James Reed: all about business

How can a major museum be run with the same entrepreneurial mindset as a high-growth business?
In today's episode, James Reed speaks with Elizabeth McKay, Director and CEO of the London Transport Museum. While many perceive museums as static archives, Elizabeth explains how she applies commercial strategy to ensure one of London’s most iconic cultural landmarks remains financially sustainable and relevant in a modern economy.
Elizabeth shares insights from her unconventional career journey and explains why the museum identifies as the best in the world for urban transport. They explore the evolution of work through the lens of London’s history, from the original "chairmen" who carried sedan chairs to the "navvies" who hand-dug the first underground network.
Together they discuss the balance between preserving heritage and driving innovation, including the story of Harry Beck’s revolutionary Tube map and how it was initially rejected for being too radical. Elizabeth also outlines the realities of leading a cultural institution that functions as both a charity and a successful commercial entity.
Timestamps
01:48 Transport history highlights
09:50 Young entrepreneurs message
20:04 Design DNA of TFL
24:26 Running the museum business
33:27 Leading through uncertainty
40:21 Funding model explained
45:10 Youth skills pipeline
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All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Why are millions of jobs going unfilled in one of the UK’s biggest industries, while so many young people are struggling to find work?
In this episode of all about business, James Reed speaks with Sarah Bradbury, CEO of the Institute of Grocery Distribution, about the future of the UK food industry, the growing challenge of attracting young talent, and why the sector may offer far more opportunities than people realise.
Sarah shares insights from her 25-year career across major retailers, before stepping into one of the most influential leadership roles in the UK food sector. She explains how IGD works across the entire food system and how they help competitors collaborate on the biggest long-term challenges facing the industry.
They explore the pressures reshaping food and retail, including changing consumer habits, climate change, AI, automation, workforce shortages, and the potential impact of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, on the future of food consumption.
Together they also discuss leadership, collaboration between rival businesses, and why the UK food industry remains one of the country’s most important, and underestimated, economic forces.
Timestamps
02:00 What IGD does
08:43 Retail tech and AI trends
12:27 UK food system challenges
18:36 Land use and solar farms
23:47 Hidden food careers
31:29 Youth unemployment urgency
43:27 Closing reflections and CEO Forum
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Find out more about IGD and their impact HERE
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Running a business is hard, but what is it like when your work sits at the centre of people’s most emotional moments?
In this episode of all about business, James Reed sits down with Damian Melville, Managing Director of Melville & Daughter Funeral Directors. Together they explore leadership in one of the most emotionally demanding industries there is.
Damian shares his journey into the family business, reflecting on the responsibilities that come when helping people in their most vulnerable time, and how that shapes both leadership-style and company-culture. He shares what balancing tradition with modernisation means, the realities of running a business where empathy is as important as efficiency, and the discipline required to maintain high standards in sensitive circumstances.
The conversation explores what it means to lead with care while still making clear commercial decisions, how to build trust within communities, and why consistency and professionalism matter more than ever, in a service built on reputation. Damian also discusses the challenges of succession in a family-run business and the importance of supporting both clients and staff through emotionally complex work.
A thoughtful, grounded conversation about leadership, responsibility, and building a business where purpose and performance have to coexist every step of the way.
Timestamps
01:04 Finding a niche market
06:36 Going solo challenges
12:50 Winning trust locally
23:18 COVID shock to the system
36:27 Hiring costs and NI
43:25 A Funeral director day
01:00:26 Memorial innovations and burials
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Find out more about Melville & Daughters Funeral Directors here
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

Is an awkward conversation the only thing standing between you and the salary you deserve?
In this episode of all about business, Connor Scully, Senior Executive Consultant at Reed Specialist Recruitment, sits down with James to discuss how professionals can effectively secure a pay rise in their current role.
Connor shares practical advice on how to move beyond the discomfort of pay discussions by focusing on preparation, timing, and proving your worth. The conversation explores how to assess whether you are truly due a salary increase, emphasizing the need to align your output with business goals and quantify your impact through measurable KPIs. Connor explains why being proactive, taking on extra responsibilities during company hardships, or "saying yes" to complex projects, is key to becoming an indispensable asset.
Whether you feel underpaid or are looking to take the next step in your career, this episode offers a step-by-step guide to navigating pay conversations with confidence and a growth mindset
Timestamps
02:00 Are You Due More
04:42 Prep And Timing Mistakes
09:38 When To Job Hunt
12:19 Ask In Person
15:36 Say Yes More Often
20:22 Employer Perspective on Pay Requests
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Find out more Number Eight restaurant here:
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

How do you know if you’re being offered what you’re worth?
In this episode of all about business, Leanne Appleton, recruitment expert at Reed, speaks with James about how professionals can increase their earning potential and achieve a higher salary.
Leanne shares practical insights into what really drives salary growth, from understanding your market value to building in-demand skills and positioning yourself effectively in the job market. She explains why working harder isn’t always enough, and how being more strategic about your career decisions can significantly impact your long-term earnings.
The conversation explores how to approach salary negotiations with confidence, including when to ask for a pay rise, how to benchmark your worth, and why timing plays a critical role. Leanne also highlights the importance of demonstrating impact through measurable results, rather than relying on tenure or job titles alone.
Timestamps
02:10 Know Your Worth
04:15 Recruiter Advantage
05:41 Benchmark Beyond Salary
08:36 Reading Job Ad Salaries
11:14 Negotiation Prep
14:20 Avoid Over Underselling
17:37 Benefits That Matter
19:36 Perks Employers Can Add
21:52 Probation Pay Reviews
24:39 Counteroffers Warning
Follow James Reed on LinkedIn
Find out how Reed can help you advance your career here:
Find out more about Reed Specialist Recruitment here:
Find out more Number Eight restaurant here:
All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more HERE
This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk