Filled with HS2 fever? No? Then let’s think up something better August 27, 2019 HS2, the unloved child of British infrastructure, looks like a goner. And while those into trains might spot that there is a review underway, there can be little doubt that this in itself sends a terminal signal to a project that once seemed to offer a glimpse of what a brave new British future might [...]
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, [...]
We the people need to find a way to dispel the Brexit Blues July 16, 2019 The year is 1989. Ronald Reagan on his last day at the White House makes his farewell address. His message is one of the recovery of morale and national pride during his presidency. He puts it down to three words: “we the people”. In so doing, his message is this: “Freedom of speech, freedom of [...]
Boris is a disruptive dreamer – and that’s what Britain needs July 1, 2019 The feel good factor is to politicians what the lost ark was to Indiana Jones. Much coveted, difficult to find, and once found, very tricky to keep hold of. The latest politician to don the fedora and crack the bullwhip is Boris Johnson, the man who, back in 2012, achieved the ultimate in feel good [...]
Cut the obfuscation and let Britain move beyond Brexit June 17, 2019 Gone ’til November. The lyrics of rapper, activist and one-time Haiti presidential candidate Wyclef Jean. And it is the view of the great many of those vying to be Prime Minister: while we might be in the EU until October, we will be gone by November. You’d be forgiven for raising an eyebrow. Groundhog Day [...]
DEBATE: Can we stop worrying now that earnings are rising at their highest rate in a decade? December 12, 2018 Can we stop worrying now that earnings are rising at their highest rate in a decade? Michael Hayman MBE, co-founder of Seven Hills and co-author of Mission: How the Best in Business Break Through, says YES. May you live in interesting times – the old Chinese curse has found new life in Brexit Britain. Mired in [...]
The best story wins, and right now that’s one of apocalypse October 22, 2018 The stories of nations are written at times like these. For it goes without saying that there is much jeopardy in today’s script. There is a daily dose of disaster, whose effect is a form of neurosis in our relationship with news. Forget what’s beneficial or useful information for the living of life – this [...]
Heed the business bashing – capitalism depends on it October 8, 2018 A dreadful misrepresentation, a gaggle of braggarts, the worst take on business you could possibly create. Yes, The Apprentice has returned to the BBC for a fourteenth season, and this time, its representation of business has turbocharged the hate and self-regard to gobsmacking levels. “Nation shall speak peace unto nation” is the motto of the [...]
How to turn the Chequers rat into a lovable Brexit hamster September 24, 2018 It has been said that a rat just is a hamster with a PR problem. Both share many of the same fundamental characteristics – but one people want to look after, and the other they want to kill. Since its uneasy formation, Theresa May has hoped that her Chequers plan could become the Brexit [...]
The voices of reform must be heard over Brexit brooding September 10, 2018 "I’ve never played for a draw in my life.” That was the clarion call from the legendary former manager of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson. And it’s a message to consider as the autumn term for business and the body politic begins. If ever there was a need for a new chapter of courageous capitalism to [...]
