

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

Jan 20, 2026 • 51min
Trump and tariffs - one year on
Louise Kernaghan, Head of Global Equity Opportunities at BNY Investments, shares insights on how U.S. equity markets responded to the past year's tariff policies. Neil Clifford, Chief Executive of Kurt Geiger, discusses his company's Business by Design academy, emphasizing vocational training as a means for social mobility. They explore the limited macro impact of tariffs, challenges businesses face in uncertain environments, and the ongoing debate about the value of practical skills versus traditional academic paths.

Jan 19, 2026 • 52min
Trump's Greenland tariff threat
Join Richard Rumblow, Director of International Business at Make UK, and Olivia Micklam, Fund Manager at Artemis Fund Managers, as they navigate the potential fallout from Trump's proposed tariffs on eight European nations over Greenland. Rumblow discusses the uncertainty for UK exporters and the implications of new reciprocal tariffs. Meanwhile, Micklam analyzes sector risks, highlighting how pharmaceutical and food industries may be affected. The duo also explores the innovative ways GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are reshaping food marketing and retail trends.

Jan 16, 2026 • 52min
King of Leon
John Vincent, co-founder of the Leon restaurant chain, discusses the company's challenges and vision for healthy, easy food. He shares insights on how weight-loss jabs could attract more customers. Panelist Lindsay Blakely highlights the Christmas success of her online bakery and the impact of transport improvements on local businesses. Justin Onyekusi offers investment advice, while Frances Haak analyzes UK economic data and consumer confidence. Discussions also touch on the fading interest in veganism and the shift toward natural proteins.

Jan 15, 2026 • 52min
Wind & Water
Join Shanti Kellerman, Co-Chief Investment Officer at Seven Investment Management, as she shares insights into the FTSE 100 and cautious hiring trends. Daniel Todaro, managing director of Gecko Group, discusses the shift to value-based marketing and AI's role in agencies. Anna Moosa from RenewableUK breaks down the UK offshore wind auction, emphasizing its investment appeal. Meanwhile, Mike Keel, of the Consumer Council for Water, addresses the challenges faced during the South East Water outages, highlighting the impact on local businesses.

Jan 14, 2026 • 52min
Getting on track?
Catherine Jacob, Chief Executive of Pearl andeen Cinemas, discusses the resilience of the cinema sector and the impact of recent M&A activity on film releases. Laura Lambie, Senior Investment Director at Rathbones, dives into the implications of US inflation on global markets and highlights the struggles faced by the hospitality sector due to business rates. Peter Rupert, Professor of Economics, explains the importance of monthly inflation data, while exploring the potential repercussions of the Fed's decisions on the broader economy.

Jan 13, 2026 • 51min
Fed up
Kim Sides, Executive Director of Construction for BAM UK & Ireland, shares insights on managing cost overruns in major projects and the impact of post-COVID resilience. Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell, discusses the connection between Fed uncertainty and soaring precious metal prices. Legal expert Jessica West explains the complexities of a Federal Reserve subpoena, while the panel evaluates the implications of central bank independence. Plus, a fun dive into Royal Mail's marketing move with Stranger Things stamps!

Jan 12, 2026 • 51min
Eye of the storm
Matthew Scullion, founder and CEO of Matillion, delves into how data analytics and AI are redefining enterprise operations, particularly in hiring practices. He shares insights on Matillion's tools and their implications for businesses amid legal and financial pressures. Neil Carberry, of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, discusses the UK job market's slowdown and highlights the contrasts between temporary and permanent roles. Together, they explore the intricate balance employers must strike in a changing labor landscape influenced by technology.

Jan 9, 2026 • 52min
A round of relief
Marissa Poster, co-founder of Perfect Ted, shares insights on her matcha brand's growth and the impact of political shifts on business decisions. Obi Edukeme, global equities fund manager, discusses how tariff uncertainties affect stock valuations. Frances Coppola, an independent economist, analyzes the repercussions of tariffs on international trade, while John Weber explains the mechanics of business rates and their effects on hospitality. The panel also explores the surge in January holiday bookings and travel trends for 2026.

Jan 8, 2026 • 52min
Got Milk?
Lil Bremmerman Richard, CEO of Oxford International, shares insights on the shifting landscape of international student recruitment, highlighting interest in Asia and changes since 2016. Paul Tompkins, Dairy Board Chair, delves into the UK milk crisis, discussing falling prices and the impact on farmers amidst oversupply. Tony Evans, CEO of Jacobson Group, talks about the sale of Gola Trainers, revealing strategies for global expansion and capitalizing on the brand's heritage. Together, they tackle pressing issues in education, agriculture, and business growth.

Jan 7, 2026 • 23min
Stamp of disapproval
Jonathan Lawson, Chief Executive of Buckham Group, shares insights about record Christmas trading in the hospitality sector and discusses the nostalgic appeal of physical music formats. Victoria Scholar, Head of Investment at Interactive Investor, analyzes oil price fluctuations and the impact of Venezuelan supply issues on the markets. Tim Brentnell, a former sub-postmaster, criticizes Fujitsu's lack of commitment to the Post Office redress scheme following the Horizon scandal, emphasizing the urgent need for support for affected victims.


