Steven
👤 PersonAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
I agree with you. This is the thing. I agree that you can't have a group of people at the very top that own all the assets and all the money, or else, I mean, it's going to come from somewhere. And I remember the day that I printed off the JobSeeker's Allowance form when I was stealing Chicago Town pizzas 10 years ago in my room in Moss Side in Manchester.
I agree with you. This is the thing. I agree that you can't have a group of people at the very top that own all the assets and all the money, or else, I mean, it's going to come from somewhere. And I remember the day that I printed off the JobSeeker's Allowance form when I was stealing Chicago Town pizzas 10 years ago in my room in Moss Side in Manchester.
I remember what it feels like to not have my parents speaking to me, to have all these CCJ letters and bailiff letters on my desk, and really... have no answer on how to get out of the situation to the point that I was like shoplifting. I'd call the Just Eat driver and then try and persuade him just to give me the food. That was 10 years ago for me. So I've not forgotten those years of my life.
I remember what it feels like to not have my parents speaking to me, to have all these CCJ letters and bailiff letters on my desk, and really... have no answer on how to get out of the situation to the point that I was like shoplifting. I'd call the Just Eat driver and then try and persuade him just to give me the food. That was 10 years ago for me. So I've not forgotten those years of my life.
So I understand what it is to be in that situation. And on an individual level, I need some answers because I'm not going to wait for these people in the parliament to fix my life for me. So I need some individual answers. And then I do also care about the bigger picture. So I'm not like here as someone that just wants to accrue loads of wealth myself. Of course, listen, let's be honest.
So I understand what it is to be in that situation. And on an individual level, I need some answers because I'm not going to wait for these people in the parliament to fix my life for me. So I need some individual answers. And then I do also care about the bigger picture. So I'm not like here as someone that just wants to accrue loads of wealth myself. Of course, listen, let's be honest.
There's not many human beings that wouldn't like more money. So I try and acknowledge that bias. But the big issue I have is... is how.
There's not many human beings that wouldn't like more money. So I try and acknowledge that bias. But the big issue I have is... is how.
And from my personal experience, as someone that now employs hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people here in London, up in Manchester, in our offices, there are a set of things that would make me leave this country if it became increasingly less friendly to entrepreneurs. I reckon if we come back here in five years' time, I reckon I'll employ 500 more people in the UK.
And from my personal experience, as someone that now employs hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people here in London, up in Manchester, in our offices, there are a set of things that would make me leave this country if it became increasingly less friendly to entrepreneurs. I reckon if we come back here in five years' time, I reckon I'll employ 500 more people in the UK.
And actually, as you look around this room, you can see the age of them. These are young people. There are things you could do to make me not do that.
And actually, as you look around this room, you can see the age of them. These are young people. There are things you could do to make me not do that.
I mean, it's probably worth pointing out that we're not taxing wealth and you're leaving the country anyway, Stephen.
I mean, it's probably worth pointing out that we're not taxing wealth and you're leaving the country anyway, Stephen.
No, I haven't left the country.
No, I haven't left the country.
Okay, you're going to stay.
Okay, you're going to stay.
No, I'm a tax resident here. I pay my taxes here. And I have zero intent in changing that. I'm also on track, you know, so we're investing a lot of money in UK businesses.
No, I'm a tax resident here. I pay my taxes here. And I have zero intent in changing that. I'm also on track, you know, so we're investing a lot of money in UK businesses.