Wake Up to Money

Changes to the welfare system aimed at saving money and getting people back into work are being announced by the government on Tuesday. Sean Farrington speaks to a GP on the frontline and a British employer on the challenges of overcoming the issues involved.As Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet to discuss the terms of a potential peace deal in Ukraine, a former advisor to a Ukrainian energy minister tells Wake Up to Money about the essential power plant that's part of the talks.And an interview with the head of the British cake shop chain that's making a success of sweet treats.

The Game Developers Conference starts later today, and thousands of the industry's developers will meet in San Francisco to talk about the future of the industry, with AI in the backdrop.Also, the government have announced further plans to boost infrastructure as part of their commitment to drive economic growth and productivity. Sean speaks to the Executive Director of the Federation of Small Businesses, Craig Beaumont.

Felicity Hannah finds out why gold is sitting pretty while the stock markets suffer. Plus, our panel share their thoughts on Kier Starmer's plans for the Civil Service.

Will Bain looks at the impact of the latest announcements on tariffs from the EU and Canada. Plus, Keir Starmer wants to 'reshape the state', but will it deliver growth?

Sean Farrington looks at Manchester United's plans to build the UK's biggest stadium. Plus, Boohoo Group rebrands as Debenhams - but is it enough to turn things around?

Sean Farrington speaks to businesses looking for a boost from the Cheltenham Festival. Plus, does the government's new planning and infrastructure bill go far enough?

Sean Farrington looks at new data that shows audiobook, eBook and physical book sales are all on the up. Plus, the latest on China's trade war with the US.

Felicity Hannah looks back at a rollercoaster week for US tariffs on its neighbours. Plus, what does the Glastonbury line up tell us about the British music business?

As the automotive industry is granted a one month grace on tariffs, other sectors are looking for a similar outcome. Will Bain hears from Jaime Chamberlain, an American importer of Mexican fresh produce, about how the tariffs are impacting his business.The boss of automotive company, Stellantis UK, explains why he wants the government to take bolder steps when it comes to expanding the country's electric vehicle market - starting with the number of charging points.

Sean Farrington speaks to Alan Auerbach, a professor of Economics and Law at the University of California Berkeley, about President Trump's first major speech since he returned to the White House.Meanwhile, shares in the US have fallen once again as concerns grow that the President's tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China will lead to a wider trade war.Also, supermarket Sainsbury's has added two non-alcoholic beer options to its meal deal offer. But will it catch on?

President Donald Trump is moving forward with 25% tariffs on goods imported from Canada and Mexico into the US, saying that there was "no room left for Canada and Mexico". An additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports is also expected to come into force, leaving all three of America's top three trade partners facing significantly higher trade barriers than just a few weeks ago.Sean Farrington speaks to Paul Reynish, the Global CEO at Gong cha about the growing demand for bubble tea across the world. Chinese firm Mixue saw shares jump by more than 40% in their Hong Kong Stock Exchange debut.

Sean Farrington takes a look at the diplomatic and economic fallout of a big weekend in international diplomacy. And how will markets react to a boost for British arms firms?

A defence spending boost seems to have put the UK in Donald Trump's good books, but Felicity Hannah asks if Keir Starmer has done enough to secure a trade deal and avoid tariffs.

US President Trump has announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on goods made in the EU. Leanna Byrne will be hearing how the car industry in Germany is bracing for the impact.

Oil giant BP is expected to announce plans to scale back its green investment plans. Sean Farrington will hear what this development means for their net zero targets?

Sean Farrington hears about Apple’s massive investment plan—$500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, but what does this mean for the U.S economy and job growth?

Leanna Byrne will dive into how luxury London restaurants are tackling no-shows and influencers with the introduction of hefty deposits and minimum spending requirements.

The James Bond franchise will no longer be controlled by the Broccoli dynasty, which means Amazon will finally get full creative control. But some fans are concerned about what this means for the future of the films.Also, Leanna Byrne speaks to the boss of one of the biggest crowdfunding platforms - Go Fund Me - who says that governments are "very happy" with its transparency, despite criticisms around the lack of regulation on the sector.

Apple has launched its latest iPhone, which will have new "affordable" hand set with AI tools. It will go on sale in the UK next Friday starting at £599, which is £200 less than the brand's current cheapest iPhone 16 device, released in September.Energy regulator, Ofgem, has taken the next step in its proposals to change the way customers pay for standing charges. They make up that fixed part of your gas and electricity bill which you pay regardless of how much energy you use. The flat charge is there to cover the cost of delivering gas and electricity.Ofgem's plans will mean individual bill payers have a choice: keep paying the standing charge as it is, or pay a share of the standing charge according to how much energy you use. The plan will be welcomed by those who don't use much energy - but there are concerns the proposals may not help everyone.

Britain's average wages are up according to the latest official data - Will Bain finds out from the public, businesses and listeners if they're feeling the difference.A new report on the property market suggests things are getting even harder for first-time buyers - Wake Up to Money hears from an estate agent and a would-be homeowner about the tricky picture in their area.And after the film adaptation of the Robert Harris book Conclave saw success at the BAFTAs, the owner of a bookshop in Swindon reveals the impact of successful film adaptations on book sales.

Potentially the biggest payout case since the PPE scandal takes another turn as the UK Treasury is blocked by the Supreme Court from intervening on behalf of lenders in the controversy over car loans. Will Bain asks what the implications could be for both the banks and drivers involved.One of the UK's main exam boards is trying to persuade the government to give pupils the option of a short course in Maths to help grades - but will it add up for businesses wanting to hire? Plus, Formula 1 celebrates its 75th year with a glitzy event in London to launch the new season - we find out how business for the motorsport is going full throttle.

Water companies are in the spotlight once again as a deadline looms for when they can appeal for higher bill rises for consumers - Will Bain asks what case could be made and what the impact for billpayers could be.From today you might breathe a little easier after parking your car, because there's a new rule that should stop people being fined up to thousands of pounds for not buying their ticket fast enough.And we hear from one of the nominees for Sunday night's British Academy Film Awards.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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/

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/

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.

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

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

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.

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?

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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