Wake Up to Money

BBC Radio 5 Live

4.1 (720)
BUSINESS
UPDATED TWICE WEEKLY

News and views on business and the world of personal finance. Plus the very latest from the financial markets around the globe

6 HR AGO

06/01/2026

News and insight from the business world. Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.

50 min
1 DAY AGO

What's next for Venezuela's oil?

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.

51 min
4 DAYS AGO

New year, same economy

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. Elsewhere - she'll hear from a tech boss about where AI development will go after last year, where the technology went mainstream. And one pub owner tells us why they're not looking forward to 'Dry January'. Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.

52 min
6 DAYS AGO

Eurotrashed?

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. 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. 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.

52 min
30/12/2025

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 Reed by then, handing over the reins to his son, James, in 1997. Sean Farrington sat down with James to look back on the life of his Dad - and how they navigated being part of the same team at work as well as at home... something that will sound familiar to so many across the country.

26 min
30/12/2025

Sir Alec Reed Remembered

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. 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.

25 min
29/12/2025

Last Orders

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. 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.

52 min
24/12/2025

Tax relief and Christmas peak

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.

51 min

See All (74)

Sean Farrington

Host

4.1

out of 5

720 Ratings

Very good but what’s happened to the editing?

10/11/2025

Cossie93

I listen to the podcast rather than the live show and find it a useful way to start my day. The presenters are very good and don’t allow the contributors to get away with jargon which I like. This would have been 5 stars but recently the editing has been pretty awful, take the job away from the work experience person please
Listened for years

20/10/2023

Daryl and Rupert

Good podcast!
Presenters with no business or economics understanding

02/05/2025

DCMCR

I used to listen to this show but increasingly, I can’t stand listening to presenters who have no clue what they are talking about. Often pronounce names and topics incorrectly because they never heard the name or term before. Worst presenter I’ve ever listened to is Felicity Hannah. How she works on this show is beyond me. She blabs on about her kids and personal topics 90% of the time to fill in the gaps in topics she has no understanding of. Don’t waste your time. Many other, better podcasts out there.
A whole hour of broadcast business 😍

09/08/2023

KentTwinMum

I used to be glued to my radio for the 15 minute business news slot in the Today programme. I’d viciously guard this time against the constant demands from husband, children and pets. Now, now I have discovered (stumbled across!!!???) Radio 5 Live’s Wake up to money 😃 Frankly, what have I been doing?? Where have I been? I can’t believe I’ve only just discovered this show! Global news plus guests from ALL sectors of business and from across the whole of our country - Yes! including ‘The North’ - love hearing all the different regional accents from active business owners and WOMEN in business. Such insights from subject matter experts! Economic perspectives and predictions based on current, lived experience and a fantastic balance of opinions from large and small business. Plus, given the WHOLE programme is about business news, I can just dive straight in on the BBC Sounds app without having to fast forward through to a short segment within another programme. I often listen on playback while I’m cooking or walking the dogs. My day is not complete without this programme. Thank you! 🥹❤️🌈