Wake Up to Money

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.

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...