World Business Report

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Thousands to be laid off as Europe's car industry suffers Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

Europe's carmakers are facing challenges from every direction. With Jaguar Land Rover announcing 4,000 job cuts worldwide and Volkswagen's plans to cut 50,000 jobs, we look at why some of the industry's biggest names are feeling the strain. And how much of this is being driven by the changing market in China?

The boss of the biggest UK headquartered tech firm, chip design company Arm Holdings, has said that AI will find a cure for cancer that humans can not in our lifetimes; he also thinks that AI will lead to the widespread manufacture of humanoid robots in the next five years.

And we look at why the European Union is betting big on Greenland.

(Image Credit: EPA/Shutterstock)

Germany's far-right is gaining ground Sep 07, 2026

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A victory for the far-right in Germany the AfD fuels calls for faster growth in Europe's biggest economy as businesses call for an economic reform.

Meanwhile China pumps tens of billions of dollars into its banks to try and boost growth.

And Jaguar Land Rover becomes the latest carmaker to cut thousands of jobs

Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Barbara George

Fifty years of Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Friends Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

It is birthday celebrations for Aardman Animations. The award-winning British studio behind Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep celebrates 50 years since it was founded in the UK.

And we head over to the US as their latest figures shows they added more jobs than expected but wages are still falling behind inflation. While in Canada, job losses are hitting their retail and finance sectors. We hear from businesses across the two countries about the challenges they are facing.

(Photo: Aardman characters Wallace and Gromit. Credit: PA)

Presenter: Andrew Peach Producer: Barbara George Editor: Stephen Ryan

Volkswagen cuts 50,000 more jobs Sep 04, 2026

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The board of German car giant Volkswagen has approved a plan to cut another 50,000 jobs as part of the biggest restructuring in the group's history.

It brings the total number of roles the carmaker - which includes Audi, Porsche, Skoda as well as the VW brand - plans to shed by 2030 to 100,000, after announcing in March that it would cut 50,000 roles.

Kenya's President William Ruto has told one of India’s major chemical companies, Tata Chemicals, to “pack up and leave”. The president says the company has not delivered enough benefits for Kenya, accusing it of exporting soda ash rather than processing more of the mineral locally.

And British studio Aardman Animations, creator of Wallace and Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and many other well-loved characters, is celebrating 50 years since it was founded in Bristol by childhood friends Peter Lord and David Sproxton. Since then, its films have brought in more than $1.1 billion at the global box office and won four Academy Awards.

Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producers: Huma Shah & Guy Kilty

What will El Niño cost us? Sep 03, 2026

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The "supersized" El Niño weather system is hitting the global economy, with cocoa farmers in Ecuador already seeing prices for their products fall.

As the Panama Canal operator limits the number of vessels passing through the waterway, we ask what further trade shocks are to come.

And US basketball team the Los Angeles Clippers has been hit with a record $30 million fine by the National Basketball Association for violating salary rules. What will it mean for the team and for the game?

Photo: Reuters/Enea Lebrun

Record fine over US basketball player’s wages Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

The LA Clippers have been fined $30 million by the National Basketball Association after an investigation revealed that the club had circumvented salary rules to channel funds to their star player Kawhi Leonard. The fine is the largest in the league’s history - the Clippers said they will appeal against the decision. Also, as the Dutch central bank moves more than 78 tonnes of gold from New York to London, presenter Bisi Adebayo looks at why countries store gold abroad in the first place. And - robotaxis have hit the streets of London for the first time, as Uber launches 15 self-driving cars. So why is there a human still in the driving seat? We find out.

Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Senior producer: Craig Henderson Producer: Huma Shah

Is this the biggest oil deal in history? Sep 02, 2026

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US oil giant Chevron says it will expand operations in Venezuela, with plans to invest more than $7 million to double its output there over the next five years.

As Uber leaves the Nigerian market, we'll look at what that means for drivers and passengers who depend on the platform every day.

Plus, the Venice Film Festival has rolled out the red carpet. So why does it feel a little less glamorous this year?

Photo: EPA/Shutterstock

United States signs oil deal with Venezuela Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

A controversial oil deal gives the United States control of more than a fifth of Venezuela’s reserves. Plus, could Kenya be running short of milk? And thousands of US sailors deployed to the Strait of Hormuz reach dry land, after a record stretch at sea. Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producers: Victoriya Holland and Huma Shah Editor: Naomi Rainey

How will bond market turmoil affect you? Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

Escalating conflict in the Gulf is pushing oil prices ever higher. We explore the connection between energy prices and government borrowing to find out why falling bond prices across the world matter to jobs and inflation. The appearance of Russia's finance minister at the G20 talks in North Carolina caused some awkwardness among his European counterparts. Beyond the embarrassing family photo shoot, we try to find out what Russia hoped to gain from the summit. And after almost 20 years without turning a profit, Victoria Beckham's fashion and beauty business has finally turned a profit. What's changed?

(Picture: A passerby walks past a screen showing the yield on the 10-year Japanese government bond in Tokyo, Japan, 31 August 2026. Credit: Franck Robichon,EPA/Shutterstock)

Shein's Big IPO - and a smaller valuation Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

Shein finally makes its stock market debut in Hong Kong, after failed attempts to list in New York and London. And the company is now valued at around a quarter of its 2022 peak. We look at whether it really is third time lucky for the fast-fashion giant. China tightens the rules for its carmakers, warning against aggressive price cuts as brands such as BYD look overseas for growth. We hear from former Nissan and Aston Martin executive Andy Palmer. Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producer: Amber Mehmood

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