Wake Up to Money

Will Bain interviews Simon Noble, CEO of Cezanne HR, and Sophie Hewn, Portfolio Manager at BNP Paribas Asset Management. They discuss Merck's shocking abandonment of its £1 billion London research center and the ripple effects on the UK life sciences sector. Cybersecurity challenges are highlighted, especially a recent attack on Jaguar Land Rover. The conversation also tackles the aftermath of London Tube strikes, showcasing how they impact commuters and spark a rise in e-bike usage, reflecting changing transport habits.

Henry Hodgson, NFL UK's general manager, discusses his role in expanding American football's presence in the UK and Ireland. He highlights strategies for growth, including insights from Premier League football and the impact of celebrity culture on fan engagement. Hodgson shares how London's hosting of NFL games aims to captivate a younger audience and examines the rise of flag football among youth, positioning it as a gateway to future fandom. The blend of NFL branding with fashion in mainstream retailers is also explored, aiming to attract a diverse fanbase.

Maya Bandari, Chief Investment Officer for Neuberger Berman, shares her insights on the evolving UK economic landscape. She discusses the dramatic rise in water complaints and the implications for consumer trust. The conversation also addresses the effects of geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, on global commodities and investment strategies. Bandari highlights the urgent need for innovative approaches in the battery industry and the ongoing challenges surrounding payment security and economic subsidies for green initiatives.

Harriet Kelsor, founder of Harriet Kelsor Jewellery, shares her journey into employee ownership for future planning. Andrew Dodd of the Centre for Advancing Journalism dissects the recent succession battle in Rupert Murdoch's media empire, revealing family dynamics and market implications. Meanwhile, Andrew Nelstrop from the English Distillery celebrates producing England's first-ever 18-year-old whisky, highlighting the distillery's remarkable milestone and the growth of the local whisky scene.

Rachel Kettlewell, founder of Fern and Rosie Jams, dives into the crucial conversation about worker's rights and employment costs for small businesses. She highlights the delicate balance between protecting employees and ensuring economic viability. The discussion also touches on the effects of recent political changes in both the UK and France, emphasizing how these shifts impact recruitment and operational costs. Kettlewell's insights offer a unique perspective on navigating the challenges of the current economic landscape while supporting small ventures.

Vic Stewart, CFO at the Alchemist Bar and Restaurant Group, shares insights on the hospitality industry's challenges amid economic pressures. Tinneke Fricke, Senior Fund Manager at W1M, discusses how financial markets are adapting to shifting consumer trends and cybersecurity threats. James Wallace, owner of Nyewood Express, reveals the disruptive impact of the Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack on his repair garage. The conversation also explores the benefits of early rising on productivity and the implications of upcoming budget announcements.

In this lively discussion, Rachel Carroll, founder of Koru Kids, shares insights on the rising demand for childcare and the need for effective recruitment strategies. Sonil Krishnan highlights the impact of the anticipated budget on the economy, exploring business uncertainties. Tara Alice dives into the shrinking graduate job market, revealing alarming statistics and the importance of transferable skills. Martin Birchall discusses the NFL's financial success and potential international expansion, illustrating the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting.

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

Dan Murray, co-founder of Heights, dives into the complexities of today's economic landscape and the impact of rising borrowing costs on consumers and businesses. He tackles the recent cyber-attack on Jaguar Land Rover, examining its repercussions on production and brand loyalty during a critical sales period. The conversation also highlights the booming trend of fitness events like Hyrox, showcasing a shift in consumer behavior and how tech challenges intersect with emerging fitness passions. Murray’s insights provide a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship in these turbulent times.

In this discussion, Damini Sharma, Chief Executive of OM Group, shares insights on the impact of government childcare initiatives on the construction workforce amidst rising nursery costs. Anna McDonald highlights the financial implications for both nursery providers and families facing operational challenges. Joey Jones discusses the recent government reshuffle and its potential effects on economic strategies. They also contrast the financial dynamics of the childcare sector with the staggering spending in the Premier League, raising questions about priorities in funding.