Share Sounds

The number of over-55s taking advantage of new freedom to cash in their retirement funds has reached a record high since pension rules were relaxed two years ago. New figures released by the Treasury showed that 162,000 individuals took cash from their pension pots in the last quarter of 2016, up from 158,000 in the previous quarter. Share Radio's James Brydges spoke to Steve Webb, Director of Policy at Royal London

Regular listeners to the show will know that our Apprentices are five members of the Share Radio team who've each been given fifteen thousand pounds of virtual money to build their own share portfolios. They have a minimum of eight stocks, which they've been buying and selling through The Share Centre. Apprentices Olivia Demetriades and Alexi Phillips joined Simon Rose in the studio and standing by with advice and useful observations is Share Radio's Senior Analyst Ed Bowsher.

Our regular weekly programme "The Investment Trust Show" brought to you in association with Henderson Global Investors. Each week we explore the main features, factors and developments affecting investment trusts. This week we'll be taking a look at another rather unusual fund, the F&C Managed Portfolio Trust. Share Radio's Simon Rose was joined in the studio by its manager Peter Hewitt and Share Radio's Senior Analyst Ed Bowsher.

Last week we heard Amazon topped a customer service poll. Jo Causon, chief executive of the Institute of Customer Service talked to Georgie about how the overall level of customer satisfaction has increased, BUT customers say they’re having to work harder to complain and companies are being urged to ensure staff have the right skills and attitude to deal with complaints.

Britain's economy grew by 2 % in 2016 but will the growth continue into 2017? While in Europe, Spain backs early trade talks in Brexit negotiations. And the Royal Bank of Scotland has earmarked a further $3.8bn (£3.1 billion) to cover US fines for mis-selling subprime mortgage securities, taking the total figure to £6.7bn. Michael Hewson, Chief Market Analyst at CMC Markets, spoke to Share Radio's Ed Bowsher on these and all the day's big economic news.

John Lees is a careers expert & author who has written the book on the dreaded job interview. To find out more about how to rapidly improve your interview performance, whether you're a first-time job seeker, career-changer, or returning after a break , Georgie was joined by John Lees, author of Knockout Interview.

Georgie Frost was joined by Kevin Charles, Director at Crossland Employment Solicitors. Today they were focusing on the issue of gross misconduct and in particular, a rather interesting case of ‘guilt by association’.

And now it's time for Part 2 of Track Record- this week Sue Dougan sits down with Samantha Dyer - founder of Mumma Love Organics, an award-winning business providing specially formulated organic products for babies.

Is your reliance on your phone ruining your memory? One theory is technology is to blame as people become reliant on storing and googling information. To find out more our reporter Tom Hill spoke to memory expert Dominic O'Brien.

It's time for our weekly catch up with Merryn Somerset Webb, Editor in Chief of MoneyWeek. She joined Share Radio's Ed Bowsher on the line to preview articles from this week's issue.