Business Daily

When is a diamond really a diamond? When it’s been formed miles underground a billion years ago, or when has it been created in a laboratory, under temperatures close to the heat of the sun? The answer is – both are true. They look and behave exactly the same, but they are very different in price. The lab-grown diamonds are marketed as kinder to the environment, and they are far cheaper - and that’s led to concern about whether the two kinds have been mixed together, with man-made stones passed off as natural. So, what is the industry doing to give consumers confidence? (Picture: Close up of man putting engagement ring on girlfriend. Credit: Getty Images)Presenter: Lesley Curwen Producer: Barbara George

A few years ago you could have assumed all diamonds had been dug out of the ground – but now it’s true that some of them have been created, at unbelievably high temperatures, in just a matter of weeks. In the first of two Business Daily programmes about the evolving diamond market, Lesley Curwen heads to the glamorous jewellery district of Hatton Garden in London – to see how the jewellery world is being re-shaped by the mass production of laboratory-made stones.We hear from India how they’re created in temperatures as hot as the sun - and talk to one of the world’s biggest jewellery brands about why they are using only man-made diamonds. We also look at claims that man-made diamonds are the green and ethical choice.(Picture: Tweezers holding a diamond. Credit: Getty Images)Presenter: Lesley Curwen Producer: Barbara George

The South African former pro rider set up his cycling team in 2007. As MTN Qhubeka they became the first-ever African registered team to ride the Tour de France.He talks about the challenges of putting together a team from scratch - and the steep learning curve he faced moving from cycling to managing.After a successful stint on the world stage, a combination of financial and sponsorship problems lead to the team, which by then had gone through multiple name changes, being disbanded in 2021.Doug Ryder has now put a new team together – we catch up with him at the Q36.5 Pro Cycling HQ in the Netherlands.Produced and presented by Matthew Kenyon(Image: Doug Ryder. Credit: BBC)

There are two candidates: one is the current economy minister who has a wealth of experience in power; the other is a maverick libertarian economist who wants to ditch the country’s currency, the peso, and strip the central bank of its ability to print money.We speak to his senior economic advisor, and also to a wine producer from the western province of Mendoza, who tells us about the challenges of doing business in a country with two exchange rates, severe restrictions on imports, a heavy tax burden and a shrinking economy.And we speak to voters in Buenos Aires about what they want from their next president in a nation which seems to lurch from one economic crisis to the next.Picture: Composite image of Javier Milei (Credit: Luis Robayo/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) and Sergio Massa (Credit: Tomas Cuesta/Reuters) in front of an Argentinian flag (Credit: Carl Recine/Reuters)Presented and produced by Gideon Long

We’re looking ahead to the meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in San Francisco – the first time the two leaders will have met in 12 months. Diplomatic ties between Washington and Beijing have deteriorated this year, with tensions rising over Taiwan and the South China Sea. Meanwhile, there’s been a tit-for-tat trade spat over semiconductors and raw materials. As the presidents meet on the side lines of the APEC summit, Vivienne Nunis takes stock of the relationship between the world’s two largest economies.Produced and presented by Vivienne Nunis.(Image: US President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping meet at the G20 Summit in Bali on November 14, 2022. Credit: Getty Images)

Some owners are converting their vehicles into EVs. The idea is to boost the performance of these cars and make them ready for a green future. The process is not cheap - it requires specialists who can retain the vintage value of these cars while fitting them with a modern electric engine. Critics feel that such a transition takes away the emotional and engineering legacy of these vehicles. So we travel across the UK to find out about the challenges and the future of this niche business that is helping classic cars go electric.Produced and presented by Devina Gupta.(Image: 'Isetta', owned by Aleks Hughes which has been converted to electric. Credit: Richard Heeley, Bite the Hand)

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 saw millions of Ukrainian women and children flee to safety; causing massive upheaval and hitting the economy hard.For the women who have stayed, their lives have been transformed; many have taken on new roles, like Tetiana, who is now working underground in a coal mine, and Evgeniya, who is now a sniper on the frontline.Others, like Alina Kacharovska, have managed to grow their businesses; in this case, shoes and accessories, or are stepping into leadership positions, like Yulia Burmistenko, in the crisis group at energy company D-Tek.In this edition of Business Daily, we also hear from Iryna Drobovych from the Ukrainian Women’s Congress, and Yuliya Sporysh, founder & CEO of NGO Divchata, on how the war could change things for gender equality in Ukraine.(Image: Tetyana Ustimenko, manager of underground installations at DTEK. Credit: DTEK)Presented and produced by Clare Williamson

The Argentinian-American tech entrepreneur moved to the US in 1997 and carved out a career in the corporate world before breaking free and setting out on her own. In late 2020, the remote working company TransparentBusiness, which she co-founded 12 years earlier, achieved a $1bn valuation. Now she continues to push for gender and racial equality in the workplace, is an investor on the TV show Unicorn Hunters, and has also established a new asset-backed cryptocurrency. She explains her journey, the setbacks she’s faced along the way and opens up about what keeps her motivated.Presenter/producer: Sam Clack(Image: Silvina Moschini. Credit: Dasha Horita)

Fears are growing for the future of the country's bars - especially in rural areas.In less than 20 years almost a quarter of Irish pubs have closed, many of them businesses which have been run by the same family for generations. RRussell Padmore travels across the Emerald Isle to hear how the closure of pubs is a setback for rural communities, but also a worry for the country’s tourism industry. We hear from owners of pubs in County Donegal, a beer brewing company and a hospitality sector expert in Dublin, and a tourism marketing advisor.Presenter: Russell Padmore(Image: A closed pub sign. Credit: Getty Images)

There is a growing debate in the US about the caste system - an ancient social ranking system where the community you are born into determines what kind of job you do, who you marry, and much more. The caste system in India dates back over 3,000 years and divides Hindu society into different social strata. In many South Asian countries, it is outlawed. But members of the South Asian diaspora in the US say this type of caste bias persists, and there is often very little protection at workplaces against it.For the community, opinions are divided. Seattle in Washington was the first city to ban discrimination based on caste. But the fight continues for activists in California, where a bill that sought to ban discrimination was vetoed in October. Opponents called it a "divisive bill" that "implicitly singles out" South Asians.In this edition of Business Daily, Devina Gupta speaks to workers who have experienced such discrimination, and explores some of the challenges for lawmakers seeking to ban it.(Image: A group from Equality Labs at a rally in September 2023, pushing for a law to ban caste discrimination. Credit: Getty Images)Presented and produced by Devina Gupta

We travel to South America to meet the Chinese migrants who are making their way to the United States using an unexpected route - the established migrant trail through South and Central America to the southern border with Mexico. Citing economic challenges at home - and using inspiration from social media - a growing number are making this perilous trek. Reporter Shawn Yuan travels along the route speaking to migrants about their journey and their aspirations for the future. Presenter: Shawn Yuan Producer: Shawn Yuan, with additional production from James Graham(Image: Chinese migrants wait to get inside a bus to continue their route to the US. Credit: Getty Images)

The Saudi Pro League has attracted some of the top players from around the world - with transfer fees and salaries amounting to millions of dollars.We travel to Saudi Arabia to look at the country's ambitious plan to become a global football powerhouse - is it an economic move or simply sportswashing?With Saudi Arabia now it's looking set to be confirmed as the host of the World Cup in 2034, we look at its relationship with football.Presenter: Sameer Hashmi(Image: Saudi football club Al Hilal welcomes Brazilian football star Neymar with an introductory ceremony at King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on August 19, 2023. Credit: Getty Images)

Have you tried learning a language online? We explore the growth of language learning platforms with Babbel CEO Arne Schepker, and how the Covid pandemic lead to an increase in learning digitally.Mr Schepker explains how more international working and personal relationships has led to an increase in demand. And how smartphones and the internet have changed that age-old aspiration of gaining fluency in another language.Presenter: Dougal Shaw(Image: Arne Schepker. Credit: BBC)

The region of Bordeaux in the south-west of France is perhaps the most famous wine-producing area in the world. But it’s struggling. While the prestigious, most expensive wines – Saint-Émilions, Pomerols and Margaux are selling well, others are not.For the producers of the 850 million bottles of the region's famous red wine, it’s a difficult time due to a major decline in consumption.We look at the reasons for this, the impact it’s having, and what winemakers are doing to help protect their livelihoods.Presenter: John Laurenson (Image: A glass of red wine. Credit: Getty Images)

Sam Bankman-Fried, the American crypto entrepreneur who went from billionaire to bankrupt, is on trial in New York for fraud. The 31-year-old who founded the cryptocurrency exchange FTX is accused of lying to investors and lenders. He has denied those charges, and instead says he was acting in good faith but made mistakes. He says he never set out to defraud anyone. In the coming days, 12 jurors will decide his fate - he could face a life sentence in prison if convicted. Vivienne Nunis speaks to financial journalist Michael Lewis, who spent hundreds of hours with Sam Bankman-Fried for his new book Going Infinite.Presenter: Vivienne Nunis(Image: Sam Bankman-Fried leaving a court hearing in June 2022. Credit: Getty Images)

Trick or treat and other traditions are now at the centre of a global multi-billion business. The ancient Celtic and Pagan festival, which started thousands of years ago in Ireland, was taken by emigrants to North America, where it was turned into a major annual event. The National Retail Federation in the US tells Russell Padmore how spending by consumers is forecast to be a record of more than $12bn. Jadrain Wooten, an economist at Virginia Tech, says the sales promotions for Halloween are getting earlier every year and lasting at least month. We hear about the economic benefits of Europe’s biggest Halloween Festival in Derry City in Northern Ireland and visit a pumpkin farm in the region. An Irish cultural historian, Manchán Magan, tells us about the roots of the festival, which used to be called Samhain and we find out how retailers in Australia are cashing in by selling costumes, pumpkins and other items as consumers enjoy the traditions of Halloween.Presenter: Russell Padmore(Image: Children trick or treating in the North East of England. Credit: Getty Images)

Countries around the world are racing to achieve targets on the ban of new petrol and diesel cars - but they are hitting stumbling blocks, meaning some are pulling back on their commitments. Although global sales of electric cars are rising, some countries are struggling to persuade drivers to make the switch. Reasons given include insufficient or unsuitable charging points, and the price tag: criticism is often put to governments that the shift to electric cars is hardest for the least well off.In this edition of Business Daily, Rick Kelsey looks at one country which is well ahead of the rest: Norway. The country's aim is that all new car sales in 2025 will be of electric vehicles - a plan being supported by financial incentives and policy changes.He also speaks to business leaders in the car industry, including a man known as "the Godfather of EV", to find out what's needed if countries are to phase out internal combustion engines.(Picture: An electric car being charged. Credit: PA/John Walton)Presented and produced by Rick Kelsey

After many months of news headlines about whether Elon Musk was going to buy Twitter, he eventually completed the purchase on 27 October 2022. Since then, the company’s been through some big changes; laying off most of its 8000 employees, a rebrand to ‘X’, and reinstating some previously banned accounts on the platform. Mr Musk describes himself a free speech absolutist and says he bought Twitter – now called X - to create a space where “a wide range of beliefs can be debated in a healthy manner.” However, the company’s faced criticism over lax content moderation, leading to advertisers halting ads on the service. He hopes to boost revenue by making the site a paid-for platform, setting himself some ambitious financial targets.In this episode, Sam Fenwick speaks to former employees, business owners and journalists to get a picture of what has happened at X since Elon Musk took over. (Picture: Elon Musk next to a logo for X - formerly known as Twitter. Credit: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)Produced by Amber Mehmood and Hannah Mullane

In 2015, Akinwumi Adesina was elected President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), and since then he's become a symbol of optimism across the continent. How did he become known as Africa's "optimist-in-chief"?In this edition of Business Daily, Dr Adesina tells Peter MacJob what has shaped him as an economist, his outlook for the continent and how Africa could determine the future of renewable energy and green minerals.He says the international financial architecture should be more inclusive and favourable towards African economies, and the global north should compensate the continent for the adverse impacts of climate change on Africa.(Picture: Dr Akinwunmi Adesina. Credit: Getty Images)Presented and produced by Peter MacJob

Short selling has gone mainstream. Inspired by the noisy success of activist short sellers, amateur investors are now trying this highly risky strategy themselves.They’re aided by a slew of new trading apps making it possible to short a stock or currency in seconds.Peter Roscoe is a YouTube investing vlogger who’s experienced the highs and lows of short selling.We also hear from the UK boss of trading app E-Toro – who says shorting has exploded on the platform.Producer: Ciaran Tracey Presenter: Leanna Byrne

What’s it like to be on the wrong side of a big short? Former CEO Paul Pittman's company was shorted by an anonymous short seller who made false allegations in order to drive its share price down - way down.This is the story of how Paul and his firm overcame the short attack that cost them millions: and why it’s not just big companies that stand to lose money from rogue shorters on the markets.Producer: Ciaran Tracey Presenter: Leanna Byrne

Short selling – the trade where you hope a stock’s value will fall rather than rise. If it does, the trader can win. Big.That’s led to the growth of what’s called the activist short seller. A trader who comes out to tell the world why a company’s stock should be lower than it is. They’re betting on its failure.Carson Block from the firm Muddy Waters is one of the most prominent new short sellers – vocal on the news and social media, he explains why the companies he shorts are usually the ones with something to hide.Producer: Ciaran Tracey Presenter: Leanna Byrne

Andre Schwammlein once wanted to be a pilot – but ended up behind the wheel of a bus and train company instead.The chief executive and co-founder of Flix – the driving force behind Flixbus and Flixtrain - says he was never much of a traveller, but now leads a company that has changed the way millions of people cross countries and continents.In just 10 years, Flixbus has gone from German startup to global brand - even taking a piece of American heritage: Greyhound.In this edition of Business Daily, Theo Leggett finds out how the transport entrepreneur got started, the reasons behind the company’s success, and his plans for growth.(Picture: André Schwämmlein. Credit: Getty Images)Presented and produced by Theo Leggett

The development of new sports stadiums and facilities can bring regeneration to deprived areas. They hold a special place in the hearts of sports and live music fans. But have some of the new ones lost their spark? In this edition of Business Daily, Sam Fenwick asks, what gives a stadium its atmosphere and can it be designed in? Sam speaks to Christopher Lee, whose architecture practice, Populous, has designed 3000 arenas all over the world. He shares his experience of designing iconic grounds like the Yankee Stadium, Wembley Stadium, and Olympic stadiums in Sydney, London and Sochi. And we hear from BBC World Service listeners, who tell us what makes their favourite sports grounds so special. (Picture: Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brayan Bello (66) throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the third inning at Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts. Credit: David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports)Presented and produced by Sam Fenwick

We’re in Kentucky, where an area which had long ago been abandoned as an industrial site is once again coming to life.US manufacturer Ascend Elements has chosen the site to build a factory for electric car batteries made from recycled ones - an industry previously almost entirely based in China.We explore the government incentives that have drawn the company to build here with US Climate Envoy John Kerry.And we hear from the local mining community which is hoping the new green manufacturing facility may provide much needed jobs.Presenter: Faisal Islam Producer: Priya Patel(Image: A worker at the factory building site in Kentucky. Credit: BBC)

For years, balsa wood has been a key component in the giant rotor blades on the top of wind turbines. Most of it comes from the rain forests of South America and, in particular, from Ecuador. As the world transitions to green energy, lots of countries – particularly China – have been looking for more balsa to make blades. That pushed up prices, raised questions over sustainability and prompted some companies to look for alternatives to balsa wood. One alternative is PET, a foam made from recycled plastic bottles.So what should we be using to make the wind turbine blades of the future – biodegradable balsa wood or plastic foam made from old bottles?We talk to people on both sides of the debate and visit a wind farm in rural England to see the blades in action.(Picture: Crook Hill wind farm in Rochdale, north of England.)Presented and produced by Gideon Long

In an effort to insulate domestic prices, India has banned exports of non basmati white rice - its largest rice category.We ask what the impact of this is on large importing countries.A rice mill owner in Northern Nigeria tells us how the country is expanding its domestic rice production as a result of India’s curb, and we hear from a retailer in the UAE about the purchasing restriction it placed on customers as soon as the announcement was made. We look at whether other countries can meet the shortfall of rice in global supply and what this could mean for global food security. Presenter: Devina Gupta Producer: Amber Mehmood

From Bangladesh to Wall Street and back again, the founder and CEO of Impact Investment Exchange talks to Devina Gupta.Durreen Shahnaz explains how her childhood in socialist Bangladesh and then move to a job on Wall Street in the 1980s shaped the person and businesswoman she is today. From trading stamps with her friends and buying pickles with the profit, she moved on to bigger trades at the heart of capitalism. What she learnt there set her up for a life dedicated to trying to make the financial system work for those most in need. Presenter: Devina Gupta Producer: Hannah Bewley(Image: Durreen Shahnaz. Credit: Durreen Shahnaz)

Shares in GameStop, the video game store, experienced a dramatic rise in early in 2021. The stock had captured the imagination of many individual investors who heard about it on social media platforms such as TikTok and Reddit. Some investors made a lot of money, while some hedge funds, who had bet against the stock, lost billions. Eventually, though, GameStop shares crashed back to earth and many investors lost the lot. The story has been dramatised by Hollywood in ‘Dumb Money’, currently screening in cinemas. Vivienne Nunis sits down with the film’s director Craig Gillespie and financial journalist Matt Levine to investigate what the GameStop saga teaches us about the power of social media when it comes to influencing the movements of the stock market.(Picture: Paul Dano as Keith Gill in 'Dumb Money'. Credit: Sony Pictures)Presented and produced by Vivienne Nunis

In May this year, Nigerian president Bola Tinubu took office – and announced an end to fuel subsidies. He said the move would free up money for investment in public services and infrastructure projects, but it caused a spike in prices and, in some cases, triggered street protests. We explore the impact of removing the subsidy on residents and businesses, and the knock on-effect for neighbouring countries like Cameroon. Presenter/producer: Bisi Adebayo(Image: Members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) holds a placard during a march in Abuja on August 2, 2023. Credit: Getty Images)

In 2020, Napa Valley experienced its most destructive wildfire ever. Vineyards burned, leaving not only direct damage, but more long lasting impact with wine affected by smoke taint. We hear how the perennial presence of wildfires means local businesses face a harsh reality of living with the risk of fire. Sophie Long visits wine makers who are using inflammable materials to build new wineries, changing growing techniques and using technology to deal with tainted wine. And she meets local residents learning firefighting techniques - all to keep smoke out of your wine glass and the billion dollar industry thriving.Presenter: Sophie Long Producer: Samantha Granville(Image: Burned grapes hang on a damaged vine at a vineyard as the Glass fire continues to burn in Calistoga, California on October 1, 2020. Credit: Getty Images)

The event is facing its biggest financing challenge in its 93-year history.There is no host city for the next edition in 2026, and the Commonwealth Games Federation is struggling to persuade other cities to host after that. We speak to academics who say the model of structuring and paying for the Games is broken. Some observers go further – saying the Games and the Commonwealth itself are relics of the British Empire and should be wound up.We also hear from athletes who have competed at the Games and highlight their importance for their respective sports and countries.And we look at one city that has hosted with relative success – within budget and with long-lasting benefits to civic infrastructure.Producer/Presenter: Gideon Long(Image: The closing ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Credit: Getty Images)

We speak to Greek designer Dimitra Petsa - founder of Di Petsa - a brand which has been worn by celebrities around the world.She graduated from fashion school five years ago and since then has launched her own fashion brand.Very few make it in the fashion world - Dimitra explains how she did it from mentors and getting exposure to creating business plans and coming up with business strategies. Producer/presenter: Hannah Mullane (Picture: Models wearing Di Petsa clothing. Credit Di Petsa)

In the UK, brides spend an average of £1,400 on a dress for the big day.But inflation and the rising cost of living means that's starting to change. We look at the trend of spending less on wedding dresses - buying them ready-to-wear from a boutique in London, or even from a supermarket.And we're in India where some brides are starting to spend less - not always easy when spending lavishly on weddings is often the expectation. Produced and presented by Deborah Weitzmann with additional presenting from Devina Gupta.(Image: Ruth in her second hand wedding gown. Image credit: Greg Milner)

Paris is the most visited city in the world and one of the things it’s known for, is fashion. But what is it about the City of Light that makes it a popular destination for businesses?In this programme, Hannah Mullane speaks to a personal shopper, who relies on fashion tourists for her business, as well as fashion start-ups choosing to base themselves in Paris.Hannah also meets a stylist and fashion agent, who moved from Italy to Paris, to make the most of the opportunities that the fashion industry has to offer.Producer/presenter: Hannah Mullane(Picture: Two women holding shopping bags. Credit: Fabulous You Paris)

Duplicate products, or dupes, are flooding social media. Dupes are clothes, beauty products, homeware that are cheaper than the recognisable brand, but still look similar. We hear from shoppers and fashion experts about this growing trend and its impact on the market.And we speak to athleisure wear company Lululemon, who are trying to work out how to respond to the number of dupes of their products that are now on the market.Producer/presenter: Deborah Weitzmann(Image: Leggings on mannequins. Credit: Getty Images)

Twenty-five years ago Puma became the first big sports brand to collaborate with a fashion house. Since then all of the big players have been collaborating with celebrities, sports stars and high fashion brands. Hannah Mullane speaks to Heiko Desens, the creative director at Puma about how these big collaborations work behind the scenes and what they mean for business, and fashion designer Alejandro Gómez Palomo explains how collaborating with a sports brand has elevated his business. Presenter/Producer: Hannah Mullane (Picture: Rihanna at the Puma fashion show. Credit: Getty Images)

The shipping industry is looking for solutions to it's emissions problem.Shipping giant Maersk has just unveiled the world’s first container ship to run on green methanol - is this the answer? We hear from Maersk’s CEO about why they’ think this is the best bet. And we find out more about some of the different options in development, such as hydrogen and green ammonia, all vying to become the future fuel for the world's ships.Presenter/producer: Adrienne Murray(Image: Maersk's first green methanol container ship. Credit: Maersk)

Xi Jinping announced a massive building project along the ‘New Silk Road’ to very little fanfare in Kazakhstan 10 years ago this month. Infrastructure including railways, roads and ports have been built in 165 countries to date, as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Billions of dollars has been lent to countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. Some are now struggling to afford the payments and China is reducing the amount being loaned. We look at what this means for Beijing’s finances and for countries with huge projects underway, but with no means of meeting the repayments. Presenter: Ed Butler Producer: Hannah Bewley Additional reporting: Michael Kaloki(Picture: Xi Jinping waits for a photo call at the China-Central Asia Summit in Xian, China in May 2023: Credit: Florence Lo/Reuters)

You may not be familiar with the vicuna, but in Peru, where it's the national animal, the smallest relative of the llama is revered - particularly for its fine and insulating coat.In this programme, Stefania Gozzer travels to the Peruvian Andes, to meet the animals that produce one of the most expensive wools in the world. Demand for their coveted fleece once led them near extinction, but now it has become the best tool to preserve them. Stefania visits Pampa Galeras, to talk to the scientists that work in the largest natural reserve created to protect vicunas. She learns how farming communities engage in the conservation of this species while making a profit, and hears why the business model that once saved vicunas is now at risk.Presented and produced by Stefania Gozzer(Image: A vicuna. Credit: Getty Images)

What used to be a fairly niche industry is now on the increase, with companies setting up removal clinics around the world. And no surprise – as more people get tattoos, more people night change their minds and want them removing. We meet the regretful clients and the companies cashing in, and also explore the world of cosmetic and medical tattooing.Presenter and producer: Elizabeth Hotson(Image: A laser tattoo removal. Credit: Getty Images)

Where do you go to get financial advice? More and more people are turning to Instagram, YouTube and TikTok for money matters. David Harper meets the ‘Finfluencers’ – financial influencers entertaining and educating young people around the world, and bringing in big numbers in the process. Caleb Hammer is a YouTuber with over 600,000 subscribers who conducts financial audits on the forensic financial details of individuals in the hope of helping them to budget better. He also speaks to Hannah Rimm and Alexandra Koster, who run the Money Diaries feature at online magazine Refinery 29. They are deluged with submissions every week. And we hear from Sharan Hegde, from Bangalore in India. He has over 4 million subscribers on Instagram and YouTube combined.Presenter: David Harper Producer: Victoria Hastings

How do you make an artisan product at scale? We head to the UK factory of Biscuiteers, where millions of biscuits are hand-iced every year, from treats shaped like designer bags to edible versions of favourite cartoon characters. Harriet Hastings is the co-founder of the company - in this episode, she shares her business advice, explains why marketing is key and talks about running a business with her husband. Producer / presenter: Sam Everett(Image: A ballerina biscuit being iced. Credit: BBC)

It’s been a long wait for tech billionaire Elon Musk to push into India’s EV market. High import duties have kept Tesla out of India so far. Mr Musk has repeatedly sought to lower those duties, but the government wants the company to manufacture cars locally before considering tax breaks. Now there seems to be an agreement on the horizon. But is India’s EV ecosystem ready for it?Presenter/producer: Devina Gupta

In the third and final programme of this series on the economics of irregular migration across the Mediterranean, the BBC’s Frey Lindsay sits down with two spokespeople from the European Commission to discuss how irregular crossings across the Mediterranean affect European States, and how the bloc is using its resources to attempt to stop them.Presenter: Frey Lindsay(Image: Italian coast guard vessels patrol alongside the SOS Méditerranée rescue ship The Ocean Viking, near the Italian port of Ravenna. Image credit: BBC)

In the second of three programmes, we’ll hear about the increasing running costs facing charities involved in running search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea.Inflated fuel prices, cost of living crises and political interference are all driving the costs of the operation up. So can the boats continue to operate?Presenter: Frey Lindsay(Photo: Search and rescue crew onboard the SOS Méditerranée rescue ship The Ocean Viking)

In the first of three programmes, the BBC’s Frey Lindsay accompanies the charity rescue vessel the Ocean Viking to explore the myriad costs involved in irregular migration across the Mediterranean.Each year hundreds of thousands of people attempt the extremely dangerous crossing from Libya to Italy, paying smugglers thousands of dollars. We meet some of those people and find out how and why they're making the journey.Presenter/producer: Frey Lindsay(Picture: Rescuees huddle onboard the SOS Méditerranée rescue ship The Ocean Viking. Credit: BBC)

From losing his job in the 2008 financial crash, to a billion dollar idea.We speak to Mohit Lad, who teamed up with his old college friend Ricardo to trawl through the trash cans of shuttered businesses in Silicon Valley to get the first server for their tech start-up, ThousandEyes. A combination of grit, determination and a shortage of ready cash saw them think outside the box for solutions to grow the business and get customers. Twelve years later, the company described as the 'Google Maps' of the internet is now part of Cisco and is still going strong today. Listen to the full story behind the business and learn about Mohit's vision for a connected world.Presented and produced by Sam Clack.(Image: Mohit Lad speaks during a keynote address on June 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Credit: Getty Images)

We hear from people protesting in the government-controlled city of Sweida.Criticism of President Bashar al-Assad has been growing in Sweida since demonstrations began in mid-August over the removal of fuel subsidies. It's the latest measure that has put a strain on people suffering from an economic meltdown.A resident and activist tells us what life is like for him living in the city, plus we hear from a Syrian economist, and a form adviser to President al_Assad now based in the US.Presenter: Ed Butler(Image: People protest in the Syria's southern city of Sweida on September 1, 2023. Credit: Getty Images)

K-Pop, short for Korean Popular music, has become a global phenomenon with millions of fans worldwide.It’s a multi-billion dollar industry with 80 million units of physical albums sold in 2022. But a huge chunk of it goes straight to landfill.Why are the fans buying so many albums just to throw them away?We hear from fans, artists and tech companies who are trying to make the industry greener.Presenter: David Cann(Picture: Victon; Credit: IST Entertainment)