Wake Up to Money

It's Christmas Eve and we've seen some big last-minute buys in the world of mergers and acquisitions - Leanna Byrne finds out what big moves have been happening.The boss behind one of the world's most famous film studios, Pinewood Group, tells Wake Up to Money why the industry is crying out for more UK talent off-camera.And the head of children's books at Penguin Random House tells us about the importance of getting kids to read.

As a barrage of business research comes out just before Christmas, Leanna Byrne speaks to business owners about how festive trade has been going.

Felicity Hannah and the panel discuss the week's news, plus car production figures, Super Saturday and the Christmas number one.

Will Bain has the latest as Ofwat announces water bill increases for the next five years. Plus, BBC Studios and Disney team up to bring Bluey to the big screen.

As supplies of the Irish favourite run low, makers of less well-known stouts are having their moment. Plus, we hear how storm damage at Holyhead Port is hitting Irish Sea trade.

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

Sean Farrington talks the future of Royal Mail, after the BBC learned that its takeover by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky will be approved on Monday.

Felicity Hannah hears the changes small businesses are making because of new EU regulation. And we'll take a look back at the biggest stories of the week with our expert panel

The energy regulator looks at giving bill-payers an alternative to the standing charge. Will Bain has more.Elsewhere, the police announce the next steps of their investigation into the Post Office/Horizon scandal; and the men's football World Cup is headed to Saudi Arabia in 2034.

The former Premier League striker Thomas 'Hal' Robson-Kanu talks to Sean Farrington about why he made the switch from professional football to producing nutritional drinks such as turmeric shots.Rents in the UK have have gone up by more than three thousand pounds on average over the last three years -- we'll hear about the impact that's been having on both renters and landlordsUS President Joe Biden has defended his record on the economy -- we find out how it's been felt by business and investors over there

The future of the media giant News Corp could look very different, after a US court ruled against Rupert Murdoch's wishes to leave control to his son Lachlan, meaning his other children could have influence. Sean Farrington finds out what this could mean for the company.The Brexit arrangements for Northern Ireland that have been in place for four years get put to a vote in Stormont today. We hear what effects the so-called Windsor Framework has had on Ulster.And according to new research, second-hand Christmas gifts are increasing in popularity.

Sean Farrington has the latest after a historic weekend in the Middle East.Elsewhere, a think tank voices concerns about the impact of the Government's industrial strategy on regional inequality; and a rather special pair of ruby slippers fetches tens of millions of pounds at auction.

The total amount paid by retailers to banks and card schemes rose by over 25 per cent last year, at an extra cost of £380 million.Will Bain speaks to a panel of guests about this week's big economic stories.Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reiterated the key pledges that formed Labour's manifesto, including building affordable homes, reducing NHS waiting times and delivering clean power by 2030.

Will Bain examines the economic fall out from the collapse of the French Government. And what does Keir Starmer's 'plan for change' have in store? We find out.

Sean Farrington finds out how the government's ban on junk food advertising will work. And Christmas parties are changing - we hear what businesses are doing differently and why.

Sean Farrington hears the challenges facing the automotive industry both in the UK and abroad. Plus, PlayStation celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Sean Farrington finds out why Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has stepped down ahead of schedule. Plus we hear how big of a boost Black Friday was for retailers.

Will Bain speaks to retail on what has become a major day in the sector's golden quarter.Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp's house was the most-viewed listing in 2024; and M&A is back on the agenda with a couple of big potential deals hitting the headlines.

A dozen traditional British beers are disappearing from pubs and some tipplers are unhappy with the Danish brewer who's decided they should go. And Sean Farrington hears from an economist on what Irish businesses can expect from the elections.

Rules on electric vehicle sales could be changing, but as Vauxhall announces the closure of its Luton plant, Will Bain asks will it be enough to save UK car manufacturing?We've had more details on the government's plan to get more young people into work or training - we hear from one jobseeker about the difficulties of finding work.And find out why people are starting to use artificial intelligence to shop for Christmas presents.