Business As Usual | City AM

City AM

Matt Kenyon and Martin Kimber bring you all the business news you need to start your day.

Business As Usual drops in your podcast feed at 6am Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

We aim to make economics, business and politics as accessible and entertaining as possible.

Featuring big-name guests, City AM journalists and market analysts, this is the only podcast you'll need to sound informed for the first meeting of your day.

Listen in PodNod RSS feed Show website

20 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes20

Newest first

Friday · 21 min
Bank of England hampers Burnham’s jobs drive, EasyJet takeover up in the air, and Ferrari's EV hits sales target
Send us Fan Mail Interest rates look set to stay higher for longer, putting more pressure on borrowers – including the country’s biggest borrower, the government. The Bank of England’s MPC's decision to hold interest rates also hampers Andy Burnham's drive to solve the youth unemployment crisis. Chief Reporter, Ali Lyon joins to explain. Meanwhile, Andy Burnham has given his second sit down interview since becoming Prime Minister and said business needs to lean in more to solve the jobs crisis - we're joined by Jimmy McLoughlin who interviewed him. Plus: the electric Ferrari Luce proves its doubters wrong as it smashes its sales target. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
Thursday · 18 min
Greggs opens Tenerife bakery: stock soars, why the Middle East can't get enough Vimto, and how to sell a World Cup
Send us Fan Mail One of the most shorted stocks on the FTSE, Greggs, saw its shares rise after a trading update in which the chain announced it was opening a bakery in Tenerife. Chief Reporter Ali Lyon has the story. Meanwhile more British travellers are seeking refuge in airport lounges as they jet off on summer holiday - the CEO of Collinson International which operates those lounges joins us to explain how they plan to keep them premium. Plus: Sports Editor, Frank Dalleres has the latest on Gianni Infantino's talks to sell off part of the World Cup. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
Wednesday · 22 min
Inflation slashes Burnham's budget by £24bn, pension boss calls for ban on US shares in ISAs & Unilever boosted by avocado mayo
Send us Fan Mail Britain’s new chancellor, John Healey, faces a £24 billion real spending squeeze by the end of the decade, due to higher and more persistent inflation. Chief Reporter, Ali Lyon explains what that means for the autumn Budget. Meanwhile, pensions boss Nicholas Lyons has called for a ban on holding shares of American companies in UK ISAs. The Chairman of Standard Life has argued the change would help revive Britain’s ailing stock market and boost economic growth. Brian Byrnes, Director of Personal Finance at Moneybox disagrees. Plus: why consumer goods giant Unilever is turning to avocado mayonnaise to solve a slide in consumer demand. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
Tuesday · 19 min
Scottish tax hikes backfire, Waitrose searches for new store locations & the one West-End musical to avoid
Send us Fan Mail The Scottish government’s decision to hike the top rate of income tax may have backfired. That’s according to analysis from the lawyer Dan Neidle, who suggests raising rates north of the border actually led to lower receipts. Chief Reporter, Ali Lyon has the story. Meanwhile, Waitrose is asking the Great British public for suggestions of potential future stores, as part of a one billion pound investment and expansion plan. Plus: City AM's Life and Style Editor, Steve Dinneen gives us his tip on the one West-End show you should give a miss this week. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 24 · 19 min
Burnham's £100m pub bailout, Brits ditch the Sunday roast, and why AI is killing human creativity
Send us Fan Mail Andy Burnham has announced a 20% cut to business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues. The government claims £100m commitment will be funded by cracking down on businesses, like vape shops and tax-avoidant online sellers, which they say “do not make a positive contribution to local communities.” Morgan Schondelmeier, Head of Policy at the British Beer and Pub Association join us to discuss. Meanwhile the controversial former Chief Executive of Barclays, Jes Staley is giving evidence to Congress in Washington, over numerous intimate emails he exchanged with the dead paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. We hear more from City Editor Simon Hunt on that, and why Brits are eating fewer Sunday roasts. Plus: Features Writer, Adam Bloodworth talks about why we need to stop letting AI do all our writing. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 23 · 18 min
Burnham's £22bn bombshell, Amex boss on High St shopping & cricket teams feel the financial pinch
Send us Fan Mail We’re three days into Andy Burnham’s premiership and he's already racked up billions in spending pledges. On his treasury shopping list he’s committed to a VAT cut on energy bills, a vow to end rough sleeping, and the reintroduction of the Conservative policy of capping of bus fares. Chief Reporter, Ali Lyon has the full breakdown. Meanwhile, an American Express boss tells City AM social media is driving Gen Z and Millenials to the High Street in droves - Dan Edelman, UK General Manager of Merchant Services at Amex explains why - and whether more shops are now accepting his credit card. Plus: county crickets teams are on a sticky wicket when it comes to their financial health. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 22 · 20 min
New Chancellor in place, another FTSE company poached & Welsh fintech hires Kazakhstan burger baron
Send us Fan Mail John Healey has been confirmed as the new Chancellor of the Exchequer - we get reaction from our City Editor, Simon Hunt plus City grandee and activist investor, Christopher Mills, Chief Executive of Harwood Private Equity (who doesn't hold back about the challenges facing the Burnham administration). Meanwhile, a Welsh finance company owned by Sir Alex Ferguson has hired the founder of Burger King Kazakhstan - we'll explain why. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 21 · 20 min
Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister: what it means for the economy, politics and you
Send us Fan Mail Andy Burnham has officially been invited by the King to form a government, and outside Downing Street, and without a lectern, the new PM promised to lay out a 10 year plan for Britain. City Editor, Simon Hunt explains what it means for the economy. Meanwhile, stakeholders in Thames Water are battling to keep the company out of government hands. Deputy Editor, Charlie Conchie pulls the curtain back on those tricky negotiations. Plus: what does a Burnham premiership mean for politics on the Left and the Right? Opinion Editor, Alys Denby talks about neoliberalism and the lack of scrutiny our new Prime Minister has enjoyed. Don't forget to VOTE in the Toast Awards 2026 for your favourite spot in the City here: https://www.cityamevents.co.uk/toast-2026 Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 17 · 22 min
British Steel is nationalised, small businesses despair, and Shabana for Chancellor?
Send us Fan Mail The government has brought British Steel under state ownership after the steelmaker’s nationalisation passed a public interest test. Chief Reporter Ali Lyon explains what happens next. Meanwhile, only 1 in 6 small businesses expects to grow over the next year, Craig Beaumont, Executive Director at FSB joins us to tell us why. Plus: Shabana Mahmood now stands an 85% chance of being named the next chancellor of the exchequer according to Polymarket. But, what does the likely next Chancellor think about business and the economy more widely? And remember to VOTE for your favourite City of London hospitality spot here: https://www.cityamevents.co.uk/toast-2026 Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 16 · 20 min
James Watt makes Brewdog offer, triple lock under fire, Rachel Reeves’ parting warning
Send us Fan Mail On the podcast today... An audacious offer from the Brewdog founder James Watt to buy back his old firm. A worrying new report from the OECD that the triple lock on state pensions is putting serious pressure on the British economy. Plus: We take you inside Rachel Reeves’ final Mansion House dinner, and the warning the outgoing Chancellor has given her successor. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 15 · 21 min
Tom Kerridge on hospitality crisis, the wealth tax that MIGHT work plus why France is still vital to the UK economy
Send us Fan Mail Celebrity chef, Tom Kerridge, has told City AM that the benefits of a 10% cut in VAT on hospitality would far outweigh the negatives. Speaking to City AM's Retail Reporter, Felix Armstrong, Mr Kerridge took aim at tax expert Dan Neidle, who has criticised the proposed VAT scheme for indiscriminately cutting taxes for both small and large businesses. Meanwhile, City Editor Simon Hunt takes a closer look at a possible Land Value Tax, a proposal favoured by Andy Burnham which would see council tax and stamp duty rolled into one. Plus: on Bastille Day the UK head of Business France tells the podcast Brits are still as eager for French cheese, wine and fintechs as ever. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 14 · 21 min
Rachel Reeves's legacy, JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon questioned on Epstein, and Wimbledon winners' tax
Send us Fan Mail As Rachel Reeves likely enters her final week as Chancellor before Andy Burnham's coronation, we look back on her legacy with the help of City Editor, Simon Hunt. Meanwhile the world's most influential banker and JP Morgan CEO, Jamie Dimon, faces questions from US politicians about whether he lobbied the UK government on the advice of Jeffrey Epstein. Plus: it's not all fun and games for the Wimbledon winners as HMRC calculates the tax bill on their winnings. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 10 · 19 min
Hugo Boss takeover offer branded "inadequate", government considers VPN ban, National Grid struggles as Brits blast aircon
Send us Fan Mail Hugo Boss has urged its investors to reject the “inadequate” £1.7bn takeover tabled by Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group after the retail giant behind Sports Direct and House of Fraser launched a move to take control last month. City Editor Simon Hunt reports. Meanwhile the government weighs potential restrictions on the use of VPNS - is this safeguarding of children or an infringement of civil liberties? Plus: the the National Grid has admitted that an uptick in overnight air conditioning is putting strain on the system - Chief Reporter, Ali Lyon explains. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 9 · 18 min
Trump calls off Iran ceasefire, Virgin Media O2 fined, and Jet2 boosted by jet fuel prices
Send us Fan Mail Markets are reeling after Donald Trump called an end to the fragile ceasefire with Iran. Senior City Reporter, Sam Norman explains the consequences for the UK. Meanwhile the media watchdog slams Virgin Media O2 for making it too hard for customers to leave their contracts, issuing one of the biggest consumer fines in OFCOM's history. Plus: can a professional restaurant critic get into shape? City AM's Deputy Life&Style Editor, Adam Bloodworth reports on his progress. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 8 · 18 min
House prices rise, M&S shareholders demand longer skirts, and why Wimbledon's Centre Court seats lie empty
Send us Fan Mail The latest Lloyds House Price Index indicates UK house prices have risen for the first time in weeks - but what does it mean for homeowners in London? Meanwhile M&S has updated shareholders and faced a backlash for its newer, shorter skirts. Retail Reporter, Felix Armstrong, has the details. Plus: Wimbledon slaps down accusations of pricing normal people out of the game, as seats lie empty on Centre Court. Deputy Sports Editor, Matt Hardy joins us to discuss. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 7 · 20 min
Sky buys chunk of ITV, what the City makes of Burnham, and $8m World Cup tickets
Send us Fan Mail City editor Simon Hunt tackles the big corporate stories: Sky is buying ITV’s broadcasting arm for £1.6bn; Ocado's chief executive will step down after a long boardroom battle, Nigel Farage backed crypto venture loses more than a third of its value. Meanwhile, less than two weeks from Andy Burnham (almost certainly) taking the keys to Number 10, how is the Square Mile feeling about his policy agenda? Plus: As England progresses to the quarter-finals, excitement for the World Cup is reaching fever pitch. And some wealthy fans are going to extreme lengths to see Tuchel's side. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 6 · 12 min
INTERVIEW: UK boss of Charles Schwab on markets, SpaceX IPO and investment opportunities in 2026
Send us Fan Mail Our investment reporter, Maisie Grice speaks to the UK boss of the world’s largest brokerage firm. Richard Flynn is the UK Managing director of Charles Schwab which has over $12 trillion under management. He came in to chat about the markets in the first six months of 2026, that SpaceX mega IPO, and where those hidden investment opportunities might lie for the second half of the year. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 3 · 20 min
Motor finance compensation in doutbt, Thatcher aide on 'No. 10 North' and: what is co-living?
Send us Fan Mail The financial conduct authority has suspended parts of its £9bn motor finance ruling after a venomous response from industry and consumer groups. Senior City Reporter Sam Norman has the story. Meanwhile, Politics and Economics Reporter Mauricio Alencar speaks to Margaret Thatcher's former private secretary about Andy Burnham's plans to build a 'Number 10 North'. Plus: The City AM quarterly magazine is out, and we're joined by one of its editors, Adam Bloodworth to explore what co-living in London actually is. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 2 · 20 min
Brewdog CEO quits after just one year, the business of social housing, and banks eye digital ID
Send us Fan Mail The chief executive of Brewdog has resigned after just a year, and so far, it doesn’t look clear if he’ll be replaced at all. Simon Hunt has the details. Meanwhile, Andy Burnham has pledged the biggest social housebuilding drive in a generation - Deputy Editor, Charlie Conchie pulls back the curtain on the business of council housing. Plus: Senior City Reporter, Sam Norman explains why banks want to introduce digital ID. Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!
July 1 · 21 min
Why Italian aristocrats want to mine uranium, the FTSE half-year review, and Canary Wharf is BACK
Send us Fan Mail A firm run by Italian aristocrats planning to mine uranium in northern Italy, has drawn up plans for a London float as it seeks to capitalise on renewed interest in nuclear technology. City Editor, Simon Hunt explains why. Meanwhile we're six months into the year - would investing in the FTSE 100 in January have paid off? Michael Hunter has the figures. Plus: Barclays signs a mega-lease for a new office in Canary Wharf. Could this sign a return for one of London's financial hubs? Remember to download the City AM app: https://tr.ee/BwDcEwXuPS ... and subscribe to our various newsletters here: https://mailchi.mp/cityam.com/newsletters If you'd be interested in sponsoring Business As Usual please get in touch via the fanmail link!

Business As Usual | City AM

Bank of England hampers Burnham’s jobs drive, EasyJet takeover up in the air, and Ferrari's EV hits sales target

Greggs opens Tenerife bakery: stock soars, why the Middle East can't get enough Vimto, and how to sell a World Cup

Inflation slashes Burnham's budget by £24bn, pension boss calls for ban on US shares in ISAs & Unilever boosted by avocado mayo

Scottish tax hikes backfire, Waitrose searches for new store locations & the one West-End musical to avoid

Burnham's £100m pub bailout, Brits ditch the Sunday roast, and why AI is killing human creativity

Burnham's £22bn bombshell, Amex boss on High St shopping & cricket teams feel the financial pinch

New Chancellor in place, another FTSE company poached & Welsh fintech hires Kazakhstan burger baron

Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister: what it means for the economy, politics and you

British Steel is nationalised, small businesses despair, and Shabana for Chancellor?

James Watt makes Brewdog offer, triple lock under fire, Rachel Reeves’ parting warning

Tom Kerridge on hospitality crisis, the wealth tax that MIGHT work plus why France is still vital to the UK economy

Rachel Reeves's legacy, JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon questioned on Epstein, and Wimbledon winners' tax

Hugo Boss takeover offer branded "inadequate", government considers VPN ban, National Grid struggles as Brits blast aircon

Trump calls off Iran ceasefire, Virgin Media O2 fined, and Jet2 boosted by jet fuel prices

House prices rise, M&S shareholders demand longer skirts, and why Wimbledon's Centre Court seats lie empty

Sky buys chunk of ITV, what the City makes of Burnham, and $8m World Cup tickets

INTERVIEW: UK boss of Charles Schwab on markets, SpaceX IPO and investment opportunities in 2026

Motor finance compensation in doutbt, Thatcher aide on 'No. 10 North' and: what is co-living?

Brewdog CEO quits after just one year, the business of social housing, and banks eye digital ID

Why Italian aristocrats want to mine uranium, the FTSE half-year review, and Canary Wharf is BACK