Air Date: February 22nd, 2026

Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter

This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays from 11am.

PLAY and HIT SUBSCRIBE, and NEVER miss an episode!

Hunter and Haughey spotlight the sharp rise in NEET levels, with Willie warning that “for young males… it’s up 40%” since COVID. They argue that rising taxes, regulation, and the rapid advance of AI are discouraging employers from hiring and reshaping the job market.

The episode then races through major Scottish business stories: public‑sector cuts looming as councils edge toward bankruptcy, BrewDog’s uncertain future after its founders’ departure, record Scottish salmon exports, the urgent need for SME‑level AI adoption, Scotland losing access to billions in EU innovation funding, and Edinburgh Airport boss Gordon Dewar stepping down after 14 transformative years.

Youth Unemployment Crisis

Nearly 1 million 16–24‑year‑olds unemployed in the UK.

NEET numbers since COVID: +7% for young women & +40% for young men

Tom warns: “If they don’t catch the habit of employment now, maybe they never will.”

AI’s Disruption of the Labour Market

Graduate roles already being replaced by AI.

Only one‑third of Scottish businesses have an AI plan.

Willie calls for SME‑level AI education: night classes, practical training, “Janet and John level” guidance.

Public Sector Pressures & Council Finances

Glasgow facing a £56m homelessness‑related deficit.

Potential 5% council tax rise.

Willie warns civil servants: cuts are coming unless growth returns.

BrewDog’s Future Uncertain

Founders James Watt & Martin Dickie both gone.

Private equity ownership + declining beer consumption = instability.

Tom: “Let’s see if there’s room for BrewDog 2.0.”

Scottish Salmon Hits Record Export Year

$828m in exports — UK’s top food export.

France and the US remain the biggest markets.

Scotland Missing Out on EU Innovation Funding

Loss of access to $15.2bn in potential support post‑Brexit.

Willie: “Get us back into that trading bloc.”

Edinburgh Airport Leadership Change

Gordon Dewar steps down after 85% passenger growth in 14 years.

AI in Recruitment

London law firm uses AI chatbots for first‑round interviews.

Housing Emergency Roundtable

Tom’s upcoming session with ministers Ivan McKee and (potentially) Màiri McAllan

Focus: unlocking large sites (500+ homes) and practical solutions.

Join the Conversation 

What did you think of this episode?  Email: [email protected] 

Follow us @thisisgoradio on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tik Tok 

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBoA8NYTpHtff-aHpC2es4NU-DfV7CdEG 

For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...