More Than a Number

Business needs to rise to the challenges that have developed and find a way forward through the storm. But where to start? Economist Anna Leach and futurist Susan Cox-Smith look at how companies across the economy have rapidly adapted and what we can learn from them.

Bonus extra. During Pol Pot’s short regime, millions of people were executed, including most professionals like doctors, lawyers, accountants and teachers. This has had a long and devastating effect on the country. Dr Mark Campbell, Director of ICAEW International Capacity Building, shares the work he and his team have done in Cambodia to restore the profession and help rebuild the economy.

Why is the Western banking system so appealing for kleptocrats and what are we doing to stop it? Corruption is hollowing out countries, depriving them of education, healthcare and infrastructure. Max Heywood from Transparency International and Mark Campbell from ICAEW join Bill Browder to discuss.

The cost of corruption is around $3.6tr a year. But there’s another cost: the lives of the victims of corruption. Bill Browder was a financier, but after the loss of his friend Sergei Magnitsky, he vowed to fight for justice. Here’s how he’s doing it.

Is genetic modification one of the answers? What are some of the latest tech advancements that are helping farmers? And what do Tom, Dick and Harry have to do with this? Carl Atkin and Janet Ranganathan pick up the conversation. 

Can we sustainably feed an extra two billion people by 2050? Yes, but there’s no single solution, say Janet Ranganathan from the World Resources Institute and Carl Atkin, an international agribusiness consultant, as they list the opportunities. Good news alert: you don’t have to become a vegan.

Following his visit to the World Economic Forum, ICAEW’s Chief Executive shares the conversations and moments that captured his attention, and considers the key take outs for the sector. 

More episodes are coming soon. Join us as we explore the stories behind some of the most influential numbers in the world today. Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss an episode.

The UK has an ageing workforce – and this presents a tremendous opportunity for employers. Ed Humpherson from the UK Statistics Authority and Sarah Crofts from the ONS set the scene, while Andy Briggs, the Government’s Business Champion for the Ageing Society, and Aviva’s Alistair McQueen talk about the potential for businesses and mature employees.

Government spending affects how we vote and the structure of our tax system affects how we live. Our tax system is a critical – and complex – issue, hear Paul Johnson from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Philip Booth from the Institute of Economic Affairs and economist James Meadway tackle the subject, and Kathryn Cearns from the Office for Tax Simplification makes the case for a simpler system.