Wake Up to Money

The 2026 World Cup starts today, we speak with business across the US. It's the eve of SpaceX's blockbuster IPO - a British satellite company shares their thoughts.The boom in weight-loss drugs is now feeding through to another part of the food industry: protein. Demand is pushing up prices and raising fears of shortages. We find out from one small retailer on what's happening.

The chief executive of the online retailer Debenhams has told the Big Boss Interview Podcast that UK businesses are being harmed by exploitation of the so-called 'de minimis' loophole, which allows competitors in China like Shein and Temu to avoid tax on small packages. Sean Farrington hear why he thinks the government's plans to close the loopholes by 2029 isn't soon enough.Anthropic has released it's Claude Fable 5 AI model - which the company initially said was too powerful to be released to the public - we find out more.And with the World Cup kicking off tomorrow night, venues across the country will be installing big screens to show the football. We speak with a Birmingham-based company that provides big screens to fan parks, pubs, Premier League football clubs, and more.

The company behind the AI bot ChatGPT, OpenAI, has filed to list its shares in the latest of a string of blockbuster IPO announcements. Will Bain finds out what's in it for the business, investors and the world of artificial intelligence.Manchester has been the "star performer" of the UK economy since 2008 according to new analysis by Oxford Economics - we look into the report.And hot on the heels of Scotland's win over Bolivia in a pre-tournament friendly, we speak to a fan about how much they're spending with to be part of the Tartan Army on tour.

Microsoft UK and Ireland boss Darren Hardman joins Wake Up to Money to discuss the company's battle to stay ahead in the race for artificial intelligence.Plus, as the 2026 World Cup kicks off, we look at the business of football kits with the former Puma and Umbro creative executive behind Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning shirt.

Will Bain wraps up a big week in the AI race. Elsewhere, he hears what new tariffs could mean for British steel and asks what the future holds for Netflix.

Sean hears how rising costs are creating an uncertain future for Britain's festivals. Elsewhere, Sean heats about a new round of tariffs announced by President Trump.

Sean Farrington hears about how ordinary British investors will have the chance to buy shares in SpaceX before it lists on the stock market. Elsewhere, England's MPs launch a fresh inquiry into the student loan system, and South West Water is fined after supplying water unfit for human consumption in May 2024.

Will Bain hears how Anthropic's potential stock market listing could heat up the AI race. Elsewhere, the price of aluminium hits a four-year high and the boss of Wetherspoons explains why he is adding an alternative stout to the menu.

Felicity Hannah speaks to a small business owner who has paid off their COVID loans and finds out how many of the government-backed loans handed out during the COVID pandemic have been repaid. She also looks at the demise of the convertible car and speaks to the boss of a UK technology company attending SXSW 2026 in London.

Felicity Hannah hears from businesses in Kent experiencing water outages in the heatwave. Plus, we go behind the scenes of a data centre in London to find out if they're putting the UK on the map when it comes to AI.

The UK's biggest housebuilder tells us it's the worst time for first-time buyers since 2008. Elsewhere, we hear that the UK risks creating a stolen generation if it doesn't bring more young people into employment. And ahead of the Premier League Darts final, we'll hear from the boss of the company that makes the boards for the competition.

As the UK continues to sizzle in the heat, retailers tell this programme about how sales of air conditioning units have spiked alongside temperatures.Elsewhere we'll take a look at the plight of energy giant BP, who have sacked chairman - Albert Manifold.We'll get all the latest market reaction to another day without a deal to end the war in Iran.A butcher in the West Midlands tells us how the UK's Muslim community is preparing for Eid-Al-Adah.Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.

The boss of Next warns of a "dramatic fall" in entry level opportunities in the UK. Elsewhere, the government launches a review into early years childcare - and we get the latest on how a US deal with Iran could impact global oil markets. We also hear from the former chief executive of Aston Villa about how relegation could hit West Ham's finances.

Wake Up To Money presents another selection of Business Daily programmes from BBC Sounds. In this edition: AI's new power in the job market, the city that banned advertising meat, lab-grown vs mined diamonds, and we go inside gaming's cheating problem.

The Chancellor has announced £350m of support for the UK's chemical industries - Sean Farrington finds out whether businesses in the sector think it's enough.And it's a matter of "sun's out, Guns out" in North London this weekend, as we speak to one publican who's hoping the combination of an Arsenal Premier League win and good weather will get the tills ringing.

SpaceX officially files to go public in what is likely to be the biggest IPO ever, Nvidia reports another big set of results, and the UK government signs a first-of-its-kind trade deal with a group of Gulf countries. Elsewhere, the cinema industry benefits from some bumper releases and adventure holidays grow in popularity.

UK supermarkets are being urged by the government to cap food prices. Elsewhere, British beer Old Speckled Hen has been sold to Barcelona-based S.A. Damm. And Arsenal secure Premier League victory for the first time in 22 years - we hear about the boost to pubs.

Elon Musk loses in his lawsuit against OpenAI boss Sam Altman. Elsewhere, Rachel Reeves says she will relax banking regulations, and Sean hears from the director of a golf academy who has known US PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai since he was a teen.

Felicity Hannah hears what the UK's political drama means for business. Elsewhere, Felicity gets an update on the cost of fuel for hauliers, hears about the impact of delays to the government's Defence Investment Plan, and learns how artificial intelligence is being used to commit fraud.

Felicity Hannah unpacks how a week of political turmoil has hit the British economy with our Friday panel - and get the latest on Trump's visit to China. We also hear from the founder of Raspberry Pi on why British manufacturers are struggling with energy costs. Plus - why are some jewellers in hot water for mis-selling diamonds?

Sean Farrington unpacks the economic impacts of a potential leadership challenge. As Donald Trump continues his visit to Beijing, we discuss the mood music with the owner of a Chinese-based company. And we take a closer look at who is - and isn't - attending this year's Cannes Film Festival.

As Keir Starmer hopes to reinvigorate his party and the economy with the King's Speech, Sean Farrington speaks to a Labour peer about what it might do for his prospects. Over in China, President Trump and an army of business leaders hope for successful talks with President Xi. Plus, we speak to the British start-up that's launching an innovative new cancer treatment into space.

Sean Farrington discusses the economic impacts as pressure on the Prime Minister grows. We also take a look at plans to nationalise British Steel. Elsewhere, we speak to a travel operator about changing habits as data shows Brits are spending less on holidays.

Will Bain looks at the business reaction to the local election results, picking out the key economic impacts with experts. Elsewhere, pressure from the war in Iran is driving up prices of saffron and other ingredients in restaurant kitchens. Finally, we speak to venues in the UK and abroad about the upcoming men's football World Cup.

We hear from the CEO of of one of the world's leading fertiliser companies, who's seen prices double since the outbreak of the US/Israel war with Iran. Will Bain also talks shipping, after the US put forward a proposal to end the conflict. Plus, why are sales of ready to drink cocktails on the rise?

Sean Farrington finds out why sales of wired headphones are on the rise. Plus, the latest from the trial that's pitting two of the biggest names in tech against each other, as Elon Musk sues OpenAI and its co-founder Sam Altman.

The latest on the back-and-forth claims and denials between the US and Iran. Sean Farrington also looks into how an operation to guide ships out of the Strait of Hormuz could work. We look into what a potential $55.5bn takeover of eBay could mean. And Wake Up To Money visits the prison with more working inmates than any other.

A selection of Business Daily programmes looking at AI power struggles, biohacking, global labour shortages and deepfake fraud.

Felicity Hannah examines the Renters' Rights Act as it comes into effect and what it could mean for both landlords and tenants. She also speaks to Brighton & Hove Albion about plans for Europe's first purpose‑built women's football stadium. Elsewhere, Felicity is joined by the regular Friday panel to discuss a big week for tech companies, oil prices and interest rates.

Sean Farrington looks at what has driven the price of oil to its highest level in 4 years. Elsewhere, he'll examine the raft of earnings released by some of the world's biggest tech companies overnight. The boss of one of the world's biggest generic pharmaceutical manufacturers tells Sean about why he thinks the UK's supply of medicines could be “at risk”. And we'll take a look at a controversy that's brewing in the world of snooker about the type of chalk used by players.

Sean Farrington gets the latest on the King's visit to the US, after a historic address to the US Congress. Elsewhere in the world, we discuss the future of oil supply following the UAE's departure from the oil cartel, Opec. We also continue our election interview series with the Scottish National Party Minister for Public Finance and we take a look at how AI demand is impacting the supply of helium.

Sean Farrington asks a UK company what it's like doing business in the US as King Charles and Queen Camilla make their way over the Atlantic. Elsewhere, we're joined by the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer as we hear from another of the main political parties in the run-up to the local elections. And we take a look at how much runners spend on their gear, after tens of thousands took part in the London Marathon.

Will Bain hears from Air Ambulances UK, who warn rising jet fuel costs could disrupt emergency services, as the war in Iran adds pressure to already stretched charity budgets. Pharmacists were already facing shortages and rising medicine costs before the war in the Middle East. Now, with a reduced oil supply - necessary for both manufacturing and transporting medicines - supply chains are facing further strain. We hear how one boss of multiple pharmacists is managing. And, 20 years on from the The Devil Wears Prada, its sequel is out this Friday. We hear from a cinema boss about how the summer is shaping up for the industry.

Warner Brothers Discovery takeover by Paramount has been given the green light by shareholders, we get a regulators reaction. Elsewhere we take a look into the finances of Leicester City after their relegation from the Championship this week and the wider EFL. Also in a week where the impact of the war is beginning to be seen in the UK's economic data, we'll hear what the Bank of England's Deputy Governor had to say.

Sean Farrington hears from the CEO of Pret a Manger amidst rising cost pressures. Meanwhile, Asian economies are on the front line of the energy crisis, and there's the next instalment of Wake Up To Money's election interviews, this time with Plaid Cymru.

Sean Farrington gets the latest on Kevin Warsh's rocky path to the top of the Fed. Elsewhere, we ask if sustainable fuel could solve a future jet fuel crisis for airlines. And 50 days until the first match of the FIFA World Cup - we hear fans thoughts on what it will cost to get there.

Sean Farrington looks back at Tim Cook's legacy as he plans to step down as Apple's boss after fifteen years. We also hear from petrol forecourts who have seen an uptick in customers driving off without paying.Elsewhere, we speak with Robert Jenrick of Reform UK for the next instalment of our local election interviews - and discuss a new raft of new government clean energy measures.

Food price inflation could become 'uncontrollable', according to the industry responsible for delivering our chilled and frozen produce. And why breaking the link between wholesale gas and electricity prices could lead to cheaper household energy bills. Also, Felicity Hannah hears from a wedding planner on why the Bridgerton effect is leading to a boom in grand country-house weddings.

Felicity Hannah asks whether CO2 shortages could lead to a pint shortage. The boss of a brewery joins our Friday panel to discuss that, along with the Chancellor's interview with our Economics Editor.Pokémon trading cards have soared in value since the pandemic, attracting new fans, investors and thieves. We hear from one specialist shop, which estimates it has lost at least £60,000 worth of stock.And we head to CinemaCon in Las Vegas to ask: with streaming still strong and cinema attendance still below pre-pandemic levels, how healthy is the film industry really?

Sean Farrington discusses reports that LIV Golf is on the verge of collapse. The breakaway tour - heavily backed by Saudi Arabia's Sovereign Wealth Fund - split the game in two when it launched in 2022. Also - we hear from the governor of the Bank of England who's in Washington alongside the world's leaders in finance at the Spring meeting of the IMF and World Bank. Earlier this week, the IMF singled out the UK as one of the countries set to suffer a “large negative effect” from the energy crisis caused by the war in the Middle East.

Sean Farrington analyses the potential impacts of Anthropic's new AI engine, which the company says can expose vulnerabilities in every operating system and web browser.Plus - what's in store for the UK video gaming industry as its leaders gather this week for London Games Festival?

Sean Farrington get the latest following the US blockade of Iran's Ports. We bring you the legal reaction to the US and Iranian operations in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, a Gulf-based business owner tells us how the conflict is affecting there chain of pubs and cafés in the region.Elsewhere we gets the Trade body reaction to the EU's new Entry-Exit System became fully operational on Friday. And hears from one company who are putting specialist artificial intelligence robots into its boardroom.