The return of the supersonic brand and designing flights of the future April 26, 2016 The new generation of supersonic planes could defy all design conventions. Concorde may be long retired from the skies but the romance and excitement of supersonic travel lives on, a new age of aviation is now on the horizon. Earlier this month, NASA announced it is developing a range of supersonic ‘X-planes’ that could ultimately lead to [...]
Women on boards: Could creating a Female Stock Exchange be a way to redress the balance? April 26, 2016 Frustrated by the FTSE 350’s “one step forward, two steps back” progress towards getting more women on boards, I’ve had an idea. Why not create a Female Stock Exchange dedicated to helping companies run by or for women to raise finance and grow? Let’s face it, thanks to uncertainty over Brexit, the City is already in flux, a [...]
London housing crisis: Before you dismiss it, consider these six points that put the Greenbelt controversy into context April 26, 2016 Without a doubt, the UK housing crisis is most acute in the capital. Not a day goes by without a story on prices, the need for housing, or how to/ where to/ why to build more homes in London. Most recently, an old, controversial topic was re-introduced – building homes on the Greenbelt. The context for this debate is [...]
Now BHS is in administration, the bidders are circling – but wouldn’t it be wiser to let it die with dignity? April 26, 2016 After the sale of BHS by Sir Philip Green to the previously unheard-of Retail Acquisitions last year, it was only a matter of time before we reached this point. Bought for £1 because of the heavy debt and pensions liabilities, too much work was needed for the 88-year-old retailer to find its footing again. Even [...]
From data analytics to broadband, lazy “business as usual” isn’t good enough from London’s next mayor April 26, 2016 On 5 May, a new mayor will be elected to run London. The new mayor’s ability to make life better for Londoners will depend not just on good policies but also on how well he or she can make the capital’s governing machinery work. London’s first two mayors have both been big figures, who in [...]
Brexit myths debunked: The Leave campaign shouldn’t fear arguing that leaving the EU would be good for the economy April 26, 2016 Conventional commentariat wisdom has it that the EU referendum pits those concerned about economics versus those concerned about immigration. But a quick perusal of the leading intellectual voices supporting Leave shows this is nonsense. Many have long thought the UK outside the EU would not only be more free and democratic, but more prosperous too. That’s [...]
Quantifying bank quality: Why four star TSB beats one star Barclays at delivering shareholder value April 26, 2016 Imagine you are on the short-list to become the chief executive of a bank. The interview is going well. It looks like you are their man. But then the conversation turns to rewards. The headhunter explains that you will be rewarded for increasing the bank’s price/book value. They give you a blank sheet of paper [...]
As a decision on Hinkley Point C is delayed yet again, are the economics of nuclear bust in the UK? April 26, 2016 Tony Lodge, research fellow at the Centre for Policy Studies, says Yes. News that the French decision to build the Hinkley C power station has been put back yet again is another blow to Britain’s fledgling energy policy. Unfortunately, it also further undermines what should be the positive case for new nuclear power plants in Britain. [...]
Panama papers: Why the era of operating behind a veil is coming to an end April 25, 2016 For the last three weeks, the Panama Papers have dominated headlines worldwide, leading to embarrassment, back-tracking and resignations among some of the world’s political elite. In the furore that’s followed, politicians have entered uncharted territory of scrutiny, with the publishing of tax returns now potentially a prerequisite for anyone seeking a job in high office. [...]
BHS administration: Who has blood on their hands as yet another retailer falls into administration? April 25, 2016 The loss of a UK retailing stalwart from our high streets is always a sad affair. There is, of course, a sense of nostalgia as old photos of where we once shopped appear. And the human tragedy of those losing their livelihoods – in the case of BHS that’s 10,000 current employees, and thousands more [...]