2007 investment outlook

BBC Radio 4's Money Box Saturday 30 December at 1204 GMT on Radio 4 and Online Programme transcript

Money Box examined the prospects for our savings and investments in 2007.

We spoke to Justin Urquhart Stewart from Seven Investment Management, Bridget Rosewell from Volterra Consulting and Steven Bell from GLC.

Further information:

Buoyant year for FTSE and pound

Interesting times

Double-digit rise in house prices

UK economic growth strengthening

Asian markets ending year on high

Britons set to go on sales spree /CPS:LINK>

Internet links and helplines

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Company ID theft

There have been over 300 attacks on Companies House in the last year

Many small businesses are vulnerable to identity theft without realising it.

All limited companies must register their details with the government agency Companies House.

But this data is kept on public display and it is easy for anyone to change information about a firm without any checks being made.

We investigated whether changes in the law would help protect companies and what firms could do to safeguard themselves.

We spoke to David Waterman of I Waterman (Box Makers) Ltd; Metropolitan Police head of economic and specialist crime, detective chief superintendent Nigel Mawer, and Tim Moss, corporate strategy diirector at Companies House.

Further information:

Small firms face identity threat

Internet links and helplines

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Energy prices

What can customers expect in 2007?

Wholesale energy prices are tumbling. But domestic prices will rise again on 1 January for some customers and all companies raised their tariffs in 2006.

Joe Malinowski of TheEnergyShop.com joined Money Box to discuss the outlook for wholesale prices and when the falling cost of gas might be passed on.

Further information:

Fuel bills could fall by 30%

Energy price websites get the nod

Energy firm announces price rise

Average gas bill 'up by a third'

Ofgem warns gas firms over bills

Energy prices rise at EDF Energy

Internet links and helplines

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Credit unions in the classroom

Credit Unions hope to inspire young savers

Pupils at around 50 schools across the UK are being encouraged to bring their loose change into the classroom to deposit with their local Credit union.

These financial co-operatives have been highly praised by MPs as being a safe way to save.

Bob Howard reported from the Robert Owen Credit Union in Montgomeryshire on how it is getting school children to save their pocket money.

Further information:

Investing for children: Your questions

Internet links and helplines

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BBC Radio 4's Money Box was broadcast on Saturday, 30 December at 1204 GMT.

Presenter: Paul Lewis
Producer: Jessica Laugharne
Reporter: Bob Howard