Wake Up To Money
The latest from the world of business and money, covering financial news, market updates, and economic insights. Produced by BBC Radio 5 Live, it provides a comprehensive overview of the day's business stories.
Episodes
Kick-offs and Lift-offs
The 2026 World Cup starts today, we speak with business across the US. It's the eve of SpaceX's blockbuster IPO - a British satellite company shares their thoughts.The boom in weight-loss drugs is now feeding through to another part of the food industry: protein. Demand is pushing up prices and raising fears of shortages. We find out from one small retailer on what's happening.
Debenhams Group boss on the fight with Chinese rivals
The chief executive of the online retailer Debenhams has told the Big Boss Interview Podcast that UK businesses are being harmed by exploitation of the so-called 'de minimis' loophole, which allows competitors in China like Shein and Temu to avoid tax on small packages. Sean Farrington hear why he thinks the government's plans to close the loopholes by 2029 isn't soon enough.Anthropic has released
ChatGPT Maker Goes Public
The company behind the AI bot ChatGPT, OpenAI, has filed to list its shares in the latest of a string of blockbuster IPO announcements. Will Bain finds out what's in it for the business, investors and the world of artificial intelligence.Manchester has been the "star performer" of the UK economy since 2008 according to new analysis by Oxford Economics - we look into the report.And hot on the heels
Microsoft UK&I Chief Executive - Darren Hardman
Microsoft UK and Ireland boss Darren Hardman joins Wake Up to Money to discuss the company’s battle to stay ahead in the race for artificial intelligence.Plus, as the 2026 World Cup kicks off, we look at the business of football kits with the former Puma and Umbro creative executive behind Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning shirt.
Eye on AI
Will Bain wraps up a big week in the AI race. Elsewhere, he hears what new tariffs could mean for British steel and asks what the future holds for Netflix.
The Festivals of Britain
Sean hears how rising costs are creating an uncertain future for Britain's festivals. Elsewhere, Sean heats about a new round of tariffs announced by President Trump.
An Xclusive Offer
Sean Farrington hears about how ordinary British investors will have the chance to buy shares in SpaceX before it lists on the stock market. Elsewhere, England's MPs launch a fresh inquiry into the student loan system, and South West Water is fined after supplying water unfit for human consumption in May 2024.
Benefit of the stout
Will Bain hears how Anthropic's potential stock market listing could heat up the AI race. Elsewhere, the price of aluminium hits a four-year high and the boss of Wetherspoons explains why he is adding an alternative stout to the menu.
Bouncebackability
Felicity Hannah speaks to a small business owner who has paid off their COVID loans and finds out how many of the government-backed loans handed out during the COVID pandemic have been repaid. She also looks at the demise of the convertible car and speaks to the boss of a UK technology company attending SXSW 2026 in London.
Down the drain
Felicity Hannah hears from businesses in Kent experiencing water outages in the heatwave. Plus, we go behind the scenes of a data centre in London to find out if they're putting the UK on the map when it comes to AI.
Brick by brick
The UK's biggest housebuilder tells us it's the worst time for first-time buyers since 2008. Elsewhere, we hear that the UK risks creating a stolen generation if it doesn't bring more young people into employment. And ahead of the Premier League Darts final, we'll hear from the boss of the company that makes the boards for the competition.
Cool profits in a hot market
As the UK continues to sizzle in the heat, retailers tell this programme about how sales of air conditioning units have spiked alongside temperatures.Elsewhere we'll take a look at the plight of energy giant BP, who have sacked chairman - Albert Manifold.We'll get all the latest market reaction to another day without a deal to end the war in Iran.A butcher in the West Midlands tells us how the UK'
Heat waves and tensions cool?
The boss of Next warns of a "dramatic fall" in entry level opportunities in the UK. Elsewhere, the government launches a review into early years childcare - and we get the latest on how a US deal with Iran could impact global oil markets. We also hear from the former chief executive of Aston Villa about how relegation could hit West Ham's finances.
Best of Business Daily: AI in the job market, the city that banned meat ads, and lab-grown v mined diamonds
Wake Up To Money presents another selection of Business Daily programmes from BBC Sounds. In this edition: AI’s new power in the job market, the city that banned advertising meat, lab-grown vs mined diamonds, and we go inside gaming's cheating problem.
Chemical Reaction
The Chancellor has announced £350m of support for the UK's chemical industries - Sean Farrington finds out whether businesses in the sector think it's enough.And it's a matter of "sun's out, Guns out" in North London this weekend, as we speak to one publican who's hoping the combination of an Arsenal Premier League win and good weather will get the tills ringing.
Great Xpectations
SpaceX officially files to go public in what is likely to be the biggest IPO ever, Nvidia reports another big set of results, and the UK government signs a first-of-its-kind trade deal with a group of Gulf countries. Elsewhere, the cinema industry benefits from some bumper releases and adventure holidays grow in popularity.
Premier prices?
UK supermarkets are being urged by the government to cap food prices. Elsewhere, British beer Old Speckled Hen has been sold to Barcelona-based S.A. Damm. And Arsenal secure Premier League victory for the first time in 22 years - we hear about the boost to pubs.
Lawsuits and lending
Elon Musk loses in his lawsuit against OpenAI boss Sam Altman. Elsewhere, Rachel Reeves says she will relax banking regulations, and Sean hears from the director of a golf academy who has known US PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai since he was a teen.
Burnham, bonds and by-elections
Felicity Hannah hears what the UK's political drama means for business. Elsewhere, Felicity gets an update on the cost of fuel for hauliers, hears about the impact of delays to the government's Defence Investment Plan, and learns how artificial intelligence is being used to commit fraud.
At the ready?
Felicity Hannah unpacks how a week of political turmoil has hit the British economy with our Friday panel - and get the latest on Trump's visit to China. We also hear from the founder of Raspberry Pi on why British manufacturers are struggling with energy costs. Plus - why are some jewellers in hot water for mis-selling diamonds?
Challenging talks
Sean Farrington unpacks the economic impacts of a potential leadership challenge. As Donald Trump continues his visit to Beijing, we discuss the mood music with the owner of a Chinese-based company. And we take a closer look at who is - and isn't - attending this year's Cannes Film Festival.
Starmer's fresh start?
As Keir Starmer hopes to reinvigorate his party and the economy with the King's Speech, Sean Farrington speaks to a Labour peer about what it might do for his prospects. Over in China, President Trump and an army of business leaders hope for successful talks with President Xi. Plus, we speak to the British start-up that's launching an innovative new cancer treatment into space.
Sir Alec Reed
On Wake Up To Money, we talk a lot about jobs, wages and the labour market. And we often hear from the bosses of some of our biggest recruitment firms.One of those is the Reed Group.Sir Alec Reed started the company 65 years ago and made it into one of the UK's biggest private businesses. He was knighted for his services to business and charity in 2011.He'd long stepped down as Chief Executive of
Business of Sport with Sean Farrington
Sean Farrington has a look at the money behind sport - this week: mass-participation events.It's big business - from the thousands of competitors that sign up to take part, to managing the event itself, to the fundraising.Sean hears from Paul Foster, the Chief Executive of The Great Run Company - the company behind the Great North Run and many other events across the country. He'll also speak to N
Business of Sport with Sean Farrington
Sean Farrington speaks to Andrew Georgiou, President & Managing Director of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe and Paul Barber, Chief Executive of Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion FC
Business of Sport with Sean Farrington
Sean Farrington speaks to owner of Worcester City Women FC Nicole Allison and former Head of Women’s Football at The Football Association of Wales Lowri Roberts
Business of Sport with Sean Farrington
Sean speaks to chief executive of British cycling brand Rapha, Fran Millar, and former World Cycling Road Race Champion and four-time British Road Race Champion Lizzie Deignan.
Business of Sport with Sean Farrington
Sean takes a look at the rise of the use in technology in sport. From automated line-calling, VAR & AI data analytics - we ask how tech is shaping the future of sport.
Business of Sport with Sean Farrington
Sean spoke to Padel boss Sam Kemp from R3 Sports, Women's football consultant Andrea Ekblad and sportswear company MandM Chairman Mike Tomkins
Review of the Business Year
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.
Shein Slammed
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.
Trials and Tribunals
What do a football club, a media mogul and a social media giant all have in common?Fresh from another victory, Manchester City faces the start of hearings into its 115 alleged financial fair play charges today - Sean Farrington finds out what's in play.An American court will hear arguments on whether the US government can ban the Chinese social media giant TikTok from the country.And the children
Does rail funding need a revamp?
Felicity Hannah finds out if the private sector should fund a new rail link. And, after the success of the first spacewalk, is the sky the limit when it comes to space tourism?
Trump v Harris
it’s just 8 weeks till the American Election and Trump and Harris go head to head in their first live TV debate. Plus the skills Olympics finally gets underway in Lyon, France.
Apple: Intelligent Thinking?
Sean Farrington takes a look how Apple's latest gadgets will feature all things AI. Plus we find out why ASOS has been getting a lot of backlash online.
Building after Grenfell
Will Bain looks at what has to change in construction following the Grenfell Inquiry.Elsewhere, the Chief Executive of Mountain Warehouse speaks about the company's latest acquisition and broader plans for US expansion, and live music's contribution to the UK economy topped £6bn for the first time last year.
The best of Wake Up To Money 2023
Will Bain looks back at some of the highlights from Wake Up To Money in 2023. There's the story of the takeover of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft including an interview with the Microsoft President Brad Smith which made headlines around the world. Former England and Manchester United footballer Gary Neville explained why he's investing in property and the UK boss of Google Debbie Weinstein told
Wake Up To Money Special - Gary Neville
He's most famous for his football career and more recently, his punditry, but Gary Neville is also hugely successful in the worlds of business and property developing.In this interview, he tells Sean Farrington about his plans for a new £400 million project in the centre of Manchester.They discuss how rising interest rates are affecting the building trade, why Gary feels the hospitality industry i
Wake Up To Money - Elon Musk
The BBC's North America Technology Correspondent James Clayton talks exclusively to Elon Musk about Twitter. They discuss why he bought the social media site, controversy around tackling disinformation and the future for blue ticks.
Boardroom Stories: Sir Ian Livingston
Sir Ian Livingstone talks to Rahul Tandon about founding Games Workshop and the popularity of Dungeons and Dragons. He reveals his collection of hundreds of board games as well as discussing the development of Tomb Raider.
Million By 30: Timothy Armoo, part 2
Timothy Armoo talks to Sean Farrington about his decision to sell the business he founded in a multi-million pound deal. He discusses why he decided to sell, what he's learnt and his plans for what he's going to do next.
Business of Sport: The Ashes
Rahul Tandon looks at the money behind The Ashes. He discusses how important sponsorship is in cricket, how to grow the fanbase and get more people involved in the game. Rahul also speaks to Manoj Badale, one of the owners of the IPL team the Rajasthan Royal.
Boardroom Stories: Guy Hands, founder Terra Firma
One of the biggest names in the world in private equity, Guy Hands, talks candidly about what he calls 'going from hero to zero'.
Speaking with Felicity Hannah he shares his experience of growing his business Terra Firma Capital Partners which became one of the largest investment companies in the world.
He discusses the controversy around his ownership of record label EMI and losing control of th
Boardroom Stories: John Lyttle, Chief Executive, Boohoo
John Lyttle, chief executive of Boohoo, tells Sean Farrington about the company's massive growth and future expansion plans. He says the company doesn't make throwaway fashion and is taking measures to tackle climate change. He also discusses the recent controversy around allegations of mistreatment of staff at some of its suppliers in Leicester.
Business of Sport: Tokyo Olympics
Felicity Hannah looks at how the Olympic games are financed and the competitors are funded. She's joined by Sir Keith Mills, former Deputy Chair of London 2012 organising committee; Nigel Walker who's National Director of the English Institute of Sport; Marie Oldham, Executive chair of the advertising agency VCCP Media and Danny Downs of online sports retailer Fanatics.
The Origins of Reebok
Joe Foster, founder of Reebok talks with Sean Farrington and Reggie Nelson about creating one of the world's biggest brands. From the origins of a family business to breaking America and making trainers a must-have fashion item.
Million By 30: Roei Samuel
Roei Samuel talks to Sean Farrington about setting up e-sports business Real Sport which he sold in a multi-million pound deal and about how having ADHD affected his education and career choices.
Million By 30: Tom Beahon, co-founder Castore
Tom and Phil Beahon set up their sportswear brand Castore in Liverpool after their professional sporting careers came to an end. They chat with Sean about growing the brand, how their parents re-mortgaged their house to give them the money to get it off the ground and working with Sir Andy Murray and football clubs Rangers and Wolves.
Million By 30: CC Clarke
CC Clarke talks to Sean Farrington talks about growing her fanbase to more than two million followers and setting up her make-up business. She discusses how she's carried on with her singing career and dealing with social media trolls.
Business of Sport: Future of Football
After the collapse of plans for a European Super League, Sean Farrington discusses the future of football with current and former club bosses, fans and sport business experts.
Million By 30: Grace Beverley, influencer and founder of sustainable style brand TALA
Sean Farrington chats with Grace Beverley about how she built up a million followers on Instagram before going on to launch her own fitness brand Shreddy and sustainable style brand TALA.
Photo courtesy: Andy Cuthbert
Million By 30: Chester Mojay-Sinclare, founder and chief executive of Enthuse
Sean Farrington chats with Chester Mojay-Sinclare who first got his business off the ground by launching a potato into space. Eleven years later, he has raised over £100 million for charities through his company Enthuse.
Million By 30: Jenna Brown, co-founder and chief executive of Shipamax
How Jenna Brown turned her passion for start-ups into a multi-million backed business.
Million By 30: Alex Lovén, founder of Net World Sports
Sean Farrington chats with Alex Lovén, who started selling cricket bats when he was 13 to his mates at school, graduated to selling the bats on eBay and made £1m in sales by 22 and now, aged 33, his sports equipment business makes £50m in turnover.
Million By 30: Kofi McCalla, The Unknown Vlogs
Kofi McCalla, a menswear fashion YouTuber, on how he hit over 100 million views. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast please visit the BBC Action Line website https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/
Million By 30: Liberty Foreman, CEO and founder of DynamXMedical
Sean Farrington interviews Liberty Foreman, who started up a cancer screening tech company DynamX Medical by spinning it out from her PhD. Since then she’s raised millions in investment all before the company has even turned a profit. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast please visit the BBC Action Line website https://www.bbc.co.uk/actionline/
Million By 30: Maciek Kacprzyk and Karina Sudenyte, founders of Flawsome!
Sean Farrington interviews Maciek Kacprzyk and Karina Sudenyte, the founders of Flawsome!, a food waste company that saves wonky fruit from landfill and makes them into cold pressed juice and sparkling fruit juice waters.
Million By 30: Timothy Armoo, chief executive of Fanbytes
The story of how 26-year-old Timothy Armoo built a million-pound marketing business.
Million By 30: Adnan Ebrahim, founder of Car Throttle
Sean Farrington chats with Adnan Ebrahim who sold his first website before he was 18. He then founded Car Throttle, which quickly reached millions of followers around the world. He sold it in his mid-20's and has since embarked on a new venture
Business of Sport: Rugby World Cup
Sean Farrington looks at the money behind the Rugby World Cup in Japan including how can smaller countries break into the top tier of the game.
Business of Sport: The Price of Gold
It's a year until the Tokyo Olympics will be getting underway. The British Olympics Association has told us it could be one of the most expensive yet.A number of sports will be making their debut at the games - one of them is competitive climbing. But who sponsors a brand new sport, and how do they get funding?
Business of Sport: Not just about the scores
Sean and Mickey look at how sport is being reported off the pitch, from long reads to podcasts to social media.
Business of Sport: eSports
The industry is worth over $1bn globally. Is it time to take gaming as a competitive activity a bit more seriously?
Boardroom Stories: Sanjeev Gupta, Liberty Steel
Danni Hewson talks with Sanjeev Gupta, boss of one of the world's largest steel producers Liberty Steel.
Boardroom Stories: Co-Op
Chief Executive of the Co-Operative Group, Steve Murrells talks with Danni Hewson about supermarkets; funerals and schools and how it's recovered from a difficult period.
Boardroom Stories: Lovehoney
Lovehoney co-founders Neal Slateford and Richard Longhurst talk about developing their online sex toy company, meeting the Queen and adapting their business for international markets.
Boardroom Stories: Paul Pomroy, McDonald's UK
Wake Up To Money's Sean Farrington meets Paul Pomroy, the Chief Executive of McDonald's for the UK and Ireland to discuss the High Street crisis; plastic straws; Brexit; zero hours contracts and waste.
Boardroom Stories: Linda Jackson, Citroen
Linda Jackson, Chief Executive of Citroen talks about women in the car industry, electric cars and whether the 2CV could ever make a comeback.
Boardroom Stories: Rob Stringer of Sony Music Entertainment
Working with David Bowie on one of pop’s best kept secrets and how he won George Michael back after the star’s bitter split from Sony.
Boardroom Stories: Pure Gym
Humphrey Cobbold, boss of Pure Gym talks to Sean Farrington about how the chain has gone from zero to a million members in less than a decade.Plus how the treadmill is falling out of fashion as workouts change with the times.
Boardroom Stories: Intu's David Fischel
The boss of the company which owns some of the UK’s biggest shopping centres tells Wake Up To Money’s Mickey Clarke that retail is alive and kicking.
Boardroom Stories: Marston's Ralph Findlay
Marston's Chief Executive Ralph Findlay, Quality not quantity: How drinkers’ tastes have changed and why so many restaurants are struggling at the moment.
Boardroom Stories: Domino's Pizza
Domino's Pizza CEO David Wild on executive pay, The Simpsons and chanting.
Boardroom Stories: Bronek Masojada, Hiscox
Terrorism, cyber crime, luxury cars and diamonds. Who says insurance is boring? Bronek Masojada boss of Hiscox talks insurance with Wake Up To Money’s Louise Cooper.
Boardroom Stories: Craig Donaldson
Why banks need more branches and "it was a miserable place to be”: Life at RBS during the bailout.
Boardroom Stories: David Duffy
David Duffy, Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks boss, talks Open Banking, drones and the rise of the robots.
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