Understand

In Episode 3 of The Growth Conundrum Ben Chu assesses the UK's underlying economic strengths and the size and nature of the opportunities to be found in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence and life sciences - and asks whether a big part of the solution is to be found in enabling our regional cities to fulfil their untapped potential. He also asks whether, in this era of political instability, which has seen seven different prime ministers in Number 10 in the last ten years, politicians have the space and courage to do what’s necesary to deliver strong growth. He turns a spotlight on us, the public, asking whether we’re actually prepared to bear the short-term pain and inconvenience needed to get long-term gains. Ben dives deep into the politics of growth with experts, former chancellors and business leaders and asks what it will take to finally solve the UK's long standing Growth Conundrum.

Presenter: Ben Chu, Policy and Analysis Correspondent, BBC Verify

In recent decades the UK's growth has been deeply disappointing by its own historical standards. But some countries are booming. In the second episode of The Growth Conundrum BBC Verify's Policy and Analysis Correspondent, Ben Chu travels to Poland to find out how the once impoverished communist country is now achieving formidable economic growth rates and fast rising living standards. He talks to Polish businesses - big and small - about the opportunities growth creates and the entrepreneurial spirit behind their success. He speaks to Polish economic migrants, who left to work in the UK several years ago, but who have now returned, enticed by the greater opportunities in their homeland. And he meets Brits who see their future in Poland, including a Welsh plumber, now working in Krakow, who headed in the opposite direction to the many Polish plumbers who once moved to Britain. Ben asks what it's like to live in a rapidly growing economy - and what the UK can learn from Poland and other countries, such as Spain, which have turned their economies around?

Presenter: Ben Chu, Policy and Analysis Correspondent, BBC Verify

Credit: Auf Wiedersehen, Pet - S1 Ep.1 If I Were A Carpenter ITV Drama

Economic growth is something every UK government, up to and including the current one, claims to want above all else. But for almost 20 years, not a single one has been able to deliver sustained national economic expansion. BBC Verify's Policy and Analysis correspondent, Ben Chu asks why generating growth seems to be such a puzzle for us. In the first of a three part series he looks at what growth actually is, how it’s made human civilisation and the profound damage two decades of feeble growth have done to our living standards. Ben talks to businesses on the ground in the UK about what they think is holding them back and what’s stopping them - and the country - from growing.

Presenter: Ben Chu, Policy and Analysis correspondent, BBC Verify

Every UK government, up to and including the current one, claims to want to achieve economic growth. But for almost 20 years not a single one has delivered sustained economic expansion. BBC Verify's Policy and Analysis Correspondent, Ben Chu asks why generating growth seems to be such a puzzle for us. In this three part series he looks at what growth actually is, what's holding it back, as well as what we can learn from other fast growing economies and where the UK's future growth potential lies.

In the final episode of Michael Rosen’s series on masculinity and manhood, can comedian and podcaster Vittorio Angelone, following his tumultuous 20s, find his way to being a man that he actually likes.

Presenter: Michael Rosen

A Loftus Media Production for BBC Radio 4

What’s it like to be a man in your 30s? In Episode 6 of Michael Rosen’s series about masculinity and manhood, filmmaker and former Premier League footballer Marvin Sordell puts darkness behind him to write a new chapter in his life.

Presenter: Michael Rosen

A Loftus Media Production for BBC Radio 4

What’s it like to be a man in your 40s? In Episode 5 of Michael Rosen’s series about masculinity and manhood, singer and author Lias Saoudi reflects on his transition from chaos to fatherhood.

Presenter: Michael Rosen

A Loftus Media Production for BBC Radio 4

What’s it like to be a man in your 50s? In Episode 4 of Michael Rosen’s series about manhood and masculinity, journalist, activist and writer Matthew Todd talks about his experience.

Presenter: Michael Rosen

A Loftus Media Production for BBC Radio 4

What’s it like being a man in your 60s? In Episode 3 of Michael Rosen’s series about manhood and masculinity, comedian and writer David Baddiel shares his experience.

Presenter: Michael Rosen

A Loftus Media Production for BBC Radio 4

What is it like being a man in your 70s? In Episode 2 of Michael Rosen’s series about manhood and masculinity, celebrated author and poet Colm Tóibín shares how he feels less and less sexual energy as he ages, especially after surviving testicular cancer. But he’s far from depressed about it. In fact, he’s busy putting that energy to other uses.

Presenter: Michael Rosen

A Loftus Media Production for BBC Radio 4