Losing the EU financial services “passport” would be a disaster for the UK economy June 9, 2016 I read with real concern that the Leave campaign does not think that the “passporting” afforded by the EU is worth much to the City. “Such rubbish,” Vote Leave campaigner Andrea Leadsom called it recently. Her statement shows a tragic lack of understanding of what modern financial services need. Thanks to the EU, a UK [...]
As long jumper Greg Rutherford freezes his sperm because of Zika virus fears, should the Rio Olympics be moved? June 9, 2016 Lee Igel, clinical associate professor at the New York University Tisch Institute and co-director of NYU Sports and Society, says Yes. The Rio Olympics should be postponed or moved, but not called off entirely. Knowing what we already know about the spread and effects of the strain of Zika virus currently found in Brazil, on top [...]
City A.M. Unregulated podcast: How Oppo Ice Cream smashed its crowdfunding target on Seedrs in 10 minutes June 8, 2016 Crowdfunding: it's becoming increasingly popular, but is it worth it? Emma and Zak are joined by Charlie Thuillier, a co-founder of Oppo Ice Cream, which smashed its crowdfunding target in less than 10 minutes, and Seedrs' chief investment officer Thomas Davies, to discuss the highs and lows of crowdfunding. What's the best way to launch a [...]
Airports and houses: Both stuck in the mud June 8, 2016 It was a Wednesday, like today, nearly a year ago – 1 July 2015. Greece was gearing up for an historic referendum that many predicted would see the debt-riddled country crash out of the Eurozone. Andy Burnham was still favourite to become Labour’s new leader. Rumours were beginning to circulate that Leicester City would appoint Italian [...]
Why Ireland only sees risks from Britain leaving the EU June 8, 2016 It would be nice to be able to shrug my shoulders, sit back and observe the current UK debate on the country’s future in Europe as a detached spectator. That, I am afraid, is not an option for Ireland. We are too close to the UK in all sorts of ways for us to be [...]
The poor state of macroeconomics justifies scepticism with Brexit disaster forecasts June 8, 2016 David Cameron has tried to frame the Brexit debate as essentially about economics. Standing with him is the overwhelming consensus of economists themselves, from academics to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Yet their pronouncements are not having that much impact on the electorate if the polls are to be believed. There is justification for this [...]
Sadiq Khan won’t improve life for London’s renters by wrapping buy-to-let landlords in red tape June 8, 2016 A “referendum on housing.” That was how Sadiq Khan described the London mayoral contest. Access to housing that Londoners can afford is certainly critical to the future success of the capital, and at the heart of the mayor’s plans are substantial reforms to private rented property. As the voice of private landlords, we welcome debate about [...]
After grilling Mike Ashley about Sports Direct working practices, is it fair for MPs to demand business leaders account for themselves before Parliament? June 8, 2016 Ioannis Ioannou, associate professor of strategy and entrepreneurship at London Business School, says Yes. Yes, it is fair. To the extent that Parliament acts in good will to protect the long-term interests of society at large (as opposed to serving short-term political objectives), demanding transparency and accountability from companies that have a material impact on societal [...]
London’s rapid growth fuels our polarised job market June 7, 2016 Last year was another successful one for the capital’s job creation machine. Employment rose by 2.5 percent in 2015, beating the UK-wide rate of two percent, providing work to another 107,400 people. But these gains weren’t evenly shared. Since 2008 London has seen phenomenal growth of very high and very low skilled jobs, whilst those in the [...]
Women must have a crucial role in saving the high street – a retailer’s survival may depend on it June 7, 2016 Retailers will breathe a sigh of relief today as the joint British Retail Consortium (BRC) and KPMG sales monitor for May shows a modest recovery on the high street. But the respite may be brief as customers remain cautious with their spending. The sector is facing many challenges. Too many retailers are disconnected from their [...]