#Ad In this episode, we speak to Cocoba, a Kent-based chocolate brand, about its growth journey and expansion into international markets.

The conversation explores the practical realities of exporting for SMEs: from managing cash flow and production cycles to navigating the challenges of fulfilling larger overseas orders. It highlights how delays between production and payment can place pressure on working capital, and why access to finance and insurance is often critical when scaling internationally.

We also discuss the role of UK Export Finance in supporting businesses as they expand into global markets, including how government-backed trade finance can help reduce risk and provide greater confidence when taking on new contracts.

What is stopping the UK from investing? It's a mixture of three main factors, according to Henry MacLeod, co-head of digital distribution at BlackRock.

In this episode of MoneyWeek Talks, Kalpana Fitzpatrick speaks to Henry about the state of investing in the UK, how we can debunk myths about risk, and whether AI can help you become a better investor.

#Ad In this episode, we speak to The Gym Group about how Jobcentre Plus is helping it overcome the challenges of recruiting and retaining talent in a fast-growing, service-led business.

As the company expands across the UK, building a consistent pipeline of skilled employees has become a key priority. The conversation explores how partnerships with Jobcentre Plus are helping to address this challenge, from identifying motivated candidates to supporting pre-employment training and structured pathways into work.

We discuss how initiatives such as Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) provide candidates with experience and employers with greater confidence in the hiring process, helping to reduce recruitment risk while opening up opportunities for new talent.

The episode also examines the wider commercial benefits of investing in people — from supporting business growth to building a more resilient workforce — and why structured recruitment support is becoming an increasingly important part of SME growth strategies.

For employers looking to strengthen their talent pipeline, this episode offers a practical look at how Jobcentre Plus can help turn recruitment into a competitive advantage.