Wake Up To Money

Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell, delves into the shifting landscape of the UK workplace post-pandemic, highlighting changes in work hours and the challenges of remote work. He discusses the implications of global trade tensions on businesses and how luxury brands are adjusting their pricing strategies. Mould also addresses increasing chocolate prices and the contrasting approaches to chocolate sourcing, underlining the need for fair partnerships with farmers. Tune in for insights on employee motivations and market trends!

Kalima Q, an investment consultant at Wealthify, and Charlie Rubin, CEO of environmentally friendly cleaning brand Purdy & Fig, dive into the tensions between BP and its shareholders as the oil giant shifts focus back to fossil fuels. They discuss how businesses are grappling with trade wars, tariffs, and changing consumer behaviors. Amidst these economic pressures, tourism is booming with a surge in holiday bookings, highlighting shifting priorities for families. The conversation is a fascinating mix of sustainability challenges and market dynamics.

Yogita Bauer, managing director of Time Clinic, delves into the implications of tariffs on non-surgical treatments and the broader manufacturing sector. Adam Webb from Fanfare Alliance tackles the thorny issue of ticket touts and their impact on live events, highlighting consumer rights in the ticket resale market. Meanwhile, Carolyn Freund, former World Bank chief economist, analyzes U.S.-China trade dynamics and the economic uncertainties shaping consumer behavior. Together, they explore how these factors intertwine in today's global economy.

Daniel Graham, Managing Director of Virtual Tea, shares insights on the tea industry's growth despite declining overall consumption, emphasizing sustainability and quality. Colin Richardson discusses the critical state of the UK steel industry, detailing the challenges faced by traditional manufacturing methods. Lucinda Guthrie examines the rising corporate influence in the veterinary sector, revealing concerns over care quality. They also explore the impact of rising gaming costs and tariffs, reflecting on how these challenges shape consumer behavior and nostalgic gaming experiences.

Bill Penn, a seasoned chartered engineer and steel industry consultant with over 20 years at British Steel, shares insights into the mounting pressures facing the UK steel industry. He discusses urgent government measures to support the Scunthorpe plant amid soaring energy costs and national security concerns. The conversation shifts to the impact of US tariff policies and explores the surprising revival of vinyl records, showcasing its positive cultural trend amidst economic challenges. Penn emphasizes the need for strategic partnerships to strengthen the steel sector.

Economist Linda Yu shares insights on how Trump's tariffs could reshape the UK economy, focusing on the effects on global trade. April LaRousse discusses the implications for agriculture and consumers, while Tim Richards highlights rising costs in the cinema industry. The conversation touches on workplace inequality highlighted by the Black Workers Conference and the surprising cultural success of the Minecraft movie. They also tackle market fluctuations and mobile etiquette, blending humor with serious economic analysis.

Fiona Sincott, a Senior Market Analyst at City Index, and Ali Renison, a trade expert at SEC Newgate, dive into the implications of a 90-day pause on US tariffs. They discuss how this has sparked a rise in global stock markets yet continues to strain US-China relations. Small businesses, particularly in the air-dried fruit sector, share their struggles with importation and adapting to changing tariffs. The duo also touches on the economic hurdles faced by professional rugby in Wales, underlining the need for strategic support amid financial instability.

Tineka Friker, a Senior Fund Manager at Waverton, joins Carleen Jackson, CEO of Cloud9 Insight, Claire Lucas, co-founder of A Little Bird Told Me, and Simon Boyd, Managing Director of Reed Steel, to explore the ripple effects of new tariffs on global trade. They discuss the impact of a substantial levy on Chinese imports and the financial struggles of the UK steel industry. The conversation also highlights the emotional toll on small businesses, recruitment trends, and the potential economic boost from Europe's first Universal Studios theme park.

Lisa Brankin, the Ford UK chair and MD, shares exciting plans for new incentives for electric vehicle buyers and discusses the government's zero emission vehicle mandate. Rachel Winter, an investment manager, sheds light on how trade tariffs contribute to market volatility and affect the UK and global economy. Sam White, CEO of Stellar Insurance, explains the challenges for the insurance sector amidst tariff fluctuations, particularly regarding electric vehicles. Together, they navigate the complex world of tariffs, EVs, and their broader implications for business.

Will Bain looks at the latest market reaction after President Trump's tariffs announcement. Plus, the government sets out its changes to the ZEV mandate.