MARYLEBONE — This year is a big year of change. In technology, in the world economy, the world of sport, even in the way all our countries are run. There are elections in America, France, India…
What is more significant in a country than a change of government?
And that’s what is promised in India, Malaysia, Taiwan, Serbia, Kuwait, El Salvador, The [...]
LONDON — It’s been hard not to think about Korea this week. But I have different things on my mind. Not the loss of a dictator. Not the worry that still has South Korean’s practicing evacuations like WWII Britain and Cold War America.
I am thinking about Korea’s fertile business culture and the country’s uncanny ability to reinvent itself, rebuild and [...]
SOUTH KENSINGTON — There was a piece in the Independent yesterday about Sir Richard Branson’s “three point plan” to get the UK economy going.
Unfortunately the plan is completely pants.
I wish it weren’t, but it is.
Years ago, when I worked in politics a very worthy husband and wife team approached my cabinet ministers with suggested [...]
PICADILLY CIRCUS — Looks like the sun might actually come up in London today. That’s a relief. And one of my biggest concerns. Yesterday was dark and I can’t handle that.
So, how lucky am I? That trivial issues like that concern me?
Yesterday umpteen decisions were made that affect all of our lives and futures. Not just in London, New York [...]
EDGWARE ROAD — Yesterday we were lucky enough to have a booth and a speaking spot at an event called “Reorganising Government” at the exceptional QEII Conference Centre.
It was filled with public sector employees facing mergers, takeovers and dissolution. They were a remarkably chipper lot, all things considered.
And while I am on the topic, [...]
TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD — Twenty years ago I was trying to decide what to do with my life, and had set up a meeting with Joan Donaldson. This modest woman of the Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC) was just about to go live with CBC Newsworld – the broadcaster’s national ‘all-news’ network.
I was excited to [...]
LONDON — It’s an interesting question. Are we already? Could we be more so?
Clearly the UK is a desirable place to work, because people come here and stay. It is a sought-after spot for foreign postings. But in spite of much talk from various parties about the importance of highly skilled workers, I think that [...]
FULHAM ROAD — I didn’t watch the three ‘Chancellors’ debate last night. The UK’s equivalent of party Finance supremos were on Channel 4 talking about the future. The papers are full of it this morning.
In many ways.
We do tell business leaders that what they ‘do’ is as [...]
EARL’S COURT — There’s a polar bear melting in Trafalgar Square. (There’s one in Copenhagen too.) Somehow, all of my family saw it this weekend. Except me.
One child reported back that the key thing is that people are encouraged to touch it. And that is making it melt faster.
“The head’s [...]
DISTRICT LINE — The newly appointed Lord made a bit of a storm in Parliament with his maiden speech. Perhaps any minimalism in grace and nuance will inadvertently help our regular politicians, by showing how hard it is to speak without edits, teleprompters and producers.
Describing his views on small business he said:
“I have also seen [...]