With a little help from Andrea Bocelli, the John Lewis Christmas advert continues to be made by a UK agency. Ad spend within the UK is expected to reach £36 billion this year, a moderate real terms fall but not a bad result in the current economy. Continuing growth in internet advertising is part of […]

Maria Fernanda Garza, Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), recently visited Sri Lanka and was made welcome. With the fine presentation bouquet she received, the dancers and musicians in traditional dress, Ms Fernanda Garza’s trip could have been mistaken for a royal visit. To many in Sri Lanka, this would be a fair […]

Countries in the region offer modern business facilities, often with a degree of tradition maintained. The Business Secretary, Kemi Badenoch, journeyed to New Zealand to sign off a new trade deal on 16th June. This gives us membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Membership comprises of Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, […]

The Yara Birkeland is not absolutely unique but is a rare glimpse at what the future could hold for shipping. There are two significant points to note with the Norwegian vessel, the intention to eliminate crew and a completely new power system. The first deserves thought, part of change being called the third industrial revolution. […]

Mainstream inflation failed to fall in May, core inflation, which excludes energy, food, alcohol and tobacco rose by 7%. The core inflation rise is the highest since 1992 and the fall in mainstream inflation is not keeping up with most developed countries. Reasonable indicators of the position the UK finds itself in. Brexit has been […]

We may not be in boom times but as the graphs from May 2023 show, there are reasons to feel a little more optimistic. The number of businesses trading has recovered and remained steady, whilst the rate of closure has fallen. Costs for being in business are still high but reducing, sale prices for goods […]