Giles Morgan on how sport’s dynamic blaze of colour can bring a bank’s values to life April 19, 2015 HSBC’s Global Head of Sponsorship and Events tackles his firm’s support for rugby, right down to the grassroots level. Giles Morgan is not your average spokesman for a major sporting sponsor. He’s knowledgeable, forthright, and is more than happy to put a few noses out of joint if he doesn’t like what he sees going [...]
Don’t bank on Hillary: Why a second President Clinton is far from inevitable April 19, 2015 I have been immersed in American presidential politics since at least 1992, when I briefly volunteered in New Hampshire (a pivotal early primary) for the whirlwind that is William Jefferson Clinton. I was present at the creation of his national legend, where – despite almost daily revelations of womanising and draft-dodging that would have sunk [...]
Manifestos are pure symbolism: It’s the post-election horse trading that matters April 19, 2015 The saying that there are two things you should never see being made in public – policy and sausages – is somewhat apt at the moment. As the parties publish their manifestos, we really are approaching the finish line in the race to the door of No 10. But do these collections of documents actually [...]
Why robust regulation of retail trading is a competitive advantage April 19, 2015 Since the financial crisis, regulation has been debated extensively; as financial markets have become more accessible to retail consumers, protecting them has never been more important. The decision by the Swiss National Bank to remove the cap on euro-Swiss franc in January 2015 caused turmoil in currency markets, and given the impact this had on [...]
With the election a dead heat, is a minority government now the most likely outcome? April 19, 2015 Charles Lewington, managing director of Hanover Communications, says Yes. The polls currently show the most likely outcome of the election is a deal between Labour and the SNP, both of which have ruled out a coalition with the other. The only party which could possibly provide enough seats to get one of the major parties [...]
Unfinished business: Serial entrepreneur Luke Johnson talks sentimentality, curves and the General Election April 19, 2015 It's a big wide world, and there’s a lot to be done. It’s important to have a sense of urgency.” This is business polymath Luke Johnson’s answer to why it is that he has quite so many business interests – his industriousness is astonishing. Johnson, who waded into the world of business after getting a [...]
Investec Comment: Pensions: The role of structured products April 19, 2015 THE government’s pension reforms have arrived – and attention has inevitably shifted from the technicalities of the new rules to what those at retirement will do with their new-found freedoms. The reforms have given people unprecedented control over their pensions: you no longer have to buy an annuity, you can keep your money invested and [...]
Why “I am what I am” is a hymn to mediocrity April 19, 2015 You will only lead a remarkable life if you aim for perfection. I am what I am, and what I am needs no excuses,” sang Gloria Gaynor. I disagree. Who I am needs a lot of excuses. I am generally lazy and unmotivated. It is hard for me to get interested or follow a task [...]
Totally Mexico! Cancun’s burgeoning luxury hotel scene proves it’s not just for lairy students on Spring Break April 19, 2015 I recently read a book about what the Americas were like before Columbus, Cortes and a load of other Europeans made their way across the Atlantic in the 15th and 16th centuries. In short, the author – Charles Mann, an American journalist – argues that it was considerably more populated and advanced than most of [...]
48 hours in… Vancouver April 19, 2015 WHERE TO STAY L’Hermitage is the best boutique hotel in Vancouver. Located in the heart of the city’s shopping and entertainment district and only blocks from its financial centre, it offers convenience and luxury. Rooms start at $279 per night, visit lhermitagevancouver.com WHERE TO GO Just a 25 minute drive from the city centre, Grouse [...]
