Letters to the editor February 4, 2013 Austerity politics [Re: Recession and higher tax taking toll on Britain’s top earners, yesterday] This article makes it clear that we really are all in it together. But this fact creates a tricky electoral paradox for the Conservatives. First, it isn’t in the Tories’ best interest to point out that they are taking large amounts [...]
Crisis in the Eurozone is brewing up security problems for years ahead February 3, 2013 IN HIS speech on Britain’s relationship with the EU, David Cameron reminded us that European politics is still characterised by a competition for influence in pursuit of the national interest. There is, of course, no longer a military dimension to that contest. A common European market and common institutions have weakened the link between economics, [...]
Britain needs action on visa restrictions to stay open to international business February 3, 2013 THE defining characteristic of London’s success in recent times is its international outlook. New census data vividly demonstrates this fact, by showing that more than 100 different languages are now spoken in virtually every London borough. Skilled individuals from across the globe choose to call the capital home. This pool of talent is, in turn, [...]
A late night Tube is simple way to keep London competitive February 3, 2013 TRANSPORT for London has raised the prospect of the Underground running until 2am at weekends. Starting in 2015, this could deliver a signifciant boost to London’s £8bn a year dining, drinking and entertainment industry, and would provide a boon to the thousands of Londoners who flock to the West End for a night out. This [...]
The Debate: Should France’s economic weakness be a cause for increasing concern in the Eurozone? February 3, 2013 YES Yannick Naud French economic weakness is not only apparent from its very high unemployment figures and persistent lack of growth. It’s even more striking when you analyse leading indicators like manufacturing purchasing managers’ indices – the worst of all Eurozone countries, except for Greece. France’s manufacturing downturn is accelerating, with both output and new [...]
Letters to the editor February 3, 2013 London by night [RE: Tube could run until 2am, says transport boss, Thursday] Last week’s announcement that London Underground will run extended weekend Tube services is a boon for businesses across the capital. It is also positive for businesses like Addison Lee, as we also benefit from Londoners being able to get around at busy [...]
Why the government will struggle to deliver a Silicon Valley for Britain January 31, 2013 THE UK has a desperate need for growth. But while many of the means of reaching this goal – tax reform, for instance – are controversial, the need for innovation is widely accepted. Economic evidence clearly demonstrates that a key driver of growth is the development and adoption of innovative products and services. A natural [...]
Osborne isn’t the cat’s whiskers but we don’t have to give up on austerity January 31, 2013 AS THE UK economy skids towards a triple-dip recession, many are looking at George Osborne and his plan A and wondering whether someone else could do better. Osborne’s own cat Freya, for instance. If we saved on Osborne’s salary and, in a spirit of austerity, paid his replacement with Whiskas and the occasional catnip chew [...]
Customers have no incentive to punish mis-selling banks January 31, 2013 BANKS are embroiled in another “mis-selling” scandal, but we can be sure that customer behaviour won’t be affected. Few people will switch bank as a result. Regulation means we are indifferent to how our banks behave. Why? Because we know banks will always be fined for their faults, and we know we’ll always be compensated. [...]
The Debate: After a rebrand and new product launch, can BlackBerry save itself from decline? January 31, 2013 YES Jeff Kagan BlackBerry can be saved, but it won’t reclaim its position as a market leader. The question is who is going to be the third player in the market behind Apple and Google: Microsoft, Nokia, or BlackBerry? BlackBerry still has a sizeable customer base – especially corporate users. Its brand was looking tired, [...]