Wake Up to Money

In this discussion, Caroline Bright, a strategy expert from Ricoh Europe, delves into the complexities of digital market trends and the unique challenges faced by the pub industry. Emma McClarkin, representing the British Beer and Pub Association, highlights the looming effects of increased business rates and potential pub closures. Meanwhile, Claire Burnett from Chococo sheds light on fluctuating cocoa prices and the implications for chocolate consumption. Zoe Gillespie provides insight into the broader economic landscape, exploring commodities and inflation pressures.

Matt Kennedy, founder of the natural deodorant brand Fussy, shares insights on the cultural clashes during big media mergers and how startups can learn from these experiences. Louise Dudley, a global equities portfolio manager, discusses the financial implications of streaming deals and how they impact investor sentiment. Meanwhile, Blair Westlake, a senior media executive, emphasizes Netflix's innovative edge while questioning the integration ability of competitors like Paramount. The conversation dives into the complexities of corporate consolidation in the entertainment industry.

Join Sabitha Subramaniam, Head of Investment Strategy at Saracen Partners, and Michael Wrightblatt, CEO and founder of Forta, as they dive into the intricacies of the Employment Rights Bill and its potential impacts on businesses. They explore the fascinating implications of AI on workplace productivity and job security, alongside a discussion on the $70 billion Netflix-Warner Bros deal and its regulatory challenges. Additionally, they debate the strategic choices companies face regarding mergers, highlighting the balance between focus and scale.

James Daunt, the dynamic CEO of Waterstones, shares insights on the critical role of Christmas sales and the trends shaping the book market, such as the rise of romance and children's genres. Meanwhile, Rachel Carell, CEO of Koru Kids, discusses the pressing gaps in childcare policy and the increasing demand for specialized nannies. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI in publishing and reflections on community bookshops versus larger chains. Their perspectives provide a fascinating glimpse into the evolving landscapes of retail and childcare.

Vic Stewart, CFO of The Alchemist, shares insights into how rising energy costs are disrupting the hospitality sector, impacting consumer confidence and operational planning. Meanwhile, Alex Gregg, owner of Fuggles Beer Cafe, discusses the devastating effects of a local water outage, revealing daily losses of £6-7k and the confusion caused by poor communication from the water company. Both guests highlight the urgent need for better infrastructure and support for affected businesses in challenging times.

Dan Murray, co-founder of Heights and angel investor, shares insights on how exit tax rumors are prompting entrepreneurs to consider relocating. Rachel Winter, an investment manager at Killick & Co, discusses how budget decisions may slow UK growth and affect household spending. Tax partner Toby Tallon reveals that many firms anticipate hiring freezes and job cuts due to rising national insurance and minimum wage. They also delve into the mixed impact of AI on employment and the advertising industry's struggles in the face of online platforms.

Gervais Williams, Chair of Equities at Premier Miton, shares insights on the resignation of Richard Hughes from the OBR and its implications for investor confidence. Nicole Oldby, UK & Ireland Managing Director at Adyen, discusses how small businesses can leverage technology to compete with large retailers during the holiday season. They also explore innovative marketing strategies, including Hexham's viral Christmas advert, and the impact of AI on entry-level job opportunities. The conversation highlights critical trends shaping the financial and retail landscapes.

Carleen Jackson, Chief Executive of Cloud9, shares insights on digital transformation and the tech sector's hiring challenges. Shanti Kellerman, Co-CIO at Seven Investment Management, discusses market reactions and investor behavior. They delve into Chancellor Rachel Reeves' budget and its impact on tech funding. Carleen highlights opportunities for startups despite economic constraints, while Shanti analyzes tweaks to ISAs aimed at stimulating long-term investment. The conversation wraps with thoughts on the importance of government support for emerging sectors, especially AI.

Karen Kerrigan, COO of the Moneybox app, shares insights on consumer saving behavior and the impact of ISA policy changes. Zoe Gillespie, an investment manager at RBC Brewin Dolphin, evaluates how recent budget measures influence growth and market confidence. Neil Carberry, CEO of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, discusses the government's U-turn on employment rights, explaining the implications for employers and workers alike. The conversation also touches on Christmas tree season and the effects of climate on tree cultivation.

Tinika Fricke, a fund manager and investor, shares her insights on the recent budget's unexpected benefits for investors. She discusses how the budget exceeded low expectations, offering relief in bond markets, and analyzes the implications of the tax threshold freeze on motivation to earn. The panel also dives into the accidental early release from the Office for Budget Responsibility, which sparked political reactions. Tinika wraps up by highlighting the sectors that emerged as winners in the wake of the budget's clarity.