Sean Farrington finds out if high streets are making a comeback as footfall increases over the Christmas period.

Will Bain presents a review of the business year with some of our best interviews from 2024, featuring the biggest stories in money and business this year.

Gervais Williams, Head of Equities at Premier Miton, delves into the UK economy's stagnation ahead of Christmas, exploring both vulnerabilities and glimmers of hope. Catherine Jacob, CEO of Pearl & Dean, shares insights on cinema advertising trends and the impact of evolving holiday traditions. Francesca Dow, MD of Penguin Random House Children's, emphasizes the need to engage kids with reading as sales surge, while David Conway, CEO of Pinewood Group, highlights the urgent demand for talent in the UK film industry.

Katie Guild, co-founder of Nugget Savings, shares insights on parental financial planning during maternity leave, highlighting the struggles with statutory pay. Jane Foley, Head of FX Strategy at Rabobank, discusses how central bank policies impact the economy and consumer confidence during the holiday season. Michelle O'Gorman, owner of a local jewellery shop, reveals the challenges small businesses face amid rising costs and adverse weather. The conversation weaves in the significance of community and local shopping during this festive period.

Tom Pugh, a UK economist at RSM, shares insights on economic data and monetary policy. Laura Lambie, Senior Investment Director at Investec, discusses market reactions and the impact of rising water bills. Mark Palmer from AutoTrader dives into the challenges facing the UK car industry, particularly during the shift to electric vehicles. The panel also explores the chaos of Super Saturday shopping and how consumer behavior is influenced by economic factors, making for an engaging discussion packed with timely insights.

Will Bain has the latest as Ofwat announces water bill increases for the next five years. Plus, BBC Studios and Disney team up to bring Bluey to the big screen.

As supplies of the Irish favourite run low, makers of less well-known stouts are having their moment. Plus, we hear how storm damage at Holyhead Port is hitting Irish Sea trade.

Louise McLean, director at Signature Group, brings insights on the festive spending habits in the hospitality sector, commenting on the shift from corporate gatherings to bill-splitting. Rachel Winter discusses consumer confidence amidst contrasting economic indicators, while Maxime Sader delves into the cultural significance of Paddington Bear, emphasizing the importance of maintaining authenticity in film adaptations. They also touch on the financial challenges facing Thames Water and the Guinness supply issues impacting pubs.

Join Natalie Selvan-Bruce, the creative founder of Buttercup Bus, Lucy Cootes, an astute investment director, and Marco Forgione, a seasoned expert in global trade, as they unpack the sale of Royal Mail to Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky. They discuss the evolving dynamics of e-commerce and postal services, rising wedding bookings with vintage campers, and the UK’s economic outlook amidst global challenges. Delve into Sweden's thriving wine scene and unearth issues of exploitation in the wellness industry, exploring how these trends affect people today.

Sean Farrington sits down with Superdry boss Julian Dunkerton, who doesn't hold back on Shein. Plus The Friedkin Group has agreed a deal to buy Premier League club Everton.