We do more harm than good in ignoring the EU June 7, 2009 Loyal City A.M. readers will know that I am forever trying to drum up interest in the European Union. How many of us realise that 98.8 per cent of the cost of the FSA’s regulations originates in Brussels? The EU is not a quirky continental side show – its decisions are at the core of [...]
City banks need same checks as MPs’ expenses May 31, 2009 Over the last few weeks, I suspect that the revelations about MPs’ expenses have shocked, disappointed and – in some cases – amused you. The tabloids have had a field day, as have the broadsheets, in particular, the Daily Telegraph. The paper has delighted in writing its front-page headlines in font so huge it is [...]
There must be no second thoughts on Crossrail May 17, 2009 TODAY marks a seminal point for the City as the House of Lords discusses the Business Rate Supplements Bill. A bill affecting payments from businesses will clearly always be of huge relevance to the prospects for City firms but this is doubly important because it will determine the future of the Crossrail project. The bill provides the [...]
There must be no second thoughts on Crossrail May 17, 2009 TODAY marks a seminal point for the City as the House of Lords discusses the Business Rate Supplements Bill. A bill affecting payments from businesses will clearly always be of huge relevance to the prospects for City firms but this is doubly important because it will determine the future of the Crossrail project. The bill provides the [...]
Back to work but challenges of a tough economy remain September 1, 2008 For most of us, today marks the official close of the holiday season. This summer has not been as angst-free as in previous years, because of ongoing concerns over jobs and pay – and, for those in managerial positions, how to steer a course through choppy waters over the next year. My choice of holiday [...]
Bischoff joins City talkshop July 14, 2008 Chancellor Alistair Darling is to chair a working group looking at competitiveness in Britain which will include Citigroup chairman Sir Win Bischoff. The group will meet once a month and will analyse matters affecting the London financial services industry such as the effects of the subprime mortgage meltdown in America which triggered the credit crunch, [...]
Why Brussels red tape is threatening our credit market August 5, 2008 When markets hit turbulent times, we naturally look to regulators to provide stability and to restore confidence. Good regulation can be a real strength – I believe that the UK’s world-class regulatory regime contributes enormously to London’s ongoing success. The best regulation comes about through dialogue and consultation with practitioners. This is why last week [...]
How the Queen’s Dressmaker got its cutting edge back October 25, 2005 When Timothy Maltin was just 27 he became the managing director of a national institution. Five years ago, Timothy Maltin went to work in tracksuit bottoms and a green Pilgrim Services sweatshirt top. Just the job when you’re running a grave tending business. But these days Maltin is chairman and chief executive of Hardy Amies, [...]