Wake Up to Money

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.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2025

Felicity Hannah looks at the jobs market and wage growth, as well as the future of high speed rail in the North of England. Plus, Shell plans to move its HQ to the UK. And, what financial pressures is the NHS under at the moment?

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2025

Sean spoke to Padel boss Sam Kemp from R3 Sports, Women's football consultant Andrea Ekblad and Sportswear CEO Mike Tomkins from M&M Direct.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2025

Felicity Hannah looks at what NATO spending pledges mean for the UK sector and looks ahead to the government's trade strategy. Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

Sean Farrington talks industrial strategy and innovation with a Midlands-based toy company who've just had a major investment boost. Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2025

Sean speaks to the Prime Minister after the government unveils its industrial strategy and we get the latest from the Middle East. Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

Sean Farrington has the latest developments between the US, Israel and Iran, including the potential implications on the price of oil if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz. Also on the programme, a panel of experts from the world of business react to the Industrial Strategy, does it go far enough?

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2025

Felicity Hannah looks at the government's infrastructure strategy and rounds up the week's business news with her panel of experts. Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2025

The government is expected to publish it's 10 year, £700bn Infrastructure Strategy today - what can we expect?

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2025

The government is set to delay the opening of HS2 without saying for how long. Sean Farrington looks at what this means for the UK rail network.

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2025

Sean Farrington has the latest as the UK and US sign their tariff deal at the G7 Summit. Plus, how will AI affect the future of work?

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

Four days after Israel launched an attack on Iran, the two countries keep exchanging blows. Oil prices jumped as tensions rise in the Middle East. We also hear the latest on the search for the causes of the Air India 787 crash in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.And some Manchester City fans are taking legal action against the club over a new season-ticket policy they claim is discriminatory under the Equality Act.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2025

Felicity Hannah speaks to a jewellery business amid warnings of further tax rises this year. Plus, we'll hear how overtourism can actually be costly for cities.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

The government's Spending Review has been published and Wake Up to Money has been combing through the detail. Will Bain goes through the highlights with Kevin Brundish, chief executive of the battery scale-up company Lionvolt; Emma Wall, head of platform investments at Hargreaves Lansdown; and Simon French, chief economist at Panmure Liberum.With technology, AI and nuclear energy getting boosts in investment in this spending round, we also hear from former boss of both Rolls Royce and semiconductor design firm ARM, Warren East.Plus, a new report from Deloitte suggests that the English football system is "under strain," even though Europe's 'Big Five' leagues are collectively breaking records. Deloitte Sports Business Group's head of insights, Jennifer Haskel, explains why.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

We've had announcements on affordable housing, defence, transport and nuclear power from the government, but today we get the full details of the Chancellor's Spending Review - we get into what it could hold? Sean Farrington speaks to expert voices across economics and housing.Trade talks between the US and China continues for a third day in London - we hear from one expert who explains why rare minerals are at the centre of the negotiations.And with exactly one year until the World Cup starts in the US, Canada and Mexico, one tourism boss in California explains about the opportunities - and challenges - associated with promoting the tournament.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025