The Bottom Line Podcast
The definitive business podcast from the ѿý.
Hosted by Evan Davis.
The definitive business podcast from the ѿý.
Each week, the ѿý's Evan Davis is joined by bosses, entrepreneurs and industry experts, to lift the lid on how their businesses work, and what it’s like to be in charge.
They discuss a big issue, a big challenge, or a big question facing their industry.
From managing AI to managing millennials, from supermarkets to supercharging a new product.
And our guests will share their stories of success and failure along the way.
Podcasts are published every Thursday. And as well as being a podcast, we are also available every Thursday afternoon and Tuesday evening on ѿý Radio 4.
You can now also listen to The Bottom Line on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask ѿý Sounds to play The Bottom Line”. It works on most smart speakers.
The Bottom Line has published a spin off series - Decisions That Made Me - where Evan asks entrepreneurs and business leaders about the most crucial moments in their lives and careers. You can watch these episodes here: https://t.ly/oJ8lW.
Got a question or a comment? Get in touch with Evan and the team on email at bottomline@bbc.co.uk.
The Bottom Line is produced in partnership with The Open University and is an EcoAudio certified production.
Episodes to download
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Decisions That Made Me: Zak Brown (McLaren Racing, CEO)
Yesterday
How a high school dropout landed one of the biggest jobs in motorsport
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The Bottom Line Business Awards 2025
Last Thursday
The standout successes and costliest catastrophes of the last 12 months.
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Car Parks: Who's Making Money From Your Ticket?
Thu 17 Jul 2025
Evan Davis meets some of the key figures from a much-maligned industry
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Scaling Up: What Turns a Start-Up into a Success?
Thu 10 Jul 2025
What does it take to grow a new enterprise into a multi million-pound business?
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Care ѿýs: How Will They Cope Without Migrant Workers?
Thu 3 Jul 2025
Overseas hiring is to be banned, but can homes attract enough British workers?
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Presentations: How to Avoid 'Death By PowerPoint'
Thu 26 Jun 2025
An aspect of some jobs that many dread, and some top tips on getting it right.
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Cyber Attacks: On The Front Line Of A Hack
Thu 19 Jun 2025
What really happens when cyber criminals hold a business to ransom?
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Pay: What If You Knew What Your Colleagues Earned?
Thu 12 Jun 2025
Would lifting the lid on pay spark resentment, or build fairness and trust?
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Introducing… The Bottom Line
Mon 9 Jun 2025
The definitive business podcast from the ѿý, with Evan Davis.
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Made in China: How To Get A Product Manufactured In The Far East
Thu 5 Jun 2025
What it’s really like getting products made in ‘the world’s factory’?
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Decisions That Made Me: Richard Farleigh (former Dragon, entrepreneur)
Thu 8 May 2025
Richard Farleigh on becoming a successful investor and his humble stumbles along the way.
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Decisions That Made Me: Erinch Sahan (DEAL, Social Enterprise expert)
Thu 1 May 2025
Erinch Sahan on switching careers because he wanted one that aligned with his values.
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Decisions That Made Me: Sophie O’Brien (Pollen Careers, CEO)
Thu 24 Apr 2025
Sophie O’Brien on how she plans to disrupt the recruitment industry.
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Decisions That Made Me: Sir Kenneth Olisa (technology entrepreneur)
Thu 17 Apr 2025
Sir Kenneth Olisa on taking on management, being fired, and then striking out on his own.
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Decisions That Made Me: Chris May (Mayden, Founding Director)
Thu 10 Apr 2025
Chris May on how working from home became the path to a new career.
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Decisions That Made Me: Claire Daniels (Trio Media, CEO)
Thu 3 Apr 2025
Claire Daniels on how she became CEO of her family business.
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Decisions That Made Me: Julian Metcalfe (Itsu and Pret A Manger)
Thu 27 Mar 2025
Julian Metcalfe on starting up fast food chain Pret A Manger and later Itsu.
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Decisions That Made Me: Sonnaz Nooranvary (House of Sonnaz, upholsterer)
Thu 20 Mar 2025
The Repair Shop star on defying her parents’ expectations
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Decisions That Made Me: Alan French (Thomas Cook, CEO)
Thu 13 Mar 2025
Alan French on being at the helm of a collapsing company and turning it around.
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Running a Business: The Bottom Line Answers Your Questions
Thu 6 Mar 2025
Top business brains tackle listener questions on how to succeed as an entrepreneur.
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Self-checkouts: Have Shops Reached Peak Self-Scan?
Thu 27 Feb 2025
Why are some retailers bringing back people to scan our shopping?
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London's Stock Exchange: why aren't companies listing in Britain anymore?
Thu 20 Feb 2025
Evan Davis asks what can be done to encourage firms to list on the London Stock Exchange.
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Repairs: How Can Businesses Make Money From Fixing Things?
Thu 13 Feb 2025
Evan Davis examines the business opportunities of companies which offer to repair things.
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DEI: Are Businesses Dumping Workplace Diversity?
Thu 6 Feb 2025
Has the Trump-inspired vibe shift already reached the UK?
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Robots On the Doorstep: Is This The Future Of Food Delivery?
Thu 30 Jan 2025
Evan Davis talks to Ahti Heinla, co-founder of robot delivery firm Starship Technologies.
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Unbossing: Can We Work Without Managers?
Thu 23 Jan 2025
Evan explores what happens to companies that decide to operate without managers.
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A Four Day Week: Less Work for More People?
Thu 16 Jan 2025
Evan Davis explores if working four eight-hour days could benefit employees and bosses.
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Decisions That Made Me: Sir John Hegarty (The Garage Soho, Founder)
Sun 12 Jan 2025
Evan Davis speaks with the advertising legend about his career advice.
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Networking: Will It Actually Help Me Get a Job?
Thu 9 Jan 2025
Evan gets tips on finding a new job and hears how the process of getting one has changed.
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Decisions That Made Me: Dana Denis-Smith (Obelisk Support, CEO)
Mon 6 Jan 2025
The law firm founder on finding career clarity at the top of a mountain.