While Aastha and Scott are on their much-deserved summer breaks, Tim Phillips speaks to Naresh Aggarwal (Associate Director Policy & Technical at the Association of Corporate Treasurers) and Rowan Austin (Head of Trade Finance Origination & Advisory at NatWest) in this special episode. 

Both treasury and trade finance functions are on the front line of balancing risk management and growth. Get it wrong and you're facing funding shortfalls, regulatory breaches, delayed shipments and unexpected losses. So, how do we get it right? And what risks should we be looking ahead to in the near to medium-term.

Our guests share their views, as well as make some predictions for what businesses might be overlooking. 

Please check out and subscribe to our channels on: 
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/natwest-trade-links/id1819914204
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This episode was recorded on 31 July 2025. 

This month, Tim Phillips is joined by regular guests Aastha Gupta and Scott Livingstone to delve into the intricacies of the global tech trade. They unravel the complexities of supply chains, the strategic importance of rare earth elements, and the geopolitical tensions shaping today’s trade landscape.

Semiconductors may be the new oil, but what about the old oil? They also talk about OPEC, peak oil demand and revenue, and the status of petrodollars presently and in the years to come. 

Lastly, the mix of good and bad: what to make of Middle East politics and the potential for further trade tussles?

Please check out and subscribe to our channels on: 
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/id/podcast/natwest-trade-links/id1819914204
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This episode was recorded on 1 July 2025.

Tim Phillips returns with regular NatWest guests Aastha Gupta and Scott Livingstone to talk trade. This time, they focus on the super big questions: how is the very nature of trade evolving and whether the era of globalisation is nearing an end?

They also discuss:

• Trade Patterns: Trade volumes, particularly in services and digital trade, are still increasing, but supply chains are becoming more regional and complex.

• Regional trade blocs: How the world is shifting from a single regime to a multi-polar, bloc-based system influenced by political alignment and strategic interests.

• Security concerns and the weather in Helsinki.

• Plus, what wrong-footed them last-time: the free trade agreement signed between the UK and India.

To read Aastha's latest Trade Tracker, click here: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/insights/finance/trade-tracker-uk-trade-deals-in-focus.html

 This episode was recorded on 2 June 2025

All details correct at time of recording.

For any terms used please refer to this glossary https://www.natwest.com/corporates/insights/markets/glossary.html

Please view our full disclaimer here: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/disclaimer.html

Welcome to Trade Links, your go-to podcast for data-driven analysis of global trade trends and pivotal developments in international relations. Designed for international businesses looking to navigate the complexities of the global market, Trade Links brings you expert commentary, in-depth discussions, and the latest updates that shape the world of trade. 

Each month, host Tim Phillips will be joined by NatWest's Aastha Gupta (European Economist) and Scott Livingstone (International Adviser) to discuss different topics relevant to international trade. 

Details accurate at the time of recording (6 May 2025).

The latest trends and sustainability innovations in the world of commercial real estate.

What does it take to build a zero-carbon ready residential development?

In this episode, NatWest’s Ashley Toy is joined by Stephen Andrew, Group Technical Director at Taylor Wimpey, to explore the methods, materials, and technologies powering a pioneering zero-carbon ready home. From early planning challenges through to design and development, they explore what it really takes to deliver sustainable homes at scale.

NB. This was recorded on 13 February 2025. 

Get more tips, tools, and strategies to help navigate your sustainability journey today: 

• Unlocking value in commercial real estate: strategies to decarbonise for growth 
• Case Study: How Robertson Group is seizing new opportunities through retrofitting 
• Case Study: How Barwood Capital is leveraging sustainability for long-term success 
• Carbon Planner: sign up to measure your carbon footprint and explore how your business could potentially reduce emissions 
• Retrofit training progress: support to help you make your premises more energy efficient 

In this episode, Ashley Toy is joined by Tyrone Hodge, Global Head of Risk Advisory at JLL Inc., and Ken Mustafa, Director of Vertical Sunrooms Ltd., to explore the impact of sustainability on commercial property values. 

They discuss how green building practices influence valuations, the risks of neglecting upgrades, and the competitive advantages of investing in sustainable improvements. 

NB. This was recorded on 13 February 2025. 

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Get more tips, tools, and strategies to help navigate your sustainability journey today: 

• Unlocking value in commercial real estate: strategies to decarbonise for growth 
• Case Study: How Robertson Group is seizing new opportunities through retrofitting 
• Case Study: How Barwood Capital is leveraging sustainability for long-term success 
• Carbon Planner: sign up to measure your carbon footprint and explore how your business could potentially reduce emissions 
• Retrofit training progress: support to help you make your premises more energy efficient 

The latest trends and sustainability innovations in the world of commercial real estate.

In this episode, our host Ashley Toy sits down with Laura Beaumont, Head of Sustainability at Helical PLC, a leading office developer in central London. Together, they dive into the challenges of retrofitting large commercial properties and the strategies shaping their approach – with a  particular focus on Helical’s 100 New Bridge Street, London development.

NB. This was recorded on 13 February 2025.

Get more tips, tools, and strategies to help navigate your sustainability journey today:

• Unlocking value in commercial real estate: strategies to decarbonise for growth
• Case Study: How Robertson Group is seizing new opportunities through retrofitting
• Case Study: How Barwood Capital is leveraging sustainability for long-term success
• Carbon Planner: sign up to measure your carbon footprint and explore how your business could potentially reduce emissions
• Retrofit training progress: support to help you make your premises more energy efficient

The latest trends and sustainability innovations in the world of commercial real estate.

Housing associations play a crucial role providing homes and support for millions of people in need across the UK. But, as not-for-profits operating what are often older dwellings, many must overcome big hurdles turning their low-carbon ambitions into reality.

In this episode, NatWest’s Ashley Toy and Paul Eyre are joined by Clare Miller, CEO of Clarion Housing Group for an in-depth look at their retrofit experience. Facing challenges such as lack of finance, and resident disruption when undergoing renovations, you’ll learn more about how effective planning and innovative solutions can result in successful long-terms outcomes. 

NB. This was recorded on 20 February 2025.

Get more tips, tools, and strategies to help navigate your sustainability journey today:

• Unlocking value in commercial real estate: strategies to decarbonise for growth
• Case Study: How Robertson Group is seizing new opportunities through retrofitting
• Case Study: How Barwood Capital is leveraging sustainability for long-term success
• Carbon Planner: sign up to measure your carbon footprint and explore how your business could potentially reduce emissions
• Retrofit training progress: support to help you make your premises more energy efficient

The latest trends and sustainability innovations in the world of commercial real estate.

Why is sustainability so crucial for the UK real estate sector? In this episode, NatWest’s Ashley Toy is joined by Rob Wall, Assistant Director at the British Property Federation and Emma Harvey-Smith, Chief of Staff at the Green Finance Institute for a deep dive into the big forces pushing sustainability higher up the agenda. They discuss the impact of post-pandemic demand shifts, the role of technology and regulation – and more. 

In this episode of the Property Perspectives podcast, NatWest’s Ashley Toy is joined by Rob Wall, Assistant Director at the British Property Federation and Emma Harvey-Smith, Chief of Staff at the Green Finance Institute for a deep dive into the big forces pushing sustainability higher up the agenda in the real estate sector. Listen today.

NB. This was recorded on 13 February 2025.

Get more tips, tools, and strategies to help navigate your sustainability journey today:

• Unlocking value in commercial real estate: strategies to decarbonise for growth
• Case Study: How Robertson Group is seizing new opportunities through retrofitting
• Case Study: How Barwood Capital is leveraging sustainability for long-term success
• Carbon Planner: sign up to measure your carbon footprint and explore how your business could potentially reduce emissions
• Retrofit training progress: support to help you make your premises more energy efficient

How might tensions, tariffs and Trump influence the trade backdrop for businesses? 
 
In this episode, Rowan Austin,  Head of Trade Origination & Advisory is joined by Aastha Gupta, European Economist; Brian Daingerfield, Head of G10 FX Strategy, Americas; and Scott Livingstone, International Advisor, for an in-depth look at the macro factors affecting global trade, the key geopolitical flashpoints to watch, and how businesses can get ahead of the major factors likely to affect supply chains in 2025. 

Remember to hit subscribe so you can listen to the latest episode in this series as soon as they're available and navigate to natwest.com/yearahead to get our views on the big themes and events moving markets and shaping the economy in 2025.
  
NB: This was recorded at the Soho Hotel, London UK on 20 November 2024.  
 
For any terms used please refer to this glossary:  
https://www.natwest.com/corporates/insights/markets/glossary.html   
Please view our full disclaimer here: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/disclaimer.html