
Wake Up to Money
News and views on business and the world of personal finance. Plus the very latest from the financial markets around the globe
Latest episodes

May 23, 2025 • 54min
Factories on the floor
Namesha Raja, CEO of NIMS Naturally, discusses the rising costs and evolving trends in the wedding industry, particularly influenced by same-sex marriages in Ireland. Tinaka Frike, a Senior Fund Manager, shares insights on the implications of the EU-UK trade deal and inflation's impact on businesses and consumers. Lucas Balafutus, Professor of Economics, addresses budget constraints and immigration challenges affecting labor markets, shedding light on how these economic issues intertwine with personal stories and broader manufacturing trends.

May 22, 2025 • 56min
A Spark in the Chill
Sunil Krishnan, head of multi-asset at Aviva Investors, shares keen insights on rising inflation and its significant impacts on both businesses and consumers, using the struggles of a family-run bakery as a case study. Meanwhile, Lindsay Blakely, founder of Bumble and Goose, discusses the real-world challenges of maintaining profitability amid increasing costs. The conversation also dives into the recent government decisions on winter fuel payments for pensioners and the pressing issue of cybersecurity following a major retail cyberattack.

May 21, 2025 • 53min
Cyber Chaos
Serena France-Hayhurst, UK Cyber Placement Leader at Marsh, specializes in cyber insurance and risk management. Julie Ennis, Head of UK occupier at CBRE, brings over 25 years of banking and property expertise. Anna MacDonald, Investment Manager at Aubrey Investment Management, adds a financial perspective. They tackle the escalation of cyber attacks in the food industry, exploring insurance's role post-incident. The conversation also covers workplace shifts, hybrid work challenges, and the evolving impact of AI on decision-making and security vulnerabilities.

10 snips
May 20, 2025 • 53min
Hacked off
Phil Pluck, Chief Executive at the Cold Chain Federation, discusses how recent cyber attacks have disrupted UK supermarket supply chains, highlighting the urgent need for improved cybersecurity measures. Jeanne Do, Professor of Economics at Aston Business School, breaks down the new UK–EU trade agreement's implications for the economy and industries like agri-food and fishing. The conversation also touches on the evolving beverage industry and its effects on nightlife, emphasizing shifting consumer preferences and financial struggles.

May 19, 2025 • 53min
Summit in the air
Wilfred Emanuel-Jones, the founder of The Black Farmer, shares insights on the challenges faced by food suppliers after M&S's cyber attack, emphasizing the need for better cybersecurity measures. Jäger Glucina, MD of Luminance, discusses the impact of Brexit on the legal tech industry and the complexities surrounding UK-EU trade relations. Together, they highlight the vulnerabilities in the food supply chain and the economic implications for small businesses, as well as the growing urgency for effective government policies to support various sectors.

May 16, 2025 • 54min
And the 0.7% goes to...
Paula Walsh, Managing Director of Arup, and Tom Pugh, a UK economist from RSM, share their insights on the surprises in the UK's GDP growth and its effects on everyday life. They discuss how Eurovision can boost local business, the complexities of tariffs faced by retailers like Walmart, and the challenges in the construction sector. The conversation also examines how migration positively influences economic growth and job creation, all while navigating the uncertainties of global trade and energy pricing in long-term projects.

May 15, 2025 • 52min
Competing Considerations?
Ian McAllister, CEO of Man Commercial Protection, shares insights on the evolving security landscape, stressing the role of technology in crime prevention. Colleen McHugh, an investment consultant at Wealthify, discusses the implications of the government's new focus on competition regulation and its impact on small firms. They explore Everton's transition to Goodison Park for the Women’s Super League, highlighting the emotional significance and investment in women’s sports. The conversation also touches on market trends and how businesses are adapting in a challenging economy.

7 snips
May 14, 2025 • 53min
Meeting in the Middle East
Join Amjid Bash, owner of Newsbox News Agents, and Louise Kernaghan, head of Global Equity Opportunities at Newton Investment Management, as they dive into pressing topics affecting the economy. They discuss the implications of Trump's arms deal with Saudi Arabia and its potential impact on global investment and oil prices. Additionally, they explore the changing landscape of corporate attire, including the humorous debate over wearing trainers to meetings, and the significant fallout from cyber attacks on retailers like Marks & Spencer.

May 13, 2025 • 53min
Trade war ceasefire
Fanzi Down, from DPS Design, shares insights from her family-run business making plastic mouldings. The conversation dives into the recent US-China trade deal and its potential effects on UK exports. Fanzi discusses how changing tariffs might influence production and investment strategies. Additionally, they explore the impact of economic conditions on consumer spending and retail performance, drawing attention to the unique challenges posed by online disruptions and international film tariffs.

11 snips
May 12, 2025 • 51min
Care visa clampdown
A care home owner shares concerns about the devastating impact of new visa bans on staffing. The ongoing US-China trade talks highlight the need for balanced tariffs amid rising import taxes. In parenting, the debate on toy quality versus quantity sparks discussions. The podcast also delves into challenges facing the UK care sector workforce, emphasizing the urgency for reform. Additionally, insights into the entertainment industry reveal the impact of changing trends on TV programming and the surprising resilience of the reality TV sector.