Next Time Around

How does Britain actually keep the electricity system balanced as we transition to renewable energy?In this episode of Next Time Around, we’re joined by Victoria Moxham, Director of Customer and Code Management at Elexon, the organisation responsible for administering the Balancing and Settlement Code and settling Britain’s wholesale electricity market.With more wind and solar entering the system, the grid is becoming increasingly complex. Flexibility, real-time data and smarter market rules are now essential to maintaining energy security, enabling decentralised generation and supporting the UK’s net zero transition.Victoria explains how Elexon sits at the heart of the electricity market — comparing what generators and suppliers say they will produce or consume with what actually happens, and settling billions of pounds in energy trading every year.We explore the growing importance of flexibility markets, the rollout of market-wide half-hourly settlement, and how better data and interoperability could unlock new opportunities for consumers, businesses, and technology providers across the energy ecosystem.In this episode we cover:How Britain’s electricity market is balanced behind the scenesThe role of Elexon in wholesale market settlement and grid stabilityWhy flexibility is becoming central to the UK energy systemThe impact of market-wide half-hourly settlement (MHHS)How smart meters, EVs, batteries and AI could reshape electricity demandThe importance of data, interoperability and governance in the future smart gridWhat it will take to deliver long-term energy security in a renewable-led systemAs the electricity system evolves from centralised power stations to a more flexible, decentralised and data-driven grid, Victoria shares how the rules, technology and market structures are adapting to support the energy transition.

This week we're joined by EV pioneer and Guinness World Record holder Kevin Booker to explore what really drives successful electric vehicle adoption.Drawing on his experience in efficiency testing, fleet electrification, and rural infrastructure projects, Kevin explains why charging, energy integration, and system design matter more than headline range figures.The conversation covers home and public charging, smart homes, virtual power plants, and the challenges of connecting multiple technologies into simple, reliable systems.It also examines how policy, infrastructure, and consumer behaviour will shape the next phase of electric transport and why a balanced, connected approach is essential for long-term success.

In this episode, we speak with Lucy Murley from LCP Delta about the growing role of energy flexibility in enabling a smarter, more resilient energy system. Lucy explains how demand-side flexibility, particularly from electric vehicles and smart energy assets, is becoming essential as renewables increase and grid constraints intensify across UK and European energy markets.The conversation explores where value will be created in the flexibility value chain, from retailers and independent aggregators to OEMs and mobility providers. With flexibility positioned as a “win-win-win” for consumers, businesses and the grid, Lucy outlines what energy leaders should be thinking about now as flexibility scales from early adopters to the mass market — and why getting it right is critical to delivering a resilient, low-carbon energy system.The episode also covers the importance of customer trust, automation and simplicity in scaling flexibility. A must-listen for energy leaders navigating the next phase of electrification.

This week, we speak with Laura Hoffmann-Ostenhof, Central Europe Lead at Gridcog, about why many clean energy and decarbonisation projects succeed or fail long before anything is built.We unpack the often hidden challenges behind modern energy projects — from limited grid capacity and changing energy prices to complex market rules — and why relying on simple assumptions can quickly undermine the business case.Laura explains why energy flexibility behind-the-meter, such as batteries and EV charging, is becoming increasingly important in markets like Germany and the UK to reduce pressure on the grid and control costs. We also discuss how better modelling leads to better decisions, why flexibility matters just as much as new renewables, and what organisations can do today to make more confident, future-ready energy choices as the transition accelerates.

In this episode, Alex Grey, Director of Policy at Energy UK, explains the forces shaping the UK’s energy transition and what business leaders need to know to navigate it. Energy UK represents the full energy value chain — from generation through the grid to household bills — giving it a unique system-wide perspective on trade-offs between policy decisions, infrastructure costs, investor confidence, and affordability.Alex explores why energy bills remain high, the impact on fuel poverty, and the role of government and policy in managing costs while building a more secure, clean energy system. The conversation also highlights the next stage of the transition: electrifying heat, transport, and industry, supporting consumer and business confidence, and enabling a workforce and skills shift to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead. This episode provides a practical view of the energy landscape for leaders planning for decarbonisation, investment and long-term resilience.

In this episode, Beena Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO of CCU International, discusses the evolving landscape of energy decarbonisation and the role of innovative solutions in helping industries transition toward net-zero. She shares her journey from traditional energy to leading projects that integrate carbon capture and utilization (CCU) into wider decarbonisation strategies, showing how emissions can be reduced while maintaining industrial productivity.Beena explains how next-generation approaches, including CCU, are helping companies cut emissions, improve efficiency and create value from CO₂. She emphasises that decarbonisation requires a mix of technologies and strategies, from renewable energy adoption to circular carbon practices, rather than a single solution.Beena highlights how regions like Asia and the Middle East are adopting integrated decarbonization strategies faster, leveraging CCU to reduce emissions. She discusses how collaboration, innovation and transparent ESG reporting are key to making the energy transition both sustainable and economically viable.

In this episode, Gill Nowell, co-founder of the Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) England, explores the electrification of transport and its impact on businesses, energy networks, and consumers. She breaks down the UK’s rapidly evolving EV infrastructure, from public and workplace charging to the growing adoption of electric fleets. Gill also highlights how battery technology and vehicle affordability are transforming the economics of EVs, offering businesses cost savings and operational efficiency.The discussion delves into key challenges for energy and transport leaders: managing grid capacity, navigating complex regulation, and planning for long-term energy security. Gill emphasises the importance of consistent policy, smarter network planning, and accessible EV education to support a smooth transition. 

Season 2 of Next Time Around opens with a look behind the scenes at Powerverse where authenticity, flexibility, and creativity are shaping how innovation happens.Hosts, Richard Britton and Lauren Forster share how a culture built on openness and collaboration connects every part of the business, from customer feedback and marketing insight to product engineering, to deliver smarter, more human energy solutions.They unpack the thinking behind the Energy Operating System, explain how Raya AI is optimising energy use in real homes, and explore why new regulations like the Future Home Standard are turning every new housing development into a local power plant.For businesses navigating the energy transition, this episode shows why the combination of strong culture and connected technology is what will define the winners of the next era of energy.

Join us for our final episode of season one of Next Time Around as Susan Robson MBE, CEO of the Women’s Engineering Society takes us through the changes happening at one of the UK’s most iconic energy organisations, National Grid.From the rise of home electrification and local energy communities to the concept of 'unthinking energy', where sustainable choices become second nature, this conversation explores the key changes driving the future of the energy sector. Susan shares why embedding ESG into business strategy isn’t just a corporate buzzword, but a core component of creating lasting change in the energy landscape.Plus, we hear about her experience speaking at the UN Global Compact Summit and what it was like appearing as an expert panellist on The Apprentice final! 

What does it take to win Olympic gold, and how can those lessons translate to building a more sustainable future? This week, we're joined by Rowley Douglas MBE, a gold medalist in rowing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, who shares his incredible journey to the top. Rowley takes us behind the scenes of his Olympic experience, revealing how the team learned from failures, overcame intense pressure, and ultimately achieved victory.But Rowley's story doesn't end with gold medals. He also offers a perspective on sustainability, drawing on his experience with the London 2012 Olympics. We explore the innovative strategies used to deliver long-term sustainable infrastructure and how we can use transitional solutions to deliver business efficiency more quickly. Plus, we explore how former athletes are now playing a crucial role in driving sustainability within the sports industry.

This week, we’re joined by Michelle Little, an energy industry expert with over 20 years of experience. Michelle shares her insights on the transition to electric homes, emphasising the growing importance of consumer choice and convenience. She delves into how energy suppliers can support this transition by leveraging smart metering data to understand consumer needs and deliver tailored solutions. Michelle also addresses the challenges energy suppliers face in adapting to the new energy landscape and offers innovative strategies to overcome them.She highlights the benefits of home EV charging, from cost savings to improved safety, and the importance of thorough research when choosing an electric vehicle. Michelle advocates for intelligent EV charging tariffs and the integration of software and AI to seamlessly manage home energy devices.We explore the role of energy suppliers in delivering cost-effective, user-friendly solutions and the need for timely installation of EV charging infrastructure to support a greener, more sustainable future.

In this episode, Raj Lyons Chohan, founder and CEO of Affinity EV, takes us on his journey from washing cars to founding a pioneering platform that’s reshaping both the automotive and energy sectors.He discusses the critical disconnect between selling an electric vehicle (EV) and the onward buying journey, highlighting the urgent need for a seamless, customer-centric approach.Raj explores the current challenges facing the automotive industry while highlighting exciting new opportunities that are emerging. He discusses how data and AI can empower dealerships to evolve beyond traditional car sales, transforming into energy network businesses. By viewing an EV as a "battery on wheels," dealerships can tap into innovative revenue streams and introduce home energy management to their services.This shift is massive, and Raj emphasises the importance of proactive leadership. To stay ahead, industry leaders must leverage AI and data to enhance profitability and customer loyalty through personalised experiences. Plus, Raj shares key insights on what to avoid to prevent missed revenue opportunities in the current sales process! 

Alex Baggallay, Growth Partnerships Lead UK & Ireland at Salesforce, joins us this week to explore how AI and data are transforming industries and creating new opportunities for businesses to stay ahead in the electric future.As competition intensifies, companies need more than just great products—they need to deliver personalised, AI-driven experiences that build trust and loyalty. Alex shares how this shift is already happening in the energy sector, where companies are evolving from traditional suppliers to energy lifestyle brands. By using AI, businesses can create deeper connections with customers and stay ahead in the race.Data is driving innovation, and those who harness the power of AI are set to lead the way in their industries. If you're looking to future-proof your business and create customer experiences that really stand out, this episode is for you. 

This week, we talk with Scarlett Allen-Horton, founder of Harper Fox Partners, about the evolving world of recruitment in the energy sector. Scarlett shares how fostering partnerships and diversity isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s the key to driving real innovation and meeting ambitious green emission targets by 2050.From cross-business collaboration to the role of intrapreneurship, Scarlett breaks down how sustainable hiring practices and cultural shifts can attract top talent. She also highlights the impact of flexible and hybrid working in increasing women’s representation at the highest levels.But before founding Harper Fox Partners, Scarlett’s journey was one of resilience, vision, and entrepreneurial grit. She gained national recognition on The Apprentice, where she impressed Lord Sugar and secured investment to scale her business. Now, she’s leading the charge in redefining recruitment strategies for a more inclusive, forward-thinking industry.Join us as we explore how diverse perspectives, bold leadership, and strategic hiring can shape the future of energy.

Join hosts Lauren Forster and Richard Britton as they dive into the challenges of the energy crisis. From the impact of the energy price cap to the shift toward electric vehicles and heat pumps, this podcast unpacks the trends shaping our energy landscape.Discover practical strategies for consumers to take control of their energy bills through insulation, solar panels, and smart meters. Plus, meet Raya, Powerverse’s smart energy assistant, and learn how she is helping households to manage energy usage and cut costs.Whether you’re looking to lower your bills or better understand the future of energy, this episode offers expert insights, real-world solutions, and a roadmap for reducing energy dependence.