Category Archives: Politics

History and Heritage, Law, News, Politics, Scotland

Former Defence Secretary meets Chinook crash families and voices – “deep concerns” about the case

Families welcome Sir Liam Fox’s support and say MoD must stop “gaslighting” them, as more than 40,000 sign petition

The former Defence Secretary Sir Liam Fox has told the families of those killed in the RAF Chinook crash on the Mull of Kintyre that he has “very deep concerns” about the circumstances surrounding the disaster on the Mull of Kintyre in1994.

The crash killed 25 senior intelligence experts and four Special Forces crew. The Ministry of Defence’s decision to seal the files for 100 years has further heightened suspicions of a cover-up about the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Sir Liam this week held a private meeting with some of the 47 sons and daughters of those who were killed on June 2nd 1994 in a Chinook Mk 2 helicopter which the MoD itself has confirmed was not airworthy.
It comes as a Change.org petition – change.org/JusticeForThe29 – set up a few weeks ago by the families and which calls on the Prime Minister to intervene and overrule the MoD by agreeing to a judge-led public inquiry, today topped 40,000 signatures.

Calls for a public inquiry have been rejected both by the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Defence and the families are now pursuing a Judicial Review at the High Court under Article II of the Human Rights Act, which protects the right to life.

Speaking after the meeting, Sir Liam Fox said: “It was my pleasure to meet some of the members of the Chinook Justice Campaign and to listen to their harrowing stories, and their suspicions about what may have happened.

“I share their very deep concerns about the circumstances surrounding the crash and I have committed to a full investigation to ensure that the truth is laid before the British people.
“As the Defence Secretary who, after the conclusions of the Mull of Kintyre Review, cleared the two pilots of blame, I have assured the families that I will give this my full attention and help to establish the truth about what happened.”

Evidence which has been leaked to the families – and available on the Chinook Justice Campaign website – confirms that the aircraft was not airworthy and should never have taken off on that fateful flight, killing all on board.

John Tobias, wife Gaynor, sons Matt(l) and Andy (r) Credit Chinook Justice Campaign

Andy Tobias, whose father Lt Col John Tobias, 41, an intelligence officer, was killed in the crash, said: “The support of Sir Liam Fox means a huge amount to all of the families. As the man who was brave enough to see through the MoD’s lies and clear the pilots of blame, we firmly believe that he can help us get to the truth about the circumstances leading up to the crash.

“My father and 28 others were put on an unairworthy aircraft. We have the evidence to prove it. As with the latest Afghan data leak cover-ups – many more of which are being reported today – the Ministry of Deceit seems to think it is above truth and transparency. We are determined to make sure that it is not and we would urge the Prime Minister to take a much closer look at our case than he has done so far.

“The MoD keeps telling us that no new inquiry is necessary, and points to the judge-led inquiry set up by Sir Liam which was established solely to discover whether the pilots were to blame. They were cleared. Given Sir Liam supports our case – then the MoD’s argument is void. They must stop trying to gaslight the families of the dead.”

Andy Tobias – Credit Chinook Justice Campaign

The MOD has previously confirmed that the trials aircraft, grounded the day before the crash on 2nd June 1994, would only have been grounded at Boscombe Down because it was not airworthy and Lord Philip’s Review confirmed this was “mandated” on the RAF. (See Notes to Editors)

It was in 2011, as Conservative Defence Secretary that Sir Liam cleared the two pilots of blame – Flight Lieutenants Jonathan Tapper and Richard Cook were both United Kingdom Special Forces pilots with exemplary service records.

The official RAF Board of Inquiry led by Wing Commander Sir Andrew Pulford – who later became Chief of the Air Staff – found there was insufficient evidence to conclude that the pilots had been negligent. Without any further evidence, two RAF Air Marshals John Day and William Wratten ruled the pilots were “grossly negligent’, effectively overturning the detailed inquiry conducted by Pulford.

It took nearly 17 years for their families to clear the pilots’ names and for an apology to be issued by Sir Liam, who believed the men had been scapegoated, in the House of Commons.
Last week, former RAF Squadron Leader Robert Burke, who conducted tests on the Chinook helicopter fleet, revealed that the crashed aircraft’s final journey was ordered into the air as a “show flight” to prove that the upgrade from Mark 1 to Mark 2 was ‘safe’ – despite serious and known concerns about airworthiness raised by RAF test engineers and pilots at Boscombe Down.

The Mk 2 Chinook crashed on the Mull of Kintyre wiping out a top tier of intelligence and security experts in Northern Ireland. It was carrying 25 British intelligence personnel from MI5, the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the British Army.

The leaked files show that the Boeing Mark 2 Chinook’s FADEC engine software experienced “unpredictable malfunctions” as well as “shutdowns and surges in power”. The aircraft was considered by test engineers at Boscombe Down “not to be relied upon in any way whatsoever” and Lord Philip’s Review in 2011 confirmed this was ‘mandated’ upon the RAF.

 While the MoD claims a new inquiry will uncover no new evidence, no inquiry to date – whether individually or collectively – has properly examined why the families’ loved ones were placed aboard an aircraft which MOD test engineers at Boscombe Down warned was “positively dangerous” due to fatal flaws in its software and should be grounded.

Details of the Chinook Justice Campaign can be found at chinookjusticecampaign.co.uk and the petition can be found at www.change.org/JusticeForThe29

—

References

1. On 9 November 1993 the RAF were placed under mandate that the Chinook HC Mk2 was not airworthy, and ‘not to be relied upon in any way’. The existence of this mandate was confirmed by Lord Philip in his Mull of Kintyre Review of 2011 (Paragraph 2.2.8). Instead, on 22 November 1993 the RAF Air Staff misled aircrew, and by extension passengers, by telling them it was airworthy. On 2 June 1994 the crew were ordered into a manifestly dangerous situation, told to fly an aircraft whose Icing Clearance was below its Safety Altitude.

2. On 1 June 1994 the MoD PE Fleet Chinook HC Mk2 at A&AEE Boscombe Down, ZA718, was grounded for the second time that year; citing the same reasons as set out in the above mandate (except that matters had actually deteriorated). On 15 September 1996, MoD confirmed the groundings were: ‘Within the proper exercise of airworthiness considerations by Boscombe Down’.

On 11 October 2004, Minister for the Armed Forces Adam Ingram confirmed, correctly, that: The only principle which governs the grounding of MoD aircraft is that of airworthiness’.

The campaigners and families do not ‘claim’ the aircraft was unairworthy. MoD has clearly stated it, and the Government confirmed it. It was not until the Mull of Kintyre Review that any inquiry took this into account, when full evidence of this status was submitted, although the Review’s remit was to establish if the pilots were – or were not – to blame. The Review cleared the pilots.

Economy & Jobs News, News, Politics

Trade Unionists Join Forces Against the Benefit Cuts In Open Letter to Liz Kendall

More than 200 trade unionists have put their names to an open letter addressed to Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, stating their opposition to the Labour government’s Universal Credit and Personal Independence bill.

 

They describe the bill as “shameful anti-worker and anti-working class legislation” which will “create misery” for communities, disabled workers, and all workers on the sharp edge of the disability benefits system such as caseworkers, local government, housing and charity workers, and others.

 

Signatories include councillors, trade union executive committee members, and elected representatives of workers from PCS, Unite, Unison, NEU, GMB and others, demonstrating the widespread strength of feeling in the labour movement against the bill. Many of these unions currently fund the Labour Party.

 

The signatories call on the entire trade union movement to “not only fight to defend the social security system from cuts, but also demand a transformative alternative that centres human dignity, regardless of ability to work.” They “join Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) and many others in arguing for a welfare system that works for us all, removing the private sector involvement and its punitive measures.”

 

Calling it a “political choice,” the letter directly disputes government claims that the measures are being introduced to benefit workers, calling for taxation of the super rich rather than punishment of the poorest through benefit cuts.

 

The signatories note with alarm that “every stage the due democratic process and co-production with disabled people… has been sidestepped. This concerns us all as trade unionists striving for a more equitable and democratic society.”

 

A copy of the letter is available at Bit.Ly/TUistsAgainstWelfareCuts. Signatures are being collected until the end of the week.

Business, Business Investment, Politics, South Wales, Wales

Chambers of Commerce announce collaboration to help continue the work of the Western Gateway Partnership

The UK Government’s decision to withdraw funding from the Western Gateway Partnership has sparked a need to maintain cross-border collaboration. In response to the uncertainty now facing economic development between South Wales and South West England, the region’s Accredited Chambers of Commerce are stepping up efforts to work more closely than ever before.

The Chambers of Commerce of Bristol, Gloucestershire, Bath and Wiltshire, under the Business West umbrella, and Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid have agreed to collaborate to help drive their respective economies. This is a natural collaboration for two areas linked not only by their geographical proximity but by the M4 Corridor, the trainline to London and an array of low carbon energy opportunities of the Severn Estuary.

Gus Williams, interim CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “The commercial and economic interests of our members do not end at the bridge. Working together with the various Chambers under the Business West banner will enable us to identify opportunities for collaboration that can grow our shared economy.

“While there will always be an element of competition between the regions, simply competing against each other is a zero-sum game. It is in the interests of Welsh businesses that they can take advantage of opportunities in the South West and vice versa.”

Phil Smith, Managing Director of Business West, added: “We have a lot of shared interests with the South Wales economy, not least the shared infrastructure. Economic interdependence between the regions has accelerated since the abolition of bridge tolls and there are significant opportunities for us to work together to drive growth.”

Business, Business Advice, Business Finance, Economy & Jobs News, Politics, South Wales

Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid comments on Spring Statement 2025

Gus Williams, interim CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said:

“As expected, there was not much in terms of new announcements in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement today. The OBR forecasts highlight economic concerns already familiar to most businesses in Wales. Inflation concerns have not yet disappeared and there are worries about business and consumer confidence.

“Infrastructure and housing falls within the remit of the Welsh Government and like the rest of the UK, Welsh businesses support the prioritisation of simplifying the planning system but are keen to see the proof of this with spades in the ground. The industrial strategy and increased defence spending we hope will have a positive impact in Wales where the manufacturing and defence industries have a significant presence. Infrastructure investments are proven to boost economic investment, and channelling more spending out of the civil service and directly into infrastructure and increasing the amount of funding available to Wales is also welcome, providing the right projects are chosen.

“It is difficult to see any significant improvement in confidence and investment driving economic growth without capital investment led by the government. The government remains bound by fiscal rules that I would argue ignore the economic impact of borrowing to fund capital investments. Part of the problem has been the lack of any robust return on investment analysis on government spending.

“Consumer confidence remains hamstrung by a two-tier economy. The success of healthcare, welfare, and employment reforms will hang on whether they manage to improve overall employment and wage growth; this will be a big test over the next 12 months. The government has been clear that this is how it expects to be judged in the long term.

“Business owners are facing significant headwinds, the full impact of which we are yet to see. The economy could break out of these headwinds but the government will need to lead the way – just cutting spending will not change much, reform needs to achieve change.

“Global trade remains the government’s other major challenge. At the moment the government is trying to balance its relationship with the US and EU and whether events will force them off the fence one way or another remains to be seen. With domestic demand static, growth may be dependent on how the global trade environment now evolves.”

Business Advice, Politics

How experts can help businesses to prepare for Donald Trump 2.0

The new Trump administration potentially means a period of uncertainty in the first few months which could lead to as yet unforeseen effects on markets globally.

One of the potential dramas on the horizon include a trade war between the US and Canada, not least because in recent days the leading candidate to replace Justin Trudeau has indicated that she will reciprocate if tariffs are hiked by Trump.

Another big unknown is how relations between Trump’s US-China relations will evolve, as this has swung from threats of an all out trade war to Trump declaring that he will sign an executive order to delay the ban on TikTok.

His threat of imposing punitive tariffs on goods from China threaten to disrupt the global supply of metals used in the tech sector, with potential knock-on effects for Silicon Valley behemoths.

As expected, his win in November started a rally on the markets with the stock markets and the dollar up.

Cryptocurrencies are expected to do well during Trump 2.0: Bitcoin hit a record peak just after the election and, after coming off the boil in recent weeks, the price is steadily rising once again.

Longer term, experts forecast a rosy outlook for the US economy but there are major geo-political uncertainties over Ukraine and Taiwan.

Sources in the Trump administration have indicated that a resolution on Ukraine is perhaps six months away and any move by China on Taiwan is likely to cause chaos in the technology sector.

Many organisations will be trying to read the runes but experts can help and booking a world-class speaker on geopolitics can help bring clarity to teams developing future strategies.

An expert geo politics speaker can have a lasting resonance on a workforce and can assist them to get ahead of the curve when looking at ways to grow a business.

Jack Hayes, founder and director of the Midlands-based Champions Speakers, said: “We have an unrivalled roster of world leaders and achievers from all walks of life who have amazing stories that have inspired others to go on to great things.

“We have speakers who are perfectly placed to explain what the new world order under President Trump could look like.

“A briefing from a world leading expert can help to illuminate areas that may affect a business and can help teams to spot advantages that can be positive for growth.”

Based on extensive feedback from hundreds of events, the top 20 geopolitical speakers on the issue are:

  • Lord Kim Darroch – former British Ambassador to the United States
  • Ian Bremmer – founder of Eurasia Group
  • Helga Flores Trejo – Head of International & Multilateral Affairs for Bayer AG
  • Ian Goldin – Oxford professor and former advisor to Nelson Mandela
  • Carmen Reinhart – Harvard Kennedy School professor
  • Iain Duncan Smith – former Conservative Party leader
  • Clive Myrie – multi award-winning journalist and TV presenter
  • Howard Gutman – former United States Ambassador to Belgium
  • Helen Clark – New Zealand’s second female prime minister
  • Angus Roxburgh – former BBC Moscow and European Correspondent
  • David Murrin – polymath and super forecaster
  • Mark Malloch-Brown – former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations
  • Arne Elias Corneliussen – strategic advisor and founder of NRCI
  • Tim Marshall – former diplomatic editor and foreign correspondent for Sky News
  • General Philip Breedlove – former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO
  • Alec Ross – visiting Professor at the Bologna Business School
  • David Nissan – ex-commander in the Israeli Defence Forces
  • Karishma Vaswani – high-profile BBC journalist in Asia
  • Jay Tuck – investigative journalist and founder of Airtime Dubai
  • John Pienaar – Times Radio presenter

For more information visit: https://motivationalspeakersagency.co.uk/news/trending-macroeconomic-speakers-to-hire

Image Source: Unsplash

Business & Property News, Entertainment, Events, News, Politics, USA

American politics brings “drama” to the UK

Top Ten Most Popular US Political Speakers Announced

(London, United Kingdom), Monday, 9th December 2024: From campaign trails to the chaos of US elections, America is a hot house for budding political speakers. And today, the demand for former US-politicians along with experts on US politics to share their inside stories and know-how is on the rise. The recent US election has added fuel to the fire, and on top of this many former US politicians are able to bring ‘drama’ to the speaker circuit, making them some of the highest paid speakers in the world.

It’s no surprise then that many high-profile US politicians are now eyeing their next career move, and for several the potentially lucrative speaking circuit beckons. Even before the election, a record number of Congress members chose not to seek re-election, including 8 senators and 53 representatives.1 Notable figures including current President Joe Biden, former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, and long-serving Senator Mitch McConnell all stepped down.

Whether these political heavyweights will hit the keynote and after dinner speaker circuit is yet to be seen, but it’s an attractive and profitable path. Donald Trump reportedly earned $1.5million for a single speech in 2022, while Barack Obama once received $400,000 to address a Wall Street firm.2 And, this popularity also feeds the demand for speakers who are able to share insights and analysis of US politics.

After facing tough crowds in Congress and on the US campaign trail, a keynote speaking engagement is relatively straightforward and a natural segue way for former US politicians and political experts. Nick Gold, Managing Director of Speakers Corner, commented; “As a global superpower, US politics has a far-reaching impact on international affairs, economics, and culture. But our intrigue with US politics goes beyond this. Perhaps it is because we have a ‘special relationship’ with the US, making American political figures and expert speakers both familiar and captivating to British audiences. From a business point of view, high profile US speakers can attract influential attendees to an event and create valuable opportunities for all involved.”

But what makes a successful political speaker? And which former US politicians are already leading the pack in bookings? Based on client enquiries through Speakers Corner, these are the most in-demand former US political speakers today:

Katty Kay

Katty Kay is the lead anchor for BBC World News America, bringing vital political and economic stories from the US to the UK. As a best-selling author and highly accomplished speaker, Katty’s high-powered career has led her to develop a wealth of political anecdotes and a deep understanding of current affairs, making her perfectly placed to speak about politics, journalism and international occurrences.

Nina Schick   

A political commentator, advisor and public speaker, Nina Schick specialises in how technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping democracy and global geopolitics. Nina has worked on several black swan political events that shaped her thinking towards how technology and politics are colliding in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Mike Pompeo (wsb)

Mike Pompeo, the 70th Secretary of State and a distinguished leader in American politics offers a wealth of experience and insights into the complexities of global geopolitics, national security, and leadership. His time running as Secretary of State, CIA Director, and member of Congress has given him a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics that govern international relations and policy-making.

John Bolton (wsb speaker)

John Bolton is a prominent American diplomat and lawyer known for his unwavering defence of U.S. national interests. As National Security Advisor, he championed a strong foreign and defence policy, playing a key role in the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and negotiations with North Korea. Bolton also served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, where he advocated for tough actions against proliferation and terrorism, and was instrumental in key Security Council resolutions. Drawing on decades of experience across four U.S. administrations, Bolton offers insights on global politics, U.S. foreign policy, and national security.

Dr Pippa Malmgren

Dr Pippa Malmgren is a digital diviner: she uses years of experience at the highest levels of geopolitics and industry to identify the trends that others might miss in a turbulent landscape. Her work in the White House, with heads of government, NATO generals, tech startup founders and professional investors, gives her a unique perspective on world events.

Tim Shipman

Political Editor of The Sunday Times, Tim Shipman, has been a national newspaper journalist for nearly 20 years, primarily reporting on British and American politics and international relations. Tim has written for The Spectator and Total Politics and is prolific on social media, which is reflected in the tens of thousands of followers he has accumulated. Tim is a much sought-after political keynote and witty after-dinner speaker.

John Sitilides

As a long-time diplomacy consultant to the U.S. State Department, frequent U.S. and international media commentator on geopolitics and national security, and former Chairman of the Woodrow Wilson Center Southeast Europe Project, John is an esteemed keynote speaker. Specialising in geopolitics and global affairs under the Biden Administration, John helps audiences around the world better understand, anticipate, and mitigate geopolitical risk in a disrupted global industry and finance marketplace.

Niall Ferguson

Niall Ferguson is a renowned historian and expert on global economics known for his sharp, engaging presentations. A professor at Harvard and a Senior Fellow at Stanford, he has authored bestselling books, including Civilization: The West and the Rest and The Pity of War. His TV series The Ascent of Money won an International Emmy, and he regularly contributes to major outlets like Newsweek and Bloomberg. With a focus on contemporary politics and economics, Ferguson’s witty, insightful commentary has made him one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world.

Jon Sopel

Jon Sopel is a seasoned British broadcaster, currently BBC North America Editor and presenter for BBC World News. With extensive experience covering British and US politics, he has interviewed leading figures from both nations and famously clashed with Donald Trump. Formerly the BBC’s Chief Political Correspondent, Jon has reported from global hotspots like Washington, New Orleans, and the Israel/Lebanon border.

Ian Bremner
The president and founder of Eurasia Group (the leading global political risk research and consulting firm), Ian Bremmer is an expert on global politics and risk management. Credited with establishing political risk as an academic discipline, his keynote speeches focus on global macro-political trends and emerging markets – “those countries where politics matter at least as much as economics for market outcomes.”

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1 Source: List of U.S. Congress incumbents who are not running for re-election in 2024 – Ballotpedia

2 The popularity and earning potential of former US politicians on the speaking circuit can vary greatly depending on factors such as their former position, public perception, and current relevance. Some, like former presidents or vice presidents, can command extremely

High fees, while others may have more modest speaking careers focused on specific policy areas or regional audiences. Former president Bill Clinton commanded the largest speaking fees in 2011, earning $13.4 million. Source: CNN Bill Clinton has most lucrative year on speech circuit | CNN Politics

 

About Speakers Corner

Speakers Corner is a leading international speaker bureau. We recommend over 9000 keynote speakers, motivational speakers, after dinner speakers, award hosts, conference facilitators and comedians for over 1000 events a year.

The team of experts has over 40 years of industry experience between them and pride themselves on providing a premium booking and consultancy service to clients to make the process of organising an event seamless.

Economy & Jobs News, EVs and Automotive News, Manufacturing, News, Politics

CBM President hits out at the missing ‘SME’ manufacturing voice as initial business optimism with Labour evaporates

Labour has pulled the red carpet of ‘growth’ from under UK manufacturing following its recent budget and failure to act swiftly on a stalled EV market.

 

That was the powerful message from the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM) after canvassing its 200 member companies, the vast majority of them classed as small to medium-sized manufacturers (SMEs).

 

President Steve Morley took this view to London last week when he met with local Labour MPs in Parliament, who so far have been very supportive on the issues directly impacting SMEs.

 

Nationally is a different story, with the budget seeming to be straight out of HM Treasury’s playbook and forcibly supported by the Chancellor at the recent CBI summit – thus losing the small amount of goodwill that is still in place after employer NIC contributions and minimum wage rises squeezed company bottom lines even further.

The automotive veteran, who spent more than two decades working at Sertec Group, is now questioning whether the government can be trusted to deliver on its much-heralded Industrial Strategy.

 

“Former Labour Prime Minister Harold Wilson famously coined the phrase ‘a week is a long time in politics,’ well I think we can now say that a day is a long time in politics,” explained Steve.

 

“All of the optimism following the Election, and the promise of an Industrial Strategy, has been wiped away with the ill-thought-out budget. The tax hikes forced on to businesses could have a devastating impact on SMEs, who are still grappling with the impact of inflation and energy prices far higher than their European counterparts.

 

“This additional burden – estimated to cost our members tens of millions of pounds – is another whammy to an already under siege sector, with the stagnation of the EV market leaving the UK market in a state of purgatory.”

 

He continued: “Going forward this now begs the question…can we trust Labour with the Industrial Strategy? It is one thing introducing one, but it’s the content that counts especially for SMEs, who are constantly overlooked.

 

“Who is really speaking for small to medium-sized firms in manufacturing? For me it wasn’t only the government’s credibility that was damaged by the budget but that of the B5 lobbying groups. Given their direct access to the powers that be at Whitehall, the failure to deliver for business left them at best ‘hoodwinked’ and, at worst, looking naïve. Would the government have treated the unions in the same way?

 

“Lobbying is all well and good but if you are going in softly softly all the time, this is what happens! It is far too cosy and needs a shake up, only then will we see clear support for SMEs, who are the foundation of manufacturing in the UK.”

 

The Confederation of British Metalforming represents the interests of UK manufacturers of fasteners, forgings and pressings, cold-rolled and sheet metals products, a large proportion of which ends up in the automotive industry.

 

Declining sales of EV vehicles and the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which is going to start taxing car makers if they don’t hit targets for electric sales by 2025, is sending shockwaves through the sector and this is being felt throughout the supply chain.

 

What was heralded as a stimulus is having the opposite effect and both Ford and Stellantis have both quoted the ‘EV pathway’ as a reason for factory closures and job cuts in the last few weeks.

 

“Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has said there will be an urgent consultation, and this has to happen before more self-harm is inflicted,” added Steve.

 

“There was an opportunity for the UK to lead the world in this space, but the incentives and the stimulus were not continued in the concerted way they should have been – now our desire to be the first to meet EV targets is threatening the very existence of the sector.”

 

He concluded: “It’s not too late, but Labour needs to listen hard to the SMMT message on EV support and make sure that the voice for small and medium-sized manufacturers is heard and integrated into the development of the Industrial Strategy. If they achieve this, then some small crumbs of optimism may return.”

 

For further information, please visit www.thecbm.co.uk

News, Politics

Top UK Geopolitical Speakers Who Can Reveal The Impact Of Donald Trump’s Return As Us President

Following the US presidential election, there are major questions about what Donald Trump’s shock landslide victory will mean for businesses and the global economy.

The president-elect will also have more power than during his previous presidency, as the Republicans have also taken control of the Senate.

With SpaceX founder Elon Musk being appointed to a cabinet post as well, there are many uncertainties on the road ahead.

Will a crackdown on US federal bureaucracy affect the functioning of government, and will Trump follow through on his threats to impose new trade tariffs?

There are big geo-political questions as well, not least over the conflict in Ukraine where Trump has suggested he will withdraw US military support.

The bond markets suggest that traders are expecting a swift resolution when the new US president assumes office early next year.

Trump, however, has already hit the ground running preparing for a transition, making a number of key appointments and putting in calls to world leaders.

Many organisations will be looking to experts to make sense of the latest developments and to try and paint what the world under Trump 2.0 will look like.

Jack Hayes, director of the Champions UK speakers agency, has assisted many organisations to develop strategies to impart valuable geopolitical insights to employees.

And he says booking a leading geopolitical speaker is one of the best ways to boost knowledge at what is an uncertain time.

He said: “Many companies will be looking for insights on what to expect in the coming months and we can help by organising events featuring some of the world’s leading experts on geo-politics.

“There’s no time to waste for those organisations who are looking to map out the possible implications of a Trump administration, on trade, on economic growth, and on conflicts around the world.”

Data compiled by Champions Speakers, which is based on reviews and feedback from thousands of events, shows the current top geopolitical speakers in 2024 to be:

  1. Gideon Rachman – Chief Foreign Affairs Columnist at the Financial Times
  2. Sir Mark Grant – ex-British Ambassador to the United Nations
  3. David Milliband – former UK Foreign Secretary
  4. Francis Fukuyama – Senior Fellow at Stanford University
  5. Lyse Doucet – Chief International Correspondent for BBC News
  6. Baroness Catherine Ashton – former Vice President of the European Commission
  7. William Hague – former leader Conservative Party
  8. Yukon Huang – Director of the World Bank’s China Program
  9. John Sitilides – Principal at Trilogy Advisors LLC
  10. George Friedman – Founder and Chairman of Geopolitical Futures
  11. Robert Peston – former Business Editor for BBC News
  12. Stanley McChrystal – former Commander of the US Army
  13. Samantha de Bendern – Senior Consultant at the Conflict Studies Research Centre
  14. Elliott Harris – former UN Chief Economist
  15. Derek Leatherdale – Founder and Managing Director of GRI Strategies

 

For more information visit: https://motivationalspeakersagency.co.uk/news/the-top-geopolitical-speakers-to-hire

Image source: Unsplash

News, Politics

Business Expert’s 12 Predictions On What Return Of Donald Trump Could Mean For Us & Uk Investment

Donald Trump’s journey back to the White House has moved a step closer following his Oval Office meeting with Joe Biden.

President elect Trump has vowed a smooth transition ahead of moving back into the White House in January.

But despite those assurances, Trump’s re-election has reverberated around the world, drawing concerns in some quarters that his victory could plunge the global economy into deep uncertainty.

Many experts point to the fact Trump campaigned on a raft of economic proposals, including higher import tariffs, especially on Chinese goods, additional tax cuts, and an immigration clampdown. And analysts have pointed out that while these actions could provide a short-term lift to the US economy, they could complicate wider global relationships.

Entrepreneur James Disney-May, a British businessman and investor, based in New York, believes Trump’s victory presents risks and opportunities for those who specialise in UK-US investment.

Strategic advisor and US business expert James, who specialises in SaaS investment, said: “A second Trump term may increase market volatility, but could present high-reward opportunities for UK investors. Success will be dependent on adaptability – balancing risk, aligning with US priorities and responding quickly to regulatory shifts. While the “special relationship” may face new challenges, adaptable investors could leverage Trump’s policies for significant gains in a dynamic and complex US market.”

Here, business owner James, shares his 12 predictions on what the return of Donald Trump could mean for UK and US investment. 

UK/US trade

*Trump’s “America First” approach could reshape UK-US trade negotiations, likely in favour of American interests. This could involve demands for concessions in high-stakes sectors, potentially disrupting British exports to the US. UK investors should prepare for and strategise around new tariffs and sector-specific trade frictions.

*Trump’s preference for foreign businesses with a US presence could benefit UK companies willing to establish local operations. British companies investing in manufacturing or distribution centres may find a warm welcome, potentially gaining smoother regulatory pathways and preferential trade terms.

Financial Services

*Trump’s deregulation initiatives could favour a more laissez-faire, pro-business environment in the US, reducing regulatory burdens and promoting capital growth. The UK’s financial services sector, which is vital to its economy, may find short-term opportunities in the US market, however increased volatility poses long-term risks.

*UK financial institutions may need to adjust their strategies to align with the evolving US regulatory landscape, particularly in areas such as cryptocurrency, data privacy, and financial disclosures. Firms nimble enough to pivot will have the edge in capitalising on these shifting regulatory tides.

 Tech Sector 

*Trump’s focus on tech independence and data regulation could lead to stricter rules on cross-border tech operations, impacting UK firms with US activities. However, a potential alignment between the US and UK on emerging technology initiatives, such as AI and cybersecurity may create new opportunities for UK tech firms with specialised expertise.

*As the US prioritises homegrown digital infrastructure and distances itself from Chinese tech, UK firms may encounter regulatory challenges but also unique partnership opportunities. Tech sovereignty will likely dictate the rules of engagement in this sector.

Energy Policy 

*Trump’s support for fossil fuels combined with regulatory rollbacks may challenge the renewable energy ambitions of some UK firms, especially those reliant on federal support. However, opportunities could exist for UK companies specialising in technologies that improve fossil fuel efficiency, offering a bridge between traditional and renewable energy sources.

*For UK investors, betting on fossil fuels might once again be a winning strategy. Trump’s pro-energy stance could bring tax incentives and other perks to the sector, making fossil fuel investments an attractive prospect.

Strong Dollar 

*Trump’s anticipated tax cuts and deregulatory push could strengthen the US dollar, making American assets more expensive for UK investors and straining British companies reliant on US imports. Those with dollar-heavy portfolios may need to hedge against currency fluctuations, re-evaluating acquisition costs and profitability.

*A stronger dollar may benefit UK-based exporters by making British goods more competitive in the US market. UK investors with US interests might need to adjust their currency strategies to account for exchange rate fluctuations.

China

*Trump’s tough stance on China might pressure the UK to align more closely with the US, reducing dependency on Chinese supply chains. “Friend-shoring” initiatives could prioritise manufacturing and tech partnerships among allies, creating opportunities for UK firms in sectors like semiconductors, AI, and defence technology.

*For UK businesses willing to decouple from China, Trump’s policies may bring preferential trade arrangements with the US, solidifying the “special relationship” as global geopolitics evolve. Those prepared to realign could enjoy a competitive edge in the US market.

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Business, Business Advice, Business Finance, Economy & Jobs News, Politics

The Budget – key next steps for businesses

Gus Williams, interim CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, shares the key next steps for businesses in Wales following the Autumn Budget.

 

National Insurance and National Minimum Wage increases

“Businesses should look at their budget planning for next year and cashflow forecasts. Both of these increases will impact the next round of staff wage increases and the increases to National Minimum Wage don’t just impact those at the bottom, but put upward pressure on those above. Getting this right can take time and require a few rounds of review and revision to get right and ensure all the potential knock on impacts are carefully considered. Businesses will need to consider the impact of these increases to pricing, cashflow and working capital.”

 

Employee Rights Bill

“Although we don’t have fixed dates yet, businesses with staff currently on zero hours contracts may want to include this consideration in their planning for next year and think about the impact of those staff who are able and want to move onto fixed contracts.  Both the tax and National Minimum Wage increases along with the proposed Employee Rights Bill will have impact on future staff planning and recruitment.”

 

Business owners considering selling or retiring

“The increases to Business Asset Disposal start from 5 April 2025, so those business owners already thinking about exiting may wish to consider the impact on their timeline.”

 

Businesses looking to acquire

“As above, the changes in Business Asset Disposal Relief in 2025 may provide an immediate opportunity to look at potential acquisitions you would like to make.”

 

Capital Allowances

“Capital Allowances are set to remain in place as they are. Those businesses who were concerned about certainty can now act and plan with confidence that the rules should remain the same for the foreseeable future.”

 

Inheritance Tax, business property relief and Business Asset Disposal Relief changes

“A common issue we see is business owners leaving it too late to plan effectively for retirement or exit in a way that maximises the value of their business or meets all of their retirement and exit objectives. Achieving this can require several years of planning to align the short-term and long-term business and financial objectives. Ensuring you plan further ahead can help minimise the impact and risks of tax changes.”

 

The government’s growth strategy

“The Budget identified important sectors that the government will be looking to support with specific initiatives. Businesses operating in these sectors may want to keep an eye out for further announcements and engage in any consultations. The Chambers will of course be contributing and help facilitate these. The sectors identified are:

  1. advanced manufacturing
  2. clean energy industries
  3. creative industries
  4. defence
  5. digital and technologies
  6. financial services
  7. life sciences
  8. professional and business services”

 

The industrial strategy can be found on the government’s website.

 

Farmers

“Generational small farmers will feel particularly aggrieved by the changes to agricultural land relief for Inheritance Tax and some intense lobbying will be taking place before these come into effect. Whether that lobbying will have any impact we will wait and see. As with the changes to business property relief, farmers will need to consider their succession planning and seek advice to ensure they have a workable plan in place that meets their objectives.”

Wales-specific impacts

“The increases to funding for the Welsh Government will be rolled into the next Welsh Government budget planning this December. Support for business will be a part of those discussions, and the Chamber will continue to be a voice for members and businesses as a part of the Welsh Government budget planning process.”