Pre-flight checks

A new qualification, V Levels, will replace many existing vocational qualifications in a government shake up of the skills sector. Theo Leggett speaks to industry to find out their thoughts. Also, three weeks after the government offered embattled Jaguar Land Rover a £1.5 billion loan guarantee, we speak to a West Midland's business leader who fears help isn't reaching those companies in the supply chain reliant on the car maker for work. And, as some 1.5 million people in the UK mark Diwali, we speak to a business dedicated to ensuring those celebrating the Festival of Lights are supplied with food and gifts.

Greene King boss Nick McKenzie sits down with Felicity Hannah to talk about the pub trade, changing drinking habits and business taxes. Also, Sam Fender's People Watching picked up the 2025 Mercury Prize for best album. But in an era of music-streaming does the long player still make sense? We hear the thoughts of the boss of one of the legendary names in music retail. And, we debate the week's business and economic stories with our regular experts' panel.

Waymo driverless taxicabs are coming to London next year once they have completed safety tests. Bankers' bonuses to be paid earlier than before. They'll now receive them within 4 years instead of the current 8 years. And Microsoft's Xbox is launching its new £800 handheld gaming device around the world. Presenter: Sean Farrington.

According to the IMF, the UK is on course to record the highest inflation in the G7 this year. Sean Farrington talks to a senior economist about what this means for the UK economy in the long term and for Chancellor Rachel Reeves' budget plans in the short term. And we'll reporting on the latest round of the US China trade war. The US government is bullish, but are US businesses also up for the fight? We hear the views of a US importer. Also, Soho used to be at the heart of the British music industry. But the owner of a legendary Tin Pan Alley recording studio tells us business rates are making her studio unviable against a backdrop of home recording trends.

After the latest mega-deal tying one AI firm to another, Sean Farrington asks what's behind the spending spree. We also hear from a veteran of reconstruction projects on what it will take to rebuild Gaza. Also, the caravans of love. What's driving our continuing passion for caravans and motorhomes?

Felicity Hannah hears the latest developments in the trade war between the US and China, reignited after Beijing imposed a new round of controls on those rare earths and minerals essential to the production of everything from mobile phones to weapons. Also, a new idea to revive the economies of the UK's former industrial heartlands. But will new incentives to save on taxes for companies willing to invest succeed where other initiatives have failed? And, it's no surprise we're a nation of pasta lovers. But are we really going off the humble spaghetto in favour of pappardelle and tortellini? We talk to a pasta maker about the shape of things to come.

Felicity Hannah hears about the EU's new Entry/Exit System, coming in from Sunday. Plus, a look behind the scenes at the London Stock Exchange.

Wake up with Sean Farrington to get all the latest in the world of business. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales says UK business confidence hit its lowest level in three years in the third quarter. The BBC's Business Editor Simon Jack sits down with Jamie Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan Chase. And Sean's been speaking to Stephen Critchlow of Evergreen Life, which has been described as the fastest-growing tech company in Britain.

Details have been released of how victims of car finance mis-selling will be compensated. It's affecting millions - we crunch the numbers with an automotive finance lawyer. As the EU steel tariff hike threatens the 'biggest ever crisis' for the UK industry, we get reaction from a producer here about how it's set to impact them. And Sean Farrington delves into the etiquette of after work drinks.

France in political chaos after its Prime Minister resigns. France has now had 4 Prime Ministers in under a year.. Sir Keir Starmer flies to India for talks on trade with Prime Minister Modi. And why are more people choosing to go on holiday on their own?