Wake Up to Money

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.