Best Fraser Institute Podcasts (2025)

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Key Figures - Graeme Roy 34:08

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7d ago34:08

34:08

In the final episode of our Key Figures series Mairi Spowage speaks to Professor in Economics at the Adam Smith Business School, and previous director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, Graeme Roy.By Fraser of Allander Institute

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Key Figures - David Bell 43:29

8d ago43:29

43:29

Our next episode of Key Figures features the esteemed David Bell, Professor of Economics at the University of Stirling and a core original member of the Fraser of Allander Institute.By Fraser of Allander Institute

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Key Figures - Peter McGregor and Kim Swales 1:10:16

9d ago1:10:16

1:10:16

In the third installment of our Key Figures series, Mairi Spowage speaks to Kim Swales and Peter McGregor: two economists who were director of the Fraser of Allander Institute at various times, and instrumental to our longstanding work in CG modelling.By Fraser of Allander Institute

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Key Figures - Elizabeth Ashcroft 58:31

12d ago58:31

58:31

In the second episode of our Key Figures interview series, we talk to Elizabeth Ashcroft, one of the original editors of our long-running Economic Commentaries. We cover her life, the origins of the Institute, and her thoughts on the rapidly changing economic landscape in Scotland.By Fraser of Allander Institute

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The PRC ID Card Controversy in Taiwan (with Sze-Fung Lee) 18:16

14d ago18:16

18:16

In Season 6, Episode 4 of Global Taiwan Insights, Ben Sando interviews Sze-Fung Lee, an independent researcher specializing in hybrid warfare. In December 2024, the Taiwanese YouTuber "Ba Jiong" (八炯) made the explosive claim that some 200,000 Taiwanese citizens possess People’s Republic of China (PRC) ID cards – an activity that is illegal under Ta…

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Key Figures - David Simpson 39:38

17d ago39:38

39:38

Clarification 15/9/25 - Victor Bulmer-Thomas did not resign as Director of Chatham House in 2003 over the Iraq war. He left at the end of 2006, although he did author a paper on Blair's foreign policy that was very critical of the invasion.By Fraser of Allander Institute

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Fiscal policy under pressure: Looking forward to the UK autumn budget statement 23:36

18d ago23:36

23:36

Participants Dr Hannah Randolph - Fellow at the Fraser of Allander Institute Dr João Sousa - Deputy Director at the Fraser of Allander Institute Time stamps (0:40) What pressures does the chancellor face ahead of the autumn budget statement? (8:30) Prospects for improved economic conditions (11:00) Potential policy changes in the Autumn Budget stat…

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Scotrail peak fares removal: Implications for public transport 17:17

25d ago17:17

17:17

(00:25) Price changes after removal (01:37) Reasoning behind peak fares and removal (03:23) Learning from the peak fares removal pilot (06:00) What policies might shift commuters away from cars? (08:47) Alternatives to rail travel (10:57) Policy costs and potential for financial neutralityBy Josh Hampson, Hannah Randolph

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Chaos in employment statistics: What's going on with the Labour Force Survey? 29:19

1M ago29:19

29:19

Participants Dr Hannah Randolph - Fellow at the Fraser of Allander Institute Allison Catalano - Fellow at the Fraser of Allander Institute and the Scottish Health Equity Research Unit (SHERU) Time stamps (00:06) Introduction (01:20) What is the LFS and what are the issues it's been having? (6:57) Alternative data sources for understanding the labou…

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GERS-onomics: reflections on the latest figures 33:05

1M ago33:05

33:05

(00:29) What is GERS and why is it important? (10:19) What do the latest figures tell us and what factors are driving changes? (14:23) What were our thoughts on the Scottish Government response? (25:51) How likely is GERS to feature in the upcoming general election?By Joao Sousa, Mairi Spowage, Chirsty McFadyen

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Innovation in Scotland - Opportunities and Challenges 36:16

2M ago36:16

36:16

04:27 - What does the UK innovation survey say about innovation in Scotland? 07:10 - Is there really a decline in innovation across Scotland? 12:00 - Is business investment in Scotland really less than rest of UK? 15:44 - Product innovation versus process innovation 21:00 - How do skills shortages affect innovation? 24: 00 - How does company size a…

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A Tentative Recovery for Scottish Business Sentiment? 14:46

2M ago14:46

14:46

(00:38) What is the Scottish Business Monitor? (02:44) What business types are represented and what is the sample size? (04:28) Has poor business sentiment from Q1 2025 recovered in Q2? (06:50) What changes have we seen based on the changes to employer national insurance contributions? (08:37) What does business sentiment look like for 2026? (11:26…

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Gridlock Glasgow: Exploring Congestion Charging 27:34

2M ago27:34

27:34

Timestamps (00:23) What is congestion charging? (02:59) Exemptions (04:49) Similarities with LEZs (07:10) Timing of charges (10:26) Use of discounts & revenue (14:54) Clyde Tunnel Toll (16:26) Edinburgh’s failed proposal (20:13) Other UK charges (21:43) Effectiveness of congestion charges (23:37) Glasgow’s public transport system (25:57) Public att…

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106: Speed Toad – Hacking the Central Nervous System (Must Listen If You Want More Speed) 1:02:28

2M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

In this episode, we are joined by Bryce Mooney and Dr. Sam Attanasio. Bryce (@brycemooneygolf) and Sam (@drsamattanasio) are co-founders of Speed Toad @speedtoad. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99), Jack Bergstrom (@Jack_Bergstrom), Danie…

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105: Jack Smith – Hitting Bombs to Become World #1 53:55

2M ago53:55

53:55

In this episode, we are joined by Jack Smith. Jack (@jacksmith_ld) is the #1 ranked long driver in the world. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99), Jack Bergstrom (@Jack_Bergstrom), Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by: https://puttvi…

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Economists in the Wild: Reflections from a Social Policy Conference 32:59

2M ago32:59

32:59

Timestamps: (01:55) The Social Policy Association (SPA) and the East Asian Social Policy Research Network (EASP) (04:15) The Hospitality Sector – Serving the Future Project (07:30) Learning Disabilities & Employment (10:30) Child Poverty (14:40) Housing & Health (19:10) Labour One Year in Office: Tax Policy & Wealth Taxes? (24:30) Key Takeaways fro…

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104: Chad Darby – Short Game and the US Open 1:05:12

3M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

In this episode, we are joined by Chad Darby. Chad (@showmeyourshortgame) is the Director of Golf at the David Toms Academy. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99), Jack Bergstrom (@Jack_Bergstrom), Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by:…

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103: Ian Fraser – Equipment and The Fraser Golf Institute 48:04

3M ago48:04

48:04

In this episode, we are joined by Ian Fraser. Ian (@ianfrasergolf) is the founder of The Fraser Golf Institute. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99), Jack Bergstrom (@Jack_Bergstrom), Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by: https://putt…

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Medium-Term Financial Strategy June 2025 33:17

3M ago33:17

33:17

Yesterday, the Scottish Government published their medium-term financial strategy, which kicks off the Scottish Budget process. Hannah Randolph is joined by FAI Director Mairi Spowage to share their reactions. (2:08) What does the medium-term financial strategy do?(8:47) Financial strategy across spending areas(18:04) Public sector reform(25:06) Lo…

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102: Jonathan Yarwood – Data and Results in the Swing 1:00:13

3M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

In this episode, we are joined by Jonathan Yarwood. Jonathan (@jonathanyarwood) is a Golf Digest Top-100 Instructor. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99), Jack Bergstrom (@Jack_Bergstrom), Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by: https:/…

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The Fraser of Allander Institute's 50th anniversary 12:15

3M ago12:15

12:15

PARTICIPANTS Dr Hannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Professor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Ben Cooper, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde TIME STAMPS (0:20) History of the FAI (5:30) FAI conference plans …

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Financing the UK Energy Transition 47:39

3M ago47:39

47:39

Introduction What are investors saying? 03:43 Why is policy certainty so important? 10:27 Energy companies versus energy investors: 13:05 Where should government focus on? 17:52 Why the grid is so important? 24:42 Importance of effective carbon pricing regime: 31:04 Policy Responses from UK and Scottish Government: 42:11…

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101: Keenan Huskey – Insight From A Feel Player 1:04:02

3M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

In this episode, we are joined by Keenan Huskey. Keenan (@keen_huskey) is a golfer on the Korn Ferry Tour. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99), Jack Bergstrom (@Jack_Bergstrom), Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by: https://puttviewb…

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The spending review rollercoaster 41:18

4M ago41:18

41:18

PARTICIPANTS Ben Cooper, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Joao Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde TIMESTAMPS (00:30) A summary of the spending review announcements (08:00) What did we…

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Winning the Cross-Strait Content War with Comedy (Feat. LeLe Farley) 18:03

4M ago18:03

18:03

In Season 6, Episode 3 of Global Taiwan Insights, Ben Sando and Diarra Molock interview Lawrence Farley, better known by his stage name LeLe Farley (樂樂法利). Farley is a YouTuber with nearly half a million subscribers, and satirizes the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP, 中國共產黨) contradictory propaganda related to Taiwan and its own political system. Far…

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100: Alan Capistron – Getting the Perfect Putter 53:50

4M ago53:50

53:50

In this episode, we are joined by Alan Capistron. Alan (@alanevnroll) is the Director of Fitting + Tour at Evnroll. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99), Jack Bergstrom (@Jack_Bergstrom), Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by: https://…

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099: Ryan McCormick – Trying the Unconventional on Tour 54:34

4M ago54:34

54:34

In this episode, we are joined by Ryan McCormick. Ryan (@mccormick__ryan) is a professional golfer currently on the KFT. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by: https://puttviewbooks.com/ --- (01…

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098: Ward Jarvis – Conquering the Yips 50:22

5M ago50:22

50:22

In this episode, we are joined by Ward Jarvis. Ward (@wjarviscoaching) is a performance coach and works with players at all levels of golf. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by: https://puttvie…

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Chile’s Cross-Strait Relations and its Dependence on China (feat. Sascha Hannig Nuñez) 19:07

6M ago19:07

19:07

In Season 6, Episode 2 of GTI Insights, Ben Sando interviews Sascha Hannig Nuñez, an executive secretary at the Centro de Análisis para la Democracia (CAD) of Chile. As Chile’s minerals industry grows more dependent on the People's Republic of China (PRC), Chilean politicians are taking increasingly pro-Beijing lines about Taiwan. Some Chilean orga…

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097: Ian Gilligan – Beating Cancer & Dominating College Golf 45:31

6M ago45:31

45:31

In this episode, we are joined by Ian Gilligan. Ian (@ian.gilligan) is a college golfer and top-5 in PGA Tour U. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by: https://puttviewbooks.com/ --- (01:10) - P…

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"Holyrood stands under the microscope of their own gaze" - reflections after Scotland misses its interim child poverty targets 31:57

6M ago31:57

31:57

Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (00:38) What do the latest child poverty statistics say? (01:49) What was JRF's reaction to the stats? (03:09) Can we see an impact from Scottish Child Payment? (06:09) How do we achieve the 2030 targets from here? (09:24) Modelling of options to meet 2030 targets (12:57) What about cost? (19:27) How might UK Governm…

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Disability benefit cuts and limited fiscal headroom: Reflections on the spring statement 45:27

6M ago45:27

45:27

PARTICIPANTS Dr Hannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Professor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde TIME STAMPS (0:30) Economic conditions leading up to the spring …

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096: Johan Swanepoel – Caddying on LIV and PGA Tour 41:06

6M ago41:06

41:06

In this episode, we are joined by Johan Swanepoel. Johan (@johanswanepoel) is the caddie for Branden Grace and former caddie for Christian Bezuidenhout. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by: ht…

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095: David Ford – Performance, Rest, & Faith 46:20

6M ago46:20

46:20

In this episode, we are joined by David Ford. David (@davidfordgolf) is an college golfer at UNC and is #1 on PGA Tour University. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by: https://puttviewbooks.co…

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Energy transition and digital transformation present enormous opportunities 41:23

6M ago41:23

41:23

PARTICIPANTS Professor Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute Angela Mitchell, Senior Partner for Scotland & Northern Ireland, Deloitte Lesley McEwan, Director in Deloitte's Infrastructure and Capital Programme Team, Deloitte TIMESTAMPS (10:50 ) What purposes could public land be put to? (14:10) Taking the demand to the supply – data…

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What is the Barnett formula? 28:59

7M ago28:59

28:59

PARTICIPANTS Dr Hannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde TIME STAMPS (0:25) What is the Barnett formula and what does it do? (2:50) What came before the Barnett formula and how was it different? (9:25) Has the Ba…

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Podcast: Scottish Health Equity Research Unit - an introduction 34:24

7M ago34:24

34:24

Scottish Health Equity Research Unit Website Scottish Health Equity Research Unit BlueSky (0:34) Introduction (01:15) Origins of SHERU (04:42) Historical context of health inequalities research (8:40) Impact and Implementation (16:50) Interactions between Policy and Research (20:42) Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (27:36) Goals and Aims of …

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Podcast: Weekly Update - Interest Rates, Budget and SBM 22:10

8M ago22:10

22:10

PARTICIPANTS Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Jack Williamson. Associate Economist, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde TIMESTAMPS (00:3o) BOE: interest rates and the outlook for growth (07:00) Budget process and developments (10:20) Two child limit mitigation (16:45) Q4 2024 Scott…

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What can Ukraine’s Civil Defense Teach Taiwan? (Feat. Maksym Skrypchenko) 30:20

8M ago30:20

30:20

In Season 6, Episode 1 of GTI Insights, Ben Sando interviews Maksym Skrypchenko, president of the Transatlantic Dialogue Center and an expert in Ukrainian security. In the years since Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s civil defense has evolved to feature software tools, robust air raid shelters, and efficient command of volunteer fighter…

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Post Budget Thoughts and 2024 Review 36:18

9M ago36:18

36:18

Timestamps (00:36) Inflation data and MPC expectations (07:45) GDP growth (11:00) Scottish Budget Report developments (20:08) Other fiscal news in 2025 (22:01) Allison and Mairi discuss air quality research (26:20) Hannah and Mairi discuss the Scottish Child Payment and foodbank usage (31:45) Ben and Mairi discuss Economic Futures (35:40) Live! Sco…

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Scottish Budget 2024 Reaction 22:01

10M ago22:01

22:01

PARTICIPANTS Dr Hannah Randolph, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Emma Congreve, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde TIME STAMPS (0:21) Summary of main announcements (1:37) Mitigation …

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094: Derek Deminsky – Leveling Up the Short Game 51:06

10M ago51:06

51:06

094: Derek Deminsky – Leveling Up the Short Game In this episode, we are joined by Derek Deminsky. Derek (@golfbettertucson) is an instructor who specializes in short game instruction. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99), Daniel Hamrin (@D…

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What is CPI? Inflation statistics and how we can understand them 15:13

10M ago15:13

15:13

FAI economist Hannah Randolph is joined by Luke Michaelides and Phil Gooding from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Consumer Prices team to talk about inflation statistics. We cover what measures of inflation are produced by ONS, how they differ, and recent developments in methodology and the data underlying the statistics. We end by discuss…

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The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (with Tom Fraser) 23:15

10M ago23:15

23:15

In Season 5, Episode 5 of GTI Insights, Ben Sando interviews Tom Fraser, programs director of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), on marshalling parliaments around the world to pass legislation regarding China. In the summer, IPAC held their annual summit in Taipei, with both progress on China legislation and major pushback from the C…

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Quantifying Glasgow's Emissions Reductions: A Data-Driven Analysis from 2005 to 2022 17:23

10M ago17:23

17:23

(0:00) - Introducing the GEMINOA project - background and context (1:16) - Key findings: Glasgow's 46% emissions reduction National grid decarbonisation impact Sector-by-sector breakdown (3:32) - Local policy measurement challenges: (7:30) - Economic implications: (11:00) - Future outlook: GEMINOA project developments Policy implications Upcoming r…

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Big taxes, big spending: A first look at the UK budget statement 36:27

11M ago36:27

36:27

In our 100th podcast episode, FAI Director Mairi Spowage and Deputy Director João Sousa join economist Hannah Randolph to discuss what was announced in the UK budget statement and how it will affect Scotland. We also talk about whether OBR publications alongside the budget shed more light on the budgetary "black hole" left by the previous governmen…

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Rachel Reeves' first budget: What can we learn from historical budgets? 26:57

11M ago26:57

26:57

Deputy Director João Sousa joins FAI economist Hannah Randolph to discuss our expectations for the budget statement on Wednesday as well as what we can learn from past chancellors' first budgets and the role of the OBR in the budget process. To read more about past chancellors' first budgets, check out the details here: https://fraserofallander.org…

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093: Scott Fawcett – Proving DECADE Right 1:12:55

12M ago1:12:55

1:12:55

In this episode, we are joined by Scott Fawcett. Scott (@decade_golf) is a course management expert who helps players get the most out of their games. --- Follow us: Twitter - @TournamentCode Instagram - @thetournamentcode YouTube - The Tournament Code Hosted by: Cooper Collins (@coopercollins99) and Daniel Hamrin (@DanielHamrin) Sponsored by: http…

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Serving the Future: Reflecting on our hospitality research during Challenge Poverty Week 29:19

12M ago29:19

29:19

In this episode, Brodie Gillan is joined by Chirsty McFadyen, and Laura Robertson, who is a Research Manager at the Poverty Alliance. Brodie, Chirsty, and Laura discuss the Serving the Future project in the context of Challenge Poverty Week. Serving the Future is a three-year action research project working with hospitality employers and workers fu…

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Our latest quarterly economic commentary 38:35

12M ago38:35

38:35

(00:35) Mairi discusses the headlines from our commentary publication, covering the main indicators of economic conditions (03:55) Douglas reflects on whether this chimes with the experience he is having with clients (07:12) Mairi, Joao and Douglas discuss the latest data on Scottish Income Tax, and our old friend fiscal drag (15:03) Mairi and Joao…