Can new businesses survive without some form of hype or over-promotion? Or will consumer or investor disillusionment inevitably correct this? One recent example where hype came back to bite a company founder is that of the shared office space provider, WeWork. Its stock market valuation fell from $50bn to near bankruptcy over the course of a few weeks.

GUESTS

Brent Hoberman, serial entrepreneur and investor, chair and co-founder of Founders Factory and First Minute Capital

How will the infection affect commerce in the UK and around the world? Evan Davis and a panel of guests discuss what's happening to the economy and look at likely scenarios.

Producers: Lesley McAlpine and Julie Ball

Is our working week due for major reform? Will a move to a four day week - as proposed by the Labour Party in its recent General Election manifesto - ever happen? From shorter hours to more flexibility in the workplace, what will the modern world of work be like in ten years time? Evan Davis and guests discuss the latest trends.

Guests appearing on The Bottom Line

Kate Cooper, Head of Research, Policy & Standards, Institute of Leadership and Management

What are the pros and cons of running a business with your life partner and how do you keep the personal out of your professional life? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

GUESTS

Sophie Mirman and Richard Ross, founders and owners, Trotters childrenswear and accessories

Claire and Andy Burnet, founders and owners, Chococo artisan chocolatiers

Peter Leach, author and Adjunct Professor in Family Business , Imperial College Business School

Producer: Julie Ball

What are the rules when people have to lose their jobs? It's always a difficult situation - which is why it's often handled badly. Evan Davis and guests ask if there is a better way of doing it.

GUESTS

Angela O'Connor, Founder and CEO, The HR Lounge Consultancy

Sian Keall, Partner, Employment Law, Travers Smith LLP

Kate Griffiths-Lambeth, Group HR Director, Charles Stanley, Wealth Managers

Producer: Julie Ball

Do business gurus really hold the secret to success? Peter Drucker, Michael Porter and Gary Hamel are some of those who've found fame and influence via best-selling business books. But can following their lead transform a company - or are they really just selling themselves? Evan Davis and guests assess the pros and cons of buying from the ideas merchants.

GUESTS

Producer: Julie Ball

How should businesses deal with workplace quarrels? At a time when the nation seems increasingly divided and hot-tempered, is there a way to bring harmony among staff when there are differences of opinion and personality? Evan Davis and his guests explore what can go wrong and look for some possible solutions. In a very cooperative spirit, naturally.

Producer: Julie Ball

The number of companies in 'financial distress' in the UK is on the rise. What's causing the problems and what exactly happens when a company goes into administration? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

Guests:

Julie Palmer, Insolvency practitioner, Begbies Traynor

Andy Scott, Chairman, REL Capital

Dr Rebecca Parry, Director, Centre for Business and Insolvency, Nottingham Trent University

Producer: Julie Ball

How can business benefit from the popularity of vegetarian and vegan products in supermarkets and restaurants? One in eight of us identifies as vegetarian or vegan, but that's not enough to have boosted the market so significantly. So what is happening and is it sustainable? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

GUESTS

Kevin Brennan, CEO Quorn

Tommaso Chiabra, venture capitalist and CEO Tommaso Chiabra Holdings

Rachel Hugh, Co-founder, The Vurger Company

Producer: Julie Ball

Will Facebook's launch of its own cryptocurrency be a game changer? What will this mean for established currencies and the global banking system? Evan Davis and guests discuss.

GUESTS

Jutta Steiner, Chief Executive Officer, Parity Technologies

Dr. Catherine Mulligan, Chief Technology Officer of Gov Tech Labs and Data Net at University College, London

Barbara Mellish, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Citizenship, Enterprise and Government

Presenter: Evan Davis

Producer: Julie Ball