Wake Up to Money

John Vincent of fast food chain Leon tells Will Bain what he sees in the future of the business - including how he thinks weight-loss jabs will be good for the company.Our weekly panel looks back at a week of news that's included announcements on rail in the north of England, another government policy U-turn and charges against the chair of the US central bank.And interest in going vegan for the month of January could be fading - one plant-based food producer tells us why they've moved on from the campaign.

Will Bain gets the latest on South East Water as the Government asks for an Ofwat review.Elsewhere, the Government's latest renewable energy auction round attracts significant investment and Wikipedia turns 25.

Will Bain looks at the Government's plan for the Northern Powerhouse Rail project.Elsewhere, we take a look at the US economy, in light of new inflation figures and the ongoing probe into the Chair of the US Central Bank. We will also hear about the Scottish Budget and the return of KPop group BTS.

Will Bain takes a look at how a probe into the US central bank might unfold.Elsewhere, new figures shed light on a tricky Christmas for retailers and Royal Mail looks to get in on the Stranger Things excitement.

As geopolitics continues to dominate early 2026, Felicity Hannah has the latest on events around Greenland and Iran.Closer to home, we take a look at jobs market, consumer credit card debt, and speak to one of the businesses that's been handling the impact of Storm Goretti over the weekend.

Government backtracks on a planned pub business rates rise after industry backlash. Our Friday panel unpacks this latest government U-turn along with the big stories from this week.Plus, January is traditionally the most popular month for holiday bookings. We speak to one of the UK's leading independent travel agents to find out where's hot and where's not in 2026.

Sean Farrington brings you the latest news and insight from the business world.He'll find out how markets are reacting to the possibility of more global instability after the United States seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the AtlanticAnd as Warner Brothers tells it's shareholders to reject Paramount's 'inferior" deal - Sean checks in on where this blockbuster saga goes next.Elsewhere, he'll find out what a surplus of milk has done to prices - and find out from producers about what those squeezed margins could mean.And he'll look back at another retro favourite - this time Gola trainers, the 120 year old British sports brand that's just been sold to Japanese owners.Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.

Sean Farrington talks to a former postmaster for his thoughts on Horizon computer boss's appearance before MPs yesterday. Why won't Fujitsu say how much they'll contribute to the Post Office redress scheme? South East Water was also in front of MP's yesterday following a water outage in Tunbridge Wells which left thousands of homes without drinking water. We check back in with a business owner whose bar was left high and dry. And, the physical music market continued its resurgence in 2025. We talk to one of the UK's only cassette shops, to see what they think of the comeback.

News and insight from the business world. Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.

The US has pledged billions of dollars to revive Venezuela's ailing oil industry, but what do the experts think of the plan's chances of success? Plus, Will Bain finds out what impact a junk-food TV advertising ban will have on the food industry. And, it's time to start that gym membership, but will you stay the course? We hear from a gym owner about their busy time of the year.

Leanna Byrne looks at what's in store for the UK's economy in 2026 and asks what the next 12 months might bring for London's financial markets.Elsewhere - she'll hear from a tech boss about where AI development will go after last year, where the technology went mainstream.And one pub owner tells us why they're not looking forward to 'Dry January'.Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.

Tens of thousands of passengers on the Eurostar have been unable to make their journeys after a power outage - Sean Farrington hears how it's been impacting travellers and businesses.The legendary investor Warren Buffett is to step down as head of his company Berkshire Hathaway - another top investor tells us what legacy the 95-year-old leaves.And as it's New Year's Eve, we go to Edinburgh where one tour and pub crawl company will be painting the town red for Hogmanay.

On Wake Up To Money, we talk a lot about jobs, wages and the labour market. And we often hear from the bosses of some of our biggest recruitment firms.One of those is the Reed Group.Sir Alec Reed started the company 65 years ago and made it into one of the UK's biggest private businesses. He was knighted for his services to business and charity in 2011.He'd long stepped down as Chief Executive of Reed by then, handing over the reins to his son, James, in 1997.Sean Farrington sat down with James to look back on the life of his Dad - and how they navigated being part of the same team at work as well as at home... something that will sound familiar to so many across the country.

Sir Alec Reed, who passed away earlier this month, started the Reed Group 65 years ago and made it into one of the UK's biggest private businesses. He was knighted for his services to business and charity in 2011.Sean Farrington sits down with his son, James Reed, who took the reins of the company as chief executive in 1997, and looks back on the life and work of his dad.

It's been a tricky year for many hospitality businesses; Will Bain hears from a panel of pub and restaurant owners to look back - and forwards - on how they've been handling trade.In an exclusive interview, the boss of Puregym tells Wake Up to Money that pharmaceutical companies and health professionals need to be clearer on the need for exercise alongside weight-loss drugs.And with Christmas out of the way, a returns handler for major retailers gives us the inside detail of what people are sending back this year.

We gauge reaction to the u-turn on the inheritance tax hike on farms & business assets. Will Bain also reflects on a massive year for Birmingham's bins - following ongoing strike action from refuse workers in the city. And as almost 13 million shoppers try to bag a last minute gift for their loved ones, we head to one shopping centre in Liverpool.

Following a delay to the Defence Investment Plan, what does the lack of certainty mean? Will Bain also looks into the ongoing impact of botched insulation installed in peoples homes under a government scheme. And as we step into Christmas, it's a busy time for butchers.

How has this Christmas worked out for the hospitality business? Will Bain talks festive trade with a hotelier. Also, we talk about some new research into the jobs market ... AND, if you've left your Christmas shopping to the last minute, we have help at hand. A personal shopper gives us some tips on late buys.

After the second monthly inflation figure in a row came in lower than expected and the Bank of England cut interest rates this week, Will Bain is joined by our weekly panel to look at what it means for businesses and the economy.As we get ever closer to the 25th of December, we'll hear about what impact the rising cost of a Christmas dinner is having.Plus, on 'Mad Friday', potentially one of the busiest nights for hospitality businesses of the year, one owner tells us how he's preparing for it.

Sean Farrington looks ahead to the Bank of England's latest interest rate decision. Meanwhile, as the Employment Rights Bill gets Royal Assent, we'll look at what it means for workers. And is Santa getting paid enough? More on why he might be tightening his belt this year.

Sean Farrington looks at the long wait for a driving test in England, Scotland and Wales. Plus, what does England's performance in Australia mean for cricket clubs back here?

Sean Farrington takes a look at the financial regulator's plans for cryptocurrencies. Also on the programme - as an investigation into record unemployment for young people launches, we delve into why it's at all time high. And it's 250 years since the birth of the author Jane Austen - hear why she's as relevant as ever when it comes to entertainment and tourism.

Felicity Hannah hears how businesses can respond to staff calling in sick during the flu outbreak, and why some pharmacies are experiencing a shortage of vaccines. And, with just ten days left until Christmas, the director of a shopping centre tells us whether Gen Z is driving a resurgence of the in-person retail experience.

Felicity Hannah speaks to the CEO of the Magnum Ice Cream Company as it finishes its first week as a listed company. Plus, what does the latest Knives Out tell us about Hollywood?

Sean Farrington looks at the US Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates and what that could mean for the Bank of England.We talk to the outgoing boss of GSK on why they're focusing investment in the US over the UK.And finally, we look at ticket prices for next year's World Cup.

Sean Farrington discusses the rising bills that could hit the pub sector, in the wake of business rates changes. Elsewhere, he'll turn his attention to the US, where the Fed will announce its decision on rates.And, will consumer demand keep up with increasing chocolate prices?

Sean Farrington looks at Paramount's $108bn hostile bid, as the battle for Warner Brothers continues to heat up.Elsewhere, he'll be discussing a bill on railways that returns to Parliament today which could see passengers buying tickets directly from the government.And, he'll take a look at some new data that shows just how much money shoppers have been spending in the last month.

Will Bain discusses the Employment Rights Bill as it heads back to the Commons.Elsewhere, he'll look ahead to the first day of trading for the brand new Magnum Ice Cream Company and check out some of the details in the $72 BILLION deal made by Netflix to buy Warner Bros.And, he'll find out what's next for Lando Norris and the new sponsorship deals that could be heading his way after his F1 triumph.

Felicity Hannah hears from the boss of Waterstones and gets an update from Tunbridge Wells.Elsewhere, the reviews website Trustpilot's share price has PLUNGED by almost 30%, wiping more than £200 million pounds from its value. We ask what's happening to the FTSE 250-listed firm.And it's the Christmas tradition that's become a global multi-million-dollar franchise - Fliss speaks to one of the founders of the company behind The Elf on the Shelf.

Sean Farrington hears about the business of cricket as the 2nd Ashes Test match commences. We speak to a business owner in Tunbridge Wells as water outages persist for thousands of properties. And what does the future hold for Britain's Nuclear industry? We find out.

Sean Farrington hears why the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development has upgraded UK growth but warns Rachel Reeves that higher taxes and tight spending plans risk squeezing households and slowing the recovery - with unemployment rising. And Ofsted have released their first AI report, which says classroom tech is barely improving results, yet teachers fear pupils who don't learn AI tools could lose out in the jobs market - Sean looks at the details.

Sean Farrington explores why Richard Hughes has quit as head of the OBR after a Budget-day publishing blunder, and what it means for trust in the watchdog's forecasts.Trainees at an accountancy firm will be sent on secondments at bars, pubs and restaurants to help develop their 'front of house' skills - Sean finds out why. And it's Christmas advert season; can local shops compete with the big brands? Small businesses in Hexham, in Northumberland, have banded together to have a go by creating their own Christmas Ad.

Will Bain speaks to a former Treasury economist about the claims Chancellor Rachel Reeves misled the public over stronger OBR forecasts before her tax-raising Budget.Also, while there was disappointment this budget didn't have much to offer in the way of economic growth, there was a glimmer of hope for tech start ups hungry for investment. We speaks to a CEO on why the future may be brighter for her sector.And we find out from a former confectionery buyer on what it takes to get to Christmas chocolate on the supermarket shelves.

The government has made an immediate U turn on one of its key employment-rights pledges announced in this weeks' budget. We ask why it's happened and what it means for employers. Also, Felicity Hannah takes a deeper dive into this weeks' budget with our regular panel of experts. And it's Green Friday. Why is today the biggest day of the year for the growers of the UK's Christmas trees?

Sean Farrington takes a panel of businesses, tax and economics experts to pore through the detail of the Chancellor's Autumn Budget 2025, including a look at the tax thresholds freeze, pensions, electric vehicles and business rates.We also discuss what it means for the Budget and the Office for Budget Responsibility after the forecaster accidentally published its report before the Budget was announced, instead of after.Plus Wake Up to Money hears what the Budget and in particular the threshold tax freeze does for keeping people motivated to earn more.

Budget Day has arrived - Sean Farrington hears from businesses, individuals and listeners throughout the programme.That the National Living Wage will rise by 4.1% in April - how might that affect businesses? One pub chain talks to us.And one of Netflix's biggest successes, Stranger Things, reaches its fifth and final season starting tonight - we look at where the business of the streaming service stands after it finishes.

It's "Budget Eve" -- and Sean Farrington takes a look at why Cash ISAs and tax free savings are grabbing the headlines today.Elsewhere, Sean takes a look at the Employment Rights Bill, which is in its final stages in the Houses of Parliament. The boss of the UK's biggest business lobby group says it could be "damaging" -- we hear from one holiday business how it could affect them.And with one month till Christmas, what are the changing trends and tastes in advent calendars for grown ups? Sean finds out...

With two more sleeps until Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget, Will Bain discuses what could be in it and answer your questions leading up to it.The Covid inquiry continues with a look at the financial action taken by the government to protect the economy -- we'll find out what we could expect from evidence given, including that by then-Chancellor Rishi Sunak.With a record number of England cricket fans going to Australia to watch the Ashes, we speak to one of the businesses responsible for getting them there.

Will Bain hears from analysts and businesses on the latest report from the Covid inquiry. Also, the Chief Executive of Getlink and the Eurotunnel joins us to tell us why they have frozen all its future UK rail investments.Plus, we have our Friday panel discussing the big stories from the week.

The world's biggest company, Nvidia, reports record financial results. Plus, what does the latest inflation figure tell us about the economy?

Sean Farrington speaks to business leaders with one week to go until the Budget. Plus, high-profile websites, including X and ChatGPT, are taken down by an outage at Cloudflare.

The boss of Alphabet tells the BBC no company will be immune if the AI bubble bursts. Plus, reselling tickets to live events for a profit is to be banned by the government.