News and views on business and the world of personal finance. Plus the very latest from the financial markets around the globe
We hear the fears and frustrations of staff and suppliers to the Vivergo bio-ethanol plant on the eve of its closure. Also, Sean Farrington talks to a key figure in the Kyiv community ahead of Presidents Zelensky and Trump's crucial meeting later today. And, cloud computing and robotics. Is the UK falling behind in the race to develop the key tech industries of the future? One UK sector where business is booming is air condition installation. Sean speaks to a business making hay while the sun shines.
Will Bain takes a deep dive into the week's business and economic stories with our regular panel of expert guests. He'll be discussing the latest UK GDP figures and, in the week accessory chain Claire's calls in the administrators, he'll be asking our panel for their thoughts on the future of the British high street. Also, why the construction industry is proving to be one of our best drivers of growth. And the Premier League is back - but it's more expensive to watch than ever. As fans face another round of price hikes for tickets for the favourite teams, we'll be asking if the increases are fair.
As the administrators are called into accessories brand Claire's, Will Bain speaks to a retail expert about what it's store for the chain and its 2,000 staff. Also, we hear how a recruitment crisis in the countryside could be putting your morning pint of milk in jeopardy. And it's A Level results day. We'll be finding out what UK universities are doing to create the workforce of the future.
Sean Farrington speaks to the CEO of On, one of the world's biggest running shoe companies, to look at that rapidly growing market.
The CEO of Rolls Royce tells the BBC it has the potential to become the biggest company in the UK, thanks to its expansion into areas like building narrow-body aircraft and small-scale nuclear reactors. Plus, presenter Sean Farrington and his guests digest the latest UK jobs data and look at the cost of food – and in particular, the cost of feeding children over the summer holidays.
Midnight last night was the deadline Donald Trump had set for China to reach a deal over trade tariffs. But just hours before it expired the US president extended it again – for another 90 days. We speak to one US business feeling the sharp end of import duties. In a busy week for the US President, Sean Farrington talks Russian sanctions and whether they can actually work. And how much money are Crystal Palace likely to lose as a result of their demotion to the third tier of European football, the Conference League?
The UK jobs market is cooling at its fastest pace in months, according to two major reports out this morning from KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. The data shows permanent and temporary job placements continuing to fall, vacancies dropping at the quickest rate since April, and the number of people available for work rising sharply - one of the highest increases since records began.
Felicity Hannah speaks to Richard Saynor, CEO of pharmaceutical giant Sandoz, about the impact of US tariffs. And we look at the latest booking trends with staycations.
News and insight from the business world. Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.
It's one of the biggest travel companies on the planet and one of the top 20 companies on the Nasdaq, with a value of more than £130 billion, making it bigger than FTSE-listed companies like Unilever and Arm Holdings. Will Bain talks to Booking's chief executive, Glenn Fogel, about how AI is disrupting the jobs market, overtourism, and whether hotels are fighting back against short-term lets.Two new reports on the property market paint a gloomy picture for first-time buyers, mortgage-holders and renters - is the divide growing?Plus, the average age of cars on UK roads has reached a record high of nearly 10 years - we hear from a used car salesman about how drivers' habits are changing.
Large parts of the UK were hammered by Storm Floris in the past 24 hours – Will Bain hears from one Scottish business uniquely placed to share their story.Following on from our item yesterday on Morecambe FC there are yet more financial issues in the EFL - we hear about what's going wrong for Sheffield Wednesday. And we probably all know someone who has won with Premium Bonds over the years but some people – millions, in fact – apparently don't actually collect their prize. We'll get into what these financial products are, how they work and why over one million pounds might be going unclaimed.
The Financial Conduct Authority says the ultimate cost of the compensation scheme redressing drivers for being mis-sold car finance could be anywhere between £9 billion and £18 billion. Will Bain asks what the impact could be for both drivers and the industry.The future of one of England's historic football clubs hangs in the balance this morning after shareholders said Morecambe F.C. has "zero pounds in the bank" - we bring the latest and find out what the supporters' trust think.Plus, after 50 years working in brewing and hospitality, the outgoing chair of Fuller's, Michael Turner, tells us how the industries have changed.
As the deadline for Donald Trump's tariffs passes as we go on air, Felicity Hannah asks her panel to pick apart who got agreements and concessions across the line before the cut-off.Today's the day we find out the judgment on the ongoing car finance saga which could see billions of pounds paid to consumers in compensation. We hear from one of the lawyers representing customers.And after Deborah Meaden reveals some of her money mistakes, we ask you for some of yours.
Will Bain looks into a new Government announcement aimed at helping small businesses. It could see companies who persistently pay invoices late face fines. How big a problem is it, and will the plans actually make a difference? And the England and Wales Cricket Board has confirmed the sale of six teams in The Hundred, with more than half a billion pounds set to be pumped into the domestic game - but is it sustainable?
Sean Farrington speaks to owner of Worcester City Women FC Nicole Allison and former Head of Women's Football at The Football Association of Wales Lowri Roberts
Thanks to social media, Jet2 has been put on the radar of millions of people. They say "all publicity is good publicity"...We'll discuss how this might be affecting the airline in question.
Sean Farrington has the latest as Google launches "AI mode" in the UK. Plus, the weekly shop keeps getting more expensive, thanks to meat and tea prices.
Will Bain looks at the trade deal agreed between the EU and the US. Plus, what does the Lionesses Euros win mean for sponsorship opportunities?
She'll be pitching questions on the government's plans to reform pensions and the water industry and getting the panel's views on those US trade deals - those already signed and the deals still pending. Who will be the winners and losers? And, we'll be taking the temperature ahead of those resident doctors' strikes, hearing from the BMA, the NHS and patients about pay and care. Also, the bar business helping fans celebrate - or commiserate - the Lionesses' big game on Sunday.
Will Bain speaks to the voice of Europe's air traffic controllers to find out why French controllers have walked out and whether we're likely to see further disruption as the summer unfolds. And, a flurry of trade deals signed ahead of those threatened 'Liberation Day' tariffs. A trade expert talks us through who's signing deals with who - and who's likely to miss the cut. Also, renegotiated contracts for those bands who missed out in the age of streaming. Will they get what they feel they deserve?
Sean speaks to chief executive of British cycling brand Rapha, Fran Millar, and former World Cycling Road Race Champion and four-time British Road Race Champion Lizzie Deignan.
And as brewer and bar owner Brewdog announce the closure of ten bars, Sean Farrington hears from a drinks industry analyst how the craft beer scene might be losing its fizz. Also, the cost of UK government borrowing is up. We find out what this means for the Chancellor's spending plans and what this might mean for taxpayers in the months to come.
Sean Farrington talks to YouTuber, influencer and investor Caspar Lee about respect and recognition in an industry reckoned to support 45,000 jobs. And on the day after the Football Governance Bill becomes law, we ask a sport finance expert if the changes will make a real difference to those fans fed up with how their clubs are run. Also, water, water everywhere, not a moment to think. After the Independent Water Commission's deluge of recommendations for the water industry, we ask a consumer champion what the changes might mean to you the customer.
Ahead of a major report into the water industry, Sean Farrington speaks to an infrastructure finance expert to find out what the government can do to meet its ambitions. And, are you saving enough for your retirement? We discuss what can be done to head off the looming pensions crisis. Also, it's the Royal Welsh Show this week. How have farmers been coping with the rain and shine we've experienced over the past few weeks?
Felicity Hannah reviews the week's business news with her Friday panel - where she will be discussing the regulation of Buy Now Pay Later products and finding out why graduation gown makers have been selling more and more smaller versions for children. Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.
More than half of UK airports have raised or introduced drop-off fees over the past year. Reaction to that. Also - Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed up to 500 jobs are at risk following the launch of a new managers' voluntary redundancy scheme. We bring you the views of a car industry expert. And as 270,000 people descend upon Portrush in Northern Ireland for this year's Open Championship, we hear how the golf tournament is set to benefit one local ice cream parlour.
The "negative" narrative around savers investing money in stocks and shares must change. That's according to Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Sean Farrington reacts to her Mansion House speech. We also establish why Thames Water is "extremely stressed". And more on what impact the Government's new EV grant scheme will have on charging points.
Is a £3,750 government incentive enough for you to switch to an electric car? Sean Farrington delves into the world of EVs. We also revisit the power of AI - this time a British developer has created a tool that can mimic regional accents. And with Oasis back in their hometown of Manchester we hear from some of the local businesses cashing in on their return.
Up to 800,000 customers at Betfair and Paddy Power and other companies suffer from a major data breach at parent firm Flutter that exposed personal details and account activity.
London's Heathrow says it wants to hike the fees that it charges airlines to use the airport by around 17%. The airlines respond by saying the proposal is unjustified. Virgin Atlantic says it “demonstrates Heathrow's inability to invest capital wisely and efficiently”. Also, Felicity Hannah looks at a content-sharing deal between ITV and Disney. And Oasis return to their home city. We join the fans in Manchester ahead of their money-making comeback gig.
The government is due to decide very soon whether to adopt “zonal pricing” – i.e. whether people should pay different amounts for their energy depending on whereabouts in the country they live. All indications are that Downing Street will reject the idea but it's yet to be confirmed. Will Bain looks at the pros and cons of zonal pricing. Also, Elon Musk is left looking for a new CEO for his social media platform X as Linda Yaccarino resigns. And chipmaker Nvidia becomes the first company ever to notch up a $4 trillion stock market valuation.
Sean takes a look at the rise of the use in technology in sport. From automated line-calling, VAR & AI data analytics - we ask how tech is shaping the future of sport.
President Donald Trump has vowed tariffs of 50% on imports of copper into the US. The announcement sent prices for the metal soaring. It's the president's latest salvo in a tariff war which has hit companies in all sorts of sectors. Sean Farrington hears from the co-founder of a company that makes electric toothbrushes in China and sends them to the US. We also hear from a bicycle manufacturer that exports from Indonesia and Vietnam to the US. Elsewhere, we're at the Great Yorkshire Show to talk to farmers about inheritance tax.
US President Donald Trump says countries will now have until August 1 to agree new trade deals with the White House. He'd initially set a deadline of July 9 – this Wednesday – but has pushed it back by three weeks. All the same, he's doubled down on a threat to hit two of the US's biggest trading partners - Japan and South Korea – with tariffs of 25% unless they reach a deal by the new date. Sean Farrington speaks to a senior US economist about this latest twist in the tariffs story. We also look at a proposal to impose a wealth tax in the UK. Would it work?
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says he expects a busy 72 hours as countries try to make trade agreements with the US before the Wednesday deadline. Sean Farrington speaks to one expert representing international busines.The UK government wants bereavement leave for pregnancy losses to be set in law - what benefit could that be for both employers and employees?And would you work harder for your company if you could benefit from dividends? We look at the rise in businesses doing just that.
After the week where the UK government passes its welfare bill, and US President Donald Trump passes his flagship budget bill, Felicity Hannah speaks to a panel to take apart what it could all mean for the local and global economy.Plus, how much is being spent around the Oasis reunion tour, and on what?
Following Rachel Reeves' tearful Commons appearance we assess the market impact it made. Will Bain has more on the government's long-awaited 10 Year Health Plan. And as drinking becomes more prevalent among Gen Z, we get the thoughts of the co-founder of MOTH cocktails.
Sean spoke to Padel boss Sam Kemp from R3 Sports, Women's football consultant Andrea Ekblad and sportswear company MandM Chairman Mike Tomkins
A look into the welfare bill vote after the government offered more big concessions. Sean Farrington also delves into the recommendations that have been outlined following a review of the UK pensions system. And as YouTube urges the government to acknowledge content creators as a profession, we'll hear from one YouTuber over the impact its having on her.
As MPs prepare to vote on the revised welfare bill, we delve into what it means. Sean Farrington also has the latest on the Lindsey oil refinery in Lincolnshire after its owner went into administration. And we look at how live music in brought in 23.5 million music tourists across the country last year, as artists played sold-out shows - resulting in a cash boom to the economy.
The trade agreement signed two weeks ago by the UK and the US has come into effect. We hear from a UK car manufacturer after tariffs were slashed from 27.5 per cent to 10 per cent. Elsewhere, the number of graduate jobs being advertised on one recruitment website is down more than a quarter over the last year. Sean Farrington delves into why that is. And after thousands descended upon Worthy Farm this weekend to enjoy a jam packed line up at Glastonbury Festival we hear how business was for food vendors.
Felicity Hannah explores a new energy scheme to help reduce energy bills for manufactures. Also, why is being single is so expensive? Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.