Air Date: February 22nd, 2026
Hosts: Lord Willie Haughey and Sir Tom Hunter
This is a catch-up version of the weekly, Go Radio Business Show, Sundays from 11am.
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Hunter and Haughey spotlight the sharp rise in NEET levels, with Willie warning that “for young males… it’s up 40%” since COVID. They argue that rising taxes, regulation, and the rapid advance of AI are discouraging employers from hiring and reshaping the job market.
The episode then races through major Scottish business stories: public‑sector cuts looming as councils edge toward bankruptcy, BrewDog’s uncertain future after its founders’ departure, record Scottish salmon exports, the urgent need for SME‑level AI adoption, Scotland losing access to billions in EU innovation funding, and Edinburgh Airport boss Gordon Dewar stepping down after 14 transformative years.
Youth Unemployment Crisis
Nearly 1 million 16–24‑year‑olds unemployed in the UK.
NEET numbers since COVID: +7% for young women & +40% for young men
Tom warns: “If they don’t catch the habit of employment now, maybe they never will.”
AI’s Disruption of the Labour Market
Graduate roles already being replaced by AI.
Only one‑third of Scottish businesses have an AI plan.
Willie calls for SME‑level AI education: night classes, practical training, “Janet and John level” guidance.
Public Sector Pressures & Council Finances
Glasgow facing a £56m homelessness‑related deficit.
Potential 5% council tax rise.
Willie warns civil servants: cuts are coming unless growth returns.
BrewDog’s Future Uncertain
Founders James Watt & Martin Dickie both gone.
Private equity ownership + declining beer consumption = instability.
Tom: “Let’s see if there’s room for BrewDog 2.0.”
Scottish Salmon Hits Record Export Year
$828m in exports — UK’s top food export.
France and the US remain the biggest markets.
Scotland Missing Out on EU Innovation Funding
Loss of access to $15.2bn in potential support post‑Brexit.
Willie: “Get us back into that trading bloc.”
Edinburgh Airport Leadership Change
Gordon Dewar steps down after 85% passenger growth in 14 years.
AI in Recruitment
London law firm uses AI chatbots for first‑round interviews.
Housing Emergency Roundtable
Tom’s upcoming session with ministers Ivan McKee and (potentially) Màiri McAllan
Focus: unlocking large sites (500+ homes) and practical solutions.
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