Andy Preston - From the City to City Hall - Leadership, Charity & the Reality of British Politics

Paul Cadman - From Bullring Barrow Boy to the Boardroom

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2214496/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, Sukh Hayre sits down with Paul Cadman, Birmingham-based entrepreneur, philanthropist, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership, and founder of the One Thousand Trades Group. Paul shares his remarkable journey from a humble upbringing in Bordesley Green, leaving school with no qualifications and struggling with dyslexia, to becoming a successful business leader involved in enterprise, sport, community development and major regional projects. The conversation explores how Birmingham shaped Paul’s mindset, from the old Bullring markets to the fire service, martial arts, business growth, mergers and acquisitions, and his commitment to giving back. Paul also discusses the role of sport in building discipline and confidence, his work with Birmingham Youth Sports Academy, his involvement with Birmingham City Football Club, and why he believes Birmingham should stop thinking of itself as the “second city” and start recognising itself as “second to nobody.” The episode covers entrepreneurship, resilience, failure, leadership, Birmingham’s tech and innovation ecosystem, the importance of community, and the future of the West Midlands. Paul offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and reflects on why values, purpose and people matter as much as commercial success. A powerful conversation about Birmingham, ambition, social mobility, business, philanthropy and what it means to build something that leaves a lasting impact. Follow Paul Cadman: Website: https://onethousandtradesgroup.co.uk/ X: https://x.com/PaulCadmanUK LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulcadman/ www.dm-mi.com

Lydia Papaphilippopoulos-Snape - Why the Maths Isn't Mathing: The Silent Crisis in UK Hospitality

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2214496/fan_mail/new] Lydia Papafilippopoulos-Snape is an entrepreneur and vocal advocate for the hospitality industry.  Lydia, the founder of Warwick Street Kitchen and Saint Kitchen, shares her journey from a musician to a successful café owner with four locations across the Midlands.  We dive into her passion for hospitality, the challenges of running a small business in today’s economic climate, and the struggles of navigating rising costs, VAT, and staffing issues. Lydia passionately discusses the impact of government policies on the hospitality sector, especially regarding the cost of doing business and the burden of VAT.  She also highlights the importance of customer experience, offering advice for businesses looking to thrive in a competitive market. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the current state of the hospitality industry and Lydia’s mission to advocate for independent businesses.  Website: https://www.warwickstreetkitchen.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lpapznape/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-coffee/ TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@lpapznape www.dm-mi.com

Catherine McBride - Economics Myths Busted from Brexit Trade Deals to Trump Tariffs & UK Energy

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2214496/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, host Sukh Hayre speaks with economist Catherine McBride about the realities of global trade, Brexit, and the economic challenges facing the UK today. Drawing on her experience in financial markets and her role on the UK Trade and Agriculture Commission, Catherine breaks down common misconceptions around international trade, including why countries do not simply trade with their nearest neighbours and how cultural and institutional differences shape economic outcomes. The conversation explores the impact of Brexit on the City of London, the truth behind predictions of financial firms leaving the UK, and why London remains a dominant global financial hub. Catherine also offers a critical perspective on UK energy policy, arguing that high energy costs and net zero commitments are driving deindustrialisation and limiting growth in key sectors such as manufacturing, AI, and data infrastructure. The discussion expands to US trade policy, examining tariffs under both Trump and Biden administrations, and reframes them as part of a broader national security strategy rather than purely economic protectionism. This episode challenges conventional economic narratives and offers a clear-eyed view on trade, regulation, energy policy, and what needs to change for the UK economy to thrive. Follow & Support  Substack: https://catherinemcbride.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cate-mcbride/ X: https://x.com/CeeMacBee Great British Business Council: https://gbbc.uk/  www.dm-mi.com

Prof John Hearn - The Economics of Free Markets, Inflation & Bitcoin

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2214496/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the DM-Mi Podcast, host Sukh Hayre sits down with economist Professor John Hearn to unpack some of the most debated ideas shaping today’s global economy. From the clash between free market capitalism and government intervention, to the role of central banks like the Bank of England, this conversation challenges mainstream economic thinking and explores whether modern policy is making economies stronger or weaker. Professor Hearn breaks down: *  Why he believes Keynesian economics and modern monetary theory are flawed *  The real cause of inflation and how central banks control it *  Why governments cannot “grow” economies, and the role of innovation and the private sector *  The truth behind quantitative easing and money supply *  Whether Bitcoin and cryptocurrency can ever replace traditional money  *  How AI could reshape financial services and education The discussion also dives into real-world examples, from Argentina’s economic reforms under Javier Milei to historical policy experiments, offering listeners a clear and thought-provoking perspective on economic policy today. If you’re interested in economics, finance, business, or the future of money, this episode delivers a deep yet accessible breakdown of the forces shaping the modern world. Visit Prof Hearns Website: https://myprofessorjohnhearn.org/ www.dm-mi.com

Andy Preston - From the City to City Hall - Leadership, Charity & the Reality of British Politics

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2214496/fan_mail/new] Host Sukh Hayre has an in-depth conversation with Andy Preston, the entrepreneur and former elected Mayor of Middlesbrough. In this episode, Andy reflects on his high-stakes career in the London and New York financial markets, detailing the intense "hustle" of Wall Street and the evolution of trading culture. Andy shares the personal motivations behind his transition from finance to philanthropy, including the founding of the national charity CEO Sleep Out to combat homelessness. He provides a rare, unfiltered look at his four-year tenure as Mayor, discussing the frustrations of navigating civil service bureaucracy, the challenges of leading a city through the COVID-19 pandemic, and his firm stance against government-imposed restrictions. Whether you are interested in urban leadership, social impact, or the inner workings of the UK political system, this episode offers a fascinating perspective on driving radical change within traditional institutions. Follow Andy on Socials: * Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TeesIssues [https://www.facebook.com/TeesIssues] * Instagram (Andy Preston blog): https://www.instagram.com/andypreston777/ [https://www.instagram.com/andypreston777/] LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/andy-preston-3a226211 [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/andy-preston-3a226211] * X (Twitter): https://x.com/centre_right_ CEO Sleep Out Charity https://ceosleepout.co.uk/ [https://ceosleepout.co.uk/] www.dm-mi.com