The Business

Well sticking with chaos, we’ve spent the last few weeks wondering if the conservative party would move on Liz Truss. In the end they didn’t take too long, there wasn’t much procrastination. But can procrastination sometimes be a good thing, should we celebrate it more rather than dismiss it, which is the norm. Siofra Mulqueen didn’t waste any time finding out.

The world seems to be in a constant spiral of crises at the moment. As the Tory Party fights and bickers in a week of chaos, they certainly aren’t sticking to the phrase “Keep calm and carry on”. But just how can you keep your cool when dealing with a crisis? And when is it acceptable to get a little bit mad? Chair of The Convention Centre Dublin Julie O’Neill is in studio and Ian Robertson, Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Trinity College is on the line

This week has seen further interesting developments in China as the Chip war between the US and China is heating up. Biden’s administration has announced new restrictions on American companies selling advanced semiconductors to China, including restrictions on US citizens working for chip plants in China. We’re joined by Yvonne Murray, a former China Correspondent, who is now based in New York.

A story of true resilience. Our next guest overcame a horrific accident in his late teens (a catastrophic spinal cord injury that left him paralysed) to go on to set up a company that has ambitions to become Ireland’s next Unicorn. Stephen Cluskey’s Mobility Mo Jo started in hospitality, advising hotels about accessibility. But now they’re targeting the world’s largest companies too. They’re developed software to help create inclusive workplaces. And there’s a huge market out there with 1.2 billion people globally with disabilities - more than 60% of them are unemployed. The company hopes to employ up to 50 people next year and they’re currently raising 7.5 million in investment.

Chaos within the UK Government dominates the headlines this morning as the Prime minister sacks Kwarteng and performs U-turn on mini-Budget. Bringing us the latest is Political Editor with the Financial Times, George Parker.

Our next guest has a keen interest in Ireland’s housing situation. A native of Dublin, he’s the co-founder and director of Plenary, an Australian investment company that’s hoping to build social housing here alongside big infrastructure projects, such as Dublin’s Metro. Plenary is a major international operator controlling 74 pieces of infrastructure across Australia, Canada and the US with a value of over €30 million, but now they’re hoping to branch into Europe, with Ireland the first port of call. Ray Wilson joins us now.

Now, we’ve been hearing a lot about energy costs, but let’s look at an issue that’s somewhat related. A thawing Arctic Circle, as polar ice caps melt, is some say heating up a new Cold War - as nations scramble to control long frozen resources and new shipping routes. But how will all of this play out with the war in Ukraine in the mix? We’re joined by Charles Emmerson, author of The Future History of the Arctic

Now from a battle for resources in the Arctic circle to what we normally associate that region with - explorers and the likes of Ernest Shackleton. Increasingly more women are being drawn to explore the region for work and recreation. Siofra Mulqueen has been catching up with some of the Arctic and Antartica’s newest explorers and adventurers. Joining us is Nikki Bradley, Nuala Moore and Prof Louise Allcock.

As the UK economy deals with their mess along with an energy and cost of living crisis, back at home, we’re continuing to see the impact of these issues on small businesses. Over the last few days and weeks, the number of restaurants and cafes shutting up shop has grown substantially. Joining us in studio is Sam Pearson, owner of the Vegan Sandwich Co. ,who had to make the very hard decision to close both of his stores in Smithfield and St. Stephen’s Green. We’re also joined by Margaret Flanagan owner of The Hot Sandwich Company in Baldoyle, who remains open but is really feeling increasing costs and bills.

The energy crisis continues to make the headlines this week. The national grid operator Eirgrid has warned of the high risk of power cuts in the build up to Christmas. Are we likely to see this happen and will big energy users like industrial users and data centres play a role in preventing this from happening? Senior research officer with the ESRI Muireann Lynch joins us to discuss.