EU referendum: Can the European project succeed? Using an M&A template, the chances of success are very small indeed March 9, 2016 In the ongoing EU debate, both sides make a persuasive case. Remainers are right to say that the EU has helped to liberalise trade, at least within Europe itself. Outers are right to say that the EU is openly working to transform Europe from a community of nations to a federation of regions. Those who [...]
Nuclear power can now sweep the developing world – safely September 9, 2015 With everyone fixated on the negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme, it is regrettable but perhaps understandable that the world has missed a crucial moment in the history of nuclear non-proliferation. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the government of Kazakhstan and a host of other international actors have agreed a deal to create the [...]
Sophia Genetics’ co-founder Jurgi Camblong talks about how to build a global genetic medicine firm March 14, 2016 I was asked recently to present to a group of entrepreneurs about my experience. And I ended up saying to them ‘it’s just like Rocky – you take your chance, you focus and you go’. The mistake as an entrepreneur is thinking too much.” Jurgi Camblong co-founded data-driven medical startup Sophia Genetics in 2011. “I’m [...]
Happy New Fear: Chinese fireworks send panic through global stock markets January 5, 2016 Hopes of a New Year rally were shattered yesterday as fears over the health of the Chinese economy wiped trillions from stock markets and sparked concern of more turmoil to come. Investor confidence was further hampered by rising tensions in the Middle East as Saudi Arabia and its allies cut ties with Iran, accusing the country of [...]
Brent crude oil prices crash below $40 for the first time in seven years December 8, 2015 Brent crude crashed below $40 per barrel today for the first time in nearly seven years, after Opec failed to specify a production level ceiling on Friday. Brent crude, the global benchmark, shed two per cent to $39.89 per barrel this afternoon, while Western Texas Intermediate crude slumped 2.58 per cent to $36.68 per barrel. Tamas Varga [...]
As world leaders clash over how best to deal with Syria, is the West right to be more tolerant towards Assad? September 28, 2015 Kamal Alam, fellow at RUSI and Syrian military analyst advising the British Army on Syrian affairs, says Yes Three years ago, Bashar Jaafari – the suave Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations – slammed the West on the UN Security Council floor for trying to use Syria in games similar to the ones TE Lawrence [...]
Blue-chip index falls for eighth straight session – London Report December 15, 2015 OIL AND commodity price concerns have continued to drag on the FTSE 100, with the index touching 10-week lows at its close last night. It finished down 1.3 per cent at 5,874, its eighth straight session of losses, and down around 10 per cent so far this year. The price of key metals, including copper [...]
Putin will fail in Syria: The West must take a step back October 4, 2015 I feel as if we are in a time warp. To read right-wing commentators over the past few days, you would think the Cold War is back on – only this time we are losing. To hear them talk, we are living in a new age of Russian power. A triumphant Russia is calling the [...]
Saudi Arabia under stress: Opec leader is adapting to $30 Brent crude prices and its widening budget deficit by privatising state-run oil company Aramco – and will not cut oil supply January 28, 2016 No-one thought oil prices would stay this low, for this long. When the price of Brent crude first halved to $50 a barrel in June 2014, most commentators thought it would be back up again by Christmas. Eighteen months later and oil has continued to go south. It is now priced 70 per cent cheaper than [...]
The Long Weekend review: Thyme, Gloucestershire December 14, 2015 THE WEEKEND: Nestled deep in the Cotswolds countryside, former surgeon Caryn Hibbert has spent the last 12 years gradually buying up the 14th Southrop Manor and surrounding farm buildings to create an idyllic home away from home – first for her family and then for us, the lucky public. The result is Thyme hotel with [...]