Wake Up to Money

Government backtracks on a planned pub business rates rise after industry backlash. Our Friday panel unpacks this latest government U-turn along with the big stories from this week.Plus, January is traditionally the most popular month for holiday bookings. We speak to one of the UK's leading independent travel agents to find out where's hot and where's not in 2026.

Sean Farrington brings you the latest news and insight from the business world.He'll find out how markets are reacting to the possibility of more global instability after the United States seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the AtlanticAnd as Warner Brothers tells it's shareholders to reject Paramount's 'inferior" deal - Sean checks in on where this blockbuster saga goes next.Elsewhere, he'll find out what a surplus of milk has done to prices - and find out from producers about what those squeezed margins could mean.And he'll look back at another retro favourite - this time Gola trainers, the 120 year old British sports brand that's just been sold to Japanese owners.Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.

Sean Farrington talks to a former postmaster for his thoughts on Horizon computer boss's appearance before MPs yesterday. Why won't Fujitsu say how much they'll contribute to the Post Office redress scheme? South East Water was also in front of MP's yesterday following a water outage in Tunbridge Wells which left thousands of homes without drinking water. We check back in with a business owner whose bar was left high and dry. And, the physical music market continued its resurgence in 2025. We talk to one of the UK's only cassette shops, to see what they think of the comeback.

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

The US has pledged billions of dollars to revive Venezuela's ailing oil industry, but what do the experts think of the plan's chances of success? Plus, Will Bain finds out what impact a junk-food TV advertising ban will have on the food industry. And, it's time to start that gym membership, but will you stay the course? We hear from a gym owner about their busy time of the year.

Leanna Byrne looks at what's in store for the UK's economy in 2026 and asks what the next 12 months might bring for London's financial markets.Elsewhere - she'll hear from a tech boss about where AI development will go after last year, where the technology went mainstream.And one pub owner tells us why they're not looking forward to 'Dry January'.Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.

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.

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.

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

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