British Economy Series: Why Are Fewer Companies Listing on the London Stock Exchange?

In recent years, the London Stock Exchange (LSE) has seen a noticeable decline in the number of new company listings and increasing numbers of companies moving their listing to other jurisdictions. Once a powerhouse of global finance, the LSE is facing increasing competition, changing market dynamics, and regulatory pressures that are making it less attractive, especially when compared to its US counterparts. What are the seasons for this and how can we reverse that trend?

US Economy Series: US Economic Competitiveness

The United States has long been one of the most, if not the most, competitive economies in the world, but what makes the US economy so competitive and is it at risk of losing its edge?

What We Can Learn from the Great Depression?

The Great Depression remains one of the most devastating economic events in modern history. It was a time of massive unemployment, widespread poverty, bank failures, and global economic turmoil. But beyond its historical significance, the Great Depression offers powerful lessons for today’s policymakers.

European Economy Series: Developing the Single Market: Services and the Banking Union

The European Union (EU) has long been a pioneering model of regional integration and the internal market has served as a cornerstone to this success. However two key components still require significant attention and development: the single market for services and the banking union.

British Economy Series: Revitalising British Industry: How the UK Can Reignite Manufacturing

In recent decades, the UK has shifted heavily towards a services-based economy, often at the expense of its once world-leading industrial and manufacturing sectors. Yet, in an increasingly volatile world, there is both economic and strategic urgency to rebalance this. The good news is the UK doesn’t need to start from scratch. It already has a strong foundation in several key sectors which can act as launchpads for broader industrial growth. By focusing on targeted industrial clusters, capitalising on existing strengths, and learning from past missteps, the UK can set a realistic path to revitalising its manufacturing base.

British Economy Series: How to Improve UK Productivity: A Blueprint for Growth

The UK, like many economies, faces a long-standing productivity challenge. Addressing this productivity gap is essential to boosting living standards, driving economic growth, and ensuring fiscal sustainability. To close this gap, the UK must pursue a multi-faceted strategy that tackles infrastructure, skills, innovation, and workforce participation head-on.

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”

Touted by its supporters as a comprehensive overhaul of American policy across taxation, defense, healthcare, education, and even artificial intelligence, the  the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act is undeniably sweeping. But as the dust settles, a growing chorus of critics is pointing out that behind the glossy name lies a set of policies that could leave long-term damage—particularly for working families, students, and the nation’s fiscal health.

British Economy Series: The Need to Invest in the Energy Grid

As the world races to decarbonize and meet climate targets, there's one truth we can no longer ignore: energy is the backbone of modern society, and the way we produce, distribute, and consume it must change. Investing in renewable energy isn’t just about installing more solar panels or wind turbines. It’s about rethinking the entire energy system from the ground up.

The Problem with Using Tariffs to Reduce the Trade Deficit

In recent years, tariffs have re-emerged as a popular tool among policymakers aiming to reduce trade deficits. The logic seems straightforward: make imported goods more expensive, shift consumption to domestic products, and thereby narrow the gap between imports and exports. While this approach may offer a short-term improvement in the trade balance, it is ultimately a superficial fix that fails to address the deeper, structural issues at play. Worse still, it risks damaging international relationships and long-term economic health.

Work, Money and Our Quality of Life: The US vs. France & Sweden

People (some people anyway) often compare the attitudes of Americans with those of their French or Swedish counterparts in regards to work, money and their attitudes towards having a work-life balance.

British Economy Series: The Future of British Interest Rates

          Over recent months there has been much speculation about the future of Britain's interest rates and the possibility of a rise in the near future.

Why We Sometimes Need a Recession

Over recent years, the global economy has faced a major downturn causing unemployment and government debt to surge. However, it can be argued that if managed properly, this short term pain could come with long term benefits.

European Economy Series: Supporting Innovation and a Diverse Education Policy

Supporting Innovation

          It is a well known fact within the business community that SME's (Small and Medium Size Enterprises) create the bulk of employment opportunities across Europe. As such, in order to foster economic growth and bring down Europe's unemployment figures, we need a culture that allows for the easy start up and growth of such SME's and new enterprises.

European Economy Series: The Working Time Directive and Digital Agenda

           In light of resent instability across the Eurozone and a dragging European economy, we need to ask what reforms the EU needs to become more competitive, stimulate economic growth and engage more with its citizens.

British Economy Series: HS2 and the Need for Capacity, Not Speed

          The British government has recently taken the decision to invest in a new high speed rail line known as HS2. This will see London linked to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds by a new high speed rail line. This blog will question the value, benefit and wisdom of that investment.

British Economy Series: My Thoughts on the UK's Energy Policy

I have always been an advocate for lowering our carbon emissions including through the use of nuclear and renewable energy and reducing our reliance on coal and oil. However, a recent report carried out by National Grid and Ofgem found that, come 2015-2016, the UK will have a safety margin of a mere 2% in regards to its energy generation as compared to consumption. Although this figure remains positive, an increase in energy consumption during peak times could potentially lead to blackouts across the country. So the question is, how do we avoid the blackouts, both in the run up to 2015 and in the decades to come.