The US has pledged billions of dollars to revive Venezuela's ailing oil industry, but what do the experts think of the plan's chances of success? Plus, Will Bain finds out what impact a junk-food TV advertising ban will have on the food industry. And, it's time to start that gym membership, but will you stay the course? We hear from a gym owner about their busy time of the year.

Leanna Byrne looks at what's in store for the UK's economy in 2026 and asks what the next 12 months might bring for London's financial markets.

Elsewhere - she'll hear from a tech boss about where AI development will go after last year, where the technology went mainstream.

And one pub owner tells us why they're not looking forward to 'Dry January'.

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Tens of thousands of passengers on the Eurostar have been unable to make their journeys after a power outage - Sean Farrington hears how it's been impacting travellers and businesses.

The legendary investor Warren Buffett is to step down as head of his company Berkshire Hathaway - another top investor tells us what legacy the 95-year-old leaves.

And as it's New Year's Eve, we go to Edinburgh where one tour and pub crawl company will be painting the town red for Hogmanay.

On Wake Up To Money, we talk a lot about jobs, wages and the labour market. And we often hear from the bosses of some of our biggest recruitment firms.

One of those is the Reed Group.

Sir Alec Reed started the company 65 years ago and made it into one of the UK's biggest private businesses. He was knighted for his services to business and charity in 2011.

He'd long stepped down as Chief Executive of Reed by then, handing over the reins to his son, James, in 1997.

Sean Farrington sat down with James to look back on the life of his Dad - and how they navigated being part of the same team at work as well as at home... something that will sound familiar to so many across the country.

Sir Alec Reed, who passed away earlier this month, started the Reed Group 65 years ago and made it into one of the UK's biggest private businesses. He was knighted for his services to business and charity in 2011.

Sean Farrington sits down with his son, James Reed, who took the reins of the company as chief executive in 1997, and looks back on the life and work of his dad.

It's been a tricky year for many hospitality businesses; Will Bain hears from a panel of pub and restaurant owners to look back - and forwards - on how they've been handling trade.

In an exclusive interview, the boss of Puregym tells Wake Up to Money that pharmaceutical companies and health professionals need to be clearer on the need for exercise alongside weight-loss drugs.

We gauge reaction to the u-turn on the inheritance tax hike on farms & business assets. Will Bain also reflects on a massive year for Birmingham's bins - following ongoing strike action from refuse workers in the city. And as almost 13 million shoppers try to bag a last minute gift for their loved ones, we head to one shopping centre in Liverpool.

Following a delay to the Defence Investment Plan, what does the lack of certainty mean? Will Bain also looks into the ongoing impact of botched insulation installed in peoples homes under a government scheme. And as we step into Christmas, it's a busy time for butchers.

How has this Christmas worked out for the hospitality business? Will Bain talks festive trade with a hotelier. Also, we talk about some new research into the jobs market ... AND, if you've left your Christmas shopping to the last minute, we have help at hand. A personal shopper gives us some tips on late buys.

After the second monthly inflation figure in a row came in lower than expected and the Bank of England cut interest rates this week, Will Bain is joined by our weekly panel to look at what it means for businesses and the economy.

As we get ever closer to the 25th of December, we'll hear about what impact the rising cost of a Christmas dinner is having.

Plus, on 'Mad Friday', potentially one of the busiest nights for hospitality businesses of the year, one owner tells us how he's preparing for it.

Sean Farrington looks ahead to the Bank of England's latest interest rate decision. Meanwhile, as the Employment Rights Bill gets Royal Assent, we'll look at what it means for workers. And is Santa getting paid enough? More on why he might be tightening his belt this year.

Sean Farrington looks at the long wait for a driving test in England, Scotland and Wales. Plus, what does England's performance in Australia mean for cricket clubs back here?

Sean Farrington takes a look at the financial regulator's plans for cryptocurrencies. Also on the programme - as an investigation into record unemployment for young people launches, we delve into why it's at all time high. And it's 250 years since the birth of the author Jane Austen - hear why she's as relevant as ever when it comes to entertainment and tourism.

Felicity Hannah hears how businesses can respond to staff calling in sick during the flu outbreak, and why some pharmacies are experiencing a shortage of vaccines. And, with just ten days left until Christmas, the director of a shopping centre tells us whether Gen Z is driving a resurgence of the in-person retail experience.

Felicity Hannah speaks to the CEO of the Magnum Ice Cream Company as it finishes its first week as a listed company. Plus, what does the latest Knives Out tell us about Hollywood?

Sean Farrington looks at the US Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates and what that could mean for the Bank of England.

We talk to the outgoing boss of GSK on why they're focusing investment in the US over the UK.

And finally, we look at ticket prices for next year's World Cup.

Sean Farrington discusses the rising bills that could hit the pub sector, in the wake of business rates changes.

Elsewhere, he'll turn his attention to the US, where the Fed will announce its decision on rates.

And, will consumer demand keep up with increasing chocolate prices?

Sean Farrington looks at Paramount's $108bn hostile bid, as the battle for Warner Brothers continues to heat up.

Elsewhere, he'll be discussing a bill on railways that returns to Parliament today which could see passengers buying tickets directly from the government.

And, he'll take a look at some new data that shows just how much money shoppers have been spending in the last month.

Will Bain discusses the Employment Rights Bill as it heads back to the Commons.

Elsewhere, he'll look ahead to the first day of trading for the brand new Magnum Ice Cream Company and check out some of the details in the $72 BILLION deal made by Netflix to buy Warner Bros.

And, he'll find out what's next for Lando Norris and the new sponsorship deals that could be heading his way after his F1 triumph.

Sean Farrington has a look at the money behind sport - this week: mass-participation events.

It's big business - from the thousands of competitors that sign up to take part, to managing the event itself, to the fundraising.

Sean hears from Paul Foster, the Chief Executive of The Great Run Company - the company behind the Great North Run and many other events across the country. He'll also speak to Nick Tuppen, Chief Executive of Threshold Sports, one of the UK's fastest-growing active events agencies who coordinate more than 50 mass participation events per year.

Producers: Stefan Jajecznyk & Olivia Baron