The Policy Fix

Former Chancellor and YouGov co-founder Nadhim Zahawi joins Steve Rigby on The Policy Fix for a candid conversation on business, politics, and Britain’s economic future. Zahawi reflects on leading the UK’s COVID vaccine rollout, revealing how rapid decision-making, military logistics, and direct access to Boris Johnson enabled Britain to move faster than Europe. He shares lessons from building national infrastructure at speed — and why urgency in government has since disappeared. They also explore why the UK is losing competitiveness, from AstraZeneca investing abroad to rising energy costs, regulatory pressure, and the risks facing Britain’s industrial base. Zahawi explains how he built YouGov from scratch after the dot-com crash, how a pivotal Freeserve partnership changed everything, and why AI will completely transform research, education, and business. The conversation turns to Zahawi’s decision to join Reform, his assessment of Nigel Farage’s leadership, and whether the party can become a serious governing force. He discusses immigration, welfare reform, AI policy, and what Britain must do to restore growth and attract global talent. A rare insider view from someone who has built companies, run major government departments, and helped lead Britain through one of its biggest crises. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to The Policy Fix 01:01 Zahawi’s journey through business and government 02:14 Inside Britain’s COVID vaccine rollout 06:42 How Brexit gave the UK a vaccine advantage 07:28 Why AstraZeneca and pharma are investing abroad 10:26 Founding YouGov and spotting the internet opportunity 14:03 The pivot that saved YouGov after the dot-com crash 16:37 The breakthrough that proved YouGov worked 18:44 How AI will transform market research 20:07 Why government lacks business experience 26:05 Migration, urgency, and government decision-making 28:46 Energy costs and Britain’s industrial strategy problem 33:00 Welfare, work incentives, and economic decline 36:57 AI regulation and avoiding Europe’s mistakes 39:32 Why Alphabet and DeepMind are so powerful 40:13 Britain’s biggest startup funding weakness 41:05 How AI tutors could reshape education 43:27 Universities, talent, and keeping innovation in the UK 44:34 Why Zahawi joined Reform 48:09 Nigel Farage, leadership, and preparing for power 56:06 Building a serious political movement 01:05:57 Defections, politics, and Britain’s direction 01:10:54 Charity selection: Adam Smith Institute 01:12:52 The Policy Fix: Abolishing inheritance tax 01:15:42 Funding tax reform 01:16:49 Final thoughts About The Policy Fix Hosted by Steve Rigby, The Policy Fix explores what’s broken in Britain - and how to fix it. No politics. No spin. Just honest conversations with people who get things done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dame Claire Barclay - one of the most influential leaders in global tech - joins The Policy Fix. In this episode, Steve Rigby speaks with the President of Microsoft for Enterprise & Infrastructure in EMEA and Chair of the UK’s Industrial Strategy Advisory Council about whether Britain is moving fast enough in the age of AI. Claire offers an insider view on Microsoft’s AI strategy, the rise of autonomous “AI agents,” and why even the world’s biggest tech companies must keep reinventing themselves. They also examine the UK’s new Industrial Strategy - what’s working, what’s risky, and whether it can actually lift productivity outside London. Along the way, Claire explains why skills, energy, and planning are now as critical to growth as innovation itself. A clear-eyed conversation about technology, power, and Britain’s future. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to The Policy Fix 00:45 Claire Barclay’s dual roles 01:13 Inside Microsoft’s evolution 03:55 Why AI feels like a “long game” 04:49 How AI will reshape business 10:04 Government and the AI opportunity 15:11 Skills for the AI era 18:08 What is the Industrial Strategy Council? 20:26 How government works with business 22:54 Regions, mayors and delivery 24:22 Where tech fits in industrial strategy 25:16 Britain’s productivity problem 27:55 The future of the UK tech sector 31:01 Advice for young people today 33:47 Choosing a charity: Crisis 38:52 Final thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Addressing the Crisis of School Absenteeism and Social Issues with Andy Cook In this episode of The Policy Fix, host Steve Rigby sits down with Andy Cook, CEO of the Centre for Social Justice, to discuss critical issues facing the UK today. They delve into the crisis of school absenteeism, the role of philanthropy in driving social change, and the importance of tailored local interventions. Andy shares insights from his extensive experience in the charity sector and outlines key policies that could make a significant impact on disadvantaged communities. The discussion also touches on the declining value of traditional education pathways and the potential of enriched, sport-focused educational models. 00:00 Introduction: The Crisis of Attendance 00:26 Welcome to The Policy Fix 00:31 Meet Andy Cook: Champion for Social Justice 01:30 The Center for Social Justice: Mission and Impact 01:53 Personal Journey: From Charity Founder to Award Winner 02:38 Celebrating Unsung Heroes: The CSJ Awards 04:38 Navigating Politics: Cross-Party Collaboration 07:01 Innovative Approaches to Social Issues 09:48 Place-Based Philanthropy: A New Hope 15:30 The Role of Education in Social Mobility 16:46 Addressing Absenteeism: A Growing Concern 22:31 Setting a Bigger Agenda 22:43 The Social Compact at Risk 23:06 Parental Responsibility and Education 24:25 Leadership in Education 26:57 Philanthropy and Innovation 28:19 Youth Centers and Public-Private Partnerships 30:33 Community-Driven Interventions 33:35 Challenges Facing Boys in Education 40:38 Future Policies and Recommendations About The Policy Fix Hosted by Steve Rigby, The Policy Fix explores what’s broken in Britain - and how to fix it. No politics. No spin. Just honest conversations with people who get things done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rupert Soames: How to Fix Britain’s Broken Systems | The Policy Fix with Steve Rigby Britain is facing some of the biggest structural challenges in a generation - from weak growth and rising debt to failing public services and declining business confidence. In this episode, Steve Rigby sits down with Rupert Soames, Chair of the CBI and one of the UK’s most respected turnaround leaders, to discuss what it will actually take to fix the system. Rupert shares candid insights from: - Saving the CBI during its crisis - Running some of the UK's toughest public service contracts - Working with government at the highest levels - Why fiscal rules matter more than politicians admit - What Britain needs to get right in the next decade This is a grounded, practical conversation about delivery, responsibility, leadership - and the real choices Britain faces. About The Policy Fix Hosted by Steve Rigby, The Policy Fix explores what’s broken in Britain - and how to fix it. No politics. No spin. Just honest conversations with people who get things done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No spin. No drama. Just real solutions. Steve Rigby talks to people who’ve actually run things - and know what needs to change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices