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After spending a yr interviewing a number of the UK’s high enterprise leaders, quite a few themes have emerged which paint a regarding image of their confidence on this nation’s future prospects – however there’s additionally hope.
In 25 episodes of Metropolis AM‘s Boardroom Uncovered podcast collection in 2025, a lot of the CEOs interviewed expressed their anxiousness over the UK’s international competitiveness.
Many additionally scrutinised authorities coverage – largely within the diplomatic and stilted approach high chief executives do in public – however it was clear that below the floor there was deep dissatisfaction with how issues have been going.
A standard thread all through this yr’s episodes – which featured the bosses of a variety of corporations from tech unicorns like Motorway and ClearScore to high-street stalwarts like Pret A Manger and HMV – was a enterprise atmosphere outlined by uncertainty.
Leaders spoke about geopolitical, financial or behavioural issues which have been impacting their industries whereas additionally calling for presidency motion.
However the enterprise leaders additionally provided notes of optimism, whether or not that be one thing particularly their firm was doing, or modifications in insurance policies that they hoped could be launched by the federal government this yr that may assist them higher.
You possibly can watch and take heed to all the Boardroom Uncovered episodes from this yr and 2024 right here.
CEOs on the UK’s competitiveness disaster
One of the vital frequent themes expressed by the visitors on Boardroom Uncovered wasn’t nearly inflation however the UK’s elementary strategy to enterprise.
Leaders consistantly voiced deep concern that the UK is failing to encourage wealth creation and risk-taking.
The likes of ClearScore co-founder and CEO Justin Basini and Castore boss Tom Beahon spoke out in opposition to the perceived complexity and harshness of the UK’s tax construction.
Basini particularly hit out in opposition to tax avoidance as “unforgivable” and referred to as for reform, whereas Beahon argued the UK must cease “penalising” profitable entrepreneurs.
James Reed, who leads his household’s recruitment large, strongly advocated for reducing “purple tape” to unlock the potential of the UK job market and switch the nation into a real “jobs powerhouse”.
However on the constructive facet of the ledger, Sage CEO Steve Hare spoke up about why it’s necessary for the FTSE 100 large to stay listed in London regardless of different tech corporations selecting the US as an alternative.
Nevertheless he did spotlight the persistent difficulty of London-listed companies being undervalued in comparison with their US counterparts which bolstered the narrative that UK markets wrestle to correctly reward high-growth tech companies.
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CEO scrutiny of presidency and Labour coverage
Prime enterprise leaders, particularly those that lead London-listed corporations, are sometimes hesitant to talk out in opposition to the federal government of the day for a wide range of causes.
However many broke ranks this yr to voice their issues over the route Labour has taken since taking energy in the summertime of 2024.
A standard message was that Sir Keir Starmer’s authorities wasn’t doing sufficient to assist British companies.
BGF chief govt Andy Gregory argued that Labour wanted to do extra to reassure the enterprise neighborhood whereas Pizza Categorical CEO Paula MacKenzie felt the federal government’s stance on enterprise was “unbelievably harsh”.
Talking earlier than the Price range, Butlin’s boss Jon Hendry Pickup argued that Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ mooted tax-raising insurance policies have been going to instantly harm the tourism and hospitality sectors – one thing he additionally spoke out about after they have been confirmed.
However past politics, Ogilvy UK vice-chairman Rory Sutherland put ahead an alternate critique, arguing that “boring” free-market capitalism wants a greater public narrative – an issue of notion, not simply coverage.
The brand new international danger atmosphere
This yr has as soon as once more been dominated by the on-going struggle in Ukraine in addition to a collection of high-profile cyber threats in opposition to iconic British corporations similar to M&S, Jaguar Land Rover, Harrods and the Co-op to call a number of.
Talking on the ultimate episode of 2025, BAE Programs CFO Brad Greve warned that the worldwide danger atmosphere is the “scariest it’s been for the reason that Chilly Struggle”.
Whereas Neil Sawyer, who leads HP in Northern Europe, mentioned that UK cyber assaults will inevitably improve, emphasising that companies should prioritise strong safety.
Adapting to the hybrid excessive road
In the meantime, for consumer-facing CEOs a dominant theme was methods to survive and thrive in a market which has been completely altered by hybrid work and value pressures.
Pret A Manger’s UK boss Clare Clough opened up about how her enterprise has needed to change its mannequin to adapt to fewer every day commuters and shifting its focus from central enterprise districts to suburbs.
Chris Phylactou, Papa John’s UK managing director, described the present atmosphere as a “excellent storm of issue” on account of rising prices, forcing corporations to steadiness excessive inflation with shopper finances constraints.
Nevertheless, HMV boss Phil Halliday offered a constructive story of excessive road resilience, detailing how bodily retail, pushed partly by the resurgence of vinyl, is making a comeback.
