Listening, learning and teaching activities for students learning business English
Business English
There are more vocabulary activities related to these podcasts on the 'business extras' page.
86 The company. What does it mean to start a company, and what happens when it makes a loss?: level 2/3 (30 Apr 20)
► Download (3.0MB, 3min 56sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
► Download (1.2MB, 1min 38sec)
► Transcript
85 Product placement. Just how advantageous is it for your product or brand to appear in a film?; level 2 (5 Mar 2020)
► Download (3.3MB, 4min 18sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
Perhaps this should have been the end of Cast Away?!:
84 Sponsorship: the best bet? Why the gambling industry is enjoying the football; level 2/3 (30 Jan 2020)
► Download (3.2MB, 4min 11sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
83 A picture paints a thousand words. Just how relevant is Instagram for the business world? level 2/3 (28 Nov 19)
► Download (3.4MB, 4min 26sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
82 Michelin stars. The stress for chefs behind both winning or losing a Michelin star; level 2/3 (31 Oct 19)
► Download (3.3MB, 4min 19sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
► Download (1min 32sec)
► Transcript
Think Michelin starred food is too expensive? Think again:
81 The vegan market. How are businesses responding to the rise in veganism?; level 3 (5 Sep 19)
► Download (3.3MB, 4min 21sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
► Download (1min 03sec)
► Transcript
We think this is amazing:
80 One euro homes? How radical strategies are saving rural towns from depopulation; level 2 (20 Jun 19)
► Download (3.4MB, 4min 24sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
Who can resist Sambuca? (Yes, it's in Italian):
79 Riding in a driverless taxi. Would you take a spin around Las Vegas in an autonomous car? level 2 (25 Apr 19)
► Download (7.7MB, 4min 13sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
This podcast goes with this video:
78 The best restaurant in London. In 2017 The Shed became the top-rated restaurant in the capital. There was only one problem... level 1/2 (21 Mar 19)
► Download (4.0MB, 5min 05sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
► Download (832kB, 1min 04sec)
► Transcript
77 Customer loyalty. Who should a company favour: existing or new customers? level 3 (31 Jan 19)
► Download (3.9MB, 5min 01sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
76 The four-day week. Why one company are happy for their staff to take an extra day off; level 2 (18 Oct 18)
► Download (3.2MB, 4min 14sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
75 Cash or card? In this digital age which businesses benefit most from a cashless society?; level 2/3 (30 Aug 18)
► Download (3.1MB, 3min 53sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
► Download (1MB, 1min 01sec)
► Transcript
Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, has a cashless bus system too:
74 The sportswriter. Simon talks about his profession as a freelance sportswriter; level 3 (19 Jul 18)
► Download (3.4MB, 4min 27sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
► Download (1.2MB, 1min 41sec)
► Transcript
73 The artisan economy. From homemade bread to craft beer, locally made products are on the increase; level 3 (7 Jun 18)
► Download (3.2MB, 3min 45sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
This podcast goes with this Goldman Sachs video:
72 Fake Facebook. Should individuals or businesses continue to trust this popular website now? level 2
► Download (3.6MB, 4min 34sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
Five ways to spot fake news:
71 A new design for pie! Jackie and Richard talk about giving the website a whole new look; level 2
► Download (3.4MB, 4min 15sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
70 There's something wrong with the chips. Jackie and Richard talk about the importance of customer feedback; level 2
► Download (3.3MB, 3min 57sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
69 The economics of Christmas. Just how important is the lead up to the holiday for the retail sector? level 2
► Download (3.0MB, 3min 54sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
68 We are electric. Keep up to date with the latest on electric cars and how they're leading the way
► Download (3.0MB, 3min 44sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
► Download (1MB, 1min 42sec)
► Transcript
The extra worksheet goes with video on the world's most popular electric car:
67 Death of diesel? The car industry is responding to car pollution, what is their solution?
► Download (3.1MB, 3min 54sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
"We are convinced that the future of Volvo is electric":
66 Pets at work. Nestle think you would be barking mad to leave your pet at home, bring it to work! level 2
► Download (2.9MB, 4min 59sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
65 Ransomware. We talk about the latest cybercrime to affect computers all around the world; level 2
► Download (1.84MB, 4min 00sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
64 The rise of the machine 2. Part 2 wonders if we are all going to lose our jobs to automation; level 2/3
► Download (1.6MB, 3min 29sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
63 The rise of the machine. The fourth industrial revolution sees the robot replacing humans; level 2/3
► Download (1.9MB, 4min 02sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
The future of factory automation:
62 Career change. Listen to Johnny talk about the reasons he moved from one occupation to another; level 2/3
► Download (1.83MB, 4min 00sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
61 Airbnb. It has changed the holiday scene, but is it also a victim of its own success? level 2/3
► Download (2.36MB, 5min 09sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
60 Hacked off! How a cyber-attack disrupted Internet service across Europe and the US; level 3
► Download (1.7MB, 3min 45sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
Bonus for members! There is one sure way that you can stop this happening again.
► Download (800KB, 1min 42sec)
► Transcript
How an "internet of things" device can make your home smart:
59 The hashtag. Twitter is 10 years old this year, so some top tips for businesses; level 2
► Download (1.79MB, 3min 54sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
EFL means different things to different people:
58 The line. Britain's Team Sky stand out both for their cycling and for their branding; level 2/3
► Download (1.8MB, 3min 45sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
Antidote created the first real brand for an international road cycling team:
57 The supermarket man. Alan talks about his responsibilities as Technical Director for Tesco; level 2
► Download (2.2MB, 4min 31sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
Bonus for members! He's also involved in some interesting projects re sourcing:
► Download (1MB, 2min 07sec)
► Transcript
56 The Panama papers. While many benefit from offshore finances, there are also those who are victims; level 3
► Download (7.2MB, 4min 18sec)
► Transcript
► Worksheet & Answers
► Vocabulary tasks
The podcast goes with this video from the ICIJ:
55 Brexit. Britain in Europe: should we stay or should we go?; level 2
► Download (1.94MB, 4min 13sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 70KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 78KB)
The podcast goes with this video from Michael Hobbes:
54 Going down. We look at why the price of oil is tumbling and who is benefitting from this; level 2
► Download (1.9MB, 3min 52sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 74KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 74KB)
53 Selling nostalgia. The marketing secret behind some 'traditional' customs and products; level 3
► Download (1.86MB, 4min 04sec)
► Transcript (pdf 52KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 115KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 78KB)
It's become 'traditional' to have KFC for Christmas in Japan:
52 The VW scandal. So it seems there's no such thing as clean diesel after all; level 3
► Download (1.78MB, 3min 54sec)
► Transcript (pdf 52KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 67KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 72KB)
51 Crowdfunding part 2. What a lot of money can be raised for small businesses! level 2/3
► Download (1.9MB, 4min 06sec)
► Transcript (pdf 55KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 291KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 90KB)
► Download (461KB, 58sec)
► Transcript (pdf 42KB)
50 The amalgamation. An employee's personal experience of three companies merging; level 2/3
► Download (1.8MB, 3min 56sec)
► Transcript (pdf 49KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 83KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 78KB)
49 Consumer choice. Buyers today can choose between many varieties when buying a product, but how good is that really? level 3
► Download (1.9MB, 4min 15sec)
► Transcript (pdf 54KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 84KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 87KB)
How your brain deals with choices:
48 Import and export part 2. What is the point of countries importing and exporting the very same product? level 2/3
► Download (2MB, 4min 06sec)
► Transcript (pdf 55KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 153KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 71KB)
47 Crowdfunding part 1. We look at a growing industry in the business world and ask what it is and how it works, level 2/3
► Download (1.7MB, 3min 43sec)
► Transcript (pdf 52KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 113KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 67KB)
► Download (338KB, 43sec)
► Transcript (pdf 42KB)
Crowdfunding, a new way to raise capital for your business:
46 Import and export part 1. Who dictates what food we import: consumers, farmers or retailers? level 2/3
► Download (1.8MB, 3min 56sec)
► Transcript (pdf 54KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 113KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 67KB)
45 Black Friday UK. From over there to over here, how successful was the American sales day in the UK? level 2
► Download (1.9MB, 3min 56sec)
► Transcript (pdf 56KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 186KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 72KB)
44 Mood music. In-store marketing says it can turn browsers into buyers, but does it work? level 2
► Download (1.7MB, 3min 31sec)
► Transcript (pdf 52KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 237KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 69KB)
► Download (711KB, 1min 30sec)
► Transcript (pdf 45KB)
Marks and Spencer is one UK high street retailer that has turned to in-store marketing:
43 It's a bargain! Or is it? Supermarkets have lots of special offers, but are they always better value? level 2
► Download (1.86MB, 4min 03sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 94KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 93KB)
42 The bitcoin Baffled by bitcoins? Confused by the cyber-currency? You're not alone!; level 3
► Download (1.48MB, 3min 14sec)
► Transcript (pdf 47KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 61KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 68KB)
This podcast comes from this video from The Guardian:
41 How can I help? What a difference good customer service makes - if you can find it! level 2
► Download (1.53MB, 3min 20sec)
► Transcript (pdf 50KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 154KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 61KB)
40 Taxi! How a modern technology angers taxi drivers and brings cities to a standstill; level 2
► Download (1.9MB, 4min 05sec)
► Transcript (pdf 57KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 76KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 97KB)
The traditional taxi business faces competition in a high-tech world:
39 FIFA scores. For many football is a passion, for FIFA it's purely a financial affair; level 2
► Download (1.9MB, 4min 05sec)
► Transcript (pdf 57KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 76KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 97KB)
► Download (789KB, 1min 40sec)
► Transcript (pdf 45KB)
Where is the excitement that met the 2007 decision to award Brazil the World Cup tournament?
38 Techno kitchen. High-tech products have revolutionised the way we cook; level 2
► Download (1.8MB, 3min 55sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 98KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 193KB)
► Download (661KB, 1min 24sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
The halogen oven:
37 Modern innovations: sugru A very small thing is going to make a very big difference to many people's lives! level 2/3
► Download (1.6MB, 3min 23sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 70KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 94KB)
Watch Jane introducing sugru:
36 The café conundrum Come and have a cup of coffee with the pie team in a new style of café; level 2
► Download (1.53MB, 3min 21sec)
► Transcript (pdf 51KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 84KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 68KB)
35 Booking.com part 2 What are the advantages for travellers choosing this online travel agency to book their holidays? level 2
► Download (1.55MB, 3min 22sec)
► Transcript (pdf 50KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 74KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 76KB)
34 Power to the people. Since the Mandela era boycotts have been a powerful tool; level 2/3
► Download (1.68MB, 3min 40sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 175KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 77KB)
Nestlé gave in to pressure from Greenpeace about its palm oil supply chain after 1.5 million people saw this anti-advert for Kit Kat:
33 All of a twitter. Not just for fun and socialising, Twitter is great for business too; level 2/3
► Download (1.75MB, 3min 47sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 68KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 66KB)
More top tips for businesses here:
32 Social media at work. How one manager deals with his staff using Twitter and Facebook; level 2
► Download (1.7MB, 3min 41sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 82KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 102KB)
► Download (663KB, 1min 24sec)
► Transcript (pdf 45KB)
31 Booking.com part 1. Just how useful is the online website for hotel owners? level 3
► Download (1.75MB, 3min 49sec)
► Transcript (pdf 52KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 73KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 62KB)
► Download (346KB, 43sec)
► Transcript (pdf 42KB)
30 The G8. What's the point of some powerful world leaders getting together for a few days? level 2/3
► Download (1.8MB, 3min 47sec)
► Transcript (pdf 54KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 85KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 68KB)
The transcript to this scene, and a listening task, can be found on the extras page.
29 Designing a website. The pie team give 5 top tips for designing a successful website; level 2/3
► Download (1.78MB, 3min 54sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 221KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 78KB)
28 The perfect office, part 2. Drawing on her experience, Jo tells us what works best for her; level 3
► Download (1.8MB, 3min 47sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 221KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 221KB)
What are the key elements to a comfortable work station?
27 The perfect office, part 1. Your working space affects your work, so what makes a good office?; level 2
► Download (1.54MB, 3min 22sec)
► Transcript (pdf 54KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 138KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 75KB)
► Download (794KB, 1min 41sec)
► Transcript (pdf 45KB)
26 Horseburger, anyone? There's a nasty surprise for some as they tuck into their beef burgers; level 2/3
► Download (1.77MB, 3min 52sec)
► Transcript (pdf 54KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 260KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 76KB)
What are we eating? asks Channel 4 news:
25 The disappearing high street The way we shop now could see the face of our town centres changing forever; level 3
► Download (1.92MB, 4min 12sec)
► Transcript (pdf 54KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 90KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 72KB)
► Download (463KB, 59secs)
► Transcript (pdf 48KB)
24 Profits? What profits? Starbucks' coffee is leaving a bitter taste but it's got nothing to do with the drink; level 2
► Download (1.85MB, 4min 03sec)
► Transcript (pdf 56KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 79KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 68KB)
Listen to the same story from the BBC news:
23 The cycling commuter. People should drive or take public transport to work rather than cycle, shouldn't they? level 2
► Download (1.55MB, 3min 23sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 92KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 64KB)
22 Buyer beware. How can Poundland increase its profits by 50% when everything it sells costs £1? level 2/3
► Download (2.1MB, 4min 23sec)
► Transcript (pdf 60KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 98KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 78KB)
Back in 2010 Poundland made the news when profits rose by 80%:
21 Sunday trading. The UK doesn't have a 24/7 shopping culture... yet; level 2
► Download (1.75MB, 3min 54sec)
► Transcript (pdf 49KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 115KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 82KB)
The Chancellor and Shadow Chancellor have differing views on changing Sunday trading laws:
20 The Shard. Will Europe's tallest building be a financial failure or an investment success? level 2
► Download (1.68MB, 3min 41sec)
► Transcript (pdf 46KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 87KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 76KB)
► Information sheet (pdf 7.3MB)
Listen to what people think of London's latest landmark:
■ Stop video19 What money can't buy. Is it acceptable that there's a market for almost anything, or should some things not be for sale? level 3
► Download (1.81MB, 3min 58sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 106KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 78KB)
This podcast is highlights from this interview from The Stream:
18 The accountant. Vaughan talks about being a fund accountant for BNP Paribas; level 1 / 2>
► Download (1.6MB, 3min 24sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 143KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 90KB)
17 Nike station. Big company sponsorship deals are usually welcomed, but not always... level 2
► Download (1.7MB, 3min 43sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 143KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 61KB)
One sponsor that's trying to make golf and tennis a better experience for their fans:
16 Starting a business Part 2: Why is starting a new business easier in the US? level 1
► Download (1.8MB, 3min 17sec)
► Transcript (pdf 60KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 114KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 103KB)
15 Starting a business Part 1: Why not start your own business, even if there is a recession... level 2
► Download (1.8MB, 3min 56sec)
► Transcript (pdf 57KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 82KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 94KB)
14 Ms marketing Helen, from Jersey Heritage, talks about the importance of target audience; level 3
► Download (1.85MB, 4min 03sec)
► Transcript (pdf 57KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 131KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 66KB)
13 False claims Not all companies get away with exaggerating what their products can do; level 3
► Download (1.76MB, 3min 50sec)
► Transcript (pdf 57KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 123KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 70KB)
So hands up who believes this product works as well as this:
12 Customer service What has a smiling dinosaur got to do with providing good service? level 2
► Download (1.8MB, 3min 58sec)
► Transcript (pdf 55KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 87KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 64KB)
Is this the kind of customer service you want from your bank?!
11 Welcome to Wales - where the business world meets; level 1
► Download (1.95MB, 4min 15sec)
► Transcript (pdf 43KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 189KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 64KB)
10 The Greek Crisis How are the beautiful Greek islands coping with the economic crisis? level 2
► Download (1.03MB, 2min 14sec)
► Transcript (pdf 49KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 74KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 78KB)
9 Running a small business Simon, from English for Business, talks about some of the challenges he faces; level 2
► Download (1.8MB, 3min 48sec)
► Transcript (pdf 57KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 78KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 66KB)
8 What next? What lies ahead now that Osama bin Laden is dead? level 3
► Download (991KB, 2min 04sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 90KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 94KB)
7 Negotiating skills What's the best way to get what you want from management? level 3
► Download (1.81MB, 3min 56sec)
► Transcript (pdf 57KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 86KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 66KB)
6 The Cornish Pasty EU regulations gone mad, or sensible protection? level 3
► Download (1.9MB, 4min 9sec)
► Transcript (pdf 61KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 70KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 61KB)
5 To google or not to google What's the problem with a brand becoming a verb? level 2
► Download (1.86MB, 4min 3sec)
► Transcript (pdf 57KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 70KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 70KB)
► Download (479KB, 1min)
► Transcript (pdf 74KB)
4 Corporate responsibility A political adviser for BP gives his view; level 3
► Download (1.94MB, 4min 14sec)
► Transcript (pdf 57KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 78KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 61KB)
3 Dress code It's not just what you do, it's what you wear; level 3
► Download (1.65MB, 3min 35sec)
► Transcript (pdf 53KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 131KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 61KB)
2 News bulletin Business people should be aware of global events making the headlines; level 3
► Download (565KB, 1min 10sec)
► Transcript (pdf 49KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 70KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 66KB)
1 What makes a good boss? A senior manager for Mace, an international company, gives his view; level 2 (16 Sep 10)
► Download (1.9MB, 4min 4sec)
► Transcript (pdf 57KB)
► Worksheet & Answers (pdf 70KB)
► Vocabulary tasks (pdf 61KB)
► Webquest (pdf 102KB)
As you know, Richard, I use your work every single day with students from age 12 to 75 yrs old! I haven't found anyone else who produces the same quality of work that you and Jackie do; teachers really don't need to look any further than your site, everything is there that we need. 