The wings of the Red Arrows are elevating UK trade interests across North America August 13, 2019 IT IS more than a decade since the unique sight of the Red Arrows – Britain airborne in formation – was last seen in the skies of the United States Yesterday, they took to the skies in Canada at the Gatineau Airshow, marking the beginning of an 11-week tour of North America, which includes visits [...]
From subsidies to social unrest, China is keeping markets awake August 13, 2019 August has already been eventful for US-China relations. Last week, China suspended purchases of US farm products in response to an escalation in American tariffs, meaning that President Donald Trump won’t get the great agriculture orders that he tweeted about so enthusiastically in June. African Swine Fever means that there are fewer pigs in China [...]
By trolling Anthony Scaramucci, Trump has crossed a line August 12, 2019 When I woke up on Sunday, like a lot of entrepreneurs and people who work in the media, I reached for my smartphone to check Twitter (Mrs B was still asleep; I am an early riser). One story that caught my eye straight away was President Trump – where would Twitter be without him, or [...]
It’s fine to fail: Why we need to teach people the good, the bad, and the ugly of building a business August 12, 2019 Every entrepreneur has a story of past failure that they’re not afraid to share. I’m no exception. Back in 2010, when Octopus began investing in film production companies, we turned down the opportunity to invest in a small British film called The King’s Speech, which went on to gross £250m worldwide and win four Oscars. [...]
Chill out, take a breath, and don’t worry about wasting time August 12, 2019 Shrimp salad and a gin and tonic for lunch, then back to bed for a snooze. The relaxed recipe for creative genius, as told by Liccy Dahl at a literary event last week, on the work routine of her late husband, Roald. It got me thinking. In a world focused on the need for speed, [...]
Now that the Treasury has stopped making 1p and 2p coins, should we scrap them completely? August 12, 2019 Now that the Treasury has stopped making 1p and 2p coins, should we scrap them completely? Finn McRedmond, a staff writer at Reaction, says YES. The rising cost of living has eroded the value of pennies, while surveys suggest that now over half of them are left lying around unused. And as cash use falls, [...]
We can avoid a no-deal Brexit, if both sides just keep calm August 12, 2019 The Eurozone economy is not looking healthy. The German engine is stalling, global trade tensions will not abate any time soon, and President Donald Trump may soon turn his fire on Europe. China has allowed the renminbi to sink, thereby exporting deflationary pressures. Large economies like Italy, France and Spain are still in no condition [...]
One message resonates across the globe: London is still one-of-a-kind for finance August 12, 2019 As people across the City head off on their travels over the summer holidays, there is no better time to reflect on the exciting opportunities for the UK across the globe as our future trading relationship comes into sharp focus. I have already been fortunate enough in my role as the 691st lord mayor of [...]
Social care crisis: Steps we can take now to help millions of unpaid carers August 9, 2019 An unnecessary stay in hospital can be bad for your health. Just seven days waiting in a hospital bed can cut a person’s muscle strength by 10 per cent – and every month thousands of people’s transfer out of hospital is delayed. We don’t need to wait for government action before we do something about [...]
Prosperity or pound shop? Our free trade future awaits August 9, 2019 Like most of us, I’ve been watching the new government in the UK with interest – and no small measure of anxiety. As it became clear that Boris Johnson would emerge as the new PM, it also became clear that there would be a sharp change in government policy across the board. Theresa May, for [...]