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Wake Up to Money

<p>News and views on business and the world of personal finance. Plus the very latest from the financial markets around the globe</p>

BBC Radio 5 Live

Felicity Hannah looks at what rising fuel prices could mean for drivers and businesses, as diesel edges closer to a record high. Our panel of experts picks through a big week for interest rates, inflation and AI, and as M&S makes its London Fashion Week debut, we look back at 100 years of the retailer in fashion.

Fashionably Rate

After the US Federal Reserve committed to the first interest rate rise in three years, Sean Farrington speaks to a former economist at the central bank, then looks ahead to the Bank of England's decision later on Thursday.And on Friday, a new album of unreleased recordings from David Bowie's early career will be available to stream. We hear from the rock star's contemporaries about what unearthed music can do for an artist's legacy.

Taking A Hike

Sean Farrington gets the latest on Nissan's announcement to build a new electric model in SunderlandAnd he'll hear from the author of a report that says regional mayors should get a bigger share of income and corporation tax generated in their areas.Elsewhere, we'll check in on markets as they wait for the US Fed to make a decision on interest rates later today.AND some new data suggests that the midweek cheeky HALF is on the rise. We'll hear what that means for pubs.

AI on the sly?

As King Charles prepares to host AI leaders in the UK, we'll hear from one tech investor about how they're reacting to Anthropic's call for a slowdown in developing the technology.The price of petrol and diesel is at its highest level since the war in Iran began, according to the RAC. Sean Farrington finds out how that's affecting those businesses moving goods and products around the country, and what that might mean for prices.And now that Oasis have confirmed a worldwide tour for next year, the man who designed album artwork and more for the band speaks to us.

The King and AI

'Tax banks to cut energy bills' - that's what General Secretary Paul Nowak will tell the Trades Union Congress later today. Will Bain finds out what that might mean for the City of London and beyond.The bosses of three major AI companies say there are serious risks with developing too quickly - but US President Donald Trump is more relaxed. How do investors view it?Plus, after teasing a possible new tour last week, Oasis fans only have a few hours to wait before the band reveal all. The boss of official Oasis merchandise vendor The Music Store in Manchester tells us what that could mean for his business.

There's money in the bank?

Will Bain hears memories from the world of finance 25 years on from the attacks on September 11th 2001.Elsewhere, his expert panel will discuss the weeks biggest business stories, including the price of oil, which continues to rise after renewed attacks on Middle East shipping/And the retail giant Primark says now is the time to open an online shop after decades of being high-street only we hear from a former company insider on why now?

9/11: 25 years on

Sean Farrington discusses plans for England's mayors to introduce tourist taxes. We discuss whether Apple's first foldable phone has done enough to impress investors. And after hundreds of thousands of people were affected by flight cancellations and delays this week, we hear why they might be refused compensation. Lastly, one TV production veteran tells us how Channel 4's cuts will be felt across the industry.

Tourist trap?

After hundreds of UK flights were cancelled yesterday, an airline boss tells the BBC what's behind the disruption.Food prices will rise sharply by the end of the year according to a new report - and we hear how British farmers think we can boost our food security.LIV Golf, the challenger golf tour backed by Saudi investment, has now filed for bankruptcy - we find out why.

You're grounded

A computer chip execs tells us how AI could help us find a cure for cancer. We hear from our experts about how the Chinese car market is hitting British manufacturers like JLR. And with a new foldable iPhone on the horizon, we find out whether this handset will actually break the mould.

Chips and beans

As Jaguar Land Rover looks to cut jobs, we hear from a supplier about what this means for the UK's car industry. Meanwhile, one of the UK's largest energy providers tells us what he thinks the controversial Jackdaw gas field will - or won't - do for our energy bills. And as the Bayeux Tapestry goes on display to the public this week - we'll hear from a tour operator who's managed to get his hands on some tickets.

Hit the brakes

The UK's food supply chain is ill-prepared for the increasing number and severity of risks it faces, according to a new report by the National Audit Office. Felicity Hannah speaks to the Cold Chain Federation's Phil Pluck on how industry is attempting to make itself more resilient.Our panel of experts looks back at a week that saw the Governor of the Bank of England warn of the dangers of AI, a global bond sell-off and the return of MPs to Parliament with a new prime minister.And, we hear from the owner of the Manchester Storm ice hockey team on the growing popularity of the sport in the UK, signified by the team's move to an arena venue this season.

Weak Link in the (Food) Chain?

Andy Burnham addresses the state of British steel in his first PMQs, and Sean speaks with the CEO of one of the world's biggest technology companies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Elsewhere, Irish rock band Fontaines D.C. has single-handedly doubled the shirt sales for a football club in the Welsh town of Cwmbran.

Steely Plan?

As the football transfer window in England and Wales closes, Leanna Byrne looks at the billions of pounds spent. Japanese long-term borrowing costs hit a 30-year high amid a global bond sell-off. And we look at what new rules on school uniform could mean for the high street.

Price of the badge

Leanna Byrne has the latest as John Ternus takes over from Tim Cook as Apple CEO.Elsewhere, Parliament returns today. As the new Prime Minister and Chancellor get closer to delivering their first budget, we'll hear what a couple of key sectors will be looking out for. Fast fashion giant launches its shares on the Hong Stock Exchange. And it's not just politicians returning to the workplace, as many of us hunker back down after the summer, we take a look at how to get into the mentality to make the most of it.

Tern-ing point

Theo Leggett hears from a business gearing up for Europe's largest street festival. Meanwhile,100 tech companies pen an open letter warning calling on businesses and governments around the world to take urgent action improve their defences against AI hacking.Our panel also looks ahead to a key speech from the new Chair of the Federal Reserve and we hear all about the viral, bite-sized desert, mochi ice cream.

Notting Time

Theo Leggett explores the potential impacts of Meta's $18bn settlement over claims that Facebook and Instagram harmed children. Elsewhere, more than £70m of public money is going into restarting a tungsten and tin mine in Devon - can it revive a project that has struggled before? And as the world's largest gaming convention kicks off, we look at the huge expectations surrounding Grand Theft Auto Six.

Like, share, settle

A star of both Hollywood and Nashville, Dolly Parton was also an astute businesswoman and a generous philanthropist. We pay tribute to the singer and actor.
And we find out why an increasing portion of the bills businesses pay is not on electricity and gas but on the kit needed to deliver the energy.
Also, AI has been blamed for lots of things, but is it really 'eating' books?

More than just 9 to 5

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent has threatened "economic D-Day" against any country doing business with Iran.We hear from a retailer worried that he could be left behind by a business rate review focusing on the hospitality sector.And as gold ticks up again, a jeweller tells us how he is adapting to fluctuating metal prices.

As good as gold?

Wil Bain hears from a business rates expert and a hotel owner about what needs to happen to support pubs and hotels facing high business rates costs. This comes as the government announces an independent review of the way pubs and hotels are valued for business rates in England and Wales.Elsewhere, we'll hear from Canada after trade talks with the United States broke down, with Prime Minister Mark Carney promising to match US tariffs dollar for dollar.And there's a new weight-loss treatment on the market. Eli Lilly's Foundayo, a tablet treatment, becomes available by private prescription today. We'll hear from Eli Lilly and a pharmacist about what makes this new option different.

Settling the tab?

Prime Minister Andy Burnham tells Wake Up to Money that the increase to national insurance has "added pressure" to businesses and tells Felicity Hannah his announcements aimed at tackling the cost of living are not enough on their own and hinted at further support.

The Andy Burnham Interview

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

Sean Farrington has a look at the money behind sport - this week: mass-participation events.It's big business - from the thousands of competitors that sign up to take part, to managing the event itself, to the fundraising.Sean hears from Paul Foster, the Chief Executive of The Great Run Company - the company behind the Great North Run and many other events across the country. He'll also speak to Nick Tuppen, Chief Executive of Threshold Sports, one of the UK's fastest-growing active events agencies who coordinate more than 50 mass participation events per year.Producers: Stefan Jajecznyk & Olivia Baron

Business of Sport with Sean Farrington

Sean Farrington speaks to Andrew Georgiou, President & Managing Director of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe and Paul Barber, Chief Executive of Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion FC

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

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.

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.

Sean spoke to Padel boss Sam Kemp from R3 Sports, Women's football consultant Andrea Ekblad and sportswear company MandM Chairman Mike Tomkins

Will Bain presents a review of the business year with some of our best interviews from 2024, featuring the biggest stories in money and business this year.

Review of the Business Year

Sean Farrington sits down with Superdry boss Julian Dunkerton, who doesn't hold back on Shein. Plus The Friedkin Group has agreed a deal to buy Premier League club Everton.

Shein Slammed

What do a football club, a media mogul and a social media giant all have in common?Fresh from another victory, Manchester City faces the start of hearings into its 115 alleged financial fair play charges today - Sean Farrington finds out what's in play.An American court will hear arguments on whether the US government can ban the Chinese social media giant TikTok from the country.And the children of an ageing media mogul fight for their stake in his news empire - no, it's not a smash-hit TV drama, but a court case involving Rupert Murdoch that gets under way on Monday. We hear what it could mean for the future of News Corp.

Trials and Tribunals

Felicity Hannah finds out if the private sector should fund a new rail link. And, after the success of the first spacewalk, is the sky the limit when it comes to space tourism?

Does rail funding need a revamp?

it’s just 8 weeks till the American Election and Trump and Harris go head to head in their first live TV debate. Plus the skills Olympics finally gets underway in Lyon, France.

Trump v Harris

Sean Farrington takes a look how Apple's latest gadgets will feature all things AI. Plus we find out why ASOS has been getting a lot of backlash online.

Apple: Intelligent Thinking?

Will Bain looks at what has to change in construction following the Grenfell Inquiry.Elsewhere, the Chief Executive of Mountain Warehouse speaks about the company's latest acquisition and broader plans for US expansion, and live music's contribution to the UK economy topped £6bn for the first time last year.

Building after Grenfell

Will Bain looks back at some of the highlights from Wake Up To Money in 2023. There's the story of the takeover of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft including an interview with the Microsoft President Brad Smith which made headlines around the world. Former England and Manchester United footballer Gary Neville explained why he's investing in property and the UK boss of Google Debbie Weinstein told us how AI is changing the world.

The best of Wake Up To Money 2023

He's most famous for his football career and more recently, his punditry, but Gary Neville is also hugely successful in the worlds of business and property developing.In this interview, he tells Sean Farrington about his plans for a new £400 million project in the centre of Manchester.They discuss how rising interest rates are affecting the building trade, why Gary feels the hospitality industry is paying the best wages it can afford to, and Gary’s new role on Dragons’ Den. This is an extended version of an interview first broadcast on Wake Up To Money on July 6th, 2023.

Wake Up To Money Special - Gary Neville

The BBC's North America Technology Correspondent James Clayton talks exclusively to Elon Musk about Twitter. They discuss why he bought the social media site, controversy around tackling disinformation and the future for blue ticks.

Wake Up To Money - Elon Musk

Sir Ian Livingstone talks to Rahul Tandon about founding Games Workshop and the popularity of Dungeons and Dragons. He reveals his collection of hundreds of board games as well as discussing the development of Tomb Raider.

Boardroom Stories: Sir Ian Livingston

Timothy Armoo talks to Sean Farrington about his decision to sell the business he founded in a multi-million pound deal. He discusses why he decided to sell, what he's learnt and his plans for what he's going to do next.

Million By 30: Timothy Armoo, part 2

Rahul Tandon looks at the money behind The Ashes. He discusses how important sponsorship is in cricket, how to grow the fanbase and get more people involved in the game. Rahul also speaks to Manoj Badale, one of the owners of the IPL team the Rajasthan Royal.

Business of Sport: The Ashes

One of the biggest names in the world in private equity, Guy Hands, talks candidly about what he calls 'going from hero to zero'.
Speaking with Felicity Hannah he shares his experience of growing his business Terra Firma Capital Partners which became one of the largest investment companies in the world. 
He discusses the controversy around his ownership of record label EMI and losing control of the care home company Four Seasons. 
He also talks about being dyslexic and how it's affected his life as well as the challenge of making business greener.

Boardroom Stories: Guy Hands, founder Terra Firma

John Lyttle, chief executive of Boohoo, tells Sean Farrington about the company's massive growth and future expansion plans. He says the company doesn't make throwaway fashion and is taking measures to tackle climate change. He also discusses the recent controversy around allegations of mistreatment of staff at some of its suppliers in Leicester.

Boardroom Stories: John Lyttle, Chief Executive, Boohoo

Felicity Hannah looks at how the Olympic games are financed and the competitors are funded. She's joined by Sir Keith Mills, former Deputy Chair of London 2012 organising committee; Nigel Walker who's National Director of the English Institute of Sport; Marie Oldham, Executive chair of the advertising agency VCCP Media and Danny Downs of online sports retailer Fanatics.

Business of Sport: Tokyo Olympics

Joe Foster, founder of Reebok talks with Sean Farrington and Reggie Nelson about creating one of the world's biggest brands. From the origins of a family business to breaking America and making trainers a must-have fashion item.

The Origins of Reebok

Roei Samuel talks to Sean Farrington about setting up e-sports business Real Sport which he sold in a multi-million pound deal and about how having ADHD affected his education and career choices.

Million By 30: Roei Samuel

Tom and Phil Beahon set up their sportswear brand Castore in Liverpool after their professional sporting careers came to an end. They chat with Sean about growing the brand, how their parents re-mortgaged their house to give them the money to get it off the ground and working with Sir Andy Murray and football clubs Rangers and Wolves.

Million By 30: Tom Beahon, co-founder Castore

CC Clarke talks to Sean Farrington talks about growing her fanbase to more than two million followers and setting up her make-up business. She discusses how she's carried on with her singing career and dealing with social media trolls.

Million By 30: CC Clarke

After the collapse of plans for a European Super League, Sean Farrington discusses the future of football with current and former club bosses, fans and sport business experts.

Business of Sport: Future of Football

Sean Farrington chats with Grace Beverley about how she built up a million followers on Instagram before going on to launch her own fitness brand Shreddy and sustainable style brand TALA. 
Photo courtesy: Andy Cuthbert

Million By 30: Grace Beverley, influencer and founder of sustainable style brand TALA

Sean Farrington chats with Chester Mojay-Sinclare who first got his business off the ground by launching a potato into space. Eleven years later, he has raised over £100 million for charities through his company Enthuse.

Million By 30: Chester Mojay-Sinclare, founder and chief executive of Enthuse

How Jenna Brown turned her passion for start-ups into a multi-million backed business.

Million By 30: Jenna Brown, co-founder and chief executive of Shipamax

Sean Farrington chats with Alex Lovén, who started selling cricket bats when he was 13 to his mates at school, graduated to selling the bats on eBay and made £1m in sales by 22 and now, aged 33, his sports equipment business makes £50m in turnover.

Million By 30: Alex Lovén, founder of Net World Sports

Kofi McCalla, a menswear fashion YouTuber, on how he hit over 100 million views. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast please visit the BBC Action Line website https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/

Million By 30: Kofi McCalla, The Unknown Vlogs

Sean Farrington interviews Liberty Foreman, who started up a cancer screening tech company DynamX Medical by spinning it out from her PhD. Since then she’s raised millions in investment all before the company has even turned a profit. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast please visit the BBC Action Line website https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/

Million By 30: Liberty Foreman, CEO and founder of DynamXMedical

Sean Farrington interviews Maciek Kacprzyk and Karina Sudenyte, the founders of Flawsome!, a food waste company that saves wonky fruit from landfill and makes them into cold pressed juice and sparkling fruit juice waters.

Million By 30: Maciek Kacprzyk and Karina Sudenyte, founders of Flawsome!

The story of how 26-year-old Timothy Armoo built a million-pound marketing business.

Million By 30: Timothy Armoo, chief executive of Fanbytes

Sean Farrington chats with Adnan Ebrahim who sold his first website before he was 18. He then founded Car Throttle, which quickly reached millions of followers around the world. He sold it in his mid-20's and has since embarked on a new venture

Million By 30: Adnan Ebrahim, founder of Car Throttle

Sean Farrington looks at the money behind the Rugby World Cup in Japan including how can smaller countries break into the top tier of the game.

Business of Sport: Rugby World Cup

It's a year until the Tokyo Olympics will be getting underway. The British Olympics Association has told us it could be one of the most expensive yet.A number of sports will be making their debut at the games - one of them is competitive climbing. But who sponsors a brand new sport, and how do they get funding?

Business of Sport: The Price of Gold

Sean and Mickey look at how sport is being reported off the pitch, from long reads to podcasts to social media.

Business of Sport: Not just about the scores

The industry is worth over $1bn globally. Is it time to take gaming as a competitive activity a bit more seriously?

Business of Sport: eSports

Danni Hewson talks with Sanjeev Gupta, boss of one of the world's largest steel producers Liberty Steel.

Boardroom Stories: Sanjeev Gupta, Liberty Steel

Chief Executive of the Co-Operative Group, Steve Murrells talks with Danni Hewson about supermarkets; funerals and schools and how it's recovered from a difficult period.

Boardroom Stories: Co-Op

Lovehoney co-founders Neal Slateford and Richard Longhurst talk about developing their online sex toy company, meeting the Queen and adapting their business for international markets.

Boardroom Stories: Lovehoney

Wake Up To Money's Sean Farrington meets Paul Pomroy, the Chief Executive of McDonald's for the UK and Ireland to discuss the High Street crisis; plastic straws; Brexit; zero hours contracts and waste.

Boardroom Stories: Paul Pomroy, McDonald's UK

Linda Jackson, Chief Executive of Citroen talks about women in the car industry, electric cars and whether the 2CV could ever make a comeback.

Boardroom Stories: Linda Jackson, Citroen

Working with David Bowie on one of pop’s best kept secrets and how he won George Michael back after the star’s bitter split from Sony.

Boardroom Stories: Rob Stringer of Sony Music Entertainment

Humphrey Cobbold, boss of Pure Gym talks to Sean Farrington about how the chain has gone from zero to a million members in less than a decade.Plus how the treadmill is falling out of fashion as workouts change with the times.

Boardroom Stories: Pure Gym

The boss of the company which owns some of the UK’s biggest shopping centres tells Wake Up To Money’s Mickey Clarke that retail is alive and kicking.

Boardroom Stories: Intu's David Fischel

Marston's Chief Executive Ralph Findlay, Quality not quantity: How drinkers’ tastes have changed and why so many restaurants are struggling at the moment.

Boardroom Stories: Marston's Ralph Findlay

Domino's Pizza CEO David Wild on executive pay, The Simpsons and chanting.

Boardroom Stories: Domino's Pizza

Terrorism, cyber crime, luxury cars and diamonds. Who says insurance is boring? Bronek Masojada boss of Hiscox talks insurance with Wake Up To Money’s Louise Cooper.

Boardroom Stories: Bronek Masojada, Hiscox

Why banks need more branches and "it was a miserable place to be”: Life at RBS during the bailout.

Boardroom Stories: Craig Donaldson

David Duffy, Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks boss, talks Open Banking, drones and the rise of the robots.