Putin has an upper hand – it is high time the West said enough is enough February 15, 2015 Vladimir Putin once said “There is no such thing as a former KGB man.” The problem in dealing with the present Russian Tsar is that he knows far more about our weaknesses than we do about his. Coming to maturity as a KGB officer in eastern Germany, the young Vladimir Putin’s tradecraft involved incessantly analysing [...]
London and China’s relationship is flourishing but we must work to maintain it February 15, 2015 The widespread celebrations that will mark Chinese New Year in London this week go some way to highlight the importance of the UK’s relationship with China. Its growth may have slowed in recent months, but China’s economy remains one of the fastest growing in the world – and one to which British companies are increasingly [...]
Whistleblowing: Why there are key lessons that the City can learn February 15, 2015 The news wires have been abuzz with high-profile stories centred on whistleblower allegations. Among this flurry, the report from Sir Robert Francis QC into the strength of whistleblowing procedures in the NHS last week made for particularly sobering reading. It outlined the failures of organisations to protect those who speak out. But the report does [...]
The Drum co-founder Diane Young talks learning curves and Scotland February 15, 2015 A career analysing statistics in community and mental health services may not be an obvious route to heading up a publishing business, but that didn’t stop Diane Young, co-founder of media company The Drum. The move from healthcare into business came when Young’s husband, Gordon, and his business partner Nick Creed, saw an opportunity to [...]
The next generation: How we will prepare them for the business world of the future February 15, 2015 Last week, I published the final instalment of my report on small firms. Unbelievably, the only other report on small business, the Bolton report of 1971, said that they were on the way out – that in a few years, they would cease to exist. Yet now, over 19 firms out of 20 employ fewer [...]
Gimme 5: Books on conscious business February 15, 2015 The Responsibility Revolution Jeffrey Hollender Promoting the idea that business can move beyond “less bad” and embrace an ethos to be “all good”. The book presents ideas to inspire leaders to create socially and environmentally responsible companies. £18.99 (Jossey-Bass) Conscious Capitalism John Mackey & Raj Sisoda An argument from the founder of Whole Foods [...]
Andaz Toranomon Hills arrives in Japan: A surefire contender for the best hotel in Tokyo February 15, 2015 Andaz’s signature blend of luxury and locality is immediately evident as you step into the lobby of its latest opening in Tokyo. More than 50 storeys up (the hotel fills the top seven floors of the second highest building in the city), Hokkaido walnut wood and rice paper panels remind guests that while they may [...]
48 hours in… Kyoto: Where to eat, sleep, drink and visit February 15, 2015 WHERE TO EAT Kiyamachi Sakuragawa Situated along a scenic stretch of the Kiyamachi-dori, Michelin-starred restaurant Kiyamachi Sakuragawa is an accessible way to try kaiseki, Japan’s haute cuisine. Smart casual dress is encouraged and the open kitchen means you can watch the chef whip up dishes while you wait. Call +81 255 4477. Bookings recommended. [...]
5 top trails: Hike your way round Japan’s numerous natural wonders February 15, 2015 NAKASENDO WAY This 11-day hike was a popular route through central Japan for 17th century merchants and travellers, but now it’s a much quieter, enjoyable trek through the countryside with traditional inns dotted along the way. Nakasendo is an ancient highway that translates into “the road through the mountains”, starting off in Kyoto, then [...]
How employers can deal with office lovebirds February 15, 2015 In some instances, you can require that staff disclose a relationship. Do you know how many people in your office have had an in-house romance? Valentine’s Day might have been and gone, but trysts are a staple of the UK workplace. According to research carried out by the Institute of Leadership and Management, 41 per [...]
