Share Sounds related to Economics - UK

Inflation is up more than expected - the consumer price index rose to 2.3%, up from 1.8% in January, and is now higher than the Bank of England's target of 2%. But what does this mean for consumers and savers? And where might there be profits in the current climate? Calum Bennie at Scottish Friendly joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher to explain.

Is London 'cheap' now? The capital no longer ranks among the world's most expensive cities in a key survey, dropping from 6th to 24th, its lowest position in 20 years. For more on the Worldwide Cost of Living report from The Economist Intelligence Unit, survey editor Jon Copestake spoke with Share Radio's Ed Bowsher.

Investment in the UK rail network means that 6,400 more train services will be running each week by 2021. Thats according to The Rail Delivery Group. The RDG say around £50bn is being spent on the network, which would result in an 11% rise in the number of weekday services. James Brydges spoke to Sim Harris, managing director of railenews.co.uk

Georgie Frost was joined by consumer rights expert Martyn James this morning. Today on the agenda, they discussed the recently released inflation figures from this morning - rocketing fuel and food prices pushed it to 2.3%. Plus they look into why coffee shops are opening at a rate of more than three a day, but 29 pubs are closing every week. All these stories and more on The News Review.

The former deputy first minister of Northern Ireland, Martin McGuinness, has died at the age of 66. He was Sinn Fein's lead negotiator during the peace process in which a power-sharing agreement was reached between Republicans and Unionists. The former IRA chief made one of his last public appearances in January when he resigned over the DUP leader's handling of a botched green energy scheme. And we now know when Theresa May will officially start the formal process to take the UK out of the EU. To discuss all these stories and more, Georgie Frost was joined by Tim Evans Professor of Business and Political Economy at Middlesex University London.

Joining Georgie Frost to discuss the main market headlines of the morning is Share Radio's Nigel Cassidy, starting with Fevertree, the world's leading supplier of premium carbonated mixers. We've also heard from national housebuilder Bellway. Plus, Google have been in the news over the last day or so, after several firms withdrew their ads when some appeared next to extremist content on YouTube. How damaging has this been for the company?

Accesso Technology Group, the company that provides queuing and ticketing technology solutions to attractions around the world, from theme parks, water parks and ski resorts to cultural attractions and sporting events has released it's latest preliminary results today. Tom Burnett, Executive Chairman of Accesso Technology Group joined Nigel Cassidy to tell us more.

Mears Group, the UK housing and social care provider which delivers repairs and maintenance services directly into communities and people's homes, has released preliminary results today. The company has reported 9% gains but how is the industry doing? Many are saying it is on the 'brink of collapse' what with is being hit with cuts to local authority budgets, the fees they pay, rises in the minimum wage, a shortage of trained nurses and tougher immigration rules. Alongside this, the elderly are living for longer than ever before. So has Mears Group felt the strain amongst this vulnerable sector? Joining Nigel Cassidy to discuss further is David Miles, CEO of Mears Group.

Executive pay remains in the headlines, with German banking giant Deutsche Bank cutting bonuses by more than 75% last year, while four bosses at Melrose Industries were set to split a £200 million share payout. Oliver Parry, Head of Corporate Governance Policy for the Institute of Directors, joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher to discuss.

Marks and Spencer has followed several other high-profile brands, including Tesco and HSBC, pulling its advertising from Google. It follows concerns about placement of ads next to inappropriate content on YouTube. But is this a serious threat to companies like Google? Ian Whittaker, media analyst at Liberum, spoke to Share Radio's Ed Bowsher.