Business As Usual | 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.
Healey refuses to rule out tax hikes, Hormuz to push prices higher & raving in St Paul's Cathedral
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John Healey, the new Chancellor, gave his first major speech on the economy on Monday. He promised a more dynamic, innovative state as the key mechanism to push for growth. City Editor Simon Hunt assesses if he's on track to succeed.
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham's promise to cut mortgage rates looks in peril as inflation looks set to jump as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. Nikos Petrakakos, Managing Director at shipping investment firm Tufton joins the podcast to discuss.
Plus: the controversial tie up between Fabric nightclub and... St...
Rent caps deal blow to FTSE 100 landlord, Zack Polanski to run in Starmer's seat & Zoom hires Jeffrey Epstein
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The FTSE 100 giant M&G asset manager swung into a loss this week – and it looks as though a Labour rental policy is to blame. City Editor, Simon Hunt has the story.
Meanwhile, the hard-Left leader of the Green Party looks set to run in the seat of former Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer as preparations are made for yet another by-election. Reporter, Felix Armstrong joins the pod.
Plus: why Zoom has hired Jeffrey Epstein (yes, you read that right), and the 5* London hotel serving food with a side of s...
Shadow Chancellor hits back at Burnham, graduates unlikely to ever repay loans & F1 plans to expand
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The newly appointed Shadow Chancellor has told City AM he wasn't involved in formulating Liz Truss's disastrous mini-budget, following accusations from Andy Burnham that he contributed to the chaos at Wednesday's PMQs - City Editor Simon Hunt has the interview.
Meanwhile, new data suggests many graduates are unlikely to ever repay their student loans, and that only the top earners will ever be free of their punitively high interest rate.
Plus: Inside F1's plans to expand - and the Premier League teams that spent the most in this ye...
Taxes scupper first time buyers in London, geopolitics expert on the Budget & Batman battles Irn Bru
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A raft of government stealth taxes is driving the London property market even further out of reach for first time buyers, according to research - City Editor, Simon Hunt has the latest.
Meanwhile Andy Burnham and John Healey prepare for their first budget as the UK is blown from pillar to post by global headwinds - Wall Street geopolitical adviser Tina Fordham, joins the pod to explain the uphill battle the government faces.
Plus: forget The Joker - Batman's ultimate nemesis might just turn out to be... Irn Bru.
<...Reform hopes to woo business, Apple's new CEO & Gen Z trained to speak on the phone
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In this episode of Business As Usual, we get stuck into the business side of Reform UK's party conference. Can Nigel Farage woo big FTSE firms?
Apple's new chief executive John Ternus takes the reins today. In his in-tray: a big AI dilemma and soaring component costs.
Plus: We'll take you inside the law firm training its Gen Z juniors to speak on the phone...
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Youth unemployment remains high, Burger & Lobster CEO on hospitality and tax & Brewdog's James Watt press complaints
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The number of young people not in employment, education or training, (NEETs), remained stubbornly high on Thursday as the number of NEETs dropped very slightly below 1 million. Investment Reporter, Maisie Grice has the breakdown.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of Burger and Lobster tells the podcast he'd like to see an overhaul to VAT and calls on the government to support consumers. Dino Sura explains the impact the cost of hiring has had on his business.
Plus: the former Brewdog boss, James Watt complains that not enough media outlets are co...
Pensioners pile pain on taxpayers, Deloitte battles Trump over DEI & Londoners stump up huge house deposits
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New research suggests that pensions will heap pressure on generations to come, requiring reams of extra tax rises. The Institute for Public Policy Research found that demographic changes will make up two-thirds of rising fiscal pressures on the government by 2050 and four-fifths of pressures by 2075. Senior City Reporter, Sam Norman, has the facts.
Meanwhile, Deloitte is under fire from the Trump administration and has agreed to pay $21.5m to the US government to settle allegations that it violated federal ‘equal opportunity’ requirements. Our professional services editor Maria Ward-Brennan joins us to discu...
Burnham's council house drive boosts housebuilders, why data centres are pushing up mortgages & hidden pension pots
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Housebuilders enjoyed a share price boost on Andy Burnham committed to AKeir Starmer's social housing plan. The news comes as Reform unveiled a policy prioritising British-born families and married couples for social housing. Retail Reporter, Felix Armstrong has the latest.
Meanwhile, AI companies are contributing to the rising interest rate on government and household borrowing. Datacentre hyperscalers and AI developers are competing for cash, driving up the going rate for bonds - Investment Director at AJ Bell, Russ Mould joins us to explain.
Plus: do you have a pension ou...
The most likely taxes this Budget, GTA 6 leaks rock share price & the company authenticating human work
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We take you through the three most likely taxes set to rise in this year's Budget, as Andy Burnham's spending pledges continue to rise. Chief Reporter, Ali Lyon has the list.
Meanwhile, further leaks of the new Grand Theft Auto 6 game are further endangering the biggest game launch the world has ever seen. We look at the business implications for Rockstar Games and Take Two Interactive Entertainment.
Plus: an interview with the former Australian Chief Scientist, Dr. Alan Finkel, who founded an AI authentication service to prove your work is...
Harry & Meghan face tax turmoil, Amazon destroys books for AI training & the Alice In Wonderland themed office
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reported to be eyeing a return to Blighty after six years away in California. City Editor Simon Hunt examines the potential tax implications for the in-and-out royal couple.
Meanwhile, from selling books in the mid-90s to destroying them in 2026: Amazon confirms to City AM that it's buying up books to train its AI models. Tech Reporter, Saskia Koopman explains why.
Plus: would you work from an Alice In Wonderland themed office?
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Pensioners set for £500 boost, Donald Duck sues Donald Trump & student loans blamed for hospitality pain
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Pensioners are widely expected to receive a £500 windfall when the Triple Lock mechanism calculates the annual uprating of the state pension next month. City Editor, Simon Hunt joins the podcast to explain how much this will cost the taxpayer.
Meanwhile, Disney is suing the Trump administration over a censorship case after the House of Mouse's ABC network was hit with a licence renewal order. Professional Services Editor, Maria Ward-Brennan has the latest.
Plus: why some analysts think sorting out the student loan repayment regime could be just the boost the...
Trump rules out Iran ceasefire, AI drives up smartphone prices & Kylian Mbappé'-backed firm lands in Harrods
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Oil prices ticked higher on Monday after Donald Trump refused to extend the ceasefire between the US and Iran - City Editor Simon Hunt has the latest.
Meanwhile, the rapid expansion of data centres to cater to AI is driving up the price of smartphones, laptops and gaming consoles. Tessa Mann, Multi-Asset Strategy Senior Director at Willis Towers Watson joins the podcast to explain where we go from here.
Plus: Deputy Sports Editor Matt Hardy elaborates on how a Kylian Mbappé'-backed firm has scored a coffee machine deal wit...
Jamie Dimon warns Chancellor on bank tax, Labour MP on North Sea oil & UK chairman works from New Zealand
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The boss of JP Morgan has issued a bank tax warning to John Healey as the Chancellor gears up to deliver his first Budget in October. Jamie Dimon held a call with Healey where the bank chief emphasised “getting public policy right” as crucial to solving economic problems. City Editor, Simon Hunt, joins to discuss.
Meanwhile, a rising star in the Labour party, Henry Tufnell has endorsed a potential U-turn on drilling in the North Sea. The MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire tells the podcast further oil and gas exploration would...
Revolut's chatbot goes rogue, Steven Bartlett's co-founder on Diary of a CEO & the 24/7 tech bro cafe
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Revolut’s customer service chatbot has charged customers a £55 break fee to cancel premium memberships after the neo-bank ditched major subscription perks. Senior City Reporter, Sam Norman has the scoop.
Meanwhile, Dairy of a CEO presenter, Steven Bartlett looks set to overtake Joe Rogan's audience on YouTube - we speak to Oliver Yonchev, co-founder of Bartlett's production company, Flightstory, about how the former dragon made it.
Plus: we take you inside the new 24/7 cafe on Old Street for tech bros who like to work seven days a week.
Reme...
Soho House data stolen, Labour to miss 1.5m housing target & rich parents pay kids' uni fees
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An IT consultant has been ordered to repay £50,000 to his employer after being accused of stealing the personal details of tens of thousands of Soho House Members. City Editor, Simon Hunt has the exclusive.
Meanwhile the boss of one of Britain's biggest construction trade bodies has told City AM that Labour's housebuilding target of 1.5m new homes is now unattainable. We bring you Retail Reporter, Felix Armstrong's interview.
Plus: new data suggests an uptick in rich parents paying their children's university tuition fees. On A-level results day, we speak to...
Gold rises on inflation fears, the AI watching you in your car & Frive CEO on subscription meals
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Investment Reporter Maisie Grice joins us on the corporate roundup, from a five-star hotel in Mayfair getting a formal financial warning from HMRC, to why the price of gold is surging again and why AI may soon be coming to the inside of your car.
Meanwhile lifestyle publication Time Out is set to open one of its signature food halls in the UK - we speak to one of its executives about why they're betting on a struggling hospitality industry.
Plus: the British startup selling healthy, British farmed food su...
Burnham vows to outlaw fake discounts, Italian cheese puts loans at risk & the AI that hacked a gym
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Andy Burnham has vowed to outlaw fake discounts and crack down on stealth subscriptions as he pledges to deliver “breathing room” on the cost of living. Chief Reporter, Ali Lyon has the details.
Meanwhile the hot weather has triggered fears that the high temperatures may threaten Italy's stock of parmesan - a commonly used form of collateral in the country's agricultural loans.
Plus: the Australian man's AI assistant that hacked his local gym to get him a space on a fully-booked class - without being asked. AI security expert Rory...
Guinness-maker Diageo's shares rocket, DeLonghi boss on coffee machine market & pensioners face tax sting
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Results from the firm behind Guinness, Johnnie Walker and Tanqueray showed sales have slipped – and yet the shares in Diageo are up. City Editor Simon Hunt explains why.
Meanwhile, UK coffee drinkers continue to move further up market with Brits now drinking around 98 million cups every day - but how much further can this premium espresso bull-run go? Lee Bonniface, UK & Ireland Managing Director of DeLonghi thinks it's nowhere near finished.
Plus: as pensioners scramble to avoid being pulled into the inheritance tax net, our Investment Reporter, Maisie Grice look...
Government ditches DEI targets, Revolut CEO to become UK's richest man & the NIMBYs at war with Twickenham
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The Prime Minister's chief enforcer, Louise Haigh, has said net zero, modern slavery and equality rules are set to be stripped from procurement rules as Andy Burnham tries to prioritise job creation. Politics and Economics Reporter, Mauricio Alencar and Katie Carruthers, Managing Director of Tecknuovo join to discuss what this mean for government tenders.
Meanwhile, the billionaire founder of Revolut is set for a major stock windfall if the bank achieves a $500bn price tag. This would put Nik Storonsky in line for a payout of around £57bn, making him the ri...
Revolut CEO Nik Storonsky sued over superyacht, Apple sues the Home Office & OAPs boost the FTSE
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The founder of Revolut, Nik Storonsky, is being sued for €17.5mn for allegedly avoiding paying commission on a €350mn superyacht. City Editor Simon Hunt has the story.
Meanwhile Apple is taking the Home Office to court over an attempt to force the iPhone maker into giving the law enforcement access to encrypted files. Professional Services Editor, Maria Ward-Brennan explains what's at stake.
Plus: The stocks on the FTSE being boosted by old age pensioners.
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The winners and losers of Healey's first budget, supermarkets accused of profiteering, & who might replace Infantino?
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The date for John Healey's first budget as Chancellor is in the diary, and we discuss who the winners and losers might be.
Meanwhile, Retail Reporter, Felix Armstrong joins us on a warning from the Chancellor to supermarkets against profiteering during a cost of living crisis.
Plus: what's next for the embattled Fifa boss, Giani Infantino? Deputy Sports Editor, Matt Hardy explains who his possible replacement might be.
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Bank of England hampers Burnham’s jobs drive, EasyJet takeover up in the air, and Ferrari's EV hits sales target
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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...
Greggs opens Tenerife bakery: stock soars, why the Middle East can't get enough Vimto, and how to sell a World Cup
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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 of...
Inflation slashes Burnham's budget by £24bn, pension boss calls for ban on US shares in ISAs & Unilever boosted by avocado mayo
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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 g...
Scottish tax hikes backfire, Waitrose searches for new store locations & the one West-End musical to avoid
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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 sh...
Burnham's £100m pub bailout, Brits ditch the Sunday roast, and why AI is killing human creativity
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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 Epstei...
Burnham's £22bn bombshell, Amex boss on High St shopping & cricket teams feel the financial pinch
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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...
New Chancellor in place, another FTSE company poached & Welsh fintech hires Kazakhstan burger baron
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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.
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Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister: what it means for the economy, politics and you
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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 De...
British Steel is nationalised, small businesses despair, and Shabana for Chancellor?
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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 V...
James Watt makes Brewdog offer, triple lock under fire, Rachel Reeves’ parting warning
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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.
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Tom Kerridge on hospitality crisis, the wealth tax that MIGHT work plus why France is still vital to the UK economy
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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.
Pl...
Rachel Reeves's legacy, JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon questioned on Epstein, and Wimbledon winners' tax
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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.
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Hugo Boss takeover offer branded "inadequate", government considers VPN ban, National Grid struggles as Brits blast aircon
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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...
Trump calls off Iran ceasefire, Virgin Media O2 fined, and Jet2 boosted by jet fuel prices
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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.
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...House prices rise, M&S shareholders demand longer skirts, and why Wimbledon's Centre Court seats lie empty
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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.
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Sky buys chunk of ITV, what the City makes of Burnham, and $8m World Cup tickets
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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 ex...
INTERVIEW: UK boss of Charles Schwab on markets, SpaceX IPO and investment opportunities in 2026
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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.
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Motor finance compensation in doutbt, Thatcher aide on 'No. 10 North' and: what is co-living?
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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.
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Brewdog CEO quits after just one year, the business of social housing, and banks eye digital ID
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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.
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