Trading Through Coronavirus - Business Podcast: Recent Episodes
Business West
Expert guidance and support for UK businesses, employers and employees dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Nigel Barker, experienced broadcast journalist and digital marketing adviser at Business West, speaks to UK businesses in various sectors about how they're coping in the current crisis and on what measures they've put in place to help keep them successfully trading through coronavirus.
We closely monitor developments as they continue to unfold, and aim to provide clarity on any new government coronavirus-related announcements and how they might impact on British businesses.
In this episode, Nigel chats to Steve Bluff, Manager of Broadmead BID, about the current problems facing the retail sector and how our high streets are adapting to change.
Nigel and Steve discuss:
- The general atmosphere amongst retailers during COVID-19 (0:35).
- Managing the period of crisis (1:45).
- Will COVID-19 redefine the shape of our high streets? (3:35).
- The desperation of many to get back to 'retail life' (5:49).
- What the retail sector recovery may look like (6:53).
- Advice for retailers struggling to cope with the impacts of coronavirus (10:03).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Ian Mean talks to Phil Smith, Managing Director of Business West, about the impending job losses as a result of coronavirus and how government can intervene.
Ian gets Phil's thoughts on:
- What the Government can do to help counter the looming mass unemployment problem (0:58).
- The role of training and apprenticeships (3:12).
- Not forgetting the big green revolution (5:08).
- How Boris and his team need to respond (6:39).
- Should we proceed with mass transit projects such as HS2? (7:47).
- Turning strategy into execution (9:10).
- The role of Business West in helping a new era of business start-ups (10:08).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel chats to Sado Jirde, Director of Black South West Network (BSWN), about how COVID-19 disproportionately affects black and ethnic minority communities and why now is the time for change.
Nigel and Sado discuss:
- The current health and economic crisis in black and ethnic minority communities (0:32).
- Confronting racial inequality to help enact real change (3:08).
- Why are we still seeing racial inequality in our societies? (5:29).
- Raising our voices to ensure we don't return to the errors of our past (7:25).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel chats to Andy Street, Chairman of FareShare South West and Feeding Bristol, about the operation to get food to vulnerable people during the COVID-19 crisis.
Nigel gets Andy's thoughts on:
- Bristol's response to food poverty during the coronavirus pandemic (0:48).
- Businesses helping to put food on the table for those in need (1:55).
- The distribution challenge during lockdown (3:53).
- Food bank demand during and post COVID-19 (5:57).
- How you can get involved to share your stories and help to combat food poverty (8:01).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Ian Mean talks to Janine Woodcock, Founder and Managing Director of Zingg Ltd, about the very real 'furlough fear' for employees and how business leaders can help create a positive experience.
Ian and Janine discuss:
- The Furlough Fear Report (0:55).
- A direct message for company leaders (1:53).
- The difference between GOOD and BAD leadership (3:27).
- The ONS statistics on furlough and the concerns of employees living through the process (4:42).
- Mental health worries and how to overcome them (8:29).
- The path back to work for employees who have been furloughed (10:00).
- Is this the end of command and control leadership? (11:47).
- Moving forward and retaining the positives from the current situation (13:04).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel chats to Dr Nick Capstick, CEO of The White Horse Federation, about tackling the major issues with the digital divide in education.
Nigel gets Nick's thoughts on:
- How tech supports communication skills development (0:43).
- How can we work to bridge the digital divide? (1:18).
- The power of featuring on the BBC (2:04).
- The true scale of the problem (2:48).
- Using 4G routers to bring internet into homes (4:26).
- Technology and broadband is no longer a 'want' but a 'necessity' (5:21).
- Blended learning and harnessing the power of new technology (6:35).
- Is the traditional classroom format now a thing of the past? (8:20).
- Government guidance and the inconsistencies between schools and their policies (9:00).
- How we can all get involved with the 'Laptops for Kids' drive (10:14).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this special edition episode, Ian Mean, former Editor of Western Daily Press, chats to Phil Smith, Managing Director at Business West, to get his thought's on Chancellor Rishi Sunak's announcement on the future of the furloughed workers scheme.
Ian and Phil discuss:
- The Chancelor's latest update of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (0:40).
- Business West's support for Rishi Sunak (3:00).
- Greater flexibility and part-time furloughing (3:22).
- The new workplace guidelines (4:40).
- An MD's view of the new lockdown rules (6:28).
- Is it realistic for people to cycle or walk to work? (7:52).
- Time flies when you're in lockdown! (9:05).
- What the short-term looks like for employees with children (10:16).
- What will we all be doing come Christmas? (11:19).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this special edition episode, Nigel once again hands over the reins to Ian Mean, former Editor of Western Daily Press, who speaks to Phil Smith, Managing Director at Business West, to get his thought's on Boris Johnson's big announcement of the new UK lockdown rules.
Ian gets Phil's thoughts on:
- The devil is in the detail (0:28).
- A message (or lack of) for UK business (1:53).
- Concerns about getting back to work (3:00).
- The 50-page plan for lifting lockdown (4:23).
- Political divides with the devolved administrations (5:15).
- The Governments timetable for opening up the economy (5:46).
- Communication and confidence (8:11).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel chats to Becca Luger, owner of Crumpet! Cakes, about the sudden cancellation of this year's festival season due to coronavirus and how the business is having to evolve to stay alive.
Nigel gets Becca's thoughts on:
- How coronavirus is affecting sales at Crumpet! Cakes (0:55).
- Taking the business online and learning new tools (2:54).
- Moving forward after coronavirus (3:58).
- How to evolve when dealing with a crisis (5:04).
- Utilising business support services to facilitate change (6:16).
- Benefiting from government support packages (7:31).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode Nigel talks to Sue Turner, Chief Executive of the Quartet Community Foundation, about how charities are being affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Nigel gets Sue's thoughts on:
- How are charities being affected? (00:28).
- What are the consequences of emerging from this crisis without social sector support in our communities? (02:20).
- What are your thoughts on people taking offence to the fact that charities have paid staff? (07:12)
- Why should businesses be concerned about the troubles charities are facing? (09:03)
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel speaks to James Durie, Chief Executive of Business West Chambers of Commerce and West of England Initiative, about the possible implications for businesses if government relax the coronavirus furloughed workers scheme too soon, and what a return to work may look like for many.
Nigel gets James' thoughts on:
- The current 'state of play' for the furloughed workers scheme (0:40).
- Overcoming the challenges of getting back to work (2:15).
- New shift patterns, longer working days and remote working - employers must embrace change (2:47).
- A government road-map or timetable (6:05).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel chats to Ameeta Virk, International Market Specialist at Business West, and Kerry Stagg, Market Research Manager at Business West, about how COVID-19 is affecting global trade and what advice they have to help UK exporters weather the storm.
Nigel gets Ameeta's and Kerry's thoughts on:
- The current status of UK exports (1:10).
- How to maintain existing trade relationships (2:26).
- What your sales team can be doing to innovate during lockdown (4:30).
- The industry sectors and global markets that may recover quickest (5:45).
- Future-proofing your business - the devil is in the detail (8:00).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode Nigel talks to renowned counsellor and Founder of Yellow Dot Women Fiona Crump, about how we are processing this new way of living and how we are seeing a merge of our different identities.
Nigel gets Fiona's thoughts on:
- Why have we all hit a low point in regards to lockdown? (00:51).
- How can we cope with sudden feeling of loss of identity? (02:23).
- How can we separate our work and home lives whilst working from home? (04:23).
- How important for our physical and mental health is taking a screen break and going outdoors to exercise? (06:15).
- Summary (11:56).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this special edition episode, Nigel once again hands over the reins to Ian Mean, former Editor of Western Daily Press, who speaks to Phil Smith, Managing Director at Business West, about what a return to work could look like and how government can help soften the blow.
Ian gets Phil's thoughts on:
- What businesses want to see next from government (0:38).
- A timeline for a return to work / easing of the lockdown (1:30).
- PPE and the use of masks in the general workplace (3:17).
- The role of the LEPs and local authorities (3:48).
- Lessons learnt during the lockdown (5:25).
- Extending the Furloughed Workers Scheme (6:50).
- Reviewing the Treasury and its efforts to help business (7:12).
- What will be the 'new normal' (7:54).
- A positive message for businesses (9:35).
- Bouncing back from a recession (10:50).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel speaks to Dr Zara Nanu, CEO and Co-Founder of Gapsquare, about how the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic is threatening progress for gender equality at home and at work.
Nigel gets Zara's thoughts on:
- Are we all in this together? (0:30).
- The 4 key ways the coronavirus crisis impacts gender equality (1:00).
- Key Workers vs Furloughed Employees - a disproportionate toll on women (3:45).
- Creating an equitable society - is this now taking a back seat? (4:42).
- The influence of Jacinda Ardern (5:40).
- Reviewing the government support packages (6:50).
- Building the 'new world' (7:57).
- Working mums and the home schooling challenge (9:10).
- Social media and the pressure to perform well (10:27).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel speaks to Greg Pilley, Managing Director of Stroud Brewery, about meeting the challenges facing independent breweries who have seen sales slump during the coronavirus lockdown.
Nigel gets Greg's thoughts on:
- Key impacts on the independent brewing sector (0:55).
- Adopting an eCommerce strategy to help fill the gap (1:40).
- Spreading the risk (2:40).
- Using a crisis to drive positive change (3:18).
- Accessing the financial support made available by government (4:31).
- Damage limitations over the next 6 months (6:05).
- Exploring the CBILS option (7:22).
- How government could provide further assistance (8:02).
- Concerns for the wider industry (9:30).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel speaks to Matt Griffith, Director of Policy at Business West, about the coronavirus business survey findings that paint a bleak picture for the UK economy if the crisis drags on past the summer.
Nigel and Matt discuss:
- The coronavirus business survey response headlines (0:38).
- What businesses can do to restore confidence and safeguard their future (1:41).
- The long-term economic impacts on the region (3:28).
- Will we ever get back to 'business as usual'? (5:03).
- Getting ahead of the curve in the Western Gateway (6:30).
- How government can continue to restore confidence in the market (7:32).
- The CBILS scheme - should government 100% back the loans? (8:58).
- Coronavirus lockdown exit strategy (10:25).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel speaks to Ben Shorrock, Managing Director of TechSPARK, about the challenges and risks facing tech businesses who are based in coworking space offices.
Nigel gets Ben's thoughts on:
- The issues facing the shared workspace sector (0:45).
- Why small businesses are falling between the cracks for government financial support (1:29).
- How TechSPARK are supporting the tech industry in Bristol and Bath (2:30).
- Rent holidays and rate reductions (4:10).
- The threats to the future of the incubation hub business model (5:20).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel chats to Kerry Stagg, Market Research Manager at Business West, about the current global economic growth forecasts and why businesses should be looking to restructure their supply chains.
Nigel gets Kerry's thoughts on:
- The world economic growth forecast headlines and how these compare to pre-coronavirus predictions (0:40).
- 'Recession proof' sectors (2:49).
- Tips for restructuring your supply chains - don't forget the 3 R's (3:26).
- Digitisation of your supply chain (5:25).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel speaks to Richard Bonner, Director of Arcadis and President of Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Initiative, about it being crunch week for UK business as many try to access the critical financial support schemes recently introduced by government.
Nigel gets Richard's thoughts on:
- The challenges local businesses face when trying to access the new government finance schemes (0:34).
- Could government do more to publicise these new schemes? (2:42).
- The blockages in getting the local authority grant money flowing (4:18).
- Changes needed to the CBILS scheme (5:33).
- Are the councils geared up to support businesses in a crisis? (7:48).
- Guidance on where to turn for help and advice during 'crunch week' (9:07).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel speaks to Iain Wolsey, Chairman of Business West, about the importance of the British Government developing an effective coronavirus exit strategy that will give businesses the best chance of success.
Nigel gets Iain's thoughts on:
- Dealing with a huge crisis and the lessons to be learned (0:40).
- Advice for businesses on how to plan for a 'way out' (1:50).
- How to mitigate cash flow problems (5:02).
- The UK's exit strategy planning needs to start now! (6:33).
- Could a regional approach to relaxing the UK lockdown work? (8:00).
- The role of Business West and the British Chambers of Commerce in helping businesses get back to work (10:40).
- Will there be a 'new normal' after coronavirus? (11:37).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this update episode, Nigel catches up with Claire Ralph, Policy Project Manager at Business West and former tax adviser, for a summary of the recent changes made to the guidance for the government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Nigel gets Claire's thoughts on:
- Clarification for single director/shareholder businesses (0:37).
- Furloughed employees and their rights to take on new jobs (2:35).
- Who doesn't qualify for the furlough scheme (3:45).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel speaks to William Frazer, County Adviser at NFU (National Farmers' Union), about the launch of their new COVID-19 Business Impact Service and the effects coronavirus is having on the food supply chain.
Nigel gets William's thoughts on:
- What is the COVID-19 Business Impact Service? (0:33).
- The coronavirus impact on the food supply chain (1:30).
- What we can do to help prevent things such as milk wastage (3:30).
- The 'peak labour force' - who's going to pick and harvest this season's crops? (5:00).
- The surge in walking in the countryside and the importance of sticking to the 'country code' (7:15).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this special edition episode, Nigel hands over the reins to Ian Mean, former Editor of Western Daily Press, who speaks to Phil Smith, Managing Director at Business West, about current challenges for business and why there is hope on the horizon.
Ian gets Phil's thoughts on:
- The calm before the storm (0:28).
- The business heroes and zeros of coronavirus (0:53).
- Councils and their ability to get the new grant money out to businesses (3:03).
- Should we be planning for a post-coronavirus world now? (4:17).
- The huge response to the Trading Through Coronavirus campaign (6:25).
- A message of caution and hope for business (7:35).
- The importance of 'people' (12:00).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel speaks to Victoria Matthews, Initiative Manager at Business West, about the current Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shortages across the UK and how South West businesses are answering the calls for support.
Nigel gets Victoria's thoughts on:
- The PPE currently in high demand (0:40).
- Current calls for support - who needs PPE and how we can all help (1:20).
- How Glastonbury Festival and local universities are pulling together to donate what they can (2:20).
- The ventilator challenge and those who have stepped up to the mark (3:00).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel speaks to Ed Tellwright, Access to Finance Adviser at Business West, about the problems start-up businesses are experiencing when trying to access finance, and the possible rescue package options being considered by the Government.
Nigel gets Ed's thoughts on:
- The start-up industry and the problems businesses are facing in accessing finance during coronavirus (COVID-19) (1:10).
- The 3 ways that government can plug the start-up gap (2:47).
- Advice on where to turn next for advice and support (5:37).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel starts the week off with a good news story by speaking to Simon Talbot, Managing Director at P3 Medical Ltd, about how his company is successfully navigating the COVID-19 crisis.
Nigel chats to Simon about:
- Who is P3 Medical? (0:55).
- How to make manufacturing in the UK profitable in today's world (1:20).
- The challenges of running a production line during coronavirus (2:30).
- Supplying the new Nightingale temporary hospital (3:20).
- How to deal with high demand with only limited staff (4:35).
- Surviving the next few months (5:33).
- Modern technology and the ability to work from home (6:49).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel speaks to Phil Smith, Managing Director at Business West, to reflect on how UK business is coping after 14 days in lockdown.
Nigel gets Phil's thoughts on:
- The current state of play (0:20).
- The challenges of getting the government cash delivered to businesses as quickly as possible (1:33).
- Coronavirus and the role of Business West (2:34).
- The long-term cost to the UK economy and the likely winners and losers (3:12).
- The importance of treading carefully - business reputations can be made or ruined over the next few months (4:20).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel speaks to a group of business owners and leaders about the latest changes to The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), and the struggles for businesses trying to access the new scheme.
James Garnham, hospitality business owner: * The effects the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having on the hospitality sector (1:28). * Reaction to the launch of the CBILS scheme (2:45). * Frustrations trying to access the new scheme. Have the banks been helpful? (3:15).
Jim Shaw, Founder and Partner at Shaw & Co: * What exactly is the CBILS scheme? (5:28). * Advice for businesses having problems accessing the CBILS scheme (6:18). * Rishi Sunak's latest revisions to the CBILS scheme and how the new measures are designed to help business (8:10).
James Durie, Chief Executive of Bristol Chambers of Commerce & Initiative: * Business West's reaction to the Chancellor's latest announcement (9:05). * What happens next? Will there be any new announcements from government? (10:00). * How Business West's Trading Through Coronavirus task force are supporting businesses and lobbying government (10:50). * Further business support and how we need to hear your stories (12:00).
Conclusion: The CBILS saga continues... (13:10) For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel speaks to Claire Ralph, Policy Project Manager at Business West and former tax adviser, on how the different business continuity schemes being released by government are being received by the local business community.
Nigel gets Claire's thoughts on:
- The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for employees and employers (0:45).
- What support is available for the 5 million self-employed (2:00).
- The businesses that fall between the cracks (2:40).
- What support is available for single Director Ltd companies? (5:28).
- The key dates for all the new schemes that have been announced (6:24).
- The lack of clarity from government on scheme eligibility and start dates (8:00).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this episode, Nigel speaks to James Durie, Chief Executive of Business West Chambers of Commerce and West of England Initiative, about how the regional business community is coping with the coronavirus crisis and the current national lockdown.
Nigel gets James' thoughts on:
- Bristol's businesses and their response to COVID-19 so far (0:20).
- How Business West are helping to guide and support local businesses in a time of crisis (1:30).
- The key issues affecting businesses in the region (2:47).
- How to adapt and cope with the transition to remote working (4:26).
- The problems with short, medium and long term business planning during coronavirus (6:35).
For further guidance and support, or to raise a particular question or concern please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk
In this first episode, Nigel speaks to Rachel Picken, business owner and former Chair of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, to find out how her business - Agile PR - is dealing with the current coronavirus crisis.
Nigel gets Rachel's thoughts on:
- How government are managing and cascading the business messaging related to COVID-19 (0:46).
- Adapting working habits after lockdown and the working from home implications (2:22).
- The future work-life balance post coronavirus. Is this the end of the 9-5? (4:43).
- What small business owners are going to need next from government (6:50).
- Why businesses should avoid the 'hard sell' for the foreseeable future (8:24).
For further guidance and support please visit: www.tradingthroughcoronavirus.co.uk