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Working Lunch
Working Lunch
Working Lunch
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Working Lunch
Titles used 6 October 2008 – 30 July 2010
GenreFinancial news
Created byBBC
Presented by
ComposerJohn Ashton Thomas
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
Production
Production locationsStudio TC7, BBC Television Centre, London
Running time30 minutes
Original release
NetworkBBC Two
Release19 September 1994 (1994-09-19) –
30 July 2010 (2010-07-30)

Working Lunch is a television programme which was broadcast on BBC Two covering business, personal finance and consumer news; it was broadcast between 1994 and 2010. The programme was first aired on 19 September 1994. It had a quirky, relaxed style, especially when compared to other BBC business shows such as World Business Report. In April 2010, the BBC announced that the programme was being cancelled at the end of July 2010. GMT with George Alagiah took its place in the schedule at 12:30 on BBC Two.[1][2]

Presenters and reporters

[edit]

Originally, the show was presented by Adrian Chiles and Adam Shaw. Chiles left the programme on 26 January 2007 after 12+1⁄2 years, to become the co-host of the BBC One current affairs and lifestyle programme The One Show. He was replaced by Nik Wood. On Fridays, Paddy O'Connell fronted the show with Shaw instead of Wood. Both O'Connell and Shaw bowed out on 26 September 2008.[3]

In 2007, former footballer Graeme Le Saux presented a series of items recorded in his birthplace of Jersey. Jenny Culshaw, a senior producer on the show, also occasionally presented items.

Other members of the Working Lunch team included Rachel Burden, Simon Gompertz, Rachel Horne, Rob Pittam and Gillian Lacey-Solymar.[4][5][6][7]

From 6 October 2008, a revamped lineup saw BBC Breakfast's former business presenter, Declan Curry, and Naga Munchetty take over studio presentation, with Wood returning to his former role of roving reporter, alongside Rob Pittam.[8]

Gillian Lacey-Solymar left the show on 29 January 2010.

The show had a regular cast of experts like Justin Urquhart Stewart.[9]

2008 relaunch

[edit]

The show was relaunched on 6 October 2008, with new titles, set and presenters. The familiar goldfish and shark were replaced by a piggy bank. Presenters Paddy O'Connell, Adam Shaw and Nik Wood, were replaced by Declan Curry and Naga Munchetty, the latter joining from Bloomberg TV.[10][11]

Broadcast schedule

[edit]
The former Goldfish programme titles.

The show had a regular weekday slot at 12.30 pm until 1 pm, except on Wednesdays when it was broadcast an hour later. The programme was broadcast for 42 weeks of the year, taking a break for Easter, Christmas and some sports tournaments coverage, such as Wimbledon, the Olympic Games and golf.

Graphics

[edit]

The original title sequence created by Piers Helm, featured a real goldfish and a rubber shark in a tank that contained the programme's subject matter represented as kitsch fish tank objects. These objects were a treasure chest, bank, factory and a version of the Richard Rogers Lloyd's building. The title sequence led to a virtual set that was designed to look like a converted warehouse when in fact, the studio it came from was the smallest BBC News studio. By 2000, the title sequence had been changed by BBC Design to a computer generated sequence in which a goldfish is trying to escape from a shark on board a sunken ship. The programme graphics also reflected this style with a marine-themed studio background. Other graphics were in a "crude clipart" style.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Working Lunch

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Working Lunch was a British programme broadcast on . It aired weekdays at lunchtime from 19 September 1994 to 30 July 2010, providing news and advice on , , and consumer affairs in an informal, accessible style. The show was award-winning and featured segments on financial news, interviews with experts, and practical tips for viewers. It was cancelled in 2010 as part of cost-cutting measures.

Overview

Programme Concept and Format

Working Lunch was a 30-minute weekday television programme broadcast on from to , dedicated to delivering business news, guidance, and consumer affairs in an accessible manner. It aimed to provide practical "business news you can use," emphasizing the economic impacts on everyday life during viewers' lunch breaks. The programme adopted a quirky and relaxed presentation style, contrasting with more formal broadcasts by incorporating humour and sharp insights to make complex topics engaging and approachable. This light-hearted tone, including wacky elements like animated aquatic characters such as a and symbolizing the business world, positioned it as an antidote to "hard" business shows. Its typical format opened with key headlines and updates, followed by in-depth reports on economic trends and developments. Consumer advice segments addressed practical issues, such as product reviews, warnings, and , while interviews with experts and leaders offered deeper analysis. The show often closed with tips on topics like pensions, savings, mortgages, and tax. Working Lunch earned recognition as an award-winning series for its innovative accessibility in financial broadcasting, including honours for clear communication of business concepts. Unique lunchtime-themed elements, such as segments exploring work-life balance and daily economic routines, reinforced its to a broad audience.

Production Details

Working Lunch was primarily produced in-house at the BBC Television Centre in , utilizing Studio TC7 for its live broadcasts. This studio, a versatile space equipped with movable furniture like sofas and desks, as well as projector cubes for dynamic backdrops, allowed for efficient reconfiguration between programmes including , Newsnight, and Working Lunch itself. The setup supported the show's 30-minute daily format, enabling seamless transitions for live economic and consumer segments. The production team consisted of a 14-strong in-house group, led by Editor Tracey Hobbs, who oversaw overall operations. Key roles included Deputy Editor Nigel Gooing for editing and interactive elements, Senior Producers Jenny Culshaw and Ian Rose for programme planning and on-road reporter support, Producer Carolyn Rice for collaborating on news items, Production Manager Cheryl Colmer for rotas and payroll, Graphic Designer Steve England for creating charts and visual aids, and Web Producer Zoe Kleinman for online content and newsletters. This structure emphasized daily sourcing from financial markets and consumer reports, with researchers and producers ensuring timely, relevant economic updates. Technical specifications centered on live transmission from Studio TC7, incorporating pre-recorded field reports from external locations for consumer stories and graphics overlays to enhance market explanations. Real-time integration featured prominently, with segments dedicated to share trading basics and hedge funds, often visualized through custom to provide viewers with accessible financial insights. The production maintained a focus on live elements, such as host-led discussions, while balancing pre-taped contributions for broader coverage. Resource allocation prioritized cost-effective methods suited to the niche lunchtime slot, with an emphasis on efficient in-studio operations over extensive external shoots. Occasional filming outside the studio supported consumer-focused narratives, but the overall approach kept per-episode costs low compared to prime-time dramas, reflecting the 's strategy for programming. By the early , the shift to digital editing tools across BBC productions, including Working Lunch, facilitated faster turnaround for news segments, replacing analog workflows to streamline daily outputs.

History

Launch and Early Development

Working Lunch premiered on 19 September 1994 on , occupying the 12:30pm weekday slot as the broadcaster's response to the increasing public demand for approachable business news amid the 's economic recovery following the . Developed by the to deliver a light-hearted, non-intimidating alternative to conventional financial , the programme was influenced by radio shows such as Financial World Tonight and aimed to make complex economic topics relatable for everyday viewers. The original production team featured presenter , shares specialist Adam Shaw, business reporter Simon Gompertz, consumer affairs expert Gillian Lacey-Solymar, and on-location reporter Rob Pittam, emphasizing practical insights into how business affects daily life. During its formative years, the show expanded its consumer-focused segments by 1995 to broaden appeal beyond pure , contributing to steady audience growth. The programme navigated early challenges by adapting coverage to global events. Format evolutions enhanced engagement with its professional and general . Through the pre-2007 period, Working Lunch maintained consistent viewership, solidifying its role as a reliable lunchtime staple for professionals.

2008 Relaunch

The relaunched Working Lunch on 6 October 2008, introducing a refreshed format amid the unfolding to better address viewer demands for economic insights. The relaunch was announced in 2008 as part of efforts to modernize the programme and enhance its relevance during economic uncertainty. Key changes included a new studio set and the introduction of co-presenters Declan Curry, formerly the business presenter on , and , recruited from to replace Adam Shaw, who departed for other roles. The programme emphasized the duo's combined expertise in to deliver incisive analysis, with business and economics unit editor Jeremy Hillman highlighting their ability to provide up-to-date economic information in an engaging manner. Complementing the on-air updates, the relaunch expanded digital elements, such as increased online coverage and a daily to foster greater interaction. Content shifted to prioritize the impacts of the , with episodes featuring in-depth discussions on recession-related topics like volatility, shareholder advice, and amid economic turmoil. This refocus aimed to equip viewers with practical guidance on navigating challenges such as job market instability and financial planning during the downturn.

Cancellation and End

The BBC announced the cancellation of Working Lunch on 23 April 2010, as part of broader cost-cutting initiatives and schedule consolidation efforts to enhance efficiency across its news output. This decision came amid ongoing financial pressures following the , which had strained budgets and prompted a reevaluation of specialized programming. The programme concluded after 16 years on air, with its final episode broadcast on 30 July . The farewell broadcast included reflective segments highlighting original clips from the show's history and messages of appreciation from viewers, underscoring its role in delivering accessible business and consumer advice. At the time, Working Lunch was attracting an average audience of around 300,000 viewers, down from higher figures in its earlier years. Key factors cited for the discontinuation included a steady decline in viewership since the early , increasing overlap with expanded online coverage and other broadcast outlets, and the need to redirect resources toward more integrated formats. The 2008 relaunch had provided a temporary boost but failed to reverse the broader trend. The slot was immediately filled by an extended edition of GMT presented by , beginning on 2 August , which shifted the midday focus toward general international with a continued emphasis on stories. In the aftermath, savings from the cancellation were reinvested into new business-oriented content, including weekend programmes on and the BBC News Channel. Key personnel, such as presenter Declan Curry, transitioned to ongoing roles on the BBC News Channel, ensuring continuity in business reporting expertise.

Key Personnel

Main Presenters

The original presenters of Working Lunch were and Adam Shaw, who co-hosted the programme from its launch in September 1994 until Chiles' departure in January 2007. Chiles, known for his approachable style that made complex topics accessible to a general audience, presented the very first edition and anchored the show for over 12 years before leaving to co-host on . Shaw, a financial with expertise in markets and , complemented Chiles by providing in-depth analysis on and consumer issues throughout his tenure, which extended until September 2008. Following Chiles' exit on 26 January 2007, Nik Wood took over as the primary studio presenter from February 2007, bringing his background in business reporting after a six-year stint in the . On Fridays from 2006 to 2008, Paddy O’Connell joined Shaw in the studio, adding depth through his experience as a former correspondent and investigative segments on global markets. Both O’Connell and Shaw concluded their runs on 26 September 2008 as part of the programme's relaunch. The 2008 relaunch introduced Declan Curry and as the new co-presenters from October 2008 until the show's end in July 2010. Curry, previously Breakfast's business editor, focused on timely reporting amid the global financial crisis, while Munchetty, joining from , emphasized consumer advice and workplace news. Over the programme's 16-year run, these six main presenters shaped its informal tone, with the Chiles-Shaw partnership particularly credited for fostering engaging on-air chemistry that helped demystify finance for lunchtime viewers.

Reporters and Contributors

The reporters and contributors on Working Lunch formed a vital supporting team, delivering on-location stories, expert analysis, and specialized segments on affairs, , and economic trends. These individuals complemented the main presenters by providing field reports, interviews, and commentary, often integrating into the program's format through dedicated slots for market updates or investigative pieces. In the 2000s, Simon Gompertz served as a key correspondent, focusing on beats including rip-offs, frauds, and crises, drawing on his background as a former . Rachel Horne joined as a reporter in 2006, specializing in tips and stories, such as advice on budgeting and everyday economic decisions. Rob Pittam acted as an on-the-road reporter, handling on-location narratives across the , including tours highlighting regional economic pulses and company profiles. Post-2008 relaunch, Nik Wood returned to a roving reporter role alongside Pittam, emphasizing field-based coverage during the program's refreshed . Other contributors included Jenny Culshaw, who conducted interviews and reported on entrepreneurial stories and market innovations. Graeme Le Saux provided occasional segments on sports- crossovers, such as exploring finance in Jersey's industries during 2007 features. Gillian Lacey-Solymar, the program's consumer affairs and legal/finance expert since its 1994 launch, contributed until 2010, offering insights on regulatory issues and high-street protections. Justin Urquhart Stewart served as the resident expert throughout the series, delivering ongoing analysis of investments, shares, and market trends through regular Q&A segments and commentary. Reporters and contributors covered major events, including the and bank bailouts, with on-air discussions of government interventions and their impacts. They also added value through targeted segments, such as personal finance advice on pensions or consumer deals on travel, enhancing the show's practical focus for viewers. The rotating team typically comprised 8–10 members, ensuring varied perspectives on business topics.

Broadcast and Presentation

Schedule and Airing

Working Lunch was broadcast live weekdays on , occupying the standard lunchtime slot of 12:30–13:00 BST on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, while Wednesdays featured an extended airing from 13:30–14:00 to allow for coverage of . The programme transmitted from in , utilizing innovative virtual set technology from its . The show aired nearly year-round, with scheduled interruptions during major holiday periods including , , and the two-week Wimbledon fortnight, ensuring alignment with broader BBC programming priorities. In its early years following the 1994 launch, the schedule maintained a consistent 12:30 start time across weekdays, though minor adjustments emerged over time to fit evolving news blocks. Following the 2008 relaunch, the format adhered strictly to BBC Two's established lunchtime news sequence without further time shifts. The programme aired until its final episode on 30 July 2010. Initially available solely as a live broadcast, viewer access expanded with the introduction of on-demand repeats via starting in 2007, allowing episodes to be streamed for up to one week post-airing, though restricted to audiences. This digital availability complemented the programme's lunchtime theme by enabling flexible viewing for working professionals.

Graphics and Visual Style

The graphics and visual style of Working Lunch were defined by a low-budget, playful aesthetic that mirrored the programme's quirky, accessible approach to business and finance reporting, evolving from whimsical animations to more polished digital elements over its run. The original 1994 design embraced a marine theme, with an animated named Lloyd—representing investors—chased by a rubber symbolizing volatile markets. This concept was realized through a pioneering virtual set designed by Piers Helm, the first for a factual programme, featuring computer-generated components like the presenters' desk broadcast from a compact studio. Kitsch physical props enhanced the whimsy, including clay models such as a fishtank rendition of (evoking treasure chests), a latex operated via bicycle handlebars, and representations of factories and banks to illustrate economic concepts. The sequence was shot on 16mm film and composited using Quantel Harry technology, with Lloyd housed in a 1950s TV fishtank for added retro charm. A 2002 update shifted to computer-generated graphics, depicting the escaping the aboard a sunken ship, while the studio backdrop incorporated ongoing motifs and simple clipart for visualization, such as basic graphs for market shares. This maintained the informal, light-hearted tone through custom idents and lunch-themed transition wipes, like sandwich cutaways, reinforcing the programme's midday focus. The overall style prioritized conceptual fun over high production values, aligning with the show's antidote to staid financial broadcasting. The 2008 relaunch brought a comprehensive overhaul, ditching the and in favor of a icon to underscore personal savings and consumer advice. The refreshed titles adopted a modern, clean look, paired with a studio set equipped with LED screens for real-time data feeds, signaling a sleeker visual identity while preserving subtle playful elements.

References

  1. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/working_lunch/1492559.stm
  2. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/781-working-lunch?language=en-US
  3. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2010/apr/23/bbc-axes-working-lunch
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0354345/
  5. https://www.ravensbourne.ac.uk/bbc-motion-graphics-archive/working-lunch-1994
  6. https://www.theguardian.com/culture/tvandradioblog/2008/jan/29/whyworkinglunchworks
  7. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/working_lunch/guides/consumer/default.stm
  8. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006mjy0/episodes/guide
  9. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/working_lunch/1695867.stm
  10. https://brokentv.uk/2023/05/08/wake-up-mario-its-the-100-most-broadcast-bbc-programmes-of-all-time-20-and-19/
  11. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/BBC/BBC-Annual/BBC-Annual-Report-1995-96.pdf
  12. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/working_lunch/7633100.stm
  13. https://pressgazette.co.uk/publishers/broadcast/new-faces-for-bbcs-working-lunch/
  14. https://www.prweek.co.uk/article/836102/working-lunch-ready-revamp
  15. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00dwdyy
  16. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00fhkpd
  17. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00dwdz6
  18. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8640504.stm
  19. https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/theeditors/2010/07/last_edition_of_working_lunch.html
  20. https://www.gordonpoole.com/talent/declan-curry/
  21. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/working_lunch/6301841.stm
  22. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/working_lunch/5155168.stm
  23. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/working_lunch/5155118.stm
  24. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/working_lunch/6382251.stm
  25. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/working_lunch/5323340.stm
  26. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2006/sep/11/radio.mondaymediasection
  27. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00dnd6b
  28. https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/workinglunch/declancurry/archives.html
  29. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/working_lunch/8720067.stm
  30. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/working_lunch/2983938.stm
  31. https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/schedules/bbc_two/1994-11-11
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