued at £1.6B. Tom and Willie blame poor acquisitions and bad management.
[00:31:05]
ScotRail’s Apprentice Intake
ScotRail, now government-run, celebrates its largest-ever apprentice intake. Willie praises the move as a win for vocational training.
[00:32:06] McGill’s £25M Depot Investment
McGill’s announces a new depot and 300 buses for Glasgow’s Tradeston—revitalising a neglected area.
[00:33:18]
France’s Political & Financial Crisis
France installs its fifth PM in three years. Willie warns of contagion and investor pullback across Europe.
[00:35:57] UK Investment Exodus
Jim Ratcliffe and Maersk pull major investments from the UK. Tom and Willie call for urgent reform to make the UK competitive again.
[00:40:12] Housing Crisis
Landlords are selling up, rental supply is at a record low. The Scottish government declared a crisis in May 2024—but has done little since.
[00:43:51]
Charity Spotlight: Movement Park
A Glasgow-based charity promoting urban sports and family fitness seeks anchor funding to expand into Dundee and Edinburgh by repurposing underused golf courses.
[00:48:27]
Board You Can’t Afford
Tom and Willie advise Movement Park on how to attract charitable donations and corporate support to scale their impact.
The Go Radio Business Show, on air every Sunday from 11am-12pm across Scotland on DAB, Online, Smart Speaker <launch Go Radio> and on the Go Radio App.
The Go Radio Business Show in Association with WYRE, for affordable and comprehensive EV leasing solutions through their Salary Boost scheme. www.trywyre.com
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...
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Sunday Sep 07, 2025
Air Date: September 7th, 2025
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter.
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays between 11am-12pm.
Don’t miss it – PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!
[00:01:05]
£10 Billion Shipbuilding Boost
Norway eyes Type 26 frigates—could this revive Clyde shipbuilding and spark local economic growth?
[00:05:33]
Farewell to Liz Cameron, CBE
Celebrating 21 years at the Scottish Chambers of Commerce. What’s next for this influential leader?
[00:06:46]
Budget Worries & Labour Party Tensions
Leaked budget plans stir concern—impact on NI, housing, and business confidence.
[00:10:16]
Brexit & COVID Fallout
A candid look at the long-term economic damage from Brexit and the lingering effects of the pandemic.
[00:12:08]
Unemployment Spike & Debt Crisis
Hospitality hit hard, unemployment up 167%, and UK debt could hit 200% of GDP by 2050.
[00:16:22]
Scotland’s Local Authority Debt
£21B in council debt—calls grow for shared services and structural reform.
[00:22:39]
Hydrogen Infrastructure Breakthrough
Scottish Gas Networks repurposes 18 miles of pipeline—small step, big potential for clean energy.
[00:25:20]
Housing Emergency & Ministerial Response
New housing minister Màiri McAllan faces rising costs, skills shortages, and investor hesitancy.
[00:29:05]
Build-to-Rent Sector Optimism
Policy shifts could unlock housing investment and support long-term recovery.
[00:30:47]
Angel Capital Scotland & EDGE Funding
New leadership and £3.6M in funding for Scottish EDGE—boosting early-stage businesses.
[00:34:59]
Glasgow Beats Edinburgh in Start-Ups
Glasgow sees an 8% rise in new businesses—entrepreneurial momentum builds.
[00:36:10]
Kiltwalk & Community Spirit
Sir Chris Hoy joins the Edinburgh Kiltwalk—raising funds and morale across Scotland.
[00:37:03]
SME Survey & Growth Concerns
80% of SMEs fear stagnation; Bank of England reports fastest job cuts in 4 years.
[00:40:08]
Gilts, Bonds & Budget Pressure
Government borrowing costs soar—Willie and Tom call for bold growth strategies.
[00:43:18]
“If You Ruled Scotland” Initiative
Hunter Foundation invites pupils to share their vision—£5K prize and leadership academy access.
[00:44:27]
Format Changes & Audience Engagement
New studio, new ideas—Willie and Tom want your input on future episodes!
The Go Radio Business Show, on air every Sunday from 11am-12pm across Scotland on DAB, Online, Smart Speaker <launch Go Radio> and on the Go Radio App.
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...
Sunday Jun 29, 2025
Sunday 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==
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