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2024: Navigating the Political Storm – A Business Leader’s Guide to Risk Management
As we gaze into the crystal ball of 2024, the political landscape shimmers with both opportunity and peril. For business leaders, navigating this terrain requires not just a keen eye for the market, but an astute understanding of the political forces that can shape – or shatter – their best-laid plans. Let’s look at political risk insights and risk management strategies needed to mitigate the biggest political risks of the year ahead.
The Looming Giants: Four Major Political Risks of 2024
The US Presidential Election: Buckle up, folks, it’s a wild ride. With the incumbent facing a resurgent opposition and a potential third-party candidate throwing a wrench in the gears, the 2024 US election promises to be a nail-biter. The volatility will spill over into global markets, impacting trade, investment, and even travel.
Quote: “Politics are almost as exciting as war, and quite as unpredictable.” – Winston Churchill
Geopolitical Tensions: The simmering tensions between major powers, fuelled by ideological clashes and resource competition, threaten to boil over in 2024. From the South China Sea to the Ukraine conflict, businesses with footprints in these volatile regions must prepare for disruptions and potential sanctions.
Quote: “In times of conflict, the law falls silent.” – Marcus Tullius Cicero
The Rise of Populism: The siren song of populism continues to enchant disillusioned voters, potentially ushering in leaders with unpredictable agendas and protectionist policies. Businesses reliant on open markets and global supply chains must adapt to navigate these shifting sands.
Quote: “A nation cannot exist half slave and half free.” – Abraham Lincoln
Climate Change and Social Unrest: As the existential threat of climate change intensifies, so too does the potential for social unrest and political instability. Businesses operating in vulnerable regions must factor in the possibility of protests, civil disobedience, and even government clampdowns.
Quote: “The Earth has provided for life for billions of years… it will do so for billions more without us.” – Carl Sagan
Risk Management Toolbox: Strategies for Weathering the Storm
Scenario Planning: Develop multiple scenarios based on different political outcomes, allowing you to adapt and pivot quickly. Think of it as playing chess ahead of time, considering all your opponent’s possible moves.
Diversification: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your investments and operations across diverse regions and markets, diluting your exposure to any single political risk.
Lobbying and Engagement: Build relationships with policymakers and key stakeholders. Proactive engagement can ensure your voice is heard and your interests are considered as policies are formulated.
Crisis Communication: Have a clear communication plan in place for navigating potential crises. Transparency and timely updates can mitigate reputational damage and build trust with stakeholders.
Seek Expert Guidance: Don’t go it alone. Leverage the expertise of political risk consultants who can provide tailored insights and strategies for navigating complex political landscapes.
Remember, the key to successful risk management is not predicting the future, but being prepared for whatever it throws your way. By understanding the biggest political risks of 2024 and implementing these proactive strategies, you can turn uncertainty into a competitive advantage and steer your business toward continued success. And as Sun Tzu wisely advised, “Know the enemy and know yourself; in every battle, you will then be victorious.”
The A Political Quagmire: Navigating Uncertain Seas in the US and UK
The year 2023 has painted a stark picture of political dysfunction in both the United States and the United Kingdom. In the US, a gridlocked Congress produced a meager 23 bills, a far cry from the legislative productivity expected from the world’s leading democracy. Across the Atlantic, the echoes of Brexit continue to reverberate, with the UK Parliament bogged down in endless debates instead of tackling the pressing economic challenges facing the nation. This grim reality poses a significant challenge for individuals and businesses in both countries, leaving them adrift in a sea of uncertainty.
The American Stalemate: A Congress in Paralysis
The 2023 legislative output of the US Congress stands as a testament to the deep partisan divide currently gripping American politics. Republicans and Democrats seem locked in a perpetual tug-of-war, more interested in scoring political points than finding common ground. This has resulted in a legislative drought, leaving crucial issues like healthcare reform, infrastructure development, and climate change unaddressed.
For individuals, this political paralysis translates into a sense of disillusionment and a feeling of being forgotten by their elected representatives. The lack of progress on key issues like healthcare affordability and student loan debt directly impacts their lives, while the inaction on climate change raises anxieties about the future. Meanwhile, businesses face an unpredictable regulatory environment, hindering investment and economic growth.
Navigating the Labyrinth: What Americans Can Do
In the face of this legislative inertia, individuals and businesses must become the architects of their own destinies. Here are some strategies to navigate the American political quagmire:
Engage constructively: Reach out to your representatives and express your concerns and priorities. Support organizations that advocate for issues you care about and participate in peaceful protests and demonstrations.
Vote strategically: Research the candidates in your local and national elections and vote based on their track record and policy positions. Consider candidates who demonstrate a willingness to compromise and work across the aisle.
Focus on local politics: Engage with your local community and participate in local elections. Local governments often have a significant impact on daily life, and your involvement can make a real difference.
Support civic engagement initiatives: Encourage and educate others about the importance of political participation. Promote initiatives that foster civil discourse and bridge the partisan divide.
Brexit’s Bitter Aftermath: UK’s Economy Lost in the Fog
While the US suffers from congressional gridlock, the UK grapples with the fallout of Brexit. The 2016 referendum, which saw a narrow vote to leave the European Union, has plunged the nation into a protracted political and economic crisis. Parliament remains embroiled in endless debates about the terms of the withdrawal agreement, with little progress made on addressing the concerns of businesses and citizens regarding trade, immigration, and the future of the National Health Service.
For individuals, Brexit has brought uncertainty about jobs, wages, and access to essential goods and services. Businesses face complex bureaucratic hurdles and the potential for reduced market access. The ongoing political turmoil erodes confidence in the economy and dampens investment, further hindering growth.
Charting a Course Forward: How the UK Can Steer Out of Troubled Waters
To emerge from this quagmire, the UK needs a renewed focus on pragmatism and national unity. Here are some potential pathways forward:
Prioritise the economy: Parliament must shift its focus from Brexit minutiae to addressing the immediate concerns of businesses and citizens. Policies that stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and support vulnerable communities are essential.
Seek common ground: Political parties must find ways to cooperate and compromise on key issues.Collaborative leadership that transcends partisan divides is crucial for navigating the challenges ahead.
Foster open dialogue: The government must engage in transparent communication with the public, clearly explaining the implications of various Brexit scenarios and seeking feedback on potential solutions.
Invest in education and skills training: Equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in the post-Brexit landscape is crucial for long-term economic success.
Promote international cooperation: Building strong relationships with other countries, both within and outside of the EU, will be essential for securing trade deals and fostering economic opportunity.
A Common Challenge, Different Solutions
While the political landscapes of the US and UK differ significantly, the challenges they face share a common thread: a lack of effective governance and a disconnect between elected officials and the people they represent. To overcome these hurdles, both nations must rediscover the spirit of compromise, prioritise the needs of their citizens and businesses, and embrace pragmatism over ideology.
The road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but by staying informed, engaging constructively, and holding their leaders accountable, individuals and businesses can play a vital role.
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Can Economic Migrants Be the Recessionary Storm’s Lifeline? A 2024 Outlook for UK and USA
As storm clouds gather on the economic horizon, recessionary whispers turn into anxious roars in both the UK and the USA. In this tumultuous climate, a fascinating question emerges: Could economic migrants potentially act as a life raft, mitigating the damage of a potential recession in 2024?
As an expert economic analyst ( Keith Lewis ), I delve into this intricate issue, dissecting the potential role of economic migration in weathering the coming economic storm in these two major economies.
Buoying the Economy in Rough Seas:
Several arguments propose that economic migrants can serve as a buffer against recessionary forces:
Labour force resilience: With skilled and willing newcomers filling critical labour gaps, particularly in sectors facing shortages, economic migrants can bolster productivity and output. This can stabilise the economy and counteract downward trends, as evidenced by the contribution of migrant workers to sectors like UK healthcare and US agriculture.
Demand lifeline: By injecting fresh purchasing power into the economy, migrants can stimulate businesses and create jobs. This can boost aggregate demand, a crucial driver of economic recovery, as research by the OECD suggests with increased migration boosting GDP growth in several European countries.
Innovation anchor: Migrants often bring a wealth of entrepreneurial spirit and skills, driving business creation and innovation. This can foster economic growth and generate employment opportunities, potentially alleviating recessionary pressures, as demonstrated by the significant role of immigrants in US startup ecosystems.
Fiscal stability: As migrant workers contribute through income taxes and payroll deductions, they can bolster government revenue streams. This can provide crucial budgetary resources for social programs and infrastructure investments, helping governments navigate and mitigate the impact of a recession, as analyses in the UK suggest regarding the positive fiscal contribution of immigration.
However, navigating these turbulent waters necessitates caution:
Wage suppression: An influx of migrant workers can put downward pressure on wages,particularly for low-skilled jobs.This can dampen consumer spending and exacerbate inequalities, hindering overall economic growth, as studies in the US have shown in specific sectors.
Social tensions: Large-scale migration can strain social services and resources, potentially leading to public anxieties and fueling xenophobia.This can make it politically challenging to maintain open borders, even with potential economic benefits, as witnessed in the current political climates of both the UK and the USA.
Integration hurdles: Successful integration of migrants into the workforce and society is crucial for maximising their economic contribution. Language barriers, cultural differences, and lack of recognition of foreign qualifications can hinder integration, limiting the positive economic impact of migration. Robust policies promoting skill recognition and language training are essential to overcome these hurdles.
Navigating the Choppy Waters of 2024:
Assessing the evidence requires acknowledging the complexities of this issue. Studies on the direct link between economic migration and recessionary tendencies remain inconclusive, with varying results depending on factors like the skillsets of migrants, existing labour market conditions, and government policies. A tailored approach, considering specific national contexts, is crucial.
Charting the Course in 2024 and Beyond:
To leverage the potential benefits of economic migration while mitigating potential drawbacks in 2024 and beyond, both the UK and the USA can consider the following:
Skill-based migration strategies: Prioritising the entry of migrants with skills in high demand to address labour shortages and boost productivity, ensuring a win-win for both businesses and the economy.
Effective integration programs: Investing in language training, skills recognition, and cultural orientation programs can facilitate smooth integration, maximising the positive economic contribution of migrants and fostering social cohesion.
Robust social safety nets: Ensuring adequate social services and resources for both native and migrant populations can mitigate potential tensions and prevent economic hardship during a recession.
While economic migrants cannot entirely prevent a recession, they can potentially play a crucial role in minimising its impact and expediting economic recovery. However, it is essential to acknowledge the complexities and potential challenges associated with migration. Openness to talent, coupled with responsible management, integration efforts, and data-driven policymaking, can harness the potential of economic migration to navigate the choppy waters of 2024 and build resilient economies for the future. Remember, weathering economic storms requires a balanced approach, embracing the potential of diverse resources while ensuring responsible and inclusive practices.
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The Looming Shadow: Navigating the Labyrinth of Geopolitical Risks in 2024
The world in 2023 stands at a crossroads. As the shadow of a global pandemic recedes, new anxieties grip the international landscape. Tensions simmer in familiar hotspots, while emerging threats whisper on the horizon. In this labyrinth of uncertainties, one question burns bright: what will be the greatest geopolitical risk in 2024?
Predicting the future is a fool’s errand, but anticipating and preparing for potential storms is the essence of responsible leadership. While pinpointing a singular “greatest” risk might be an oversimplification, we can examine four contenders each capable of casting a long, disruptive shadow in 2024:
1. The Dragon and the Tiger: Escalating Tensions in the Taiwan Strait:
The Taiwan Strait, a narrow waterway separating mainland China and the self-governing island of Taiwan, has long been a tinderbox of geopolitical tension. China, viewing Taiwan as a breakaway province, refuses to renounce the use of force in achieving reunification. Taiwan, on the other hand, maintains robust democratic institutions and enjoys strong international support, particularly from the United States.
In 2024, several factors could elevate the risk of confrontation in the Taiwan Strait:
Increased Chinese military assertiveness: Beijing’s recent actions, like frequent incursions into Taiwanese airspace and military drills simulating island invasion, signal a growing determination to assert its dominance.
Taiwan’s presidential elections: Scheduled for January 2024, the elections could see the victory of a pro-independence candidate, further inflaming Chinese grievances.
Miscalculations and accidents: Unforeseen incidents, either military mishaps or deliberate provocations, could spiral into an unintended conflict with devastating consequences.
The potential ramifications of a Taiwan Strait conflict are immense. A full-scale war could trigger a massive humanitarian crisis, disrupt global supply chains, and plunge the world into a new era of Cold War-esque tensions.
2. The Ukrainian Quagmire: War’s Long Shadow and Spillover Risks:
The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to cast a long, dark shadow over Europe and the global order. Even if a resolution were reached in 2024, the war’s legacy will extend far beyond the battlefield. Here are some potential avenues for risk:
Protracted conflict and instability: Even a ceasefire wouldn’t guarantee lasting peace. A simmering conflict in Ukraine could destabilise the region, create a humanitarian crisis, and strain international relations.
Spillover effects into neighbouring countries: The war could trigger unrest or refugee crises in bordering nations like Moldova, Belarus, and the Baltic states.
Weapons proliferation and escalation: The possibility of Russia or Ukraine resorting to unconventional weapons or dragging other powers into the conflict cannot be entirely discounted.
The war in Ukraine has already disrupted the global food and energy markets, impacting economies worldwide. A further escalation could exacerbate these vulnerabilities, leading to economic hardship and political instability in vulnerable regions.
3. Iran’s Nuclear Tightrope: Unveiling the Bomb or Stepping Back from the Brink?
Iran’s nuclear programme remains a contentious issue, raising concerns about its potential for weapons development and regional instability. In 2024, the trajectory of Iran’s nuclear ambitions could significantly impact the geopolitical landscape:
Collapse of the JCPOA: The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, currently hangs by a thread. Its collapse could pave the way for Iran to accelerate its nuclear activities,raising the specter of a military strike from Israel or the United States.
Internal political dynamics: The political climate in Iran could influence its approach to the nuclear issue. Hardliners gaining ascendancy could increase the risk of confrontation, while moderates gaining ground could offer an opportunity for renewed diplomacy.
Regional proxy conflicts: Iran’s support for Shia militias across the Middle East could exacerbate existing tensions and potentially trigger wider regional conflicts.
A nuclear-armed Iran could reshape the Middle East power dynamics, posing a significant threat to Israel and its allies. It could also trigger a nuclear arms race in the region, further destabilising an already volatile part of the world.
4. Climate Change and the Looming Resource Wars:
While traditionally considered a non-traditional security threat, climate change is increasingly recognised as a potential driver of geopolitical instability. In 2024, its impact could become more pronounced through:
Resource scarcity and competition: Water scarcity, food insecurity, and energy shortages driven by climate change could exacerbate existing resource competition, potentially leading to conflicts over crucial resources.
Mass migration and displacement: Climate-induced migration could strain social and political systems in receiving countries, potentially triggering unrest and xenophobia.
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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been criticised for its wild economic forecast swings for the UK in 2023. In April, the IMF predicted that the UK economy would contract by 0.3% in 2023. However, in July, the IMF upgraded its forecast to 0.4% growth. This sharp reversal has led some to question the IMF’s credibility and to suggest that it is politically motivated.
There are a number of factors that could explain the IMF’s wild forecast swings. One possibility is that the IMF was simply wrong in its initial assessment of the UK economy. The UK economy has been facing a number of challenges in 2023, including rising inflation, a cost of living crisis, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, the UK economy has also shown some resilience in recent months. GDP growth has been positive, and unemployment has remained low.
Another possibility is that the IMF was caught off guard by the UK government’s response to the economic challenges. In April, the UK government announced a number of measures to help businesses and consumers cope with the rising cost of living. These measures included a windfall tax on energy companies and a cut to fuel duty. The IMF may have underestimated the impact of these measures on the UK economy.
Whatever the reason for the IMF’s wild forecast swings, it has led some to question the organisation’s credibility. The IMF is an influential organisation that provides economic advice to governments around the world. If the IMF cannot be trusted to provide accurate economic forecasts, then its advice is less valuable.
The IMF’s credibility has also been damaged by its previous inaccurate predictions. In 2008, the IMF predicted that the global financial crisis would have a limited impact on the UK economy. However, the UK economy was one of the hardest hit by the crisis. The IMF’s inaccurate prediction led some to question whether the organisation was too close to the financial sector and whether it was not willing to challenge the status quo.
In addition to its inaccurate predictions, the IMF has also been criticised for its political bias. Some critics have argued that the IMF is more likely to give favourable advice to countries that are aligned with the United States. For example, the IMF was criticised for its handling of the Greek debt crisis. The IMF imposed harsh austerity measures on Greece, which many believe exacerbated the country’s economic problems.
The IMF’s wild forecast swings for the UK in 2023 and its previous inaccurate predictions have led some to question the organisation’s credibility and to suggest that it is politically motivated. The IMF will need to do more to restore its credibility if it wants to maintain its influence in the global economy.
In addition to the points raised above, there are a number of other factors that could be contributing to the IMF’s wild forecast swings for the UK. These include:
The complexity of the global economy, which makes it difficult to predict with certainty how events will unfold.
The uncertainty surrounding the UK’s future relationship with the European Union.
The changing political landscape in the UK.
The IMF is a valuable organisation that provides important economic advice to governments around the world. However, the IMF’s credibility has been damaged by its wild forecast swings and its previous inaccurate predictions. The IMF will need to do more to restore its credibility if it wants to maintain its influence in the global economy.
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Do you want financial success in terms on capital value increase and dividend increases? Are you prepared to sacrifice the interests of other stakeholders to achieve this? Is long term business sustainability less important than short term financial success?
You can be very financially successful and still fail. When financial success is pursued at the expense of other stakeholders interest you have a recipe for catastrophic failure eventually.
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Shareholders and customers are stakeholders in the business performance not just senior management team. Pushing for bonuses at the expense of other stakeholders interests has always resulted in catastrophic losses.
The financial crisis in 2008 is the most recent near systemic collapse due to poor senior management team business decisions. The senior management teams were very good at creating extra value for themselves which will have long term benefits but their customers and shareholders in the financial crisis of 2008 have lost big time and many have yet to recover lost business value.
The sad fact is that shareholders or rather their representatives pension and investment fund managers have accepted and fuelled the poor decision making of senior management teams by being part of the problem. They have misrepresented big business owners long terms interests by allow senior management teams to get away with bad business decision making that only interests the senior management teams not shareholders or customers.
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Senior management teams are not taking enterprise risk management methodology onboard. Too often they pay lip service to the principles and practices of enterprise risk management.
Poor risk management cultures continue to dominate
Poor compliance standards are being accepted and even encouraged
Systemically poor risk management practices flourish on basis of a level playing field. They are doing it to make money so so should we
Enterprise risk management practices and processes need to be improved to prevent future catastrophic systemic collapses in business.
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Governments and self regulating bodies need to drive business improvements with carrots and sticks. Personal accountability at board level is necessary before good enterprise risk management practices will be embedded. If business leaders cannot see the wood from the trees than they need to be forced to open their eyes.
Short term greed is prevalent within our corporate structures. If our oversight by governments and professional bodies do not pull their their fingers out then economic and social catastrophes lie ahead in the next decade.
There is more to business than short term profit maximisation. However too many business leaders do not hold to this view. Their greed will take us closer to the cliff edge if they are not forcefully stopped.
Do our business leaders and politicians really understand corporate risks and how this will impact on society?
Do they care? Too often the answer must be no. So they must be made to care by other people in our capitalist society. Capitalism is the best system on which to base our future but it should not be left to greedy people to rape the good that comes from capitalism.
Profit maximising corporations are not the flagships of capitalism. There is more to business life than profit. Reconciling business priorities is not easy. It is made easier with enterprise risk management principles and practices. Develop a more successful stakeholder management strategy for your business with BusinessRiskTV.
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In an increasingly litigious and unforgiving society should business leaders take personal responsibility for business mistakes? In previous decades business leaders and politicians were often seen falling on their sword following risk events whether they were personally responsible or not.
However either through fear of legal action or fear of being lynched online or offline leaders now rarely fess up to being to blame. There have been some exceptions but over recent decades leaders have toughed it out or doubled up on their mistakes.
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Is the fear of blame or blame culture led us to the position that we are failing to learn from mistakes?
Regardless of the cause there is a definite change in the honour or moral standing of our leaders. Leaders who make mistakes have to be brought screaming and shouting to be held to account when mistakes happen. More often than not they are then retired early literally or metaphorically to avoid personal accountability.
Many people respect people who make mistakes more if they take responsibility for mistakes. To err is human after all even when it is a computer fault!
Would it not be better if our leaders accept responsibility for mistakes and then created a written plan to avoid making the same mistakes again in future
Does a business organisation or political party not lose the opportunity to truly learn from mistakes made if the leaders are immediately jettisoned following mistakes. Leaders voluntarily stepping down following mistakes or failures are actually taking the easy way out for themselves not necessarily the business.
Why do our leaders not clear up their own mess more often?
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We are in an existential crisis on so many fronts. Geopolitics threatens around every corner domestically in UK and around the world. Technology could create societal threats and even AI attacks on humans! Pandemic threats are closer than we could ever imagine last century.
However each of these threats presents opportunities to take the upside risk. Turn the threat into an opportunity to grow and prosper.
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The Threat of Rising Bond Yields in European and American Bond Markets
Bond yields are the interest rates that investors receive when they lend money to governments or corporations. Bond yields have been rising steadily in recent months, both in Europe and the United States. This is due to a number of factors, including the Federal Reserve’s plans to raise interest rates and concerns about inflation.
Rising bond yields can have a number of negative consequences for investors and businesses. For investors, rising bond yields can lead to losses on existing bond holdings. For businesses, rising bond yields can make it more expensive to borrow money.
This article will explore the threat of rising bond yields in European and American bond markets in more detail. It will also discuss some of the risk management actions that investors and businesses can take to protect themselves from this threat.
Why are bond yields rising?
There are a number of reasons why bond yields are rising in European and American bond markets. One reason is the Federal Reserve’s plans to raise interest rates. The Federal Reserve raises interest rates in an effort to combat inflation. When interest rates rise, the cost of borrowing money increases. This can lead to a decrease in demand for bonds, which can cause bond yields to rise.
Another reason for rising bond yields is concerns about inflation. Inflation is the rate at which prices for goods and services are rising. When inflation is high, investors demand higher returns on their investments to compensate for the loss of purchasing power. This can lead to an increase in bond yields.
What are the risks of rising bond yields?
Rising bond yields can have a number of negative consequences for investors and businesses.
For investors, rising bond yields can lead to losses on existing bond holdings. When bond yields rise, the prices of existing bonds fall. This is because investors can buy new bonds with higher yields, which makes older bonds with lower yields less attractive.
For businesses, rising bond yields can make it more expensive to borrow money. Businesses often borrow money to finance growth and investment. When bond yields rise, the cost of borrowing money increases. This can make it more difficult for businesses to finance their growth and investment plans.
What can investors and businesses do to protect themselves from the threat of rising bond yields?
There are a number of risk management actions that investors and businesses can take to protect themselves from the threat of rising bond yields.
Investors
Investors can protect themselves from the threat of rising bond yields by diversifying their portfolios and investing in shorter-term bonds.
Diversification means investing in a variety of different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, Bitcoin and property. By diversifying their portfolios, investors can reduce their overall risk.
Investing in shorter-term bonds can also help investors to protect themselves from rising bond yields. Shorter-term bonds have less interest rate risk than longer-term bonds. This is because shorter-term bonds are more likely to mature before interest rates rise significantly.
Businesses
Businesses can protect themselves from the threat of rising bond yields by hedging their interest rate risk and borrowing money at fixed interest rates.
Hedging interest rate risk involves using financial instruments to offset the risk of changes in interest rates. There are a number of different hedging instruments available, such as interest rate swaps and options.
Borrowing money at fixed interest rates can also help businesses to protect themselves from rising bond yields. When businesses borrow money at fixed interest rates, they lock in the interest rate for the life of the loan. This protects them from the risk of rising interest rates during the term of the loan.
Conclusion
Rising bond yields can have a number of negative consequences for investors and businesses. However, there are a number of risk management actions that investors and businesses can take to protect themselves from this threat.
Investors can protect themselves from the threat of rising bond yields by diversifying their portfolios and investing in shorter-term bonds. Businesses can protect themselves from the threat of rising bond yields by hedging their interest rate risk and borrowing money at fixed interest rates.
I urge investors and business leaders to take risk management action to protect themselves from the threat of rising bond yields. By taking action now, you can minimise the potential impact of rising bond yields on your investments and your business.
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19th March 2020 Fishing Is Symbolic Of Taking Back Control
Many people perhaps most people in the city of London would happily sacrifice fishing rights to maintain financial services rights in Brexit negotiations.
Economically the fishing industry produces are 3 percent of UK economic output. Financial services produces many time that. The scales of economic sensibility suggest that it would be better for the UK economically to support the city of London.
However this is slightly misguided. The UK produces so little from fishing industry because of European Union quotas decimating the number of UK fishing boats. The UK could increase growth from fishing by increasing more boats in the fishing industry.
However the UK fishing industry will never overpower the economic sense of supporting financial services over the fishing industry.
The UK government must not submit to pressures to allow the same access to UK fishing areas. UK fishing industry should be rewarded for its support of Brexit. There can be ways of increasing income even with tariffs on UK fish products. Countries like Norway and Iceland can make it work.
Socially and democratically even with some economic detriment the UK government must support the UK fishing industry. Yes EU boats must have rights to fish in UK waters but rights to fish for UK fishing boats must be significantly increased at the end of 2020. Democracy is more important than economic prosperity.
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14th February 2020 With The Departure Of The Chancellor The Last Significant Remainer Forced Out Of UK Government
With the UK Chancellor resignation yesterday Boris Johnson has purged his government of the last significant block on a no deal Brexit. The European Union EU must now know it must do a fair deal with the UK or face no deal Brexit at the end of 2020.
The UK is now closer to a no deal Brexit than it ever has been.
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With the next UK budget in March expected to open the spending taps to new infrastructure and an uplift in government investment the UK will be better prepared for a no deal Brexit than it ever has.
It is likely that the UK will face face short term economic bumps from no deal Brexit but the length of the disruption will depend on how well the UK plans for its future outside the EU.
Prepare your business for all eventualities with our Brexit Marketplace.
20th December 2019 German Economy Saved From Recession By Brexit
A clear programme for progress on Brexit has helped Germany avoid a recession according to Germany Economy Minister Peter Altmaier in remarks published on Friday.
Although there could yet be a no deal Brexit at the end of 2020 if the EU and UK do not agree a deal during transition period at least German businesses know with certainty that the UK is leaving the European Union.
Germany still faces a potential trade war with USA as part of European Union. The UK will look to strike a free trade deal with USA that would avoid any trade war between USA and EU.
12th December 2019 Exit Poll Suggest Conservative Party Majority For Brexit Majority
30th October 2019 Brexit Not Resolved Yet Vauxhall Vans Commit To UK Van Production
Vauxhall announces further commitment to automotive production in UK regardless of Brexit outcome. Next generation of Vivaro vans will be built in Luton.
23rd October 2019 Still Most Likely That Brexit Deal Will Pass But After A Brexit Extension
Ex Tory MPs who lost the whip would not be able to stand as Tory candidates at the next General Election if Boris Johnson gets a General Election now. The exTory MPs that blocked Brexit on 31st October 2019 with their Surrender Act presumably will want the Whip reinstated if they want to present themselves as a Conservative Party candidate at the next General Election.
An extension to Brexit is unavoidable now due to the application of the Surrender Act. Before it was brought into force in days by MPs intent on blocking Brexit it would have been possible though not guaranteed that Brexit could have been done on the 31st October 2019. Surely Boris Johnson would not take such MPs into a General Election with the Conservative Party?
The most likely outcome at this stage is for the UK parliament to approve Britains Withdrawal Agreement with the European Union. To enable such a legal position to pass it will need more time. An extension is inevitable but it will either be a technical extension to get the Withdrawal Agreement through parliament or an extension to end of January 2020 to enable a General Election to take place.
It is unlikely that the Tory rebels and Labour Remainer MPs will succeed in their attempt to block delayed Brexit. The UK will then hold a General Election.
Ideally the Labour Party leadership probably favour the Conservative Party taking the UK out of the European Union EU and then then suffering the inevitable short term business lifestyle and economy disruption. Labour could then capitalise on that with their policies that would otherwise have been blocked by EU rules and moderate the Brexit achieved by Conservative Party by opting in for a softer Brexit. However we do not live in an ideal world so the Labour Party will probably need to fight the next imminent General Election with a deliberately fuddled Brexit Policy in the hope that its other policies will win over the UK electorate in sufficient numbers to win power.
If the UK gets a General Election the current best bet is that the Conservative Party will run a minority government with a handful of new Brexit Party MPs who have won previously safe Labour Leave voting seats. This will probably mean a no deal Brexit or Brexit based on the deal agreed by Boris Johnson with EU.
9th October 2019 Do Not Let Your Business Be Paralysed By Political Events
Political events can impact negatively or positively on your business. However procrastinating because of Brexit uncertainty or trade war between USA and China and Europe is not good for your business.
By taking the right precautions your business can still make progress towards your business objectives and even speed up successful attainment of objectives.
25th September 2019 Supreme Court Judgement Makes Extension To Brexit Date and General Election In November or December 2019 More Likely
Although not the motivation of the Supreme Court judges the result is that a new Brexit deal before end of October is now impossible. There is no incentive for the European Union EU to make any significant changes until after an election or a referendum.
Although Boris Johnson has said he will not ask for an extension to Brexit he will. He will explain he has done everything possible to exit the EU at end of October. However he will say correctly that the Remainer MPs in UK parliament have to use a Scottish judge word stymied any renegoitation with EU.
The Supreme Court judges judgement has triggered the starting pistil to a UK General Election before the end of 2019 sooner rather than later. Before the judgement there was a slim chance of a new Brexit deal before end of October. Now the only chance is no chance. The door has closed not because of their legal decision but because they were asked to make a decision.
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The Remainer MPs will get their wish of an extension before the election but at the cost that the General Election will be fought on the basis of the People v The Parliament.
Around three quarters of MPs in the UK parliament are Remainer MPs unwilling to take the UK out of the European Union despite the vote of the vote in 2016 to leave.
this Parliament is a disgrace
Attorney General Geoffrey Cox told MPs that current UK parliament is a dead parliament and will is too cowardly to call an election UK Parliament 25th September 2019
Although it will be close it is more likely that Leavers will beat Remainers in the General Election. Whether they will do so in sufficient numbers to make UK parliament governable again is very much in doubt. What is certain is that the UK will now reap the whirlwind of the most vitriolic election campaign ever experienced in UK.
All that we can really hope for is that there is a clear winner before the end of the year as an extension of the current impasse will damage the UK economy.
Perhaps the only good thing to come out the Brexit impasse is that with each day the UK is better prepared for a no deal Brexit should the UK vote for Brexit in the coming General Election. Whether the UK leaves or remains the UK will come out of this impasse for the better economically. How the UK will come out of the impasse socially and culturally will not be known until we look back in 10 years time.
20th September 2019 Next Crucial Period Of Brexit Is Mid October
Assuming the Supreme Court realise that courts should not be meddling with political decisions next week then the UK and Europe face a nervous run up to mid October.
There is increasingly positive mood music coming out of Europe about the prospect of doing a Brexit deal with the UK. It is likely that the Brexit deal will be one that kicks the most difficult parts of the deal towards the end of the decision making process like the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The question from the UKs point of view is will the hardline no deal Brexiteers agree to bend on the deal and will the MPs in the Labour party who have heavy Brexit leaning constituents vote for whatever new deal comes back from the new Brexit negotiations.
The Eurozone is struggling to cope with the global economic downturn on top of its historic issues falling the financial crisis. Of greatest concern is the likely recession in Germany dragging the rest of Eurozone economy down with it.
The UK should leave on the 31st October 2019. The key players in the Brexit negotiations are being pushed into a deal from opposite directions. It has never been truer that both the European Union and the UK need a deal. If the UK parliament does not vote for the new Brexit deal they will reap the wrath they have created.
17th September 2019 Claims That Consumers In UK Are Stockpiling Essential Products Are Found Less
There is no evidence that Britons worried about the possibility of disorderly departure from the European Union EU on 31st October are stockpiling essential products
market researcher Kantar
5th September 2019 Next Key Date On Brexit Is Monday 9th September
UK government has let through bill to stop no deal Brexit. Next Monday the UK government will try again to successfully ask for General Election that will largely be based on Brexit issue.
If the UK government does not successfully bid for a General Election then the Brexit debate will once again lurch out of control in ways that are unclear. However if the UK government successfully receive a General Election on Monday then it will happen on 15th October. The winner will determine if there will be a Brexit or not.
There is a General Election coming. When is uncertain.
4th September 2019 Impact On UK Economy Of No Deal Brexit Reduced
Mark Carney Governor of the Bank of England the UKs central bank which decides on interest rates tells MPs on Treasury Select Committee for UK lawmakers that GDP impact of Brexit has been reduced.
Mark Carney was speaking at todays Treasury Select Committee public meeting.
4th September 2019 Will The UK Have A General Election Before The End Of October 2019?
The current UK Prime Minister wants a General Election on 14th October 2019. He may be prevented from having one by current MPs.
Tomorrow or Friday may be the crucial day on defining whether the UK Prime Minister will be granted a General Election before the end of October 2019.
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The UK Prime Minister will lose the new bill debate today aimed at preventing no deal Brexit. He will try again tomorrow but tomorrow (or Friday) will have lower bar to pass to enable a General Election to happen before the end of October 2019.
The UK will have a General Election before the end of the year but whether it happens before end of October should be decided this week.
1st August 2019 UK VAT Registered Companies Will Be Given A Registration Number In Next Two weeks That Allows EU Customs Authorities To Identify Them
The admin paperwork to continue trading with EU in event of no deal Brexit is called an Economic Operator Registration and Identification EORI number.
UK chancellor Sajid Javid automatic enrolment of VAT registered businesses will help ease the flow of goods at border points and support businesses to trade and grow in event of no deal Brexit.
1st August 2019 Euro Zone Purchasing Managers Index PMI For Manufacturing Firms In July Fell To Lowest Level Since 2012
Many economists in UK say the UKs drop off of manufacturing activity is down to Brexit uncertainty. However eurozone manufacturers drop off in production and indeed global manufacturing production drop off is not down to Brexit uncertainty.
5th July 2019 Jaguar Land Rover JLR Is Investing Hundreds Of Millions Of Pounds To Build A Range Of Electric Vehicles In Castle Bromwich Birmingham
JLR are making plans for the future whether Brexit happens or not. Whether Britain no deal Brexits or leaves with a deal or does not leave European Union EU will not affect many automotive manufacturers strategic decisions to stay in UK.
It is perfectly right for car industry to lobby UK government for the outcome it prefers. However the automotive industry is perfectly robust enough to take on all risk factors to survive and prosper.
In January JLR announced that its new battery making facilities would be located in the Midlands. The new plant will be most technologically advanced in the UK according to JLR.
1st July 2019 NTT Ltd Opens For Business In London At Height Of Brexit Crisis
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation NTT Corporation is one of Japans largest telecom businesses. It has launched its international focused subsidiary NTT Limited and picked London as its global headquarters.
NTT Limited is a merger of NTT Communications Dimension Data and NTT Security into a single business based in London.
NTT Corporation president and CEO Jun Sawada said launching NTT Ltds HQ in London shows its commitment to the UK remains extremely strong.
It demonstrates that Britain will remain a tech leader regardless of whether the UK remains or leaves the European Union EU.
21st May 2019 EU Would Rather Have The UK Pissing Into Tent Now!
The biggest change from the the results of the European Union EU is that the rest of the EU will no longer put up with the UK pissing out of the tent. They will become resigned to and prefer the UK to leave the EU an piss into the tent!
Until the EU elections 2019 UK political leaders thought they could pick and choose when it leaves the EU. Now the rest of the EU leaders will be thinking they do not need such an unruly member.
The UK is unlikely to get an extension beyond end of October 2019 even if it wants one. The EU will get little benefit from amending the deal already negotiated with the UK. The UK is closest to leaving the EU without a deal than at any time including immediately after the EU Referendum in 2016.
Back in 2016 the UK had more choices. Now the UK needs to leave without a deal at end of October or revoke article 50 and remain in the EU. The time for compromise has come to an end.
The UK parliament should vote on these two options immediately it returns after the summer break. The parliament can then spend time putting the vote into action.
The MPs will then face the public at the next General Election and have to justify whichever way they voted.
15th April 2019 Investment In UK The Highest In The World Regardless Of Brexit Chaos
Big 4 accountancy firm EY has reported that following its survey it found that Britain is the top place to invest in the world for the first time since EY started surveying investment market 10 years ago.
The reason investment has hit a record high according to EY is the English language is the language of business and the UK has a highly skilled workforce together with expanding technology base.
The low value of the UK pound has also made UK business cheap to invest in for overseas businesses keen to take advantage of undervalued UK businesses.
29th March 2019 On The Day The UK Should Be Leaving The European Union EU The Mother Of All Parliaments Says No Non Nein
MPs reject Theresa Mays EU withdrawal agreement by 344 votes to 286 a majority of 58. The UK is facing either a no deal Brexit on the 12th April or a long extension to Article 50 which will include the UK voting in EU elections in May.
The Prime Minister and the UK government seem to be holding out hope that the deal on the table with the EU will get still get through before the 12th April. How this would happen is highly uncertain.
22nd March 2019 No Deal Brexit Most Likely Outcome Of All Most Unlikely Outcomes
The UK is entirely fragmented politically. Each fragment has hurried off to respective camps and are digging in instead of looking for compromise.
Theresa May seems to have grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory after blaming UK MPs for Brexit logjam. Almost anything is now possible as the fragments of the UKs political community are resisting any coming together.
Mays Brexit deal could get through in a 3rd Meaningful Vote before the and of next week or the new deadline in April
The UK Prime Minister may do what she has said all along which is take the UK out of European Union EU on 29th March with no deal Brexit
UK parliament takes control over the Brexit process and before the EUs new deadline apply for and get a very long extension to Article 50 giving it time to put together a newer softer Brexit and or bring about a 2nd referendum on leaving the EU.
Many now believe Mrs May will take the UK out with a no deal Brexit next week but whether she will be allowed to do that by the UK parliament remains to be seen.
Brexit uncertainty has never been higher but next week it will continue to increase not reduce.
21st March 2019 Next Says No Deal Brexit Would Bring Lower Prices In Shops
Retailer Next says lower trade tariffs under no deal Brexit could save it 15 million pounds and allow Next to cut prices for shoppers in UK.
21st March 2019 No Deal Brexit Would Significantly Harm European Union EU
Barclays bank Chairman John McFarlane says a no deal Brexit would significantly hurt the European Union economy and a deal on financial services between Britain and the EU is likely whatever form Brexit takes.
He expects that trade would continue between the financial sector in London and the EU after Brexit.
19th March 2019 Theresa Mays Brexit Deal More Likely After Speaker Of House Of Commons Intervenes Into The Brexit Process Again
Yesterdays spanner in the Brexit process works by the Speaker of the House Of Commons has made it more likely that the UK Prime Ministers Brexit deal will somehow be approved. Where there is a will there is a way.
If this is the case then the UK economy will be boosted. The boost will come from private investment and massive public spending Brexit dividend promised by UK Chancellor. The downside risk is that the boost to UK economy will also accelerate UK interest rate rises.
The Brexiteers need to fall in behind the current Brexit deal or suffer no Brexit or softer Brexit.
14th March 2019 Third Meaningful Vote Expected Within A Week
Theresa May will try third time to get her EU withdrawal deal through Parliament. She is hoping to win over more Brexiteers on basis that they if they do not back her Brexit deal they will endure at best a long delay on getting Brexit or not get Brexit at all.
The UK government will at the very least need to ask the EU for a short delay on Brexit as there is not enough time to get Brexit through assuming Mays deal does get approval in the next week.
Last night an updated motion to reject a no deal Brexit under any circumstances was passed by 321 to 278 a majority of 43. Whilst not legally binding it is clear that parliament will find a way to prevent no deal Brexit ever happening.
Brexiteers realise they now face the likelihood of exiting the European Union EU via Mays Brexit deal on the table or softer Brexit like Norway Option or no Brexit. Which way will they jump in next week!
13th March 2019 UK Government Announces Tariffs On Imports Post No Deal Brexit
Most UK imports by value will not attract a tariff in the event of a no deal Brexit. Tariffs would protect some industries including farm produce. Such a change in UK imports is likely to increase the competitiveness of non European Union imports compared to EU imports though most EU imports would also be tariff free.
Tariffs on cars imported to UK would attract a 10 percent tariff though car parts would be tariff free.
The UK government also announced that it will not introduce any new checks or controls or require customs declarations for nearly all goods moving from across the border from Ireland to Northern Ireland in the event the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
12th March 2019 Theresa May Says She Has Legally Binding Changes To Her Brexit Deal
European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker warned if the deal was voted down there was no third chance to change a deal that could be agreed by both parties.
Hard line Brexiteers will not agree to anything short of no deal Brexit. Hard line Remainers will not agree to anything short of another referendum. It looks likely that the Second Meaningful Vote on the Brexit deal on the table will fall by less of a margin but how much of a margin is unclear.
It is clear that short term risks to UK economy will be lessened by agreeing the Brexit deal currently on the table
It is clear that the risk of the UK being trapped in the Backstop has lessened by the revised Brexit deal agreed with the European Union
What is unclear is the long term ability for the UK to finally leave the European Union fully.
Taking a balanced risk view of the short to long term the UK parliament should fulfil the decision of the British people to leave the European Union on the revised Brexit Deal. Should the UK legislators fail to vote to approve the Brexit deal the UK will be thrown into a crisis of government politics and business.
Business leaders will not know whether the UK will ever leave the European Union or whether it will end leaving with no deal. There may be one more Third Meaningful Vote before the end of March 2019. This is the most likely outcome of the developments this week. What the outcome of a Third Meaningful Vote will be is anybodies guess! However it will be incredibly close on whether the revised Brexit deal will eventually be voted through by the UK parliament.
UK MPs should remember that the best deals involve a win win for both parties not a lose lose win lose or lose win for the European Union and UK.
If the revised Brexit deal is not voted through and Brext with no deal is taken off the table then there must be a General Election in UK to revise the make up of the UK parliament. Then the new parliament must work on a revised Brexit deal. To revisit the Referendum before the last Referendum result has been implemented would create greater social and political damage which would continue for longer. Not only is it likely to result in a call for a third Referendum result but it would lead to another Referendum on Scotland leaving the UK.
All of these options would create greater chaos for business and economy for years. The only option which will protect short to medium and perhaps long term business environment is to accept the Brexit deal currently on the table.
15th February 2019 Retail Sales Jump More Than At Any Time Since December 2016
The Office for National Statistics ONS reports the amount of goods sold rose by 4.2 percent in January year on year the biggest annual rise since December 2016.
UK consumers show that record employment levels and rising standard of living will keep them spending regardless of Brexit. Wages continue to outstrip inflation indeed as inflation rate slows and wages increase faster the UK standard of living is accelerating.
27th December 2018 French Constriction Group Shows Confidence In UK Economy Post Brexit Deal or No Deal
Current Gatwick owners Global Infrastructure Partners GIP will sell a 50.01 percent stake to Vinci Airports. Vinci Airports has over 40 airports globally across Europe Asia and the Americas.
Gatwick is already the UKs second biggest airport and the 8th busiest airport in Europe by passenger numbers. However Vinci Airports will need to get significantly more than 3 billion pounds out of Gatwick purchase before it can start to turn extra value out of the investment. Where will it come from if Brexit crashes the UK economy?
26th November 2018 Brexit Plan B Most Likely End Destination For UK EU
The Sun newspaper is reporting behind the scenes discussions at UK government level to agree an EU UK Plan B when Plan A fails to get approval in the UK parliament.
Norway EFTA Plus deal most likely end result of Brexit negotiations by March 2019?
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Plan B is for the UK to join the European Free Trade Association EFTA. The Sun says government Secretaries on Remain and Leave side of the argument Michael Gove and Amber Rudd are trying to set up the UK joining EFTA temporarily enroute to eventual full Brexit.
Such a plan is likely to get through the UK parliament with with help of scores of Labour MPs at the expense of Conservative party unity.
Brexiteers in the Tory party are unlikely to vote for EFTA.
Would enough Labour MPs back an EFT Plan B deal to make it work if the EU agreed to enter such a Plan B?
The EU says there is no other deal it is prepared to sign.
Would Germany and France really face up to a no deal Brexit after appeals within UK for General Election and second referendum fail if there was a viable Plan B EFTA deal on table proposed by UK?
Would the existing EFTA members let the UK in enroute out of the EU?
Would an EFTA deal result in the formal split of both the Labour party and Conservative party in UK?
Would the UK left and right politicians come together in a new UK party occupying the centre ground to become a viable third party in UK politics?
25th November 2018 EU27 Endorsed Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration on the future EU UK relations following Brexit In March 2019
EU leaders have approved an agreement on the UKs withdrawal and future relations. The EU27 say that deal agreed by the remaining 27 European Union EU countries is the only deal that is and will be on the table. Future relationship includes
Relationship to based on free trade without tariffs on either side
Continued cooperation on national security
End to free movement
The rubber stamping of the deal took less than 40 minutes at the meeting of EU27 leaders. However 20 months of negotiations is now at an end according to EU27 leaders and UK.
The agreement has yet to be agreed by the UK Parliament. The UK is scheduled to leave the EU on 29 March 2019. European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker said anyone in Britain who thought the EU27 bloc will offer improved terms if MPs rejected the deal would be disappointed.
The UK Parliament is expected to vote on the deal in early December. If the deal fails to get through the UK parliament it is likely that the UK Prime Minister will resign and then all bets are off. Possibilities could include
UK General Election where membership of the EU will be a critical element of the decision though it is not known what the Labour party in UK will have in its manifesto in such an event so how could voters choose which party to vote for. Last General Election 85 percent of UK voters voted for partys which wanted a Brexit.
Another Referendum on membership of the EU but what would be on the ballot. More than one option? Deal or no deal? Deal or Remain part of EU?
Another Brexit deal negotiation with EU on basis of UK parliament voted down first deal. However the EU27 say there is no other Brexit deal except no deal.
No politician in UK parliament or who has left parliament or any political commentator knows for definite what will happen if the UK parliament does not back the EU deal on the table. However most say that the EU deal will not get UK parliament approval ever.
If a General Election in UK or another Referendum did happen that did not have a clear cut decision what would happen?
If another Referendum was to switch to Remain in EU what happens next a third Referendum best of three?
In either of the the above voting processes what damage would UK society and economy suffer? One UK MP was killed during the last Referendum and many people were threatened with their lives.
The least damaging route in short term is for the UK parliament to back the EU UK deal on the table. Whether that is in the long term interests is not clear. The only thing that is certain is Brexit uncertainty is reaching its peak.
19th October 2018 View Of Brexit From German Industry
German industry association BDI has warned that both German and British companies are staring into an economic abyss if there is a no deal Brexit.
The remaining EU27 countries export more to the UK than any other country. More than to China or USA.
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Germany exported 84 billion euros worth of goods to the UK in 2017.
14th October 2018 No Deal Brexit Would Not Be Disaster
According to UK industry leading CEO a no deal Brexit would not be a disaster for the UK economically.
A standard free trade deal of the type agreed between Canada and the EU could cause EU economic growth loss of 0.8 percent.
A soft Brexit with the UK out of the customs union but retaining access to the single market and agreeing to abide by EU rules would imply almost zero cost for the EU as a whole IMF Report.
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9th July 2018 Brexit Secretary and Foreign Secretary Resign Over Brexit
David Davis Brexit Secretary and Boris Johnson Foreign Secretary resign from UK government over the Brexit policy decisions taken by Prime Minister Teresa May.
29th June 2018 Exports Goods and Services At Record High and Trade Gap Narrows
Trade figures released by UK government revealed that in the 12 months to March 2018 UK exports were at an all time high.
EU countries represent around 40 percent of all exports from UK.
Research from Barclays Corporate Banking found that around two thirds of consumers in India and China and around half of consumers in the UAE were prepared to pay more for goods made in the UK because they perceive the quality as higher.
BusinessRiskTV
The trade deficit with the world continued to narrow to 80 billion pounds which is the narrowest UK trade deficit since 2012.
13th June 2018 Global Tech Companies Are Confident In UK Economy
Tech company Salesforce have voted in the UK with their 2.5 billion dollars of their money by announcing a massive investment in the UK over next 5 years. It clearly thinks it can grow further in UK and it could not do that unless the UK economy is strong.
Amazon is to create another 2500 jobs in the UK bringing total workforce in UK to 27500. Google Apple Snapchat and other global tech companies continue to invest in the UK economy.
11th June 2018 Where In The World Got The Highest Foreign Investment in 2017?
Despite Brexit the UK is still the place most overseas investors want to invest their money compared to rest of Europe.
23rd April 2018 – Financial Services Increasingly Confident In Brexit
The British government and senior finance executives said they are increasingly confident Europe will offer financial companies generous market access after Brexit, boosting London’s hopes of retaining its status as a top global financial centre.
Many in the City Of London now believe the remaining European Union EU members will go for easy access to financial market in London based on increased equivalence to prevent disruption to business anywhere in EU.
4th April 2018 – Peugeot Plans New UK Van Production In Luton
Vauxhall plant in Luton chosen by PSA Group to manufacture a planned new van. This demonstrates confidence in UK of a major automotive maker post Brexit.
19th March 2018 – UK and European Union EU Agree Terms For Brexit Transition To UK’s Withdrawal From EU
Brexit negotiators Michel Barnier and David David announce they have agreed term for a transition period in a major breakthrough “decisive step”.
The transition period will run from 29th March 2019 to December 2020 and may lead to the orderly withdrawal of the UK from EU.
In addition, there was also an agreement on the rights of EU citizens in the UK and the rights of UK citizens in the EU.
EU member countries have still to sign-off the agreement on the transition period, perhaps at an EU summit this week. If the EU members agree, then the negotiators will move on to discussions on a permanent future relationship agreement by August 2018 with a view to Brexit in March 2019.
The financial markets liked what they heard and the pound jumped in value.
27th February 2018 Small Medium-Sized SME Factories Sales Expectations Near 3 Year High
Sales expectations of SME factories in UK are near 3-year high due to strong global economy growth and low value of the pound.
National Manufacturing Barometer survey has revealed manufacturing to be the fastest growing sector of Britain’s economy in the final quarter of 2017.
The survey also revealed that more than half of SME manufacturers plan to invest in plant and machinery over the next 6 months. SME manufacturers in UK are more confident in their prospects in 2018 than they were in 2017.
The National Manufacturing Barometer surveyed 320 companies in January 2018
BusinessRiskTV
26th February 2018 Two Labour MPs Discuss Brexit Negotiations
17th January 2018 Deutsche Bank Only Moving Hundreds Jobs Out UK Not Thousands Post Brexit
Deutsche Bank is headquartered in Germany had has told reporters that it will not need to move thousands of UK jobs to the continent post-Brexit. Stefan Hoops, head of Deutsche Bank’s capital market division in Germany explained that they would need to move fewer staff than many have said in the past. One executive previously said 4,000 staff would need to move but the numbers would actually be in the hundreds.
Last week Deutsche Bank Chief Executive was reported as saying that initially several hundred jobs would be created in Frankfurt, Milan and Paris but that is not the same as moving jobs from London.
16th January 2018 Bank of England Thinks Free Trade Deal With EU Including Financial Services Post Brexit Is Possible
It may take three years or more, but contrary to the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, it is possible if the remaining EU27 are prepared to agree such a free trade deal with UK.
Sam Woods, the Bank of England’s deputy governor in charge of Prudential Regulation Authority PRA says a three period to agree a free-trade agreement including financial services could happen because unlike other countries seeking such a free-trade deal, the UK’s financial services are already aligned in terms of financial services rules and supervision.
Sam Woods comments came during his appearance in front of MPs on the Treasury Select Committee.
8th January 2018 City Of London Says Brexit Job Loss Fears May Have Been Exaggerated
The City Of London EU envoy, Jeremy Browne, has been reported as saying that bankinginsurance and asset management job losses to the European Union (EU) may not be as severe as suggested by many including the UK’s ex-Chancellor and now editor of Evening Standard.
Most people were shocked, but that doesn’t mean the implementation of the Brexit vote will be bad for business.
The UK may yet not leave the European Union EU. Great forces will try hard to stop the democratic vote of the people being fully implemented. The people may even change their minds. Anything is possible.
When anything is possible there is increased risk
Increased risk means increased opportunities for growth as well as increased threats.
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If businesses invest their time and energy in controlling the threats from a Brexit and seize the opportunities the UK will benefit from a Brexit. If business leaders can not change or do not have an innovative mindset a Brexit could be bad for the UK economy.
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