Share Sounds from Share Radio Afternoon

Nicola Sturgeon says she wants a second Scottish independence referendum - and it could be held as early as next autumn. For more on what's next, Share Radio's Ed Bowsher spoke with Robert Colvile, editor of CapX.

UK firms are getting more confident, that according to the latest UK Business Outlook survey from Markit. To find out why Ed spoke to Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at IHS Market.

Two takeover bids for housebuilder Bovis Homes pushed the share price up 9 percent today even as the company rejected the initial offers from Redrow and Galliford Try. The latter remains 'in talks' with Bovis on another bid. Share Radio's Ed Bowsher was joined by Ken Odeluga from City Index for the day's need-to-know company news.

A £2.2bn takeover deal has been agreed between Amec Foster Wheeler and Aberdeen-based Wood Group, creating a £5bn energy services company. And the pound has picked up today despite increasing uncertainty - for more on the big market stories of the day, Share Radio's Ed Bowsher spoke to Mike van Dulken, head of research at Accendo Markets.

On our latest Magazine Review, we looked at some of the stories dominating the pages of the country's leading business magazines, including Hammond's plan to rise national insurance for the self-employed, and the OBR confirming the weak growth of the UK economy. This much more with Hazel Sheffield, Freelance Multimedia Journalist, and Nick Britton, Head of Training at the Association of Investment Companies.

US non farm payroll figures have been released and the they were stronger than expected with 235,000 position created in February. But wage growth slowed down. We found out more from Gregory Daco, Head of US Economics at Oxford Economics.

UK industrial and manufacturing production has fallen in January - what impact is Brexit and the fall in Sterling really having on the economy? Plus analysis on key US jobs data and more of the day's big economic stories with Viktor Nossek, director of research at WisdomTree Europe.

Shares in BT are up 5 percent as the company ends two years of wrangling over the future of its OpenReach division. Plus insurer Esure shares jump on positive news and Wetherspoons chairman rails against the budget. For all of the day's need-to-know company stories, Share Radio's Ed Bowsher spoke with Craig Erlam from OANDA.

Government ministers have revealed a Scottish Referendum is now looking "inevitable". Nicola Sturgeon previously said another vote "makes common sense" and her party would be ready to hold it in late 2018. We spoke to our Scottish correspondent Maurice Smith to find out more.

Philip Hammond's plan to increase national insurance on the self-employed has sparked a rebellion amongst many Tory MPs. The Chancellor argues that the move is "fair" and "necessary".