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
10
06/01/2026
<p>News and insight from the business world. Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.</p>
What's next for Venezuela's oil?
<p>The US has pledged billions of dollars to revive Venezuela's ailing oil industry, but what do the experts think of the plan's chances of success? Plus, Will Bain finds out what impact a junk-food TV advertising ban will have on the food industry. And, it's time to start that gym membership, but will you stay the course? We hear from a gym owner about their busy time of the year.</p>
New year, same economy
<p>Leanna Byrne looks at what's in store for the UK's economy in 2026 and asks what the next 12 months might bring for London's financial markets.</p><p>Elsewhere - she'll hear from a tech boss about where AI development will go after last year, where the technology went mainstream.</p><p>And one pub owner tells us why they're not looking forward to 'Dry January'.</p><p>Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.</p>
Eurotrashed?
<p>Tens of thousands of passengers on the Eurostar have been unable to make their journeys after a power outage - Sean Farrington hears how it's been impacting travellers and businesses.</p><p>The legendary investor Warren Buffett is to step down as head of his company Berkshire Hathaway - another top investor tells us what legacy the 95-year-old leaves.</p><p>And as it's New Year's Eve, we go to Edinburgh where one tour and pub crawl company will be painting the town red for Hogmanay.</p>
Sir Alec Reed
<p>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.</p><p>One of those is the Reed Group.</p><p>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.</p><p>He'd long stepped down as Chief Executive of Reed by then, handing over the reins to his son, James, in 1997.</p><p>Sean Farrington sat down...
Sir Alec Reed Remembered
<p>Sir Alec Reed, who passed away earlier this month, started the Reed Group 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.</p><p>Sean Farrington sits down with his son, James Reed, who took the reins of the company as chief executive in 1997, and looks back on the life and work of his dad.</p>
Last Orders
<p>It's been a tricky year for many hospitality businesses; Will Bain hears from a panel of pub and restaurant owners to look back - and forwards - on how they've been handling trade.</p><p>In an exclusive interview, the boss of Puregym tells Wake Up to Money that pharmaceutical companies and health professionals need to be clearer on the need for exercise alongside weight-loss drugs.</p>
Tax relief and Christmas peak
<p>We gauge reaction to the u-turn on the inheritance tax hike on farms & business assets. Will Bain also reflects on a massive year for Birmingham's bins - following ongoing strike action from refuse workers in the city. And as almost 13 million shoppers try to bag a last minute gift for their loved ones, we head to one shopping centre in Liverpool.</p>
Defence delays
<p>Following a delay to the Defence Investment Plan, what does the lack of certainty mean? Will Bain also looks into the ongoing impact of botched insulation installed in peoples homes under a government scheme. And as we step into Christmas, it's a busy time for butchers.</p>
Room at the Inn?
<p>How has this Christmas worked out for the hospitality business? Will Bain talks festive trade with a hotelier. Also, we talk about some new research into the jobs market ... AND, if you've left your Christmas shopping to the last minute, we have help at hand. A personal shopper gives us some tips on late buys.</p>
