Director Podcast

Institute of Directors

A series of podcasts produced by the Policy Team at the Institute of Directors.

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20 episodes
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Avg 32 min
English

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July 9 · 30 min
Andy Burnham, business confidence and devolution
Business confidence remains fragile amid economic uncertainty and continued political speculation about the UK's economic direction. In this episode, IoD Chief Economist Anna Leach joins host Ben Walker to discuss the IoD’s latest business confidence index reading and what it tells us about the state of the economy. Together, they explore ideas being floated by Prime Minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham to boost growth, the impact of tax speculation on business confidence, and whether greater devolution can help unlock economic potential across the UK. They also discuss how political uncertainty is influencing investment decisions and what the next Prime Minister should do to rebuild business confidence.
June 16 · 33 min
Six months on: how the Employment Rights Act is reshaping business
Six months on from Royal Assent, the Employment Rights Actis beginning to reshape the UK’s labour market - but for many businesses, uncertainty and concern remain. With key provisions coming into force and others still to follow, employers are grappling with what the reforms mean in practice, and how to prepare for what’s next. In this episode, Alex Hall‑Chen (IoD Principal Policy Advisor for Employment) and Jim Wright CDir (International Employment Law Partner at Knights) join host Ben Walker to discuss the current state of play. Together, they explore why business sentiment has deteriorated since the Act came into force, how organisations are adjusting their hiring and the biggest risks for employers over the next 12 months. They also discuss the impact on IoD members and what practical steps employers can take now to navigate the next phase of implementation.
May 15 · 37 min
The King’s Speech, political instability and the outlook for business
In this rapid reaction episode, members of the IoD policyteam unpack the business measures announced in the King’s Speech - and what they signal about the Government’s economic direction, amid continued political uncertainty in the UK. The discussion covers economic security, UK-EU relations, energy resilience and late payment reforms, alongside the wider question of how businesses are responding to an increasingly uncertain political and geopolitical environment. And - whether a potential change of Prime Minister has the power to unravel these measures…
May 5 · 25 min
Why energy costs are holding UK businesses back
As geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt global energymarkets, UK businesses are facing persistently high energy costs and renewed uncertainty over supply. Against this backdrop, questions are growing about whether the UK’s energy system is fit for purpose - and why our industrial electricity prices remain among the highest in the G7. In this episode, Alex Hall‑Chen (IoD Principal Policy Advisor for Energy and Sustainability) joins host Ben Walker to examine what the current energy crisis means for UK business. Together, they explore why UK energy prices are so high, how exposed businesses are to future shocks, and why short‑term support measures like the British Industry Competitiveness Scheme fail to address the underlying problems in the energy market. They also discuss the case for structural reform - including decoupling electricity prices from gas - and what government must do to deliver a more affordable, secure and competitive energy system.
April 7 · 38 min
Is the Government’s growth plan really working?
As the government continues to prioritise economic growth, questions are mounting over whether its strategy is delivering meaningful results. Against a backdrop of recent geopolitical shocks and domestic political pressures, the challenge of balancing long-term growth with short-term stability has become increasingly acute. In this episode, Anna Leach (IoD Chief Economist) and Giles Wilkes (Institute for Government Senior Fellow) join host Ben Walker to assess whether the government’s growth plan is really working. Together, they examine the government’s record against its own growth ambitions, and explore whether it can realistically deliver a stronger, more resilient economy in the current climate. They also consider the tension between building the foundations for long-term growth and the political imperative to maintain public support, asking whether these goals can truly be aligned.
March 4 · 22 min
Unpacking the Spring Forecast
In this snap reaction episode, Anna Leach (IoD Chief Economist) and host Ben Walker break down the Chancellor’s Spring Forecast and the latest outlook from the Office for Budget Responsibility. With no new tax announcements but higher public spending and shifting fiscal headroom, what does it mean for business confidence and competitiveness? We explore downgraded growth projections, pressure on the labour market, rising employment costs, and why the UK’s economic outlook is becoming increasingly fragile.
February 24 · 34 min
Can the UK trade with everyone?
As geopolitical tensions rise and protectionist policies re-emerge, the global trading environment is becoming increasingly fragmented. Against this backdrop, the UK government has maintained a globalist approach, seeking to balance its relationships with the US, EU and China. But how sustainable is that strategy in a more divided world? In this episode, Emma Rowland (IoD Trade Policy Advisor) and Marco Forgione (Director General of The Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade) join host Ben Walker to assess the viability of balancing Britain’s major trading partners. Together, they explore the opportunities and trade-offs across priority markets, the case for - and risks of - closer regulatory alignment with the EU, and whether ideas such as dynamic alignment or cooperation among middle powers offer a workable path forward. They also consider if retaliatory tariffs should ever be part of the UK’s toolkit, and what practical steps businesses should take to navigate a more uncertain global trading landscape.
January 15 · 33 min
NEDs reimagined: a post-Higgs review
“NEDs Reimagined: A post-Higgs review of the role and contribution of non-executive directors” is a landmark report from the IoD’s independent Commission chaired by The Rt Hon. Baroness Evans of Bowes Park. The report calls for a fundamental rethink of what makesboards effective in today’s complex business environment – more than two decades after the influential 2003 Higgs Report first set the blueprint for non-executive leadership in the UK. While the principles of the Higgs Review remain vital, the IoD Commission argues that the time has come for boards to evolve from a model of periodic oversight to one of active, informed, and adaptive stewardship. In this episode, Jonathan Geldart (IoD Director General) andIrene-marie Esser (author of the report) take a look at what the Commission investigated, the key themes emerging from its work, and the implications for boards and non-executive directors in practice.
Dec 10, 2025 · 29 min
The year in policy: 2025
The policy landscape of 2025 presented a demanding set ofconditions for businesses, with economic and political developments creating persistent uncertainty. For many businesses, much of the year was spent absorbing and planning for the measures announced in last year’s Budget. As these policies began to take effect, director confidence fell to its lowest point on record. In this episode, host Ben Walker is joined by Hugo Legh (IoD Head of Media, Campaigns and Public Affairs) and Anna Leach (IoD Chief Economist) to unpack the defining policy developments of 2025 and their impact on business. Together, they explore why director confidence remained subdued throughout the year, how business leaders are reacting in the wake of the 2025 Autumn Budget, and what support they want to see from government in 2026. They also look ahead to the IoD’s policy priorities for the coming year.
Nov 26, 2025 · 25 min
Breaking down the Autumn Budget
With the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget now unveiled, businesses are already assessing what the new measures mean for them. In this special rapid-reaction episode of the Director podcast, IoD Chief Economist Anna Leach breaks down the key announcements - from headline tax decisions to the policies shaping the business landscape in the months and year ahead.
Nov 6, 2025 · 30 min
The Autumn Budget 2025: Tax choices & challenges
As the Chancellor prepares to deliver her Autumn Budget on 26 November, her recent “scene-setter” speech has fuelled debate about whether tax rises are inevitable - and whether manifesto pledges on income tax, National Insurance and VAT can realistically hold. With protecting the NHS, reducing national debt and improving the cost of living set as her top priorities, the question now is not if difficult choices lie ahead, but which ones. In this Director podcast episode, host Ben Walker sits downwith Dan Neidle (founder of Tax Policy Associates and one of Britain’s most respected voices on taxation and public policy) and Anna Leach (IoD Chief Economist) to unpack the tax choices and challenges facing the Chancellor ahead of the Budget. Together, they explore the fiscal and political constraints shaping this Budget, what a pro-growth yet progressive tax regime could look like in 2025, and how stability in tax policy affects business confidence and investment.
Oct 15, 2025 · 31 min
AI governance in the boardroom
As artificial intelligence accelerates across sectors andindustries, boardrooms can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines. Once seen as a technical concern, AI is now firmly a strategic, operational and legal issue, demanding informed oversight at the highest level. In this Director episode, Ben Walker is joined by Dr ErinYoung (IoD Head of Innovation and Technology Policy), Pauline Norstrom (member of the IoD Science, Innovation and Technology Expert Advisory Group, founder and CEO of Anekanta®, and creator of the Anekanta® 12 Principles of AI Governance), and Mario Thomas (Chartered Director, Fellow of the IoD, and enterprise transformation leader) to discuss the evolving role of boards in governing AI responsibly. Together, they address key questions: What does good board-level AI governance actually look like? How can non technical directors challenge complex systems with confidence? And which principles are most urgent for boards to act on now? Full guest bios available on IoD.com
Jul 22, 2025 · 31 min
The Employment Rights Bill
As Parliament heads into summer recess, the Employment Rights Bill continues its journey through the House of Lords, having reached report stage. Meanwhile, the government has released its implementation roadmap, offering a clearer, though still evolving, picture of how these reforms will roll out in practice. With the potential to reshape key aspects of employment law and practice, this Bill is one of the most significant developments for UK employers in recent years. In this episode, host Ben Walker sits down with Alex Hall-Chen, IoD Principal Policy Advisor for Employment, and Jim Wright CDir, International employment law partner at Knights, to unpack what the Employment Rights Bill means for businesses and business leaders across the UK. Together they explore how the Bill has been received by employers so far, what concerns have been raised by IoD members, and whether those concerns have been reflected in the government's approach. And from a legal perspective, they dive into the most impactful changes on the horizon and what organisations, particularly SMEs, should be preparing for now.
Jul 7, 2025 · 31 min
The relaunch of Director magazine
On the 19 June, we were delighted to publish the first edition of the new Director magazine. The Summer 2025 edition of Director – HIGH OR DRY: Can Reeves’ growth plan win back business? – features articles including: Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds on the government’s plans to boost the British economy An interview with TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak on productivity IoD Chief Economist Anna Leach on whether the economy is a game of chance Professor Andrew Scott on the silver generation and the need for businesses to have an ageing strategy Professor Margaret Heffernan on the trouble with AI Dr Tim Hames on why geopolitical ignorance will wreck your business In this episode, the podcast’s host and Director magazine Editor, Ben Walker, is joined by Dr Roger Barker, Hugo Legh and Anna Leach. As members of the IoD Policy Team and the magazine’s Editorial Board, they discuss the contents of the first edition and the thinking that shaped its direction.
Jun 9, 2025 · 38 min
In search of growth
As the government prepares to unveil its Spending Reviewthis week, “growth” remains the political buzzword of the moment. But with the UK still struggling to regain economic momentum more than a decade after the financial crisis, are ministers pursuing the right kind of growth—and do they even understand what drives it? In this episode, host Ben Walker is joined by Anna Leach (IoDChief Economist), and Daniel Susskind (Author of ‘Growth: A Reckoning’ (2024), ‘A World Without Work’ (2020) and Research Professor in Economics at King's College London), to explore what growth really means in today’s economy: why it matters, what’s holding the UK back, and whether our current model is fit for a future shaped by AI, automation, and global competition. From the legacy of 2008 to the transatlantic growth gap, we unpack the forces shaping prosperity—and ask whether perpetual growth is even a realistic or desirable goal.
May 21, 2025 · 36 min
The outlook for listings in the UK
Investor confidence in London’s stock market has hit aworrying low, with fund managers warning the government that sentiment is at “rock bottom.” In a recent Downing Street meeting, industry specialists raised concerns over the state of UK equities - highlighting key challenges such as declining IPOs, a widening valuation gap between UK and US companies, and increasing acquisitions by private equity and foreign buyers. With pension funds consistently reducing their UK equity holdings, a growing number of voices are calling for policy intervention to help revitalise public markets. In this episode, Ben Walker is joined by Mark Austin CBE (Partner, Latham & Watkins and Capital Markets Industry Taskforce member), Julie Shacklady (Director of Capital Markets, UK Finance) and David Trenchard (Founder and CEO, David Trenchard Consulting Ltd) to unpack the state of public listings in the UK – and what this means for businesses, investors, and the broader economy. Together they answer: How can investor confidence berestored? Are UK companies undervalued compared to their global counterparts? And what role could pension funds play in revitalising domestic markets?
May 7, 2025 · 38 min
100 days of President Trump
On the day of his inauguration, President Trump promised todeliver the “most extraordinary first 100 days of any presidency in American history”. True to his word, the first 100 days of his second term have been labelled as some of the most destabilising in the country’s recent past. In our latest Directors’ Briefing episode, the author of ‘Trump II: Why He Won – What It Means For the World’, Tim Hames, and Overton Advisory founder, Michael Martins, join host Ben Walker to discuss how the first 100 days of President Trump's second term are shaping the future of business globally. Together, they examine the implications of tariffs, the restructuring of federal bureaucracy, and the strategic decisions facing UK businesses in this evolving landscape.
Apr 23, 2025 · 35 min
Are boards managing risk effectively?
In today's rapidly changing world, effective risk management is more crucial than ever for boards of directors. As organisations navigate complex economic and geopolitical landscapes, the ability to anticipate, assess, and mitigate risks can make the difference between success and failure. In this episode, Ben Walker explores the intricacies of risk management with Professor Bryan Foss (Co-Founder and director of the Risk Coalition and Chairman of Hope Macy) and Patrick Dunne (Chair of the Royal Voluntary Service). Both bring a wealth of experience and insights to the table, offering valuable perspectives on how boards can better manage risk. For further information, read these insightful blogs by our guests that complement the episode, and dive into the topics covered a little deeper: · ‘Is my board growth or risk focused?’, by Professor Bryan Foss · ‘Thinking about Risk - Time to Change’, by Patrick Dunne
Apr 8, 2025 · 30 min
Innovation: Why is Europe falling behind the US?
Europe's innovation scene has found itself under the spotlight, with many wondering why it's lagging behind the US. Limited funding for startups, a fragmented market, and tough regulations are often blamed. In this episode, Dr. Erin Young (IoD Head of Innovation and Technology Policy) and Professor David Beatty OBE (Professor Emeritus of Strategy, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto) join host Ben Walker to explore this further. Together they discuss cultural attitudes towards risk and entrepreneurship, the impact of regulatory rules, and how quickly tech is adopted. The conversation also covers how people view innovation and technology differently in Europe and the US, and the fear factor around new advancements. Drawing on their experience from different sides of the Atlantic, our guests suggest ways to tackle these challenges and boost innovation across Europe.
Feb 27, 2025 · 35 min
Moral Dilemmas in the Boardroom
In the boardroom, directors often face tough decisions thatbalance competing interests and moral norms - impacting employees, customers, shareholders, and society. These decisions are frequently misunderstood, criticised,and sometimes seen as unethical, potentially harming corporate reputation. Despite their significance, we rarely ask: How are these decisions made? What role do moral norms and identity play? And why do companies sometimes misinterpret these norms so badly? In this episode, Ben Walker is joined by Prof. Dr. Mijinte Luckerath-Rovers (author of ‘Moral Dilemmas in the Boardroom’) and Dr Roger Barker (IoD Director of Policy and Corporate Governance) to discuss ethical challenges in the boardroom and the decisions that often stem from them. The conversation draws on both the findings of Mijinte’s book, and the IoD’s Code of Conduct for Directors.

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