Wake Up to Money

Gary Hodgson discusses the challenges faced by Venture Seafoods due to rising energy costs and their impact on small businesses. Emma Wall dives into how budget uncertainties affect investment decisions and market behaviors, while Nick Marsh provides insights into Japan's economy and its geopolitical implications. The conversation also touches on the evolving pizza market in the UK, exploring trends towards quality-focused options and home preparation kits, highlighting significant shifts in consumer preferences.

Max Rees, co-founder of The Curators, discusses the boom in high-protein snacks and the unique challenges small businesses face today. Zaina Bain shares insights on the uncertainty in fiscal policy and its impact on business confidence. Economist Linda Yu analyzes disappointing GDP figures and rising unemployment, while Will Pearson explains the current cycle-to-work scheme. The panel explores the potential impacts of a budget cap on cycling incentives and how it could affect public health and the environment.

Jago Glucina, Managing Director at Luminance, discusses AI's energy demands and the push for renewable power in the tech industry. Anna MacDonald, an investment manager, highlights how energy costs shape global AI competitiveness and examines SSE's major grid investments. Chris, a small business owner, shares the hardships his construction firm faces due to high borrowing costs. Finally, Olivier Award-winning producer Patrick Gracie advocates for regulating secondary ticket sales to protect theatre-goers and artists from excessive pricing.

Rachel Kettlewell, founder of Fern and Rosie Jams, shares insights on small business growth and family budgeting, discussing the pressure of holiday spending. Nick Glynn, CEO of Buy It Direct Group, highlights the rise of automation and outsourcing in retail jobs and its impact on the workforce. They analyze the call to scrap the two-child benefit cap and its potential to reduce child poverty. In a fun twist, the conversation also explores the booming adult toy market and the must-have gifts for this Christmas.

Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell, shares insights on the recent surge in gold prices amid US government shutdown discussions, touching on market dynamics and FTSE performance. Nicola Downing, former CEO now chairing Tees Law, explores how US uncertainty influences UK business decisions. They dissect bank profits, shareholder returns, and the economic implications of potential manifesto changes by the Chancellor. Additionally, the return of the 'Wicked' film hints at a boost for cinema attendance during the holiday season.

John Walsh, Co-founder of Bio & Me, shares how inflation is challenging food brands, while Judith McKenzie from Downing Fund Managers highlights market hesitance ahead of the upcoming budget. Meanwhile, Professor Jonathan Porter explains the economic context necessitating potential tax increases. Andy Mitchell, leading the Tideway project, discusses its environmental benefits and timely delivery, offering lessons for future infrastructure. Together, they explore how budget reforms could stimulate growth and improve public services.

Catherine Hannan, an investment manager at RBC Brewin Dolphin; Martin Beck, chief economist at WPI; and Margaret Dabbs, CEO of Margaret Dabbs London, share their insights on trending financial topics. They discuss the potential for a Christmas rate cut and how it could impact the economy. Dabbs elaborates on running a retail business and the challenges of hiring post-Brexit. The panel also touches on the implications of rising taxes, the latest retail trends—including M&S's entry into TikTok— and the shipping industry's port expansion needs.

In a captivating discussion, Simon Kenny, CEO of Goodfellow, delves into advanced materials and their groundbreaking applications in fields like cancer treatment and space. Lindsay James, an investment strategist at Quilter Investors, shares insights on market volatility and the implications of executive pay packages, especially regarding Tesla and Elon Musk. They explore the balance between leadership impact on company value and potential risks tied to political activities. Cybersecurity also emerges as a critical business concern for manufacturers.

In this engaging conversation, Nick Greenan, Chief Executive of Tyneside Cinema, dives into how independent cinemas are adapting by embracing community events and experiential programming. Jared Hill, CBS correspondent, shares insights on the recent New York mayoral election and the challenges the new socialist mayor faces. Jane Gratton from the British Chambers of Commerce discusses the vital Keep Britain Working review, emphasizing the need for better support for long-term sick employees and the financial implications for businesses moving forward.

Ian Hoskins, Director of the Mar Pub Group, shares insights on the rising influence of food influencers in the restaurant industry, discussing their marketing impact and the pressure on presentation due to social media. David McKelvey, former Detective Chief Inspector, tackles the alarming rise in retail crime, detailing underreporting issues and the increasing violence and theft in stores. Both guests emphasize the need for strategic responses in hospitality and retail to navigate modern challenges.