#Ad In this episode, we speak to Cocoba, a Kent-based chocolate brand, about its growth journey and expansion into international markets.

The conversation explores the practical realities of exporting for SMEs: from managing cash flow and production cycles to navigating the challenges of fulfilling larger overseas orders. It highlights how delays between production and payment can place pressure on working capital, and why access to finance and insurance is often critical when scaling internationally.

We also discuss the role of UK Export Finance in supporting businesses as they expand into global markets, including how government-backed trade finance can help reduce risk and provide greater confidence when taking on new contracts.

What is stopping the UK from investing? It's a mixture of three main factors, according to Henry MacLeod, co-head of digital distribution at BlackRock.

In this episode of MoneyWeek Talks, Kalpana Fitzpatrick speaks to Henry about the state of investing in the UK, how we can debunk myths about risk, and whether AI can help you become a better investor.

#Ad In this episode, we speak to The Gym Group about how Jobcentre Plus is helping it overcome the challenges of recruiting and retaining talent in a fast-growing, service-led business.

As the company expands across the UK, building a consistent pipeline of skilled employees has become a key priority. The conversation explores how partnerships with Jobcentre Plus are helping to address this challenge, from identifying motivated candidates to supporting pre-employment training and structured pathways into work.

We discuss how initiatives such as Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) provide candidates with experience and employers with greater confidence in the hiring process, helping to reduce recruitment risk while opening up opportunities for new talent.

The episode also examines the wider commercial benefits of investing in people — from supporting business growth to building a more resilient workforce — and why structured recruitment support is becoming an increasingly important part of SME growth strategies.

For employers looking to strengthen their talent pipeline, this episode offers a practical look at how Jobcentre Plus can help turn recruitment into a competitive advantage.

#Ad In this episode, we speak to Electra Vehicles, a West Yorkshire-based manufacturer developing electric and hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles, about the realities of building and scaling a technology-led business.

Founder Sid Sadique shares his journey from apprentice mechanic to leading a growing engineering business, and explains the challenges SMEs face in capital-intensive sectors, from regulation and skills shortages to the high cost of innovation.

The conversation explores how Horizon Europe funding has supported Electra’s growth, not only through investment in research and development, but by opening access to international partners, customers and markets. For a business operating in a space typically dominated by large global players, that combination of funding and collaboration has been key.

We also discuss why support for SMEs matters more broadly (from access to talent and technology to guidance on entering new markets) and how businesses can approach innovation funding strategically.

For SMEs looking to scale, this episode offers a practical perspective on how innovation, partnerships and support can help turn ambition into growth.

Daniel Avigad, manager of the TM Lansdowne European Special Situations fund, speaks to MoneyWeek's Andrew Van Sickle about opportunities in European equities, solving the continent's growth problem, and the consequences of populism.

#Ad Purpose-driven organisations often face a challenge: how to grow their impact without losing sight of their mission. In this episode, we speak to Riverlution about building a sustainable model for environmental change, from early projects restoring rivers to developing partnerships with businesses and communities.

The conversation explores how leadership development and structured management support, including the UK Government’s Help to Grow course, can help mission-led organisations strengthen strategy and long-term resilience. We discuss the practical realities of scaling impact, balancing purpose with commercial discipline, and why strong leadership is often the difference between a good idea and a lasting organisation.

For founders and leaders looking to expand their impact while maintaining credibility, Riverlution’s journey offers valuable lessons.

Dominic Scriven, founder and chairman of Dragon Capital, speaks to MoneyWeek's Cris Sholto Heaton about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Vietnam, the current climate for investors and how his Vietnamese language lessons led to him founding the largest asset manager in the country.

Improving the relationship between money and mental health is one of Clare Francis 's missions in her work at both Barclays and the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute.

It is also a personal story – Clare lost her husband to suicide in 2011. Ever since, she has been driven to improve how we deal with our mental health when it relates to money.

Clare, savings and investments director at Barclays, spoke to Kalpana Fitzpatrick about money and mental health, why Brits should start investing, and how to build long-term financial resilience.

Alongside her role at Barclays, Clare is a trustee of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, a charity whose mission is to help people with mental health problems protect themselves from financial difficulties and get out of debt.

This episode contains mentions of suicide. If you or someone you know needs support with their mental health, you can contact the Samaritans.

You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.