Episode Details

Air Date: October 18th, 2026 with Barclays Hampden Hospitality and Events
 
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter

This week on the Go Radio Business Show, Hunter and Haughey cover a wide-ranging agenda from global business wins to Scotland’s economic future. Willie celebrates the signing of a major long-term contract in Australia and reflects on the opportunities he sees in a booming economy Down Under. Closer to home, the discussion turns to talent retention, devolution, housing, investment, infrastructure and Scotland's growth challenges.

The pair examine lessons from Norway's £2.2 trillion sovereign wealth fund, debate whether closer UK-EU economic ties could unlock growth, and explore emerging opportunities in defence, aerospace, robotics and housing. They also tackle labour shortages, business rates, energy costs and why Scotland must become more competitive for investment. 

With optimism around innovation and concern about economic stagnation, the episode blends business insight, politics and practical solutions. 

Key Highlights

• Willie signs a major 10-year multi-billion-pound contract in Australia and discusses the country's booming economy.
• Discussion on why young Scottish talent is increasingly moving abroad and what powers Scotland may need to create more opportunities at home.
• Reflections on Andy Burnham's visit to Motherwell College and the debate around devolving DWP responsibilities to Scotland.
• Lessons from Norway's sovereign wealth fund and whether Scotland missed a historic opportunity with oil revenues.
• Glasgow's plans to unlock stalled housing developments through a new public-private investment fund.
• £57 million investment at Prestwick Airport from GE Aerospace creating skilled jobs and strengthening Ayrshire's aerospace sector.
• Debate over Goldman Sachs analysis suggesting renewed UK-EU integration could significantly boost economic growth.
• NAMI Surgical secures funding to advance robotic surgery technology in Scotland.
• Discussion on defence manufacturing, national security and Scotland's role in a changing geopolitical landscape.
• Construction labour shortages, business rates and energy costs continue to threaten economic growth and investment.

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