
The Sky News Business Podcast
Catch up on the day's big business and economics stories Monday to Friday. Reports, discussion and interviews from the heart of the City and beyond.
Latest episodes

Feb 23, 2024 • 17min
Energy prices fall, consumer confidence and mergers and acquisitions
As household energy bills are set to fall in April, Ian talks to Sky's Business Correspondent Paul Kelso. He also speaks to Bill Winters, the Chief Executive of Standard Chartered, about its $1bn share buyback. Plus, Erik Hirsch, Co-chief Executive of Hamilton Lane, a leading private markets investment firm.

Feb 22, 2024 • 15min
Good news for Lloyds and the ME Group
Ian King speaks to the chief executive of Lloyds Banking Group who says he sees business and consumer confidence returning as the bank announces record profits plus good news for the vending equipment company, ME Group - best known for its Photo-Me photo booths

Feb 21, 2024 • 21min
Borrowing, Heathrow and business optimism
On today's episode, Ian King discusses the government's record financial surplus last month with economist Simon French.He also speaks to the chief executive of Heathrow Airport about their latest figures.And optimism among British businesses is on the up - Ian chats to the Boston Consulting Group about their annual survey.

Feb 20, 2024 • 15min
Football finances, Barclays and infrastructure investment
On today's episode, Ian King speaks to the former chief operating officer at Barclays to discuss the bank's latest results.He also discusses finances in football's Premier League with our city editor, Mark Kleinman.And Ian chats about the need for more investment in infrastructure to achieve the UK's net zero targets.

Feb 19, 2024 • 18min
A crackdown on fire and rehire, Currys takeover, and Wizz Air.
Ian King speaks to the business minister Kevin Hollinrake following new plans to crack down on companies that fire and rehire workers on less favourable terms. He's also discussing Currys as shares surge after a Chinese e-commerce giant is confirmed as the latest would-be buyer.Plus - the Managing director of Wizz Air is on as the company grows its fleet to 200, claiming its new aircraft makes it the youngest in Europe.

Feb 8, 2024 • 19min
Travel money, artificial intelligence and the green economy
The podcast discusses Labour's u-turn on green investments and the importance of sustainable transition. It emphasizes collaboration between the government and private sector for sustainable investments. The chapter also covers business news stories including Deere Smith, AstraZeneca, and Unilever. The podcast introduces Data Snipper, a technology that automates auditing tasks. The expansion plans of TravelX and the impact of geopolitical issues on their operations are discussed.

Feb 7, 2024 • 19min
Housing, jewellery and wind turbines
On today's episode, Ian King speaks to the chief executive of Pandora about the jewellery firm's latest results.He also discusses a merger between housebuilder Barratt Developments and its smaller rival Redrow.And the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering's been awarded to two pioneers of wind power - Ian chats to the chairman of the foundation about green energy.

Feb 6, 2024 • 16min
Retail sales, venture funding and cyber attacks
On today's episode, Ian King speaks to the British Retail Consortium about their latest figures showing the state of retail sales in the UK.He also discusses venture funding with Hector Mason, a partner at Episode 1 Ventures.And with cyber-attacks becoming more common, Ian chats to Jeetu Patel from tech firm Cisco about how firms are staying safe online.

Feb 5, 2024 • 18min
Fashion, the tourist tax, and European investment
On today's episode, Ian King speaks to fashion designer Sir Paul Smith about plans for a so-called tourist tax.He also discusses Kurt Geiger's latest results with chief executive Neil Clifford.And European investors have the highest return expectations for the UK - Ian chats to Chris Brett from CBRE.

Feb 2, 2024 • 20min
Water bills, a chemical giant's demerger, and electric boat racing
Emma Crosby fills in for Ian King on today's podcast. Emma is joined by David Henderson, the chief executive of Water UK, which represents the water companies, to talk about a rise in water bills. Dr Ilham Kadri, the chief executive of Syensqo - who was formerly the head of Solvay - discusses the chemical giants demerger.And chief executive at E1, Rodi Basso, speaks about the launch of the electric raceboat championship this weekend.