The Standard

Small and medium-sized enterprises accounted for 99.9% of the UK’s 5.7 million new companies last year. So what does it really take to build a business from scratch today, and how easy is it to secure funding?

In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick sits down with Raphael Sofoluke, the founder of the UK Black Business Show and UK Black Business Week, and Izzy Obeng, the founder and CEO of Foundervine. Both guests are on the judging panel for the AXA Startup Angel Competition from AXA Business Insurance - in partnership with the Standard - and in a couple of months they will select impressive entrepreneurs to win top prizes, including £25,000, expert mentoring, plus business insurance for a year. Together, they discuss what it takes to be a founder, including the most common mistakes, tips on how to impress investors, and how to build a supportive business network that pays dividends in the long run.

Competition entries close on 21 June 2026. For more information and to enter this year's AXA startup Angel competition, visit https://axastartupangel.standard.co.uk/
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London is about to be brought to a standstill as a result of planned tube strikes. So why have TFL and the RMT not reached a deal, and will the disruption change how Londoners vote in upcoming council elections?

In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Standard journalist, Megan Howe, for a detailed breakdown of all how the strikes will affect Londoners, as well as the deal that sparked the tube strikes. Plus, Tamara also speaks to The Standard’s political editor, Nic Cecil, for his insights on the position politicians across the party spectrum are taking on the tube worker’s strikes, and to what extent the strikes will impact the upcoming local council election results.
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A new social media phenomenon, Londonmaxxing, is growing in popularity. This 2026 viral trend is about experiencing the essence of the city, and packing in the best activities London has to offer.

In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to the senior social features editor at the London Standard, Katrina Mirpuri, for a breakdown of this trend, plus her methods for exploring London like a curious local.

Photograph: Getty Images
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This Saturday, the Victoria and Albert museum will open its latest outpost, V&A East. So, what can London expect from its new museum?

In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Dr Madeleine Haddon, the senior curator of V&A East, for a sneak peek of the new museum. Together they discuss the opening exhibitions, the museum's connection to its home in East London, as well as the museum's inspired cafe offering.

Image: V&A East Museum © Hufton+Crow
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A group of Londoners are coming together in Soho this Saturday to call on the government to introduce rent controls. But, with the renters rights act about to come into force, would freezing rents send the private rental market into chaos?

In this episode, host Tamara Kormornick speaks to Joe Beswick, a member of the London Renter’s Union, about the upcoming protest. Tamara asks Joe about the feasibility of rent controls, how introducing this policy might interact with the Renters Rights Act, and whether housebuilding is the answer to London’s affordability crisis.

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