The Green Party candidate to succeed Angela Merkel as Chancellor could control a fiercely left-wing German Government April 20, 2021 For the first time in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Green Party has nominated a candidate in the race to be Chancellor and succeed Angela Merkel. This morning, the party announced 40-year-old Annalena Baerbock to stand in the September 27 election. After Merkel’s Christian Democrats, the Greens are polling in second [...]
SocGen: UK fintech is at a post-Brexit crossroads and must forge global links to retain its position April 20, 2021 The UK’s position as global fintech leader is facing a pivotal moment as it confronts the dual challenges of fending off competition in a post-Brexit world and capitalising on Covid accelerated digital adoption opportunities across the globe. The UK has had a proud history of leading the way in financial innovation, from its global reputation [...]
We need tougher consumer protection to end the hours of hold music when things go wrong April 19, 2021 It might have been for your cancelled two-week summer holiday. Or it could have been that parcel you ordered that never arrived. First comes the disappointment and frustration, then the dread. You are now staring down the barrel of what could be a lengthy, painful battle with a customer service team to get your money [...]
The worst thing about the Super League? It makes perfect sense April 19, 2021 For any football fan supporting anybody other than Arsenal or Manchester United during the 1990s, the last few years have offered some enjoyable schadenfreude. United lost their way after legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson left the club. Arsenal turned into a soap opera, a club which appeared at times to be run by three lads [...]
Public-private partnership must be at the heart of tackling climate change ahead of COP26 April 19, 2021 Later this year, representatives of over 190 governments will gather at COP26 to voice their commitments to tackling the climate crisis, confirm a “landing zone” on net zero and negotiate the intricacies of the Paris Agreement rulebook. But it’s an illusion to think that government commitments are enough to kick-start climate recovery. Since the global [...]
Fintech innovation will be at the heart of London’s recovery April 19, 2021 Over the last week I’ve been out in the City actively showing my support for businesses reopening after lockdown, including getting a long overdue haircut. Local shops, barbers, pubs and restaurants are of course the backbone of places like the Square Mile. But as we look to kickstart a strong, sustainable recovery post-pandemic, what’s also [...]
Prince Philip’s global outlook has important lessons for forward-thinking businesses April 18, 2021 There has been a huge amount written and said about the life of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. There are also crucial lessons businesses can glean from his work. For a start, the Duke’s life of 99 years was exceptional in its length. Any business would like to be around for that long. There [...]
Amanda Gorman and the influencer economy: how social media stars are shunning greenwashing April 17, 2021 Amanda Gorman, the National Poet Laureate in the US, shot to stardom almost overnight after her reading at Joe Biden’s inauguration. Her picture, taken by Annie Leibovitz, was plastered on the May edition of Vogue. The 23-year-old poet told Vogue she was working on projects that “speak to her” and had turned down various collaborations [...]
Hybrid work is here to stay: we need to learn how to nurture talent virtually April 16, 2021 Last month Reach PLC announced the majority of its workforce will become remote-based. There has been a steady flow of businesses closing their head offices in order to build a hybrid-workforce and it is clear that virtual environments are here to stay. But how do we nurture talent in a virtual environment? And how will [...]
Boris Johnson must follow his own ‘data not dates’ advice and reopen the economy faster April 16, 2021 As few will need reminding, this week marks a crucial milestone for our hospitality sector and our social lives as beer gardens, high streets and outdoor areas open to customers once more. It is uplifting to see our city opening up again, as revellers this week in Soho, London Bridge and Clapham Common will testify. [...]