In dire Straits

Sean Farrington examines how the US-Israeli war with Iran is hitting the UK economy, from the FTSE 100 to the pound.And we also hear from some of the 250 thousand British expats in the UAE about their experience of the conflict – and whether it has changed their minds about life in the region.Elsewhere, we digest the chancellor’s much-downplayed spring statement.

Sean Farrington examines how the US-Israeli war on Iran is impacting business globally and at home.With a slate of experts, he'll take a look at how the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will impact global shipping, oil prices and logisticsElsewhere, he'll hear from those trying to do business in the Middle East and will find out how the Iranian economy has fared in recent months.Download the podcast via the BBC Sounds app.

Will Bain gets all the reaction to the US-Israeli operation against Iran. He'll hear from people across the region and also ask what this might mean for global trade and oil supplies.Elsewhere, we’ll look ahead to the upcoming Spring statement get the low‑down on a newcomer to the boxing world who’s aiming to take on some of the industry’s biggest promoters.

Will Bain gets the latest from the Gorton and Denton by-election and hears about the build-up to the first ever BRIT Awards to be held in Manchester.

Sean Farrington looks into the prospect of robotaxis coming to the streets of London. We also hear from the UK boss of Volvo on what's next after more than 10,000 cars were recalled over a fire risk. And as the UK's first geothermal power plant is switched on in Cornwall, we hear from the man who runs it.

Sean Farrington speaks to an investor and a cab driver about a major funding round for a British autonomous vehicles company, which could be carrying passengers on London's streets this year. And he discusses the significance of Trump's State of the Union address with finance and trade experts.

Sean Farrington reacts to the latest milestone in the Warner Bros mega deal. We reflect on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion on Ukraine. As the British Retail Consortium's latest retail crime report's released, we speak to a shopkeeper on the frontline. And we hear from the president of the National Farmers' Union as they kick off their annual conference.

Felicity Hannah gets to the bottom of President Trump's new global tariffs. What will this mean for businesses and consumers in the US and elsewhere? We assess the fallout with a US business owner and an economist. And we find out why the warehouse and logistics sector is experiencing a fall in recruitment Also, we speak to one of the big homegrown UK winners at the Bafta awards to hear about what it takes to make a film in the UK.

Will Bain hears how thousands of investors risk losing their money if BrewDog is sold. The Scottish craft beer giant is up for sale after five consecutive years of losses.With half-term week coming to an end, we'll be hearing from an independent cinema in Newcastle on whether the school holidays have provided the trade boost they hoped for.And our Friday panel will be summing up the week, from the unemployment figures to how the winter weather has wreaked havoc with Britain's agriculture sector.

Will Bain hears from the designer shaking up London Fashion Week by turning the humble shopping trolley into something chic. We’ll also look to the US, where Meta’s owner has been in court for a landmark civil trial examining the impact of social media on young people, with reaction from an investor in Silicon Valley. And we’ll bring you the latest from New Delhi as tech bosses and world leaders gather for The Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026.