It would be a colossal error for the UK to opt out of the creative thinking study December 10, 2019 Each of the major parties’ manifestos for the upcoming election recognises the importance of creativity in our schools and workforces. It seems that policymakers are finally responding to a growing body of international evidence that employers, as they navigate an increasingly digital and complex world, will value human skills like original thinking and complex problem [...]
Too much regulation on bitcoin and cryptocurrency could scare away future tech innovators December 9, 2019 Back in October, the FCA closed its consultation on banning the sale of cryptocurrency derivatives to retail investors. A consultation that I hope will start a collaborative discussion, bringing crypto and its regulatory framework up to speed with the rapid growth of the industry. Thankfully, the FCA’s approach so far has been inclusive and forward-thinking. [...]
All we want for Christmas is… for politicians to commit to helping disabled workers December 9, 2019 As we hurtle towards the polls this week, my thoughts are turning to how disabled people can make their voices heard during an unusually festive election period (the last December General Election was in 1923). I love Christmas and the time I get to spend with my family and friends, but for many of us, [...]
You’re virtually there: How MelodyVR is helping music fans see their favourite artists December 9, 2019 Most music lovers will probably be familiar with the scramble for gig tickets, the eye-watering cost to see your favourite artist, figuring out the logistics of travelling to and from the venue. A large proportion of events are oversubscribed, so many fans end up missing out anyway. But one upbeat company is giving fans the [...]
Debate: Are young people today prepared for the future impact of automation on the workplace? December 9, 2019 Debate: Are young people today prepared for the future impact of automation on the workplace? Yes — Nigel Vaz is global chief executive of digital consultancy Publicis Sapient. As automation becomes increasingly effective and accessible for businesses to perform administrative and data-driven tasks at scale, human input and creativity will remain essential. Graduates who have [...]
The Lib Dems deserve a bad night at the polls December 9, 2019 Conducting a post-mortem on an election campaign before the results come in is risky business. But if the polls have got it all wrong (again) and if Jeremy Corbyn concocts a way into Downing Street over the coming weekend, then analysing the state of the Liberal Democrats will be the last thing on anyone’s mind. [...]
London’s fintechs are magnets for venture capital investment December 9, 2019 The outcome of Thursday’s election will be of significant interest to our partners on the other side of the Atlantic. I am confident, however, that both our US and Mexican partners will recognise the huge, long-term opportunities for closer collaboration as technology opens up a new chapter in our trading relationship. The rapidly increasing digitisation [...]
The brain-dead era of Angela Merkel is limping to a finish December 9, 2019 The always interesting French President Emmanuel Macron got it precisely wrong in November when he airily derided Nato — the most successful alliance in the history of the world — as experiencing “brain death”. Brazening it out, Macron doubled down, defending his remark at the Nato summit of last week. As I never tire of [...]
With a general election only days away, vote with your feet and back Small Business Saturday December 7, 2019 In what has been another tumultuous and unpredictable year, today’s Small Business Saturday celebrations mark a welcome respite from the chaos: a chance for all of us to come together and support the independent firms at the heart of our communities. The festivities are being held against an uncertain and stifling backdrop. Our Small Business [...]
Cut the pessimism, free trade is a huge opportunity for the UK December 6, 2019 The irony of the Brexit debate has always been that, while the value of continued trade with the EU is (quite rightly) regarded as of great importance, the potential of Britain being able to make our own trade deals around the world has been virtually ignored — or worse, demonised. Let’s start with the US. [...]