Wake Up to Money

Sean Farrington takes a look at the diplomatic and economic fallout of a big weekend in international diplomacy. And how will markets react to a boost for British arms firms?

A defence spending boost seems to have put the UK in Donald Trump's good books, but Felicity Hannah asks if Keir Starmer has done enough to secure a trade deal and avoid tariffs.

US President Trump has announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on goods made in the EU. Leanna Byrne will be hearing how the car industry in Germany is bracing for the impact.

Oil giant BP is expected to announce plans to scale back its green investment plans. Sean Farrington will hear what this development means for their net zero targets?

Sean Farrington hears about Apple’s massive investment plan—$500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, but what does this mean for the U.S economy and job growth?

Leanna Byrne will dive into how luxury London restaurants are tackling no-shows and influencers with the introduction of hefty deposits and minimum spending requirements.

The James Bond franchise will no longer be controlled by the Broccoli dynasty, which means Amazon will finally get full creative control. But some fans are concerned about what this means for the future of the films.Also, Leanna Byrne speaks to the boss of one of the biggest crowdfunding platforms - Go Fund Me - who says that governments are "very happy" with its transparency, despite criticisms around the lack of regulation on the sector.

Apple has launched its latest iPhone, which will have new "affordable" hand set with AI tools. It will go on sale in the UK next Friday starting at £599, which is £200 less than the brand's current cheapest iPhone 16 device, released in September.Energy regulator, Ofgem, has taken the next step in its proposals to change the way customers pay for standing charges. They make up that fixed part of your gas and electricity bill which you pay regardless of how much energy you use. The flat charge is there to cover the cost of delivering gas and electricity.Ofgem's plans will mean individual bill payers have a choice: keep paying the standing charge as it is, or pay a share of the standing charge according to how much energy you use. The plan will be welcomed by those who don't use much energy - but there are concerns the proposals may not help everyone.

Britain's average wages are up according to the latest official data - Will Bain finds out from the public, businesses and listeners if they're feeling the difference.A new report on the property market suggests things are getting even harder for first-time buyers - Wake Up to Money hears from an estate agent and a would-be homeowner about the tricky picture in their area.And after the film adaptation of the Robert Harris book Conclave saw success at the BAFTAs, the owner of a bookshop in Swindon reveals the impact of successful film adaptations on book sales.

Potentially the biggest payout case since the PPE scandal takes another turn as the UK Treasury is blocked by the Supreme Court from intervening on behalf of lenders in the controversy over car loans. Will Bain asks what the implications could be for both the banks and drivers involved.One of the UK's main exam boards is trying to persuade the government to give pupils the option of a short course in Maths to help grades - but will it add up for businesses wanting to hire? Plus, Formula 1 celebrates its 75th year with a glitzy event in London to launch the new season - we find out how business for the motorsport is going full throttle.

Water companies are in the spotlight once again as a deadline looms for when they can appeal for higher bill rises for consumers - Will Bain asks what case could be made and what the impact for billpayers could be.From today you might breathe a little easier after parking your car, because there's a new rule that should stop people being fined up to thousands of pounds for not buying their ticket fast enough.And we hear from one of the nominees for Sunday night's British Academy Film Awards.

Roses are red, violets are blue, and Valentine’s spending is up too. Felicity Hannah will be hearing how one business is feeling the love this season.

Will Bain looks ahead to the latest UK GDP data. Plus, how could Donald Trump's tariffs impact the Scottish whisky industry?

Sean Farrington looks at a multinational law firm which has had to revoke general access to AI programmes. Plus, the UK gets its first Michelin starred vegan restaurant.

Sean Farrington has more on Elon Musk's bid to buy ChatGPT-maker Open AI. Plus, Donald Trump signs executives orders aimed at introducing 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium.

Felicity Hannah looks at the business of American Football's biggest night of the year. Plus, China's retaliatory tariffs on the US come into effect.

Felicity Hannah looks at the state of dairy farms and milk prices. Plus, how are businesses in the night time economy trying to make things work?

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

Sean Farrington gets reaction to disappointing trading results from Google parent Alphabet. Also, we hear about the latest blows in the trade spat between China and the US. Chinese online retailers may no longer be able to duck American import duty. But should the UK be following suit?

Sean Farrington gets reaction from businesses in North America after Donald Trump pauses his tariff plan. We also dig into the deal for the royalties of some of the most popular TV and film theme music.