Trading Up

The global bond market is a $200 trillion beast, and it’s turning up the heat on our political masters. In this eye-opening episode of Trading Up , hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey expose how global investors known as "bond vigilantes" are intimidating the world’s most powerful leaders. From the UK, where Andy Burnham’s government is squeezed by £120 billion in annual interest payments, to a booming US economy choking under Donald Trump’s $40 trillion debt bomb and a costly six-month conflict in Iran, the era of endless debt rollovers is having real world consequences. Most shockingly, the tables have turned: former bailout nations like Greece and Ireland now manage their debt better than the US or UK. With Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s bond-buying band-aids failing and skyrocketing interest costs now eclipsing entire defence budgets, this episode explores the sense that a global financial day of reckoning is looming, and there is nowhere left to hide. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jim Fitzpatrick brings together three extraordinary stories of entrepreneurial grit and resilience. First, former Ford executive Lyle Waters reveals how facing reality saved an 'unsolvable' South American auto operation, turning a $1 billion annual loss into a $300 million profit. Next, brother and sister team Paul and Claire Vallely of Kukoon Rugs discuss surviving 'technofeudalism' on giant platforms like Amazon and Meta, where modern digital marketing costs can now exceed physical product costs. Finally, the Martin Tierney of Seating Matters shares his inspiring journey to Japan, where he knocked on Toyota’s door to master lean manufacturing principles. He explains why he pays it forward by sharing this lean wisdom. Discover these crucial, proven insights on honesty, grit, and long-term business strategy. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Fiona Bennington of Catalyst shares her journey through the world of invention and product design. She details how she developed an innovative wearable device to manage period pain - a product that successfully made sales and won a major category award, but ultimately served as a profound learning experience in commercial failure. Though her invention solved a painful, real-world problem, its lack of a scalable strategy taught her that engineering a great product is only half the equation. Fiona reflects on her critical identity shift from a problem-solving engineer who simply wanted to build things, to an entrepreneur who understands how to commercialise them. She explains why commercial viability is the ultimate foundation of sustainable, long-term impact. Today, Fiona brings these hard-won lessons to her role at Catalyst, empowering early-stage founders to turn their own inventive designs into scalable businesses. Tune in to discover why success and failure are both vital in the entrepreneurial journey. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked , Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey dissect the intensifying profit squeeze gripping Northern Ireland businesses. Despite flat sales of £35 billion, pre-tax profits for NI's top 100 companies have plummeted by 17.5%. Meanwhile, local PMI figures reveal new orders falling at their fastest rate in three and a half years, with sectors like retail and hospitality hit hard by rising costs. The hosts examine domestic pressures, from National Insurance hikes to Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s bold gamble on social care. Burnham is navigating tight manifesto restrictions by leaning towards a 10% "death tax" or a 1.8% income care levy. Globally, they analyse how Middle East conflicts have drained US strategic oil reserves to 1980s levels and evaluate Donald Trump’s record-low approval on inflation and his disruptive new tariffs. They also debate how regional supply chains face delays amid geopolitical tensions and local civil unrest. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Trading Up, hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey explore whether Belfast is positioned to capitalise on a massive, climate-driven tourism boom. As Europe swelters under devastating heatwaves and wildfires, a major travel trend has emerged: the "coolcation," where tourists actively seek out cooler climates to escape extreme heat and enjoy restorative sleep. Can Northern Ireland—with its compact layout, rich cultural appeal, and UNESCO City of Music status for Belfast—become a premier destination for these travellers? The hosts weigh the massive £60 million economic projection from Belfast's Fleadh festival against serious local headwinds, including hotel booking declines following June’s civil unrest. Looking to Scandinavia, they debate what Belfast must learn from the Nordic model of civic responsibility, waterfront design, and "leave no trace" environmental ethics to truly maximize its long-term tourism potential. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Trading Up , host Jim sits down with Peter McAuley, founder of Nomadic Watches, to discuss how he built Northern Ireland’s premier luxury watch brand from the ground up. Launching in Belfast in 2021 with a background in mechanical engineering, Peter set out to challenge established Swiss watchmakers by combining high-precision craftsmanship, accessible luxury, and rich local heritage. Peter reveals how Nomadic grew from a boot-strapped side project selling 50 watches in its first year to a global business shipping 3,000 timepieces annually across 50 countries. He shares crucial insights on presale funding models, building customer trust through authentic founder storytelling, expanding into physical retail next to Belfast City Hall, and landing major international sponsorships like the United Rugby Championship. Discover how Nomadic transforms Belfast’s industrial engineering heritage into timeless storytelling. Whether you are a business leader or an investor, tune in to discover key geopolitical risks, the hidden potential of public sector AI transformation, and bold economic predictions for the year ahead. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey explore the current paradoxes within Northern Ireland's employment landscape. Despite record-high job numbers and a remarkably low unemployment rate of 1.7%, a significant portion of the population remains economically inactive, and a disconnect exists between struggling employers and job seekers. The hosts examine the obstacles facing young people, noting that entry-level opportunities and traditional summer jobs are shrinking due to increased employer costs driven by higher National Insurance contributions and National Living Wage hikes. These financial pressures are severely impacting the hospitality sector, resulting in reduced trading hours and job losses. Additionally, they discuss the rise of AI and the "fear of becoming obsolete," though Ramsey predicts AI will ultimately create more jobs than it destroys. Finally, the episode advises workers to embrace lifelong learning and career flexibility to remain competitive. Whether you are a business leader or an investor, tune in to discover key geopolitical risks, the hidden potential of public sector AI transformation, and bold economic predictions for the year ahead. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Trading Up podcast, host Jim Fitzpatrick is joined by Johnston Bell, partner at ARCEN—a firm uniquely blending architecture and engineering. Bell shares the strategic advantage of bringing creative architects and practical structural engineers together early in the design process to deliver better, more cost-effective solutions for clients. He reflects on his journey from a rural farming background to leading a business that competes internationally from its Mid-Ulster base. Bell explains how the daily problem-solving and resilience required on a farm translate perfectly into managing the complex, unpredictable variables of construction projects. The conversation also explores continuous leadership development, drawing inspiration from industry giants like Sir John Parker to step outside one's comfort zone. From designing the Dark Sky Observatory in Davagh Forest to planning future expansion into the Republic, this episode offers invaluable insights into leadership and business growth. Whether you are a business leader or an investor, tune in to discover key geopolitical risks, the hidden potential of public sector AI transformation, and bold economic predictions for the year ahead. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Trading Up podcast, hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey dive into the biggest economic threats and opportunities facing Northern Ireland today. From the global ripple effects of US and UK political instability to rising inflation and defence spending, the hosts unpack how global geopolitics directly impacts local business. Locally, they examine the severe consequences of political stagnation at Stormont. They highlight the urgent wastewater infrastructure crisis surrounding Lough Neagh, revealing how this failure is stalling an estimated £13 billion in housing and economic development. Can Northern Ireland adopt regional devolution models like Manchester to improve planning and infrastructure, or will local politics continue to stall growth? Whether you are a business leader or an investor, tune in to discover key geopolitical risks, the hidden potential of public sector AI transformation, and bold economic predictions for the year ahead. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Description: In this episode of the Trading Up podcast, host Jim Fitzpatrick sits down with Louise Doyle, co-founder of Needi, a corporate gifting concierge platform that went from a standing start to turning over millions. Discover the deep psychology behind why we give gifts and how Needi is disrupting the generic corporate merchandise market with hyper-personalised experiences that support local businesses. Louise shares her incredibly inspiring personal journey—from overcoming childhood tragedy and bootstrapping her startup, to securing £2.4 million in VC funding as a first-time female founder. Learn how leading brands like DPD use bespoke gifting to boost employee retention, how AI can scale human connection rather than replace it, and the reality of navigating the "seesaw" of a demanding CEO role alongside motherhood. Whether you are an entrepreneur seeking investment tips or a business leader wanting to maximize your team's motivation, this episode delivers invaluable insights. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A decade after the historic Brexit referendum, Trading Up Unpacked hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Professor Richard Ramsey dissect the real-world economic and political fallout of leaving the EU. Rather than a sudden crash, the UK economy has suffered a "slow puncture" with a hit to GDP; stifled business investment; and record-high tax burdens. This episode unpacks the stark contrast between the Leave campaign's promises and today's realities. Discover why UK net migration soared to a record 891,000 in 2022 despite pledges to "take back control" of borders. The hosts also explore Northern Ireland’s unique post-Brexit landscape. Benefiting from dual market access, Northern Ireland has experienced a remarkable all-island trade boom—with cross-border goods trade topping £10.6 billion in 2024—and record-low unemployment. Tune in to understand the true impact of the Brexit decade and what it means for the future of the economy. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Trading Up, host Jim Fitzpatrick sits down with Gareth Kelly, the partner leading Data and AI for EY in Northern Ireland, to demystify artificial intelligence for modern enterprises. Rather than simply using AI for small productivity bumps, Kelly explains how companies must completely redraw their business processes to stay competitive. The conversation explores how AI can be leveraged to achieve three core objectives: making money, saving money, and managing risk. They explore the critical differences between generative AI and "agentic" AI, alongside practical use cases showing how AI is currently transforming traditional finance departments; empowering enterprise sales teams with AI co-pilots; and cutting costs in procurement. Beyond the technical adoption, Gareth details the necessary ethical guardrails for data security and explains why human creativity and business acumen are more vital than ever. Whether you lead a lean startup or a large PLC, this episode provides a strategic roadmap for navigating the AI revolution. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked , hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey explore the startling new projections for Northern Ireland's demographics. After decades of continuous growth, the population is set to peak in 2031 before entering a steady decline, meaning the two million mark may never be reached. We unpack the severe economic implications of this unprecedented shift, from a shrinking working-age population and tightening labor supply to mounting pressures on public services, particularly a looming tsunami of spending required for healthcare. With Northern Ireland facing the UK's sharpest decrease in children and largest surge in pensioners, what does this mean for businesses, taxation, and the future workforce? We also discuss surprising factors driving global birth rate declines, including the rise of smartphones. Tune in to understand how these long-term demographic trends will fundamentally reshape the Northern Irish economy. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this compelling episode of the Trading Up podcast, host Jim Fitzpatrick sits down with three leading legal minds from Lewis Silkin in Belfast: Ciara Fulton, Katey Dixon, and Olivia O'Kane. Discover how this innovative firm leverages its historical, foundational values of bravery and kindness to disrupt the traditional business of law and foster genuine leadership. We explore Northern Ireland's booming, location-agnostic tech startup scene, where artificial intelligence is drastically accelerating development timelines and global investment deals. The conversation also delves into the complex evolution of media law, unpacking high-stakes global tech disputes, SLAPP cases, and rising digital threats like CEO impersonation and IP theft. Finally, we get a crucial breakdown of the proposed Good Jobs Bill and what its modernising employment regulations will mean for local employers. Whether you are a founder, media professional, or corporate leader, this episode offers essential strategies for thriving in an AI-driven economy. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the Northern Irish economy more resilient than the statistics suggest? In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked , Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey sit down with Andrew Dolliver, Partner in Restructuring and M&A at EY, to uncover the surprising dynamism within the local market. Despite global "black swan" events like Brexit and COVID-19, Northern Ireland has emerged as a hotspot for mergers, acquisitions, and private equity investment. Dolliver explains the shift from formal liquidations to creative, informal restructuring and how "war chests" of local wealth are fueling new opportunities. Discover why international funds are eyeing NI firms and the four essential pillars entrepreneurs need, including a strong management team and a clear growth story, to become truly "investable". Whether you are curious about the changing role of traditional banking or the rapid impact of AI on tech valuations, this episode offers an expert vantage point on the capital driving Northern Ireland’s future. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this gripping episode of the Trading Up podcast, Sir William (Bill) Browder joins Jim Fitzpatrick to share his extraordinary journey from a teenage capitalist rebel to becoming the largest foreign investor in Russia. Browder reveals how his efforts to expose the massive corruption of Russian oligarchs made him a top enemy of Vladimir Putin's regime and led to his sudden deportation. He recounts the tragic torture and murder of his lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, who uncovered a $230 million government-backed fraud, and how this heartbreak fueled a relentless 17-year global campaign for justice. This crusade birthed the Magnitsky Act, a revolutionary law passed in 35 countries to freeze assets and sanction human rights abusers worldwide. Browder also exposes the shocking 18-year false imprisonment of British businessman Ryan Cornelius in Dubai whose wife Heather is from Northern Ireland. Tune in for a powerful discussion on resilience, the global fight against corruption, and why business leaders must never compromise their ethics. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Trading Up, Jim Fitzpatrick sits down with Laura Murphy, the 29-year-old founder of Oatco Superfuel, a natural oat-based energy snack brand. Launched in May 2024, Oatco has experienced explosive 500% growth this year, surpassing £1 million in sales and landing in over 1,000 retail stores. Laura shares her inspiring journey of bootstrapping her startup from a local kitchen in Tyrone to pitching on Dragon's Den. She reveals the preparation strategy behind securing three investment offers and why she ultimately chose to partner with Steven Bartlett. We explore how she navigates the competitive healthy food market by prioritising natural energy over sugar-free protein trends, all while balancing life as a mother of two young children. Recently named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, Laura offers actionable insights on scaling organically, pitching investors, and building a powerful lifestyle brand. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey dissect the startling findings of the V-Dem report, which reveals that global democracy has regressed to 1978 levels, virtually erasing late-20th-century gains. For decades, the western assumption has been that democracy and free markets go hand-in-hand to deliver economic progress. However, with autocratic nations now outnumbering democracies, this traditional model is under severe pressure. The hosts examine the global shift toward autocracy, highlighting democratic erosion in the US, where Donald Trump has challenged independent institutions like the Federal Reserve and the media. They also analyse the political fightback in Hungary, where Viktor Orbán's long-standing rule has been ended by Péter Magyar's democratic revolution. Finally, the conversation contrasts the perceived economic stability of autocratic China with local political stagnation and a lack of delivery at Stormont in Northern Ireland. If democracy wants to survive, can it prove it still delivers? Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Trading Up , we sit down with Derarca Dennis, EY Partner and Head of Sustainability Services for the island of Ireland, to explore the critical intersection of climate risk and business resilience. We dive deep into EY’s immersive "Four Futures" experience, which challenges business leaders to transport themselves to 2055 and rethink their long-term strategies. Derarca explains why sustainability is no longer just an environmental PR exercise, but a core operational necessity that requires breaking down corporate silos. Discover why CFOs are increasingly driving the sustainability agenda to manage supply chain risks and volatile energy costs. We also discuss the power of cross-sector collaboration, how to reframe controversial "ESG" language to focus on security and long-term value, and why there is genuine reason to be optimistic about building a future-fit economy. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Trading Up , host Jim Fitzpatrick sits down with Wall Street entrepreneur and former White House Communications Director, Anthony "The Mooch" Scaramucci. Scaramucci candidly discusses his journey from a working-class Italian-American background to Goldman Sachs and building his own business. He offers deep insights into the roots of modern political anger, explaining how unchecked globalisation, the 2008 bank bailouts, and costly wars paved the way for populist movements like MAGA. Reflecting on his brief 11-day stint in the Trump administration, Scaramucci admits his involvement was an "ego-based decision" and shares the resilient life lessons he learned following his high-profile firing. He also unpacks competitive tax strategies by comparing Ireland’s successful economic model to New York's, warns against the isolating "paradox" of extreme wealth, and explains why reading is an essential tool for exponential success. And he reflects on his recent visit to Northern Ireland and what lessons can be drawn from the relative success of the peace process for politics elsewhere. Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.