Wake Up to Money

As tech giant Apple celebrates its 50th birthday, we hear from the man behind the "i" in iPhone. Sean Farrington also brings the latest on oil prices, and we hear from the Chancellor about what kind of help the government might announce for those facing higher bills.

Will Walker-Arna, Director of Private Clients at Raymond James, gives market and macro investment commentary. Tom Uppington, Managing Director at Alvance, explains UK aluminium production and energy constraints. Kim Sides, Executive Director of Construction at BAM UK & Ireland, covers construction supply-chain pressures and sustainability. They discuss rising aluminium prices, energy limits on smelters, long-term power deals, and construction’s response to the energy transition.

Mark Simmons, SVP of HR at GXO, explains how apprenticeship programmes build internal talent. Peter Shreiserman, hospitality entrepreneur and hotel co-owner, talks hotel conditions and rising staycation demand. They discuss apprenticeship funding shifts, older trainees, staffing pressures, hotel refinancing and how geopolitical risks reshape travel choices.

Frances Coppola, independent economist, outlines UK growth and interest rate risks. Randeep Somal, fund manager, breaks down market volatility and oil futures. Sophie Millican, PR CEO, discusses business confidence and leadership in uncertainty. Eva Longoria, actress and producer, warns that consolidation could stifle innovation and describes her entrepreneurship and philanthropic work.

Siobhan Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, urges firms to keep exporting despite geopolitical and energy pressures. Kevin Brundish, CEO of LionVolt, talks next‑generation batteries, supply chain challenges and new market openings. Zoe Gillespie, investment manager at RBC Brewin Dolphin, covers savings, investments and market reactions to the NS&I story.

Simon French, chief economist offering macro and energy market insight; Harriet Hastings, co-founder of Biscuteers on small-business and supply-chain realities; Larry Fink, BlackRock CEO, on markets, energy and AI. They discuss oil price scenarios, energy pragmatism and national strategy. Conversation covers private credit growth, geopolitics shaping markets, and practical AI uses for small manufacturers.

Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation, outlines new government moves on late payments and energy support. He discusses measures like mandatory 60-day terms, stronger enforcement and help for energy-intensive manufacturers. The conversation also touches on COBRA meetings, petrol duty and monitoring risks to households and businesses.

Shanti Kellerman, Co-CIO at Seven IM, offers market and macro commentary on inflation, interest rates and energy-driven price moves. Jambu Palaniapan, CEO of CheckerTrade and ex-Uber exec, discusses tech for trades, vetting and shortages in the sector. They cover soaring fuel and gas markets, supply risks, pressures on hauliers and small trades, plus how AI and policy changes could help.

Adrian Hanrahan, MD of a West Midlands chemicals firm, on soaring energy bills and manufacturing strain. Victoria Scholar, investment chief, on markets, inflation and sector fallout. George Ligaris, chief economist, on UK macro, labour signals and central bank caution. Sarana Pavalescu, geopolitical risk partner, on Middle East tensions and oil market shocks. They discuss energy costs, market moves and policy risks.

William Lee, Chief Economist at Global Economic Advisers, offers sharp macroeconomic perspective. Megan Sutcliffe, Middle East and Africa analyst at Sibylline Strategic Risk Advisory, explains regional energy and security stakes. They discuss strikes on Gulf energy sites, risks to Qatar and Iran's gas infrastructure, potential market and geopolitical escalation, and implications for inflation and policy.