Business English News | Business English Pod

Business English News 33 – Employment Practices

Business English, Business English Vocabulary, Business News, Human Resources / July 5, 2015

In today’s Business English News lesson, we look at developments in employment practices and how these effect job stability and opportunities for career development.

The world quietly passed a significant milestone recently – the global jobless total surpassed 200 million people, according to a study by the UN. To put that into perspective, that’s 30 million more without work than at the height of the recession in 2008. As CBC News reports, these figures could have grave implications for the future.

Free Resources: PDF Transcript | Quizzes | Lesson Module

Download: Podcast MP3

Business English News 32 – Currency Wars

Business English, Business News, Finance and Accounting / April 12, 2015

In today’s Business English News lesson, we look at how countries are using competitive devaluations of their currencies to stimulate economic growth.

It’s been a wild ride since the global economy welcomed in the New Year, and the scale of global easing that’s taking place has stunned investors. On average, an interest rate has been cut somewhere in the world once every 3 days, catching everyone off guard. If 25 countries cutting rates since the start of the year wasn’t proof enough, this week’s warning from Janet Yellen about the dollar’s strength confirmed that the world’s top central banks are fighting a currency war.

Free Resources: Study Notes | Online Practice | Lesson Module

Download: Podcast MP3

Business English News 31 – Crowdfunding

Business English, Business English Vocabulary, Business News, Finance and Accounting / January 4, 2015

In today’s Business English News lesson, we look at new methods of raising capital for startups.

Crowdfunding, the idea of gathering lots of small contributions from individuals to finance a company or a project, is one of the latest buzzwords to hit the business world. Born as a result of the economic crisis where access to financing from traditional sources is increasingly difficult, crowdfunding is another avenue to secure funds for entrepreneurial ventures; as This is Money explains:

Until recently, financing a business involved asking a few people for big sums of money. Crowdfunding is turning this idea on its head, using the Internet to help entrepreneurs talk to thousands – if not millions – of potential funders who each contribute a small amount.

Free Resources: Study Notes | Online Practice | Lesson Module

Download: Podcast MP3

Business English News 30 – Drones

Business English, Business English Vocabulary, Business News, IT and Tech / September 28, 2014

In today’s Business English News lesson, we look at the potential of using drones for commercial purposes.

What was once a dream for science fiction fans is now inching closer to reality. Powerful companies are pouring money into what they hope will be the birth of a new delivery market. Google, Amazon, and a handful of others have embarked on a project that may change the way consumers receive products, and the commercial drone industry is poised to take off with far-reaching applications.

Free Resources: PDF Transcript | Online Practice | Lesson Module

Download: Podcast MP3

Business English News 29 – Wearable Technology

Business English, Business English Vocabulary, Business News, IT and Tech / July 27, 2014

In today’s Business English News lesson, we look at the battle for the wearable technology throne. From watches to glasses, and clothing to health monitoring, the possibilities are seemingly endless for wearable tech. ‘Wearables’ refers to the electronic technologies or computers incorporated into watches, contact lenses, eyewear, bracelets, rings, clothing and more ”” all designed to be worn on the body.

Free Resources: PDF Transcript | Online Practice | Mobile Quizzes

Download: Podcast MP3