Housing, Inflation, Electric Cars and the £20M Tech Disruptor

In this episode of the Go Radio Business Show, Sir Tom Hunter and Lord Willie Haughey dive into a wide range of topics—from Elon Musk’s political stint and the UK housing crisis to Scottish entrepreneurship and regeneration projects. Special guest Colin Frame, MD of Stellar Omada, shares his inspiring journey from rural Scotland to leading a £20M tech consultancy. And Tracy Collins, co-founder of MRG, joins “The Board You Can’t Afford” to discuss scaling culture in a fast-growing recruitment firm.

[00:01:27] Elon Musk’s Political Tenure Analysis of Musk’s five-month stint in U.S. government. Claims of $175 billion in savings vs. original $2 trillion goal. Tensions with Donald Trump and implications for Musk’s ventures.

[00:04:22] Trump’s Tariffs Ruled Illegal U.S. court ruling against Trump’s tariffs. Broader implications for global trade and Scottish businesses. Executive orders and their impact on supply chains and inflation.

[00:05:35] Cost of Living Crisis in the UK Case study of a single mother earning £45K and still struggling. Breakdown of her monthly income and expenses. Discussion on universal credit and the need to “make work pay.”

[00:07:25] Middle-Class Squeeze Challenges for middle-income earners in saving money. Call for tax reform and better support structures.

[00:08:00] Immigration & Skilled Labour Shortages UK’s new immigration rules affecting construction workers. Risk of skilled labour drain from Scotland to England. Need for a coordinated skills and housing strategy.

[00:10:47] Apprenticeships & Re-Skilling Initiatives Government’s push for adult apprenticeships. Willie’s plan to retrain ex-forces personnel in trades. Call for a national strategy to address housing and labor gaps.

[00:11:24] Tony Bloom’s Investment in Hearts FC £10M investment for a 29% stake in Hearts. Discussion on Bloom’s data-driven “Moneyball” strategy. Potential for cross-club player development and trading.

[00:14:46] Tribute to Sir Tom Farmer Recognition of Sir Tom’s legacy in business and football. His role in saving Hibernian FC and contributions to Scottish entrepreneurship.

[00:16:22] Angel Investing in Scotland Angel Capital Scotland reports £106M in early-stage investments. Importance of angel networks in supporting startups. Connection to Scottish EDGE and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

[00:17:40] Clyde Gateway Regeneration Project £500M redevelopment of Shawfield in Glasgow’s East End. Mixed-use development: housing, offices, hotels. Praise for Clyde Gateway’s long-term regeneration blueprint.

[00:19:45] Prestwick Airport’s Growth Increase in passenger and freight traffic. Ryanair expansion and exports of Scottish produce. Government ownership seen as a success story.

[00:20:42] Government Engagement on Housing Willie’s meetings with SNIB and Scottish ministers. Encouraging signs of political will to address housing crisis. Hopes for collaborative solutions in coming months.

[00:22:49] Guest Interview: Colin Frame, MD of Stellar Omada Colin’s rural upbringing in Biggar and early exposure to hard work. Career journey from RBS to founding a £20M tech consultancy. Lessons from working on major banking integrations and failures.

[00:30:00] Reflections on RBS Collapse First-hand account of the ABN Amro acquisition fallout. Emotional impact on staff and shareholders.

[00:34:29] Founding Stellar Omada Early failures and lessons learned from previous ventures. Breakthrough project in Northampton and business model evolution.

[00:38:09] Stellar’s Growth & Diversification Launch of Stellar Connect (recruitment) and Stellar Elevate (education). Focus on tech talent, testing, and programme recovery. £100M revenue goal and management team expansion. [00:42:24] Partnership with Hearts FC Deep involvement with Big Hearts charity and community outreach. Use of Tynecastle Stadium for innovation and education programs.

[00:44:06] Thoughts on Tony Bloom’s Hearts Investment Colin’s endorsem