Johnson’s critics will be confounded by the new PM’s liberalism July 26, 2019 There’s a good chance that things will go badly for Boris. He barely has a majority, his party is divided and MPs from across the house are priming their parliamentary grenades to thwart and disrupt him. On the other hand, it is at least possible that he gets a Brexit deal passed and triggers what [...]
Boris sings an uplifting tune but the mood music is more sinister July 26, 2019 Put aside for a moment the enormity of the challenges facing the new Prime Minister and ignore, briefly, the vulnerability of his government and the divisions over Brexit. Instead, permit yourself to enjoy the sight and sound of a leader who actually dares to exude optimism. Boris Johnson has pledged to sweep away the “doomsters [...]
Former banker Sajid Javid’s first job as chancellor? To stand up to Boris Johnson July 25, 2019 Analysts at Deutsche Bank triggered sighs across the City yesterday with an attempt to coin the term “Borisnomics”. The portmanteau, as clunky as the new Prime Minister’s debut speech on the steps of Downing Street, is unlikely to catch on – but whatever we call it (Bojonomics, Johnsonomics…) how should we judge Boris Johnson’s likely approach [...]
DEBATE: Could fintechs solve London’s dirty money problem? July 25, 2019 Could fintechs be the answer to solving London’s dirty money problem? Michael Harris, director of financial crime compliance and reputational risk at Lexis Nexis Risk Solutions, says YES. By their very nature, fintech firms are disruptive and have a reputation for driving change in their field. Why shouldn’t the fight against money laundering be led [...]
Tips for Boris Johnson and his new team at Number 10 July 25, 2019 When it comes to the transfer of power, the British political system is lightning fast. You must immediately move from the startup mentality of campaigning to the awesome responsibility of governing. Whether coming out of a leadership contest or a General Election, there is no transition period. Nothing can quite prepare any incoming Downing Street [...]
Africa is doing just fine, thank you July 25, 2019 If you only know Madagascar because of that animated penguins film, you’ve not been using the internet properly. But that is understandable, because the African island nation has faster internet speeds than you in the UK, France, or Canada. It has birthed a thriving call centre industry in a country that is also home to [...]
Churchill was the leader that Britain needed at the time – could Boris be the same? July 25, 2019 The new Prime Minister had never been short of confidence about his own abilities. On the day of his ascension to the highest office in the land, he wrote “I felt as though I were walking with destiny and that all my past life had been a preparation for this hour and for this trial”. [...]
Business has evolved, now it’s audit’s chance to do the same July 25, 2019 The audit of today has not kept pace with society’s expectations. Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen headlines, challenges and scrutiny over the role and value of audit. Valid concerns have been raised in the wake of events such as the collapse of Carillion, and multiple reports have been commissioned from various independent, parliamentary, [...]
Three ways to survive the summer heatwave in the workplace July 24, 2019 The heatwave is the worst time of year for the office worker. It’s that awful, sweaty season when resolve – and deodorants – fail en masse. Lethargy permeates the building, work and life slows, and you curse your paycheck for not being able to afford a balcony on your box flat’s window. Not that you’re [...]
DEBATE: Is there any merit to the ‘de-growth’ agenda championed by climate activists? July 24, 2019 Is there any merit to the ‘de-growth’ agenda championed by climate activists? Maria Smith, founding director at Interrobang and chief curator of the 2019 Oslo Architecture Triennale, says YES. Our current economic system relies on growth to manage private and public debt. This means that we must grow, whether we’re healthier and happier, or damaging [...]