Private firms should embrace this new chapter of governance December 11, 2018 Up until now, privately held companies of all sizes have largely been left to their own devices as far as governance is concerned. With the main UK Corporate Governance Code only applying to firms traded on the London Stock Exchange, private companies could broadly avoid letting the sunlight into their internal practices. But this state of [...]
The government must resist micro-managing our EU exit December 10, 2018 Unlike many commentators, I believe that a no-deal Brexit still very possible. It is the default as the clock ticks, and parliament must vote for government-backed legislation to change path. For all the threats about a second referendum, the Conservatives would implode if they rowed back on delivering Brexit. And as regrettable as a no-deal [...]
Sam Torrance: Louis Oosthuizen is a laid-back farmer who happens to be a brilliant golfer December 10, 2018 When Louis Oosthuizen announced his talent to the world by winning the Open Championship in 2010, he celebrated by buying a custom-built tractor for his farm back home in South Africa. That tells you a lot about Oosthuizen. He is a wonderful guy who is not desperately keen on fame, loves being at home on [...]
DEBATE: Do banks need to become fintechs in order to survive? December 10, 2018 Do banks need to become fintechs in order to survive? YES, says Lu Zurawski, consumer payments practice lead at ACI Worldwide. Big banks definitely need to find ways to become more like fintechs, which represent a new way of engaging with customers who increasingly expect modern, mobile-first and always-available services. These tech-savvy firms focus on customer-centric, informative [...]
Chief executives can no longer stay out of the political fray December 10, 2018 Activism is everywhere. From our neighbourhoods to boardrooms, national crusades to local causes, there is no shortage of people clamouring to bring pressing, worthy issues to our attention. And business is no exception, hence the rise of a new type of chief executive: the “activist”. This creature takes many forms: publicly outspoken, actively involved in [...]
Today, we are helping to ensure that business is a force for good December 10, 2018 This week sees the launch of the UK’s first set of principles for the corporate governance of large private companies. This is a watershed moment that underlines the key contribution such companies make to the economy and society in general. Business, well done, is a force for good. Business creates the jobs, economic growth, and [...]
With our North American friends, we are proving that trade is not a zero-sum game December 10, 2018 All eyes will be on Westminster tomorrow as parliament prepares for a crunch vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal. We must remember, however, that the world is not stopping for Brexit, even if it continues to dominate the headlines back at home. That is why I am today starting my first overseas visit since taking [...]
Horse racing: Glorious day for De Sousa as he lands Hong Kong Cup December 9, 2018 HE IS the reigning UK champion jockey, but now Silvestre de Sousa has plundered the biggest prize Hong Kong has to offer following Glorious Forever’s victory in the Longines Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin. It capped off a remarkable week for the Brazilian jockey who had won the International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley [...]
Horse racing: Ed Walker hoping for perfect Storm in Hong Kong Cup December 7, 2018 Ed Walker is yet to win a Group One prize, but that could all change on Sunday when Stormy Antarctic goes for glory in the Longines Hong Kong Cup. With a staggering £2.8million up for grabs, the five-year-old, who is owned by Hong Kong-based Sui Pak-kwan, would be deservedly striking at the top level for [...]
The NHS faces another winter crisis, but politicians continue to fail to learn the lessons of public sector failures December 7, 2018 On Thursday, the British Medical Association warned that NHS England is likely to be 10,000 beds short over the coming winter. The next few months are possibly going to be the “the worst on record”, as projections for A&E admissions are looking to increase by 100,000 this year alone. It’s remarkable that the healthcare season [...]