Episode Details

In this episode of the Go Radio Business Show, Tom Hunter and Willie Haughey discuss the global economic impact of rising oil prices due to Middle East tensions, the UK’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and Labour’s proposed housing investment in Scotland.

They explore the rapid rise of AI, including talent wars and future disruption, and highlight major developments in Scotland’s renewable energy and space sectors with guest Stuart Black of Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The episode also features Jude McCorry, CEO of the Cyber and Fraud Centre, who emphasises the growing importance of cybersecurity for businesses.

Highlights & Insights

[00:01:06]

Global Geopolitics & Oil

Middle East conflict (Iran & Israel) and its impact on oil prices.

Strait of Hormuz: 40% of global oil passes through.

Oil price could rise from $66 to $120/barrel.

Potential global inflation and supply chain disruption.

[00:04:41]

UK Inflation & Cost of Living

May inflation: 3.4%, down slightly from April.

Cost of essentials up 25% since 2021.

Discussion on price gouging and lack of market correction.

[00:07:20]

Housing & Labour Policy

Labour’s £16B National Housing Bank plan.

Scotland to receive £1.9B in consequential.

Opportunity to address housing crisis.

[00:09:12]

SME Builders & Skills Shortage

Decline in small housebuilders due to red tape and inflation.

Need for skilled trades and national strategy.

[00:11:03]

New Housing Minister

Mairi McAllan appointed to lead housing efforts. appointed to lead housing efforts.

Positive reception from hosts.

[00:11:51]

Scale-Up Funding News

Merger of Par Equity and Praetura Ventures into PXN Group.

Focus: equity funding from £800K to £8M.

£670M AUM, £115M in investments.

[00:13:00]

AI Talent Wars

Meta allegedly offering $100M signing bonuses to OpenAI staff.

Concerns about rising costs and talent poaching.

[00:14:46]

AI Disruption & Opportunity

Insights from Demis Hassabis (DeepMind):

AGI could rival humans in 5 years.

Potential to solve climate change and disease.

Urges businesses to prepare for rapid disruption.

[00:17:55]

AI Risks & Fusion Challenge

Discussion on AI’s energy consumption.

Call for AI to help solve nuclear fusion.

Concerns about job displacement.

[00:19:44]

Entrepreneurial Scotland

Andy Lothian appointed new chair.

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