logo
episode-header-image
May 2022
18m 46s

Insolvency and the pandemic

Bbc World Service
About this episode

During the coronavirus pandemic governments around the world pumped billions into their economies. Propping up businesses and trying to make sure people stayed in work.

Sam Fenwick looks into what actually happened to all that money and whether it really did help keep businesses afloat during repeated lockdowns and restrictions.

Nick Hood is an business insolvency expert with a company called Opus Restructuring – he helped us interrogate data held by all the major world economies on insolvencies.

Sam also speaks to a business owner who was forced to close and declare bankruptcy during the pandemic despite financial help and another who was able to restructure and expand thanks to a government scheme.

Presenter / Producer: Sam Fenwick Image: Closed sign; Credit: Getty

Up next
Today
The cocoa conundrum
<p>Can Europe be weaned off cheap chocolate? EU efforts to block cocoa linked to deforestation were due to come into force at the end of this year – but have faced multiple delays. Another vote is due to take place soon. Some parties are pushing for further delay and modification ... Show More
20m 42s
Yesterday
Is this the end for South East Asia's scam centres?
<p>It’s one of the biggest human trafficking operations of modern times. Scam centres across South East Asia have been making hundreds of billions of dollars annually, it’s estimated, conning people into fake crypto-currency investment schemes. </p><p>But now these centres could ... Show More
18m 29s
Nov 24
Monetising Machu Picchu
<p>Peru is home to Machu Picchu - the ancient Inca city in the Andes mountains. </p><p>It's one of the seven wonders of the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The popular tourist destination attracts millions of visitors, making it very lucrative for the government, local a ... Show More
17m 38s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2022
1373: How Companies Can Help Solve Financial Inequality
<p>Today, a very candid conversation with three guests on how corporate America can be more effective at closing wealth gaps. This episode is a recording of a live panel I moderated last month at an event called Disruptive Discourse. The event was organized by the team ofColor, a ... Show More
31m 44s
Jun 2023
What can we learn from previous financial crashes amid recession fears?
<p>The global economy has weathered the most tumultuous century in modern history and most of the previous financial crises have shared similarities from which we can learn.</p> <p>So writes Dr Linda Yueh, CBE, in her new book, The Great Crashes: Lessons from Global Meltdowns and ... Show More
21m 14s
Oct 2022
Global recession risk rises as IMF lowers growth forecast
The IMF says the risk of a global recession has increased as it lowers its growth forecast for the coming year. Its managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, said the gloomy outlook was fuelled by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the continuing impact of the Covid pandemic. Hong K ... Show More
50m 46s
May 2024
The Personal Finances of a $200M/year Ecom Business Owner (and why he’s giving away his money)
<p>Last year, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebeckhamsm">Mike Beckham</a> donated 1 million dollars. </p><p>This year, he's setting his sights even higher.</p><p>He wants to give away 50% of his annual income. And that's not all—his company, <a href="https://www.simplemo ... Show More
44m 50s
Apr 2019
133. What do Warren Buffet and Jeff Bezos have in common? Matt Linklater shares a wealth building strategy to help business owners grow...
Matt Linklater is the owner of Link Business Solutions.  He lives a passion for helping business owners create Financial Freedom by giving them a roadmap for success. He has over 18 years of experience meeting and interviewing over 13,000 financial advisors to bring to you a uniq ... Show More
32m 31s
Dec 2023
Cyber-Attack Hits Home Sales and Charity Bank Accounts
Property buyers have said their home completions are being left in limbo after a company providing IT services to law firms was hit by a cyber incident. Money Box has found some of the UK's largest lenders have begun extending mortgage offers for those affected. A national debt c ... Show More
25m 9s
Oct 2023
How to Improve Your Profitability through Cost Effective Planning
Beyond Frugality: Maximizing Business Profitability The Pitfalls of Solely Cutting Costs for Business Success We&apos;ve all heard the adage, &apos;Spend less money.&apos; While it holds true for personal finances, applying the same logic to your business operations might jeopard ... Show More
47m 29s
Apr 2021
Has the pandemic been all bad for business?
Can anyone thrive amid the madness of Covid-19?The pandemic has battered South Africa’s economy. When the country went into lockdown last year, many businesses struggled to survive.In the months that followed, a staggering 2.2 million people lost their jobs.And yet, amid the econ ... Show More
16 m
Jan 2024
Managing Cash And Crews: Surviving A Recession In The Construction Industry
<p><span style="font-family: Calibri, serif;">Building a resilient construction business is not about surviving the storm, it's about managing cash and crews to thrive through any challenge, even a recession. In this episode,</span> <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-pep ... Show More
49m 54s