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?
--------
36:18
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.
--------
38:05
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
--------
35:56
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.
--------
30:46
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.
UK