The Week in Review – 29 June
“Our long national hibernation is beginning to come to an end” In a significant step toward the ‘new normal’, the Prime Minister announced the next raft of lockdown easing measures in England, commencing from 4 July, including the re-opening of pubs, restaurants and hairdressers. The two metre social distancing rule will be modified, moving to […]
The Week in Review – 22 June
“There is genuine cause to celebrate a great, British achievement” At Tuesday’s Downing Street briefing, the Prime Minister announced a significant development in the fight against coronavirus. A low-dose, cheap and widely available steroid treatment, dexamethasone, has been found to reduce the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators and by one-fifth […]
What makes a philanthropist?
It can be tricky to pin down precisely what qualifies as philanthropy. Basically, it’s an active desire to promote the welfare of others, often expressed by giving generously to charities or other deserving causes. If we count dropping some of our loose change into a collection box now and then or giving £3 a month […]
What is a megatrend?
Global megatrends are sustained, macroeconomic, transformative developments, that may alter the trajectory of the economy, business, society, cultures, and our lives, to define and shape our future world. The implications of these trends are diverse, presenting both opportunities and risks. Megatrends don’t exist in isolation. The interconnectivity of our world means trends overlap and investment […]
The Week in Review – 15 June
“We must do everything in our power to avoid a second peak of infection” Speaking at the Downing Street briefing last Wednesday, having confirmed the government’s five tests have been successfully satisfied, the Prime Minister announced plans to further ease lockdown restrictions in England. During the briefing he reiterated, “We must do everything in our […]
Women and pensions
Data from the 15th annual Women and Retirement Report1 suggests an increasing proportion of women are prepared for retirement, although it also highlights a continuing disparity in levels of pension savings compared to men. Record female participation The report shows the number of women contributing to a pension has risen by 15% in the last 15 […]
The Week in Review – 8 June
“Together we rise to fulfil the greatest shared endeavour of our lifetimes” Last week, the UK’s coronavirus death toll surpassed 40,000, a sombre milestone, and only the second country in the world, after the US, to register the grim statistic. Boris Johnson used the UK-hosted Global Vaccine Summit last week to urge world leaders to […]
The surveying scene
When buying a property, it is generally best to have a survey carried out, even if your mortgage lender is also conducting a valuation that involves an inspection. A thorough survey conducted on your behalf may reveal defects or possible costly problems you need to be aware of. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is […]
Natural forces take their toll
The plight of uninsured householders affected by the Australian bushfires is a reminder of the importance of buildings and contents cover, even if securing it can be more difficult or costly when your home is at greater risk from natural forces such as storm, fire or flood. One victim did have their misfortune balanced out […]
The Week in Review – 1 June
“We can now take careful but deliberate steps to reopen our economy” On Friday, the Chancellor took to the Downing Street podium and confirmed that the Job Retention Scheme will conclude at the end of October. Rishi Sunak set out further details of how employers will have to start sharing the cost from August. In […]