Share Sounds related to Economics - UK

Your energy bills could be too high because the energy meter itself is faulty. New research shows that you could be charged up to £140 to get your meter tested. But some energy companies charge nothing at all. The website SavvyWoman.co.uk contacted eight of the major energy suppliers to find out what their costs and charges were and it found that while some suppliers charged nothing at all, others charged over £100. Sarah Pennells, founder and editor of SavvyWoman.co.uk, joined Sue Dougan in the studio.

Sara Benwell, digital editor of Pensions Insight and Engaged Investor, joins Sue Dougan in the studio today to discuss the biggest finance stories of the last 24 hours. On the agenda today, the CMA to publish its findings on energy companies, British companies are spending 20 times more on pension contributions for older workers than younger staff, 5 percent of us are now buying something on our phones every day, plus much more. Consuming Issues goes out every week day from 9 to 12 on Share Radio.

It’s World Productivity Day and Leesman, the largest measure of workplace effectiveness, can reveal the biggest workplace and productivity inhibitors, including noise, natural light, temperature, air quality, not having enough space, and even the provision of tea and coffee! Chris Moriarty, Director of Leesman, joined to discuss the findings.

Majestic Wine’s retail business Managing Director, John Colley, and Group Chief Financial Officer, James Crawford, joined Nigel Cassidy and Louise Cooper to discuss their company’s full year results to March 2016. After the recent acquisition of Naked Wines, how did the pair assess the performance and what does the future hold?

With less than a week to go until the EU referendum Linda Lewis meets Will Moy, Director of Full Fact, and his team in action. Fact-checking as an industry is growing, and Britain is in the lead when it comes to finding innovative ways to pay for it. Will explains why it was important to set the company up, and how they work with journalists, academics and political parties on a daily basis to deliver accurate facts and figures.

Linda Lewis meets the team behind Robomagic, an independent music company with the desire to make the lives of established and aspiring artists fairer and more equitable at its core. Rob Hallett, CEO and founder, explains how he set up the company, their future plans, and the Fold Festival, produced and curated by Nile Rodgers, which is being put on in conjunction with the company.

Sarah Pennells conducts a Brexit special analysis ahead of the EU referendum next week. Sarah and her guests look at how the vote will affect the currency, markets, travelling abroad and personal finance. Nina Schick, from Open Europe, demystifies any major Brexit facts and figures; Michelle McGrade, from TD Direct Investing, discusses the stock market, banks and trade deals; while Julia Rampen, Deputy Editor at Mirror Money Online, looks at whether the value of the pound will fall.

When was the last time you read all the small print that comes with a plan or policy? And if you read it, did you understand it? Sarah Pennells and her guests talk through financial jargon and try and demystify some of the important terms you may not be familiar with. Financial Journalist Simon Read explains what terms that can catch people out while Ian Lees, author and financial IFA, looks at investment charges, what they mean and why they matter. Rod Jones, from USwitch, looks at energy companies and the issues revolving around exit fees.

Gender pay gap is still alive and kicking, with women earning 12% less than men. So how do you go about getting a pay rise or a promotion? Sarah Pennells is joined by Fiona Davis, Director for Women in Retail; Penny Parker, from Laurence Simons; and Vanessa Vallely, founder of WeAreTheCity and WeAreTheCity. Together, the guests discuss why women are less likely to ask for a pay rise, and why they are reluctant to come forward.

What's the best way to save on insurance, energy bills and savings if you're sharing a house? Sarah Pennells is joined by Matt Saunders, from GoCompare, discusses how some people who live in a rented property don't know they have the right to switch to a cheaper tariff; Ashish Mehra, founder of Wesplit.it, explains how the company can help young people save money; while behavioural psychologist, Judi James, analyses why the financial aspect of sharing a house can be so difficult if you're a student or starting out in your career.