Wake Up to Money

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.

Felicity Hannah looks at how pizza businesses in the UK are changing strategy. Plus, as resident doctor strikes continue, what are both sides saying about pay and jobs?

Will Bain explores if two-wheeled commuters will pay the price in the budget, after reports suggest the Chancellor is planning to introduce a cap on the cost of bikes that can be bought through cycle to work schemes.Shares in Disney took a knock after the entertainment giant posted results. Will looks at their stand-off with YouTube TV and how the transition to digital affecting the company. And our weekly panel looks at the big stories from the week, including a couple of key bits of economic data.

Sean Farrington looks at the return of nuclear power to Wales with the head of GB Energy - Nuclear. Elsewhere he hears from a business owner who's had to get rid of staff and equipment because borrowing costs are too high. And, Sean chats to a West End theatre producer about new proposals from the creative industries to end ticket touting.

Sean hears from those who have called for the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap ahead of the budget. After with yesterday's jobs data showing unemployment is on the rise, Sean speaks from one retailer who says automation and AI are threats to future workers.And with six weeks to go until Christmas, we find out more about the must-have toys for Christmas this year.

Sean looks at jump in the price of gold to a two week high as the US government seeks to end the federal shutdown.The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has given her clearest sign yet that Labour's manifesto will be broken when she delivers her Budget later this month.And one year after hitting big screens for the first time, the Wicked Witch of the West is back, providing a much-needed boost to the nation's cinema industry.

With the budget looming, Will Bain invites an economist to answer your budget queries. What would you like to hear from the Chancellor? And we find out why the boss responsible for the construction of the Tideway, London's new 'super sewer', is praying for rain. And it's been 30 years since easyJet first took off. We take a look how the low-cost airline industry has fared since then.

Budget and interest rate talk with our regular panel of experts - they tell Will Bain what they think might happen next. We hear too how the boss of one of the world's biggest shipping companies thinks we're going to struggle to find space for his ships if we don't expand our ports. And, we've been sitting down with Julian Dunkerton, the Chief Executive of the UK fashion retailer, Superdry. Also, M&S has joined TikTok. We find out what one of the UK's more established brands is doing on the social media platform.

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

More on a new report looking at getting people on long-term sick back into the office. We also have the latest from New York as the City decides its new Mayor. And Sean Farrington finds out why the unlikely crossover between chess and nightlife is proving a hit for one London venue.

With more than 40% of shop staff facing abuse at the counter every week, Sean Farrington talks to workers, an investigator and a retail charity about what's behind the assaults and what can be done to stop them, Also,our expert guests talk about budgets and budget pledges ahead of the big day later this month. And...it's the invasion of the food influencers, coming to a food market near you. Do they serve an important role for the restaurant trade - or are they just putting everyone else off their dinner? We hear from both sides of the table.

Questions remain over the supply of Nexperia chips, with concerns for the car industry. Will Bain delves into what exactly's going on. We also look into the sauna sensation that's sweeping across the UK - with numbers of them soaring in recent years. And if you watched Channel 4's Gogglebox on Friday night you might have heard this programme get a little mention...

Felicity Hannah looks at the government's energy-bill discount for energy intensive industries, helping around 500 businesses and saving up to £420 million per year on their bills.We have the latest market news, including Amazon and Apple earnings. And it's spooky season, with people spending more than before. We look at how much and why.

Sean Farrington gets the latest on crucial trade talks in South Korea. And, in a week of massive financial reports from some of the globe's biggest tech companies, we talk to an pioneer on the importance of AI in the future success of the sector, Also, an economist reads the runes on the latest US interest rate changes and the likelihood of taxes rises in the UK budget.

Sean Farrington gets the latest on Hurricane Melissa and hears how AI is already coming for tech jobs at companies worth trillions of dollars - so how will that affect firms further down the chain? And we take a look at the latest from Chancellor Rachel Reeves who says she wants to the defy the gloom from economic forecasters ahead of the budget.

A downgrade in the UK's economic forecast could mean a larger than expected gap in the numbers Chancellor Rachel Reeves has to play with in her budget. Sean Farrington asks an economist what options she has to balance the public purse next month. And, we'll be hearing from an industry analyst why a UK oil and gas company has filed for administration and what it means for the industry in the North Sea. Also, how a hot summer might mean a miserable autumn for lovers of all things pumpkin.

Will Bain with the details of a 'framework' for a likely compromise on trade talks between the US and China this week. Proposals include a deferral of China's strict export controls of rare earths, minerals critical to US tech and industrial production. In return, the US proposes an end to promised retaliatory tariffs. We hear from an international trade expert on the robustness of the framework. And, a consultation has ended on Government plans to fine firms that repeatedly pay their suppliers late. Big companies have warned of investment risks if the plans go ahead. We speak to a small business leader involved in the discussions. And in football, embattled Sheffield Wednesday have finally entered administration. With a 12-point deduction from the EFL to contend with, what chances are there a likely buyer can be found?.

The number of cars produced in the UK fell by a massive 27% last month, according to the industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It says it's due to the cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover that stopped production. Felicity Hannah asks how the sector might be able to recover.Our Friday panel looks back at the big economic stories of the week, including an inert inflation figure that has more than meets the eye behind it, and Rachel Reeves blaming Brexit for some of the UK's difficult economic circumstances.Plus, the most popular Netflix film of all time, Kpop Demon Hunters, is to make what the streaming service calls an "unprecedented" licensing deal for toys and games. One industry insider tells us just how big a deal it is.

As OpenAI launches a new web service, Will Bain looks at how it's set to rival Google. We also look at why English and Welsh football is appealing so much to Hollywood stars and American investors. And we hear from the owner of a cafe offering discounts to those who put their phones in lockers before grabbing a bite.

The boss of JCB says the Chancellor can't 'tax her way to growth' in November's Budget. Plus, with the latest inflation figures set to be revealed, what's driving up prices?

AWS says it's fixed the problem that's disrupted many of the world's biggest websites. Sean Farrington's joined by the former cyber chief of the UK Government to get his take on the bigger picture. Also, Chancellor Rachel Reeves says she can save businesses £6bn per year before the end of this Parliament. As she announces measures aimed at reducing the form filling process for SMEs, we delve into what that means. And as British Wool reports its strongest sales in more than a decade, its chief executive will be telling us why.

A new qualification, V Levels, will replace many existing vocational qualifications in a government shake up of the skills sector. Theo Leggett speaks to industry to find out their thoughts. Also, three weeks after the government offered embattled Jaguar Land Rover a £1.5 billion loan guarantee, we speak to a West Midland's business leader who fears help isn't reaching those companies in the supply chain reliant on the car maker for work. And, as some 1.5 million people in the UK mark Diwali, we speak to a business dedicated to ensuring those celebrating the Festival of Lights are supplied with food and gifts.

Greene King boss Nick McKenzie sits down with Felicity Hannah to talk about the pub trade, changing drinking habits and business taxes. Also, Sam Fender's People Watching picked up the 2025 Mercury Prize for best album. But in an era of music-streaming does the long player still make sense? We hear the thoughts of the boss of one of the legendary names in music retail. And, we debate the week's business and economic stories with our regular experts' panel.

Waymo driverless taxicabs are coming to London next year once they have completed safety tests. Bankers' bonuses to be paid earlier than before. They'll now receive them within 4 years instead of the current 8 years. And Microsoft's Xbox is launching its new £800 handheld gaming device around the world. Presenter: Sean Farrington.

According to the IMF, the UK is on course to record the highest inflation in the G7 this year. Sean Farrington talks to a senior economist about what this means for the UK economy in the long term and for Chancellor Rachel Reeves' budget plans in the short term. And we'll reporting on the latest round of the US China trade war. The US government is bullish, but are US businesses also up for the fight? We hear the views of a US importer. Also, Soho used to be at the heart of the British music industry. But the owner of a legendary Tin Pan Alley recording studio tells us business rates are making her studio unviable against a backdrop of home recording trends.

After the latest mega-deal tying one AI firm to another, Sean Farrington asks what's behind the spending spree. We also hear from a veteran of reconstruction projects on what it will take to rebuild Gaza. Also, the caravans of love. What's driving our continuing passion for caravans and motorhomes?

Felicity Hannah hears the latest developments in the trade war between the US and China, reignited after Beijing imposed a new round of controls on those rare earths and minerals essential to the production of everything from mobile phones to weapons. Also, a new idea to revive the economies of the UK's former industrial heartlands. But will new incentives to save on taxes for companies willing to invest succeed where other initiatives have failed? And, it's no surprise we're a nation of pasta lovers. But are we really going off the humble spaghetto in favour of pappardelle and tortellini? We talk to a pasta maker about the shape of things to come.

Felicity Hannah hears about the EU's new Entry/Exit System, coming in from Sunday. Plus, a look behind the scenes at the London Stock Exchange.