Does regulation help or hinder growth? With Rob Bishton and Sam Walsh

2026-01-27

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Our days are shaped by rules and regulations. The expiry date stamped on the sandwich we picked up for lunch. The charge for the plastic bag at the checkout. The banner that asks if we consent to cookies. There's the big stuff too. The security checks before we fly, the safety marks on our new tech and the seatbelt we click into place without thinking. But despite its ubiquity, regulation sparks mixed feelings. While some rules feel reassuring, others feel restrictive. When done right, regulation can be a...

Our days are shaped by rules and regulations.

The expiry date stamped on the sandwich we picked up for lunch. The charge for the plastic bag at the checkout. The banner that asks if we consent to cookies. There's the big stuff too. The security checks before we fly, the safety marks on our new tech and the seatbelt we click into place without thinking.

But despite its ubiquity, regulation sparks mixed feelings. While some rules feel reassuring, others feel restrictive. When done right, regulation can be a catalyst for societal progress and economic growth. It can unlock markets, enforce ethical standards, and build trust. It can also bring challenges too, adding layers of frustration, cost, and complexity to new ideas and initiatives.

With governments now demanding that regulators actively support growth, there's an opportunity to reimagine regulation. Can it be designed to stimulate, rather than stifle, innovation? Is there a way to keep the societal benefits and skip the unnecessary challenges? Or do we simply need to improve our approach and understanding to regulation – and prepare for more of it in the future?

That's what we're exploring with Rob Bishton, CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority, and Sam Walsh, Partner and UK Public Sector Regulation Lead at Deloitte, as we ask: Does regulation help or hinder growth?

Tune in to find out:

What does successful regulation look like?
Does new regulation only ever occur after a crisis?
How can regulation stay ahead of new and emerging industries?
What can businesses do to prepare for future regulatory changes?

Enjoyed this episode? Check our website for our recommendations to learn more about this topic: deloitte.co.uk/greenroompodcasts

Find out more about Young Women's Trust here: youngwomenstrust.org

Guests: Rob Bishton, CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority, and Sam Walsh, Partner and UK Public Sector Regulation Lead at Deloitte.
Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Oliver Carpenter
Original music: Ali Barrett

Recording date and location: London, 04.12.25

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