

Wake Up to Money
BBC Radio 5 Live
News and views on business and the world of personal finance. Plus the very latest from the financial markets around the globe
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 2, 2025 • 53min
Will Government's Clean Energy plan lead to more skilled UK workers?
Marnie Millard, a seasoned business leader and chair at UA92, joins Simon French, Chief Economist at Panmure Gordon. They dive into the UK's ambitious goal of creating over 800,000 jobs in the clean energy sector by 2030. Marnie discusses innovative education programs designed to equip workers with necessary skills. Simon analyzes the economic implications, including stock market trends and regulatory challenges. Together, they explore the vital role of reskilling and immigration in addressing workforce shortages in this rapidly evolving industry.

Oct 1, 2025 • 54min
A Bad Wrap?
Emma Wall, Head of Platform Investments at Hargreaves Lansdowne, discusses market reactions amidst US political turbulence and the implications for UK equities. She also highlights the potential costs linked to lifting the two-child benefit cap. Asli Arthengutch, UK & Ireland head of British American Tobacco, addresses the negative impact of disposable vapes on the industry's credibility. She advocates for stricter regulations and explores the challenges of enforcing a generational cigarette sales ban. The podcast blends finance, health, and workplace culture in engaging ways.

Sep 30, 2025 • 54min
Reeves Speaks
Jonathan Lawson, Chief Executive of a UK pub and brewing group, shares insights on the hospitality sector's need for business rates reform to restore confidence. Hannah Peeker, Deputy Chief Executive of the New Economics Foundation, critiques the government’s fiscal strategies and emphasizes the importance of democratic debate in economic policy. The discussion also touches on the implications of the recent $55 billion Electronic Arts buyout and how it may reshape the gaming landscape, highlighting Saudi Arabia's ambitious investment strategy.

5 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 51min
Conference Calling
Join April LaRousse, market analyst at Insight Investment, as she dissects gilt yields and consumer sentiment affecting retail with Mike Tompkins, Chairman of M&M. They discuss the implications of the government's loan guarantee for Jaguar Land Rover and its suppliers. Catherine McLeod, former adviser to Alistair Darling, shares insights on Labour's strategies to balance public finances while rebuilding business trust. Plus, discover how Oasis fans outspent Taylor Swift's supporters during their reunion tour!

Sep 26, 2025 • 53min
Britain Gets ID'd?
Wayne Chapman, Managing Director and UK CEO of Stassi, talks about logistics and the impacts of cyber-security on supply chains. Linda Yu, an economist affiliated with Oxford University, provides insights on macroeconomic trends. They discuss the government's proposal for compulsory digital IDs, drawing parallels to Estonia's successful system. Moreover, Wayne highlights the challenges faced by Jaguar Land Rover due to cyber attacks, while the panel debates the implications of hiring, inflation, and the future of digital identification in the UK.

Sep 25, 2025 • 51min
What's Raily Happening?
Plans for Northern Powerhouse Rail have hit another delay, leaving northern businesses pondering the consequences. Meanwhile, the UK's largest winemaker has scrapped a massive winery project in Kent, raising eyebrows in the industry. The Ryder Cup has kicked off with a grand opening ceremony in New York, but are British firms reaping any benefits? Tune in for insights on these pressing business developments shaping the UK.

Sep 24, 2025 • 53min
Big Boss Interview - John Roberts
Join John Roberts, founder and CEO of AO.com, as he shares insights on retail strategy and the challenges of competition. He discusses the potential for a UK recession fueled by rising costs and recruitment issues. Roberts addresses employment rights, cautioning that new regulations could discourage hiring. He emphasizes the importance of balancing philanthropy with business needs while warning about the competitive edge posed by state-backed Chinese retailers. With a focus on opportunities for youth in an AI-driven world, he stresses the need for training and support.

10 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 53min
Matcha on the menu
Discover the buzz around TikTok's impending U.S. ownership deal and its potential winners and losers in the tech landscape. Dive into the impact of a cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover suppliers and how they may cope with ongoing shutdowns. Also, explore the rising popularity of matcha as a vibrant, wellness-focused alternative to traditional tea, with insights from a bakery chain's strategy to incorporate this trendy ingredient into their offerings.

Sep 22, 2025 • 53min
Gatwick Plans Take Off
Brett Northen, Chief Executive of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, discusses the economic implications of Gatwick's second runway, highlighting local businesses' reactions and infrastructure challenges. Simon Berry, Chairman of the Hull Community Pub Society, shares the inspiring story of how his community rallied to save the New Clarence pub from closure. They explore the rise of community-owned pubs and reflect on the changing landscape of advertising after 70 years since the UK's first TV ad, showcasing how creativity has evolved.

Sep 19, 2025 • 52min
Like a breeze
Join investment director Lucy Coutts, macroeconomic expert Tara Alice, and AI innovator Janine Wright as they dive into intriguing discussions. They explore the implications of interest rate decisions on markets and households, dissect the struggles facing Pets at Home post-pandemic, and unravel the secrets behind large-scale AI podcast production. Listen as Janine shares insights on balancing creativity and ethics in an AI-driven world. This episode is a fascinating blend of finance, technology, and industry challenges.