Podcasts

Crowdfunders is Share Radio's regular look at the world of crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending. Today: the case for Innovative Finance this ISA season; and how businesses looking to borrow use peer-to-peer lending.

Donald Trump's failure to muster Republican support for his new healthcare plan has left the White House reeling and markets jittery. Could the infighting lead to problems for key economic reforms, including Trump's planned tax cuts? Sanford Henry, US political commentator, joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher for more.

Ahead of Article 50's official trigger on Wednesday, Theresa May heads to Scotland to meet Nicola Sturgeon while the deadline for a new power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland looks set to pass without an agreement. For more on the day's top political stories, Robert Colvile, editor at CapX, joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher.

BT has been fined £42m by Ofcom for failing to compensate rivals after delays to broadband installation - a record figure. They'll also have to pay around £300m in compensation to rivals. Plus Stagecoach loses South Western franchise to FirstGroup and Hong Kong firm MTR and YouGov reveals its results. Ken Odeluga, market analyst at City Index, joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher for the day's company stories.

UK manufacturers have warned Prime Minister Theresa May to drop her threat of 'no deal' with Brussels, saying it would be risky and expensive for Britain's industry, according to manufacturers' organisation the EEF. For more Namali Mackay, a trade adviser at the EEF, joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher.

Retirement can often be the trigger for a big purchase, whether it's a new kitchen or a brand-new car. But what happens if the car you buy develops a major fault or the kitchen turns out to be fitted by cowboys? What are your rights and when can you make a company refund your cash? Sarah spoke with Sylvia Rook, who's lead officer for fair trading at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute; Martyn James, who's from the complaints website Resolver; and Kate Jobson, who's a consumer law expert at Citizens Advice.

Positive sentiment has returned to financial firms for the first time in a year, despite Brexit uncertainty. For more on why the sector is now bucking the trend, Ben Jones, principal economist at the Confederation of British Industry, joined Share Radio's senior analyst Ed Bowsher.

The Competition and Markets Authority has recently brought in new rules for car rental firms to make their pricing clearer for customers. Hidden costs, such as insurance and young driver surcharges, are often not included and customers should be given a clear "drive away" price. So are companies sticking to the rules? Share Radio's Jinan Rahma has been finding out.

Donald Trump's failure to muster Republican support for his new healthcare plan has left the White House reeling and markets jittery. Plus what to expect as Article 50 is triggered and more strong economic data from Germany. Alastair McCaig, director of investment management at Fern Wealth, joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher for more.

It's just over a month until the launch of the government's tax-free childcare scheme, which will give parents up to £2,000 towards the cost of their childcare. The scheme will go live on April 28th and will be available initially for parents with the youngest children. Meanwhile later this year, the amount of free childcare that parents will be able to get will increase to 30 hours a week in termtime compared to the current limit of 15 hours a week. So, how can you find the childcare that's right for you and your budget and how do you apply for the new tax-free childcare? This week Sarah Pennells is joined by Lynn James who's the founder of money blog Mrs Mummypenny and Chris Davis, head of the Customer engagement team at HM Revenue and Customs.