Join Jim Fitzpatrick as he welcomes former professional cricket player and Ireland International, Andrew Patterson. Andrew shares his incredible journey of dedication and commitment in elite sport, tragically interrupted when a stumble revealed a hateful underlying condition: Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP). Told he would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair, Andrew refused to accept this fate, choosing hard, grinding progress and resilience instead. He details the financial and personal struggles involved in undergoing a radical, life-altering operation in the United States. Andrew now leverages his experiences—which include learning new pathways to walk again through intense rehab—to inspire business leaders and students. Discover his core philosophy based on three pillars: perspective, response, and purpose and his inspiring way of emphasising how developing soft skills and embracing incremental change are crucial for long-term success, prioritising health, and transforming adversity into opportunity.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Trading Up Unpacked, the business podcast from the Irish News and EY. Hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey dig deep into the pressing issues of the day. They scrutinise the Northern Ireland economy, which recorded its 10th monthly decline in activity, noting that the low 2.4% unemployment rate is offset by the UK's highest levels of economically inactive workers. The conversation pivots to UK fiscal chaos, detailing the U-turning Chancellor and the failure to address welfare reform, leading to market-damaging instability. Jim and Richard analyze the proposed "smorgasbord" of stealth taxes, like freezing income tax thresholds and potential changes to salary sacrifice schemes. Internationally, they discuss Donald Trump’s tariff reversals driven by US inflation. They conclude by examining global trade interconnectedness, highlighted by China’s tomato paste surplus following forced labor allegations, and the growing pressure on Ireland’s defense spending and geopolitical stance.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dive into the massive challenges facing the UK economy with Rupert Soames, Chair of the CBI. Known for running difficult and massive companies like Serco and Aggreko, he describes his "horrible habit of walking towards gunfire" when it comes to choosing which jobs to take. He recounts his bold turnaround strategy: telling employees to “bring out your dead” to fix underlying issues and win back trust. His plucky attitude to such challenges may be reflective of his family background, as a grandson of Winston Churchill. But even this distinguished heritage comes without its own issues to navigate.With the discussion examining the big economic picture, he's mindful that the UK’s GDP per capita has effectively flatlined since 2010, lagging far behind the US. He addresses the staggering national debt accrued since COVID, noting that interest payments on government debt have dramatically soared. He suggests that the growing maturity of AI could be the key to unlocking improved quality and reduced costs in public services. He also weighs in on tax burdens on businesses and celebrates the resilience of ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises in Northern Ireland. He emphasises that the UK needs "a bit of bloody ambition" to secure the kind of growth that would transform the economy, public services and the general mood.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, Jim and Richard dig deep into the economy and global politics. Northern Ireland is enjoying record pay increases, with annual earnings up 8.1%. We analyse whether this rise translates to real-term gains after years of wage stagnation (which averaged -0.1% over a decade) and how this impacts public and private sector workers.Locally, we examine Stormont's continued paralysis as the proposed $20 billion gold mine in County Tyrone remains stalled, sending a poor message to international investors about barriers to development. Globally, we discuss China's strategic leveraging of rare earth metals in trade negotiations. Finally, a V-Dem Institute report reveals the alarming decline of democracy worldwide—now back to 1985 levels—and we connect this political disillusionment directly to decades of economic stagnation and the rise of autocracy.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join Sandra Corkin and her son Scott of Oasis Travel, an independent family business that has defied the odds in the travel industry. They share how they survived intense competition, the rise of the internet, and the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining a substantial turnover now touching £40 million. Celebrating 40 years of growth, Oasis Travel shifted its focus from low-margin bookings to high-end travel (cruise and luxury packages) where staff expertise adds maximum value. Learn how the new generation is blending personalised, one-to-one service with the right tech, including a new customer app, to ensure the business's bright 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this Unpacked episode Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey examine how small business can survive in today's big, bad world. The global order has "changed utterly" to one of disorder, making geopolitics a mainstream boardroom issue for businesses of all sizes. This uncertainty, fuelled by rising protectionism and US policies like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), is directly impacting the bottom line: 47% of UK listed companies recently blamed geopolitical shifts for issuing profit warnings. While the EU struggles to define a unified strategy between the US and China, the UK-EU relationship reset remains slow. Critical agreements, such as the SPS deal impacting the Windsor Framework, may not be in place until 2027. Locally, Northern Ireland faces severe skill shortages exacerbated by high economic inactivity, including 117,000 long-term sick. Furthermore, the latest business activity Growth Tracker (PMI) indicates a more contraction.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Stephen McKeown grew up in the Glens of Antrim and developed his engineering skills as an "volunteer" mechanic in his Dad's car workshop. He now heads a Digital Centre of Excellence for Fortune 100 company Allstate and this core part of the business just happens to be located in Belfast. The insurance giant came to Northern Ireland in the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement with the modest ambition of creating 50 jobs. It now employs around 1700 in its European operations and Belfast has transformed from outpost to core hub. Stephen takes us through his early career: which spans a PhD from Queen's; helping build Ireland’s "bad bank" (NAMA) during the financial crisis; and bootstrapping successful tech startups. He discusses the revolutionary shift to a "product mindset" at Allstate with work focused on problem-solving and customer outcomes, a cultural change that led Allstate to win the prestigious Tony Hsieh Award. What's great is that Stephen still manages to balance global leadership with his volunteer role as a mechanic on the local Cushendall lifeboat. This episode is a masterclass in driving change and seizing opportunity in the evolving tech ecosystem; a lesson in how geography is no barrier to being at the centre of global organisations; and a reminder that a good and healthy workplace culture is vital to success.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week it's Trading Up Unpacked with Jim Fitzpatrick and Professor Richard Ramsey digging deep into the nature of north south business and economics in Ireland. From waves of desperate weight-loss drug hunters flooding into Newry; to the growing number of companies in Northern Ireland that are owned in the Republic; to the increasing trade and tourism figures; Jim and Richard explain and explore the underlying forces at work. They also examine revived plans for Northern Ireland to harmonise its business tax rate with the Republic. Wishful thinking or a good idea? Jim and Richard argue it out.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Running a restaurant business is definitely not for the faint of heart. Jim meets celebrated Belfast chef Niall McKenna and Normandy native Marion Lancial who has made Northern Ireland her home, to explore the highs and lows of running a restaurant. From choosing the financial crisis or the eve of the Covid lockdowns to expand; to managing the accumulated costs of each broken glass (that’s the equivalent of throwing a steak in the bin); to the joys of celebrating the best local produce and making people happy. Niall and Marion offer a unique insight into the trade and offer up some business tips that will make sense to anyone dealing with the kinetic environment we all face today.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey unpack the latest economic stats for Northern Ireland, revealing a complex picture for the hospitality sector which, despite a busy summer, is struggling with profitability due to soaring labour and food costs. They explore the grim outlook for public finances, where major spending pressures would naturally force deep cuts and unpopular revenue-raising measures, but will the tough choices be made? This leads to a wider discussion on why Northern Ireland struggles to deliver major infrastructure projects, contrasting today’s inaction with ambitious nation-building from a century ago. Finally, the duo consider a provocative question: do we need a government of engineers, like China, instead of lawyers in order to get things done?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.Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tradinguppodcast/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tradinguppodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jim sits down with Martin Tierney who quit school at 17 to develop a family business with his brothers. He was a star pupil but his mother told him that she would back his decision to leave school before he’d completed his A Levels and get to work in the emerging business with his brothers. That faith wasn’t misplaced. Martin has developed Seating Matters into an export powerhouse. The company, based near the village of Limavady in County Derry, makes therapeutical chairs for patients with complex needs. From a small workshop it has grown into a substantial business with a turnover upwards of £26 million across the group. What sets Martin and his company apart isn’t just the product, it’s the philosophy behind it. It was born from a realisation that many infirm patients weren’t being properly served by the equipment on offer. His mother, an occupational therapist and the inspiration for the business, was able to guide Martin on what the patients really needed. But the transformation in the business really accelerated whenever the Tierney brothers developed a friendship with senior directors of the Japanese car giant Toyota. Remarkably, they willingly imparted their philosophy and shared their secrets, even visiting the County Derry factory. It was priceless consultancy and the only demand was that Martin and his brothers pass on the wisdom to anyone who sought it. Hence, their factory has become a Disneyland for business leaders and entrepreneurs keen to learn. In this conversation Martin talks with passion about everything he has learned.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.Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tradinguppodcast/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tradinguppodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join journalist Jim Fitzpatrick and economist Professor Richard Ramsey of Queen’s University Business School as they unpack the big economic and business issues of the day. What’s going on with government finances across the world? From the US, to France to the UK the dreaded deficits are growing and the cost of servicing the debt is ballooning. In some cases it’s leading to political crises - France has just lost another Prime Minister. In the US, denial is the order of the day. In the UK, the Chancellor is putting budget day off as long as possible in the hope, perhaps, that something will turn up to make her difficult job a little bit easier..Meanwhile, Jim and Richard ask the question - what’s the most dangerous job to have in government? The answer might surprise you.And they've the very latest insight into how all of this could be shaping the economy closer to home.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.Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tradinguppodcast/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tradinguppodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Season 2 of Trading Up is coming soon... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Catriona Campbell has advised governments and major industry players on AI, so it was great to get her for a one-to-one to outline what anyone in business should be doing when it comes to artificial intelligence. As a renowned expert in human-computer interaction, she has guided some of the world's top brands to digital success and she now advices EY clients as their UK and Ireland AI strategy leader. As you'd expect from an expert in communication, she had some straightforward and clear advice - top tips if you like - for anyone in business. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
William McColgan runs a third generation family business with his sister in Strabane in the North-West of Northern Ireland. He brings a wealth of qualifications and experience to his role. Not long ago he was flying high in corporate America. He has a Masters in actuarial science and an MBA from Wharton. He didn't need to come home. But he did. Why? What drives him? Listen to this latest in the summer shorts collection to get a masterclass in finding the meaning in business that drives success. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rory King loves travel. He wanted to find a way of sharing that love with others. So he set up a Facebook page and started posting travel tips and deals he had spotted. One day he noticed a glitch with Aer Lingus that was almost too good to be true on transatlantic flights. He posted the information. It went viral as punters snapped up the good value and the idea of Rory's Travel Club was born. The business model came when Rory realised that the booking sites were taking a huge commission off hoteliers and travel companies to get them business. What if, he wondered, that commission could be passed on to customers as a discount. His business was born. Rory essentially acts as an honest broker between the hotel/travel company and the customer. He doesn't take commission. He passes on big discounts to his loyal members who pay him a small annual fee of 12 euro. Trust is key to this. His members trust him to get the discounts. The hotels and travel companies he works with trust him to promote their deals to a loyal audience. Everyone wins and Rory's membership continues to climb. He has his sights set on one million members. You do the math. But also listen to the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matthew Nesbitt had had enough of working down mines in Australia or deserts in the Middle East selling property when he returned home with a burning ambition to set up his own business. A short spell selling bodycams gave him the inspiration he needed. He decided they were the easiest product he'd ever sold and that he could create a better product himself. Some inspired help from his family gave him a new focus for the business plan, transforming it to a subscription software model. That, an appreciation that the customer base was much wider than traditional security services, and some useful features on the product itself, powered growth that has made Halos the fastest-growing bodycam company in the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matt Creighton has taken an unusual route to success. He admits that his big idea was born while he was enjoying life as a ski seasonaire in the French Alps and he was in search of some extra funds to top up his meagre pay, or "beer tokens" as he called it. From screen printing t-shirts for mates to building a clothing brand - Bleubird - that now has 300 wholesale customers in the UK, Ireland, Europe and the US, it has been quite the journey. What's remarkable is how growth has been driven by building deep relationships with traditional retail stores, not ignoring online, but not favouring it either. There are some counterintuitive lessons for success in Matt's story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Maeve Monaghan runs a social enterprise. But she likes making money. Profit isn't a dirty word - it's what allows her organisation to make a difference to so many lives across the island of Ireland. The Now Group runs a catering business; a training company that helps people with learning difficulties into work; and a movement that's empowering organisations to take a minute to help those who need a bit of patience to access their services. In this Summer Short, your preconceptions of what makes a social enterprise will be confounded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Paul Stewart didn't like paying airlines a fortune to bring his bags home from Uni in Edinburgh to his home in Belfast. So he set up his own business to do it for him. My Baggage is now at the cutting edge of logistics, moving personal possessions at an attractive price all over the world. It's biggest share of revenue comes from relocations as increasing numbers of young professionals in Northern Ireland decide to up sticks and move to the US and Australia. Along the way, Paul has encountered major changes such as Brexit. He's risen to the challenge by investing in technology and providing customs clearance solutions for the end customer. He's now planning major global expansion with the US market his number one target. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.