Business in Focus

COVID-19 has impacted everyone’s physical and mental wellbeing. And for British Athletics athletes and coaches, the lockdown has meant they’ve had to think differently about how they train, stay motivated and inspire others. Host Rowena Morris is joined by Alex Cooke, a Data Intelligence Partner at PwC, to discuss how we're using data analytics to help British Athletics athletes win more medals in more events at major championships. We also hear from two very special guests: Holly Bradshaw, a professional athlete and member of the World Class Podium Programme who holds the British record in pole vault, and Scott Simpson, a National Performance Institute senior coach in pole vault. Holly and Scott discuss how they've adapted their training following the introduction of lockdown measures and delay to the Olympics and Paralympics. They explore the role of data analytics in supporting them, and share their top tips for staying mentally and physically fit during this challenging period. 

To learn more about PwC's partnership with British Athletics, visit our website: www.pwc.co.uk/britishathletics

Over the past few months, many businesses have devoted significantly more time to responding to COVID-19 than to preparing for Brexit. But in some respects, the steps businesses have taken to navigate COVID-19 - such as strengthening their supply chains - will stand them in good stead when it comes to preparing for the future trading relationship between the UK and the EU.  In this episode, host Rowena Morris is joined by Panny Loucas, the Brexit lead within PwC's tax business, and Cara Haffey, our Head of Manufacturing and Automotive sectors. Our expert panel discusses the likely scenarios businesses should be preparing for now and share practical advice to help you get ready for each potential outcome.

The FCA - the Financial Conduct Authority - and other regulators have been very active in their response to COVID-19, aiming to support the industry and ensure the fair treatment of customers at this difficult time. In this episode, host Rowena Morris is joined by Andrew Kail, PwC’s FS leader, and Katie Fisher, Director of Strategy at the FCA, to discuss how the FCA's business plan for this year will impact firms over the coming year. And, as firms continue to navigate the impacts of COVID-19, Andrew and Katie set out practical advice to help them deliver fair value while remaining operationally resilient.

The social distancing measures put in place by governments all over the world have caused an increase in demand for technologies that facilitate remote working. This includes virtual reality and augmented reality (VR and AR), both of which offer smart ways to upskill and collaborate without the need for face-to-face interaction. In this episode, host Rowena Morris is joined by Jeremy Dalton, PwC's Head of VR and AR, and David Ristagno, the Co-Founder & CEO of Uptale, which provides an immersive learning platform designed for businesses to create, share and track training modules in 360° and Virtual Reality. They discuss the important role these technologies have to play in helping businesses and wider society navigate the COVID-19 crisis.

COVID-19 has made it crucial for companies to protect liquidity. Across all sectors, we’ve seen a rapid shift in working capital requirements, driven by huge disruption of supply and demand.  In this episode, host Rowena Morris is joined by two experts from PwC's operational restructuring business, Daniel Windaus and Ian Morgan, to discuss the working capital challenges that businesses are facing as a result of COVID-19. Our panel explores the actions organisations can take to rapidly change operational ways of working and protect their working capital, ensuring a more accurate cash flow forecast during these uncertain times.

The coronavirus outbreak has been stressful for many people, including those in leadership positions. We are being asked to lead in a world that is unlike anything we've ever experienced. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming and cause strong reactions, making it difficult to look after our wellbeing. And even if we're not experiencing these feelings ourselves, it's so important that we're able to support those we're working with. Dr. Rob Archer, a Chartered Psychologist at Cognacity, and Dr. Claudia Van Den Heuvel, who works in PwC's crisis business, explore some of the personal challenges leaders are experiencing right now, and discuss strategies to help us look after our mental wellbeing and maintain strong leadership through uncertain times. 

On Sunday, 10th May, the government set out a roadmap to lift the lockdown that has transformed the lives of people across the UK. So, over the coming weeks, many businesses will be preparing to support their employees as they return to the workplace, if it’s appropriate for them to do so. Chris Box, PwC's EMEA HR Consulting Lead, and Nicola Shield, our Lead for Governance, Risk, Compliance and Control, join Rowena Morris to explore the challenges businesses have been facing as they adjust to new ways of working. And, as the country gradually comes out of lockdown, we’ll take a look at how organisations can address some of the issues that might arise.

COVID-19 has impacted many regions that are at the heart of global supply chains. And this has caused a spectrum of challenges for businesses: some are fighting to keep up with extreme sales growth, while others are suffering from a huge drop-off in demand. In this episode, host Rowena Morris is joined by Mark Anderson, a Forensics Partner at PwC, and Penny Flint, a Director in our risk management business, to discuss the difficulties businesses are facing at the moment, take a look at the challenges that might lie ahead, and explore the strategies that will help you build resilience in your supply chain.

Many government-backed funding initiatives are now open for business. But when it comes to putting your application together, it can be difficult to know where to start. In the second half of our special two-part feature on accessing government funding, Sarah Strang and John Williams from PwC's Debt & Capital Advisory business discuss the two Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Schemes. They discuss the likely impact these schemes will have on businesses and share practical tips to help you access the schemes.

The government has put in place a number of initiatives to support businesses that are struggling to navigate the impacts of COVID-19. In this two-part special feature on accessing government funds, host Rowena Morris is joined by Sarah Strang and John Williams from our Debt & Capital Advisory business to discuss the government-backed initiatives that are available. Our expert panel shares practical tips for those thinking of applying to the COVID Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF), including the impact it will have on businesses, both over the next few months and over the longer term.