This document summarizes business reaction and viewpoints on Scottish independence from various industries in the lead up to the September 2014 referendum. It outlines that financial institutions expressed caution over currency issues while continuing operations, and the oil/energy sector was divided with 18% believing independence would benefit the industry but others citing uncertainties. It also provides selected quotes expressing different perspectives on the opportunities and risks of independence.
This document provides an analysis of how the ongoing civil war in Yemen represents a shift in modern warfare that changes the risks faced by war and political violence insurers in London. The conflict marks the first time that Saudi Arabia and its allies have independently intervened militarily in the region without Western support. This has created new challenges for underwriters as they must now account for unpredictable regional powers directly engaging in conflicts. The article uses comments from an underwriter to argue that events in Yemen reflect a paradigm shift that makes the risks faced by insurers more difficult than ever to model and foresee.
Global Legal Insights - Mergers & Acquisitions 2017 McCannFitzGerald
Alan Fuller, Aidan Lawlor & Elizabeth Maye co-authored the Irish chapter for Global Legal Insights - Mergers & Acquisitions 2017 published by Global Legal Group Ltd, London.
London firms are still hiring staff despite Brexit uncertainty. Two surveys found employment prospects in London increased in the last quarter, with 8% of firms planning to increase hiring, up from 7% previously. However, both surveys noted London's ongoing difficulty finding staff with needed digital skills could threaten future job growth.
1. Auto-enrolment will be successful in getting more people enrolled in pensions, but simply enrolling them is not enough - people need to understand why saving for retirement is important and how to save adequate amounts.
2. While employers will need to provide minimum information to employees about auto-enrolment, they should consider going beyond this with financial education programs to encourage higher contribution rates.
3. Communicating the importance of retirement savings and options for increasing contributions will be important to prevent people from thinking the low auto-enrolment rates are sufficient and to avoid potential opt-outs. Ongoing education can help maximize the benefits
The document reports on the top performing countries and stocks in the Orchard Funds PLC Equity Income & Total Return Fund in June 2015. The United States was the top performing country, contributing 52.39% to the fund. Express Scripts, Las Vegas Sands, and Gilead Sciences were among the top performing stocks in the fund, with positions held through 2015 and 2016 generating expected annualized returns of 11.93%, 27.85%, and 8.2% respectively if commitments expire worthless. Rolls Royce was the biggest detractor from the fund in June.
The document provides news highlights from the Business Council of Mongolia covering business, economic, and political topics. On business, it discusses a potential mining agreement, bank ratings changes, mining company profits and deals. On the economy, it covers growth forecasts, fiscal policy responses to the crisis, and various economic indicators. On politics, it discusses government personnel changes and policy issues. It also announces that the Business Council will begin accepting limited commercial advertisements.
- The document analyzes Tesco's recent financial results and strategy under its new CEO Dave Lewis.
- It notes that Lewis has made progress in improving service and availability, which led to the first positive quarterly volume growth in 4 years, but that Tesco's UK like-for-like sales were still down 1% in the last quarter.
- The document expresses surprise that Lewis did not explicitly mention improving quality as part of Tesco's strategy, as quality was a key part of previous turnarounds, and argues that higher quality products are important for Tesco to compete against discounters Aldi and Lidl.
The document summarizes different perspectives on whether family offices should aim primarily for wealth creation or preservation. It includes views from four family office advisers:
1) Catherine Grum of Salamanca Group argues that wealth preservation should always be the starting point, as replicating the level of wealth creation that built the initial fortune may be difficult. Key risks to guard against include unexpected liabilities and potential conflicts between family members.
2) Ron Gong of CTC Consulting discusses how a family's spending rate and poor capital management can pose greater risks than investment performance. Conducting capital sufficiency analysis can educate families on withdrawal rates and developing prudent fiscal policies for each generation.
3) Charlotte Thorne of Capital Generation Partners
This document provides an analysis of how the ongoing civil war in Yemen represents a shift in modern warfare that changes the risks faced by war and political violence insurers in London. The conflict marks the first time that Saudi Arabia and its allies have independently intervened militarily in the region without Western support. This has created new challenges for underwriters as they must now account for unpredictable regional powers directly engaging in conflicts. The article uses comments from an underwriter to argue that events in Yemen reflect a paradigm shift that makes the risks faced by insurers more difficult than ever to model and foresee.
Global Legal Insights - Mergers & Acquisitions 2017 McCannFitzGerald
Alan Fuller, Aidan Lawlor & Elizabeth Maye co-authored the Irish chapter for Global Legal Insights - Mergers & Acquisitions 2017 published by Global Legal Group Ltd, London.
London firms are still hiring staff despite Brexit uncertainty. Two surveys found employment prospects in London increased in the last quarter, with 8% of firms planning to increase hiring, up from 7% previously. However, both surveys noted London's ongoing difficulty finding staff with needed digital skills could threaten future job growth.
1. Auto-enrolment will be successful in getting more people enrolled in pensions, but simply enrolling them is not enough - people need to understand why saving for retirement is important and how to save adequate amounts.
2. While employers will need to provide minimum information to employees about auto-enrolment, they should consider going beyond this with financial education programs to encourage higher contribution rates.
3. Communicating the importance of retirement savings and options for increasing contributions will be important to prevent people from thinking the low auto-enrolment rates are sufficient and to avoid potential opt-outs. Ongoing education can help maximize the benefits
The document reports on the top performing countries and stocks in the Orchard Funds PLC Equity Income & Total Return Fund in June 2015. The United States was the top performing country, contributing 52.39% to the fund. Express Scripts, Las Vegas Sands, and Gilead Sciences were among the top performing stocks in the fund, with positions held through 2015 and 2016 generating expected annualized returns of 11.93%, 27.85%, and 8.2% respectively if commitments expire worthless. Rolls Royce was the biggest detractor from the fund in June.
The document provides news highlights from the Business Council of Mongolia covering business, economic, and political topics. On business, it discusses a potential mining agreement, bank ratings changes, mining company profits and deals. On the economy, it covers growth forecasts, fiscal policy responses to the crisis, and various economic indicators. On politics, it discusses government personnel changes and policy issues. It also announces that the Business Council will begin accepting limited commercial advertisements.
- The document analyzes Tesco's recent financial results and strategy under its new CEO Dave Lewis.
- It notes that Lewis has made progress in improving service and availability, which led to the first positive quarterly volume growth in 4 years, but that Tesco's UK like-for-like sales were still down 1% in the last quarter.
- The document expresses surprise that Lewis did not explicitly mention improving quality as part of Tesco's strategy, as quality was a key part of previous turnarounds, and argues that higher quality products are important for Tesco to compete against discounters Aldi and Lidl.
The document summarizes different perspectives on whether family offices should aim primarily for wealth creation or preservation. It includes views from four family office advisers:
1) Catherine Grum of Salamanca Group argues that wealth preservation should always be the starting point, as replicating the level of wealth creation that built the initial fortune may be difficult. Key risks to guard against include unexpected liabilities and potential conflicts between family members.
2) Ron Gong of CTC Consulting discusses how a family's spending rate and poor capital management can pose greater risks than investment performance. Conducting capital sufficiency analysis can educate families on withdrawal rates and developing prudent fiscal policies for each generation.
3) Charlotte Thorne of Capital Generation Partners
Directions in development closing the feedback loopDr Lendy Spires
This document is an edited volume that explores how information and communication technologies (ICTs) can potentially help bridge accountability gaps in governance. It contains several case studies and theoretical chapters on this topic. The introduction provides an overview of theories regarding how ICTs may empower citizens and improve participation, transparency, and accountability. It presents a framework to analyze these relationships and factors influencing them. Subsequent chapters examine these concepts further through literature reviews and case studies of ICT tools and initiatives around civic engagement, crowdsourcing, community mapping, and citizen feedback mechanisms. The conclusion discusses opportunities and barriers to using ICTs to strengthen civic engagement and close accountability loops, offering recommendations.
This document provides an overview and summary of the book "ICT4D – Connecting People for a Better World" edited by Gerolf Weigel and Daniele Waldburger. The book contains lessons, innovations and perspectives on using information and communication technologies (ICT) to promote development and reduce poverty from key innovators, leaders, and practitioners. It is intended to stimulate interest in ICT for development (ICT4D) among those still skeptical of its potential. The book includes proceedings from the ICT4D Forum organized by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Global Knowledge Partnership, which brought together over 250 organizations working in ICT4D.
Incubate, Invest, Impact Building and Investing in High-Impact Enterprises fo...Dr Lendy Spires
Gender lens incubation and investment can act as a key enabler of women’s empowerment and gender equality with positive returns. This is in a context where women are still being denied the opportunity to participate equally in decisions that affect their lives.
The starting premise of Incubate, Invest, Impact is that there is a commercial case to support gender lens incubation and investment in start-up ‘high impact enterprises’ that focus on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Gender lens incubation deliberately supports the growth of high impact enterprises that promote gender equality and empower women and girls.
While gender lens investing is an investment approach that intentionally uses gender as a category of analysis and value to create both financial return and positive social impact that is actively measured. This study explores how the social entrepreneurship ecosystem can unite to develop an action plan on gender lens incubation and investing for enterprises focused on the low income market segment in India. It takes an international perspective with a geographical focus on India an emerging leader in innovation for the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) and is supported by examples of such innovative high impact, sustainable enterprises
The methodology used for this study includes desk research, telephone interviews with 35 representatives of organizations with an interest in gender lens incubation and investing in developing and emerging economies. It also draws on consultation feedback from a multi-stakeholder workshop held at the Sankalp Unconvention Forum Pre-Summit Workshop entitled ‘Investing In and Building High-Impact Enterprises for Empowering Women and Girls: An action plan for gender lens investing and incubation’ held on the 9 April 2014 in Mumbai, India.
An analytical framework to identify high impact enterprises that promote gender equality and women and girl’s empowerment is put forward in the study. It argues that such enterprises are not just those that are identified on the basis of women as leaders and business owners. They also include those businesses that manage their operational gender impacts through the promotion of women as employees, suppliers (including producers).
This document is the 2012 report by the World Bank Group's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) on world investment trends and political risk. The report finds that while the global economic outlook remains uncertain, developing countries are expected to see continued growth in foreign direct investment inflows. It also examines trends in sovereign defaults and expropriation events historically and for crisis-prone countries. Further, the report provides an overview of the political risk insurance industry and corporate approaches to managing political risks.
Development informatic: understanding mobile phone impact on livelihoods in d...Dr Lendy Spires
This document discusses a new research framework for understanding the impact of mobile phones on livelihoods in developing countries. It analyzes how mobile phones can impact livelihood assets through asset substitution, enhancement, disembodiment, exchange and combination. It also examines how processes of passive diffusion and active innovation can intermediate these assets. The framework suggests mobile phones can help maintain, expand or diversify livelihood strategies. It proposes adapting the livelihood framework to better incorporate information processes, capital forms, intermediation structures, and outcomes. The framework could be applied to research how mobile phones support rural livelihoods in developing areas.
This document provides an overview and assessment of development strategies and policies aimed at achieving food and nutrition security in Africa over the past four decades. It discusses two early responses to Africa's socioeconomic crises, the Lagos Plan of Action and the Regional Food Plan for Africa, which emphasized state-led development. It then examines structural adjustment programs promoted by the World Bank and IMF in the 1980s that shifted the approach to reliance on the private sector. More recently, strategies have focused on poverty reduction through the Comprehensive Development Framework and Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers. The document concludes by evaluating the implementation of these various approaches and identifying lessons learned regarding successful strategy formulation and implementation.
This document discusses how increasing tax revenues in developing countries through improved collection and tackling illicit financial flows could help achieve development goals to reduce poverty and preventable child deaths. The research finds that if developing countries increased tax revenues to 20% of GDP while maintaining social spending, over 287,000 child deaths could be averted annually and 72 million more people would have access to clean water. Tackling illicit financial flows, estimated at $946.7 billion leaving developing countries in 2011, could result in reaching zero preventable child deaths 20 years earlier according to models. The report recommends actions by the international community to increase tax transparency, information sharing between countries, and reform international tax rules to support developing country tax collection efforts.
The document outlines UNESCO's implementation of its Strategy on African Youth from 2009-2013. It describes 42 projects across 3 global objectives: 1) Strengthening knowledge building and research on youth issues through 13 projects in various African countries, 2) Fostering youth policy development through 26 projects, and 3) Promoting youth participation and inclusion through 42 projects. The projects engaged various partners and aimed to address issues like education, civic engagement, employment, and violence prevention for African youth.
THE EVOLVING ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN FINANCIAL SERVICES Dr Lendy Spires
This document discusses the evolving role of technology in the financial services industry. It notes that while technology has long provided incremental advances, the industry has struggled to fully leverage its power due to cost pressures and demands for greater transparency, analytics, and risk management. However, emerging trends such as viewing IT as an integral business function and valuing data as an asset are laying the groundwork for a new paradigm. The vision is for an integrated platform that applies massive computing power to correlate data from various sources, empowering users to achieve business objectives more rapidly, cost-effectively, and with enhanced risk management. This would unlock greater value from data while meeting demands for information, analytics, and tools to improve portfolio management.
THE FUNCTION OF THE URBAN INFORMAL SECTOR IN EMPLOYMENT Dr Lendy Spires
During 1990’s, “informal economy” seems have lost the interest and urgency characteristic among social scientist during the 1970’s and 1980’s. However, the persistent economic and social downturn that characterized several Latin American countries, including Colombia, during the last decade resurrected interest in the informal economy. The term informal economy1 covers a set of heterogeneous activities, from unpaid labor to any number of unregulated salaried jobs.
This broad range of activities has made it difficult for analysts of the informal sector to agree on its definition. However, there is consensus on two broads points: first, the informal economy is part of the economy at large, which determines its main characteristics and on which it depends; and second, the informal economy is largely defined by activities outside state regulation (Portes, 1994; Broad, 2000). In spite of these two broad agreements, the reasons for the existence of unregulated activities and their function in employment differ and then the implications in terms of labor policies also differ. Some analysts consider the informal sector as the disadvantaged segment of a dualistic labor market and see today’s expansion of the informal economy as part of a more general deterioration of labor market conditions (Tokman, 1992; Klein and Tokman, 2000).
Others view informal economy as unregulated income-earning activities closely related to the formal sector (Portes, 1997). Yet others see in the informal sector signs of incipient entrepreneurship and an escape from state regulation (Maloney, 2000). For others analysts, informalization is not a recent phenomenon but it is a long term, large scale, and systemic phenomenon of the capitalist world-economy (Tabak, 2000). The issue of understanding the function of the informal sector in employment is essential for the design and evaluation of labor policies.
It becomes particular relevant to the Latin American region since most of the countries applied “neoliberal” reforms during the last decade that affected the labor market environment. The globalization of the economy, the privatization process and the flexibilization of labor markets has opened debates on establishing common 1 Informal economy and informal sector are interchangeable used here. labor standards in regional free trade agreements and on the need to regulate labor markets to ensure neat international competition (Maloney, 1997; Klein and Tokman, 2000). For the design of those and other labor policies it is necessary to understand if the informal sector functions as a buffer for employment or it is closely integrated to formal employment.
Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance Dr Lendy Spires
This document discusses converging technologies including nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and cognitive science that have the potential to greatly improve human abilities and societal outcomes. It envisions breakthroughs in these areas within the next 10-20 years that could revolutionize fields like healthcare, education, communication, and more. The document outlines strategies for accelerating convergence research and development to realize these benefits, while addressing related ethical, legal, and societal issues. It aims to provide individuals and groups more choices to enhance their lives through new technologies, while preserving fundamental values.
The role of science and technology as empowerment of person and stateDr Lendy Spires
This document discusses how information and communication technologies (ICTs) both empower individuals and strengthen nation states. ICTs allow individuals to exercise self-determination, impact elections and governments outside their own countries, and disclose information that impacts global events. However, ICTs also represent a powerful tool that governments can leverage through controlling communication gateways and broadcast licenses to extend their influence. Recent examples of both individual empowerment and government control include the Arab Spring uprisings, which were organized using social media but were met with threats from governments to restrict social media access in some countries. The interests of individuals and nation states in asserting control over communication are now in conflict.
Africa's partnership forum ict in africa boosting economic growth and povert...Dr Lendy Spires
This document discusses the role of ICT in boosting economic growth and reducing poverty in Africa. It finds that ICT can increase productivity, market access, and lower costs, but isolated investment is not enough - ICT must be integrated into development strategies. Mobile phones have spread widely in Africa, showing opportunities when affordable. However, infrastructure, access, and enabling environments remain challenges. The document recommends prioritizing infrastructure bottlenecks, access through public facilities and capacity building, and improving regulatory frameworks and governance to create an enabling environment for ICT.
The document describes a project aimed at empowering youth in Europe, India, and South Africa to contribute to achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals. Key aspects of the project include:
- Case study trips to India and South Africa by 40 youth to research the MDGs in each country and identify best practices.
- Participants were divided into task forces on each MDG to conduct research and workshops.
- A final conference brought participants together to share results and develop follow-up initiatives.
- The overall goals were to raise awareness of global issues, provide knowledge to advocate for the MDGs, promote active citizenship, and establish an intercultural youth network.
The document summarizes a tree planting exercise conducted by the National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC) between February 22-28, 2014 in schools in TA Njewa, Malawi. NYNCC distributed 4000 seedlings to 6 schools with support from the Lottery Club of Bwaila through Press Trust funding. 500 youth participated in tree planting and climate change presentations. The exercise helped raise awareness of climate change impacts and engaged youth in mitigation efforts through planting trees. Challenges included a late seedling procurement and limited financial resources to meet the high demand from schools.
This document provides the methodology for calculating the Commonwealth Youth Development Index (YDI). It summarizes the five domains measured by the index: Education, Health and Wellbeing, Employment, Political Participation, and Civic Participation. For each domain, it lists the indicators used to measure it and the data sources. It then discusses challenges with data availability across countries and how it addresses missing data. The methodology weights each indicator based on expert assessments. It calculates domain scores and then combines them to calculate the overall YDI score. The document aims to provide a standardized, reliable tool for measuring and comparing youth development across Commonwealth countries.
Britain is sitting on a £4.6 trillion industry - here's how to unlock it (1).pdfHenry Tapper
The document provides an overview of how regulations in the UK pension industry have become more stringent and risk-averse since the Robert Maxwell scandal in the early 1990s. Key points:
- Maxwell's fraudulent appropriation of £460m from the Mirror Group's pension fund to prop up his companies led to major increases in regulation of UK pension funds.
- Over time, rules reduced pension funds' exposure to stocks and early-stage companies, instead pushing more investments into lower-return government and corporate bonds.
- Critics argue this overly cautious approach has hurt the UK economy by limiting investment in growth areas and contributing to the decline of UK stock ownership.
- Industry leaders are now calling for reforms that provide
The document summarizes expert opinions on Scotland's potential currency options following independence from the UK. It finds:
1) Leading experts say a eurozone-style currency union with the rest of the UK is unlikely and risky as it would require ongoing political agreement without political union.
2) Without a guaranteed currency union, Scotland would face huge economic uncertainty and disruption from using another currency like the pound or joining the euro.
3) The Scottish government's failure to propose a "Plan B" currency option leaves the country vulnerable if a currency union cannot be agreed upon.
It's Whiskey a Go Go for Louth Firm Despite Threat of BrexitAdam Quirk
Business owners in the north-east welcome Brexit and enterprise measures but say the devil is in the detail, writes Deirdre Reynolds
When it comes to business, it's long since been held that 'whiskey is risky', and in today's post-Brexit world, Ireland's latest wave of distillers have never been more on the rocks
The document provides information about Telegraph Media and its audience. It discusses:
- Telegraph Media's focus on innovation in how it delivers news to its audience.
- The large reach of Telegraph Media's brands, with over 27 million people reached each month across print, online, and mobile platforms.
- The characteristics of Telegraph Media's loyal, influential, and affluent audience - they are more likely to be ABC1, have savings and investments, and spend more on various retail categories than competitors' audiences.
A K Stoddart Ltd, a Scottish meat processing company, has agreed to a staged sale to a small group of private investors. The new owners include experienced food industry professionals who will provide continuity and allow the company to grow its existing markets and access new opportunities. Neil Stoddart, the current owner, will remain involved in an advisory role and retain a stake in the company. The business will continue to work closely with Scottish farmers and focus on delivering the highest quality Scotch and Aberdeen Angus beef. The new managing director Grant Moir is excited to invest in the strong Scottish brand and further develop it in partnership with customers and farmers.
A Shropshire lawyer has been selected to join a panel of experts on medical accidents for a charity. Lucy Small of Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors will advise people making claims against hospitals and health trusts. Being chosen for the panel by Action Against Medical Accidents is prestigious as only leaders in the field are selected. Small said she is delighted to support people through difficult claims processes following medical errors or accidents.
Directions in development closing the feedback loopDr Lendy Spires
This document is an edited volume that explores how information and communication technologies (ICTs) can potentially help bridge accountability gaps in governance. It contains several case studies and theoretical chapters on this topic. The introduction provides an overview of theories regarding how ICTs may empower citizens and improve participation, transparency, and accountability. It presents a framework to analyze these relationships and factors influencing them. Subsequent chapters examine these concepts further through literature reviews and case studies of ICT tools and initiatives around civic engagement, crowdsourcing, community mapping, and citizen feedback mechanisms. The conclusion discusses opportunities and barriers to using ICTs to strengthen civic engagement and close accountability loops, offering recommendations.
This document provides an overview and summary of the book "ICT4D – Connecting People for a Better World" edited by Gerolf Weigel and Daniele Waldburger. The book contains lessons, innovations and perspectives on using information and communication technologies (ICT) to promote development and reduce poverty from key innovators, leaders, and practitioners. It is intended to stimulate interest in ICT for development (ICT4D) among those still skeptical of its potential. The book includes proceedings from the ICT4D Forum organized by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Global Knowledge Partnership, which brought together over 250 organizations working in ICT4D.
Incubate, Invest, Impact Building and Investing in High-Impact Enterprises fo...Dr Lendy Spires
Gender lens incubation and investment can act as a key enabler of women’s empowerment and gender equality with positive returns. This is in a context where women are still being denied the opportunity to participate equally in decisions that affect their lives.
The starting premise of Incubate, Invest, Impact is that there is a commercial case to support gender lens incubation and investment in start-up ‘high impact enterprises’ that focus on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. Gender lens incubation deliberately supports the growth of high impact enterprises that promote gender equality and empower women and girls.
While gender lens investing is an investment approach that intentionally uses gender as a category of analysis and value to create both financial return and positive social impact that is actively measured. This study explores how the social entrepreneurship ecosystem can unite to develop an action plan on gender lens incubation and investing for enterprises focused on the low income market segment in India. It takes an international perspective with a geographical focus on India an emerging leader in innovation for the bottom of the pyramid (BOP) and is supported by examples of such innovative high impact, sustainable enterprises
The methodology used for this study includes desk research, telephone interviews with 35 representatives of organizations with an interest in gender lens incubation and investing in developing and emerging economies. It also draws on consultation feedback from a multi-stakeholder workshop held at the Sankalp Unconvention Forum Pre-Summit Workshop entitled ‘Investing In and Building High-Impact Enterprises for Empowering Women and Girls: An action plan for gender lens investing and incubation’ held on the 9 April 2014 in Mumbai, India.
An analytical framework to identify high impact enterprises that promote gender equality and women and girl’s empowerment is put forward in the study. It argues that such enterprises are not just those that are identified on the basis of women as leaders and business owners. They also include those businesses that manage their operational gender impacts through the promotion of women as employees, suppliers (including producers).
This document is the 2012 report by the World Bank Group's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) on world investment trends and political risk. The report finds that while the global economic outlook remains uncertain, developing countries are expected to see continued growth in foreign direct investment inflows. It also examines trends in sovereign defaults and expropriation events historically and for crisis-prone countries. Further, the report provides an overview of the political risk insurance industry and corporate approaches to managing political risks.
Development informatic: understanding mobile phone impact on livelihoods in d...Dr Lendy Spires
This document discusses a new research framework for understanding the impact of mobile phones on livelihoods in developing countries. It analyzes how mobile phones can impact livelihood assets through asset substitution, enhancement, disembodiment, exchange and combination. It also examines how processes of passive diffusion and active innovation can intermediate these assets. The framework suggests mobile phones can help maintain, expand or diversify livelihood strategies. It proposes adapting the livelihood framework to better incorporate information processes, capital forms, intermediation structures, and outcomes. The framework could be applied to research how mobile phones support rural livelihoods in developing areas.
This document provides an overview and assessment of development strategies and policies aimed at achieving food and nutrition security in Africa over the past four decades. It discusses two early responses to Africa's socioeconomic crises, the Lagos Plan of Action and the Regional Food Plan for Africa, which emphasized state-led development. It then examines structural adjustment programs promoted by the World Bank and IMF in the 1980s that shifted the approach to reliance on the private sector. More recently, strategies have focused on poverty reduction through the Comprehensive Development Framework and Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers. The document concludes by evaluating the implementation of these various approaches and identifying lessons learned regarding successful strategy formulation and implementation.
This document discusses how increasing tax revenues in developing countries through improved collection and tackling illicit financial flows could help achieve development goals to reduce poverty and preventable child deaths. The research finds that if developing countries increased tax revenues to 20% of GDP while maintaining social spending, over 287,000 child deaths could be averted annually and 72 million more people would have access to clean water. Tackling illicit financial flows, estimated at $946.7 billion leaving developing countries in 2011, could result in reaching zero preventable child deaths 20 years earlier according to models. The report recommends actions by the international community to increase tax transparency, information sharing between countries, and reform international tax rules to support developing country tax collection efforts.
The document outlines UNESCO's implementation of its Strategy on African Youth from 2009-2013. It describes 42 projects across 3 global objectives: 1) Strengthening knowledge building and research on youth issues through 13 projects in various African countries, 2) Fostering youth policy development through 26 projects, and 3) Promoting youth participation and inclusion through 42 projects. The projects engaged various partners and aimed to address issues like education, civic engagement, employment, and violence prevention for African youth.
THE EVOLVING ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN FINANCIAL SERVICES Dr Lendy Spires
This document discusses the evolving role of technology in the financial services industry. It notes that while technology has long provided incremental advances, the industry has struggled to fully leverage its power due to cost pressures and demands for greater transparency, analytics, and risk management. However, emerging trends such as viewing IT as an integral business function and valuing data as an asset are laying the groundwork for a new paradigm. The vision is for an integrated platform that applies massive computing power to correlate data from various sources, empowering users to achieve business objectives more rapidly, cost-effectively, and with enhanced risk management. This would unlock greater value from data while meeting demands for information, analytics, and tools to improve portfolio management.
THE FUNCTION OF THE URBAN INFORMAL SECTOR IN EMPLOYMENT Dr Lendy Spires
During 1990’s, “informal economy” seems have lost the interest and urgency characteristic among social scientist during the 1970’s and 1980’s. However, the persistent economic and social downturn that characterized several Latin American countries, including Colombia, during the last decade resurrected interest in the informal economy. The term informal economy1 covers a set of heterogeneous activities, from unpaid labor to any number of unregulated salaried jobs.
This broad range of activities has made it difficult for analysts of the informal sector to agree on its definition. However, there is consensus on two broads points: first, the informal economy is part of the economy at large, which determines its main characteristics and on which it depends; and second, the informal economy is largely defined by activities outside state regulation (Portes, 1994; Broad, 2000). In spite of these two broad agreements, the reasons for the existence of unregulated activities and their function in employment differ and then the implications in terms of labor policies also differ. Some analysts consider the informal sector as the disadvantaged segment of a dualistic labor market and see today’s expansion of the informal economy as part of a more general deterioration of labor market conditions (Tokman, 1992; Klein and Tokman, 2000).
Others view informal economy as unregulated income-earning activities closely related to the formal sector (Portes, 1997). Yet others see in the informal sector signs of incipient entrepreneurship and an escape from state regulation (Maloney, 2000). For others analysts, informalization is not a recent phenomenon but it is a long term, large scale, and systemic phenomenon of the capitalist world-economy (Tabak, 2000). The issue of understanding the function of the informal sector in employment is essential for the design and evaluation of labor policies.
It becomes particular relevant to the Latin American region since most of the countries applied “neoliberal” reforms during the last decade that affected the labor market environment. The globalization of the economy, the privatization process and the flexibilization of labor markets has opened debates on establishing common 1 Informal economy and informal sector are interchangeable used here. labor standards in regional free trade agreements and on the need to regulate labor markets to ensure neat international competition (Maloney, 1997; Klein and Tokman, 2000). For the design of those and other labor policies it is necessary to understand if the informal sector functions as a buffer for employment or it is closely integrated to formal employment.
Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance Dr Lendy Spires
This document discusses converging technologies including nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology, and cognitive science that have the potential to greatly improve human abilities and societal outcomes. It envisions breakthroughs in these areas within the next 10-20 years that could revolutionize fields like healthcare, education, communication, and more. The document outlines strategies for accelerating convergence research and development to realize these benefits, while addressing related ethical, legal, and societal issues. It aims to provide individuals and groups more choices to enhance their lives through new technologies, while preserving fundamental values.
The role of science and technology as empowerment of person and stateDr Lendy Spires
This document discusses how information and communication technologies (ICTs) both empower individuals and strengthen nation states. ICTs allow individuals to exercise self-determination, impact elections and governments outside their own countries, and disclose information that impacts global events. However, ICTs also represent a powerful tool that governments can leverage through controlling communication gateways and broadcast licenses to extend their influence. Recent examples of both individual empowerment and government control include the Arab Spring uprisings, which were organized using social media but were met with threats from governments to restrict social media access in some countries. The interests of individuals and nation states in asserting control over communication are now in conflict.
Africa's partnership forum ict in africa boosting economic growth and povert...Dr Lendy Spires
This document discusses the role of ICT in boosting economic growth and reducing poverty in Africa. It finds that ICT can increase productivity, market access, and lower costs, but isolated investment is not enough - ICT must be integrated into development strategies. Mobile phones have spread widely in Africa, showing opportunities when affordable. However, infrastructure, access, and enabling environments remain challenges. The document recommends prioritizing infrastructure bottlenecks, access through public facilities and capacity building, and improving regulatory frameworks and governance to create an enabling environment for ICT.
The document describes a project aimed at empowering youth in Europe, India, and South Africa to contribute to achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals. Key aspects of the project include:
- Case study trips to India and South Africa by 40 youth to research the MDGs in each country and identify best practices.
- Participants were divided into task forces on each MDG to conduct research and workshops.
- A final conference brought participants together to share results and develop follow-up initiatives.
- The overall goals were to raise awareness of global issues, provide knowledge to advocate for the MDGs, promote active citizenship, and establish an intercultural youth network.
The document summarizes a tree planting exercise conducted by the National Youth Network on Climate Change (NYNCC) between February 22-28, 2014 in schools in TA Njewa, Malawi. NYNCC distributed 4000 seedlings to 6 schools with support from the Lottery Club of Bwaila through Press Trust funding. 500 youth participated in tree planting and climate change presentations. The exercise helped raise awareness of climate change impacts and engaged youth in mitigation efforts through planting trees. Challenges included a late seedling procurement and limited financial resources to meet the high demand from schools.
This document provides the methodology for calculating the Commonwealth Youth Development Index (YDI). It summarizes the five domains measured by the index: Education, Health and Wellbeing, Employment, Political Participation, and Civic Participation. For each domain, it lists the indicators used to measure it and the data sources. It then discusses challenges with data availability across countries and how it addresses missing data. The methodology weights each indicator based on expert assessments. It calculates domain scores and then combines them to calculate the overall YDI score. The document aims to provide a standardized, reliable tool for measuring and comparing youth development across Commonwealth countries.
Britain is sitting on a £4.6 trillion industry - here's how to unlock it (1).pdfHenry Tapper
The document provides an overview of how regulations in the UK pension industry have become more stringent and risk-averse since the Robert Maxwell scandal in the early 1990s. Key points:
- Maxwell's fraudulent appropriation of £460m from the Mirror Group's pension fund to prop up his companies led to major increases in regulation of UK pension funds.
- Over time, rules reduced pension funds' exposure to stocks and early-stage companies, instead pushing more investments into lower-return government and corporate bonds.
- Critics argue this overly cautious approach has hurt the UK economy by limiting investment in growth areas and contributing to the decline of UK stock ownership.
- Industry leaders are now calling for reforms that provide
The document summarizes expert opinions on Scotland's potential currency options following independence from the UK. It finds:
1) Leading experts say a eurozone-style currency union with the rest of the UK is unlikely and risky as it would require ongoing political agreement without political union.
2) Without a guaranteed currency union, Scotland would face huge economic uncertainty and disruption from using another currency like the pound or joining the euro.
3) The Scottish government's failure to propose a "Plan B" currency option leaves the country vulnerable if a currency union cannot be agreed upon.
It's Whiskey a Go Go for Louth Firm Despite Threat of BrexitAdam Quirk
Business owners in the north-east welcome Brexit and enterprise measures but say the devil is in the detail, writes Deirdre Reynolds
When it comes to business, it's long since been held that 'whiskey is risky', and in today's post-Brexit world, Ireland's latest wave of distillers have never been more on the rocks
The document provides information about Telegraph Media and its audience. It discusses:
- Telegraph Media's focus on innovation in how it delivers news to its audience.
- The large reach of Telegraph Media's brands, with over 27 million people reached each month across print, online, and mobile platforms.
- The characteristics of Telegraph Media's loyal, influential, and affluent audience - they are more likely to be ABC1, have savings and investments, and spend more on various retail categories than competitors' audiences.
A K Stoddart Ltd, a Scottish meat processing company, has agreed to a staged sale to a small group of private investors. The new owners include experienced food industry professionals who will provide continuity and allow the company to grow its existing markets and access new opportunities. Neil Stoddart, the current owner, will remain involved in an advisory role and retain a stake in the company. The business will continue to work closely with Scottish farmers and focus on delivering the highest quality Scotch and Aberdeen Angus beef. The new managing director Grant Moir is excited to invest in the strong Scottish brand and further develop it in partnership with customers and farmers.
A Shropshire lawyer has been selected to join a panel of experts on medical accidents for a charity. Lucy Small of Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors will advise people making claims against hospitals and health trusts. Being chosen for the panel by Action Against Medical Accidents is prestigious as only leaders in the field are selected. Small said she is delighted to support people through difficult claims processes following medical errors or accidents.
This document summarizes reactions from local politicians and industry representatives to news that Corus' steel plant in Teesside faces closure after losing a key contract. They call on the UK government to provide wage subsidies and other support to save the plant and protect the jobs and apprenticeships of thousands of local workers. Options suggested include accessing European funds and guaranteeing publicly-funded building projects use British steel. Concerns are raised that without action, Teesside could face severe economic and social impacts from the loss of its largest employer.
RBSG speech to transatlantic business conference Edinburgh 2012Iona MacDougall
1) The document discusses a conference presentation given by Ken Barclay on financial services in Scotland.
2) It notes Scotland's long historical and cultural ties to the United States, with many prominent American figures having Scottish ancestry.
3) The presentation highlights key industries in Scotland like banking, oil and gas, and renewable energy, and emphasizes opportunities for bilateral trade and investment between Scotland and the US.
The document summarizes the key economic factors in the Scottish independence debate. It discusses Scotland's historical economic relationship with the UK and the roles of oil revenues and public spending. The debate centers around issues like EU and NATO membership, currency, and the sustainability of Scotland's economy and public services without support from the UK. Supporters and opponents each cite economic evidence for their positions, but the long-term economic impacts remain uncertain and will only be clear many years in the future.
Organised by the Economic and Social Research Council and the UK Research Office
Tuesday 11 February 2014, Brussels
The Scottish Government is holding a referendum on 18 September 2014 asking “Should Scotland be an independent country?”
The UK’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has initiated a Future of the UK and Scotland programme of activities bringing the best of UK social science to the debate about Scotland’s constitutional future and its implications for the rest of the UK and Europe. This work aims to both inform the debate in the run-up to the referendum and assist in planning across a wide range of areas which will be affected by the outcome of the vote – whether for Scottish independence or continued Union.
This meeting offered an overview of the programme of work and focused on the key areas of migration and business, on questions about Scotland and the UK’s future membership of the EU as the Scottish referendum – and potentially a UK referendum on EU membership – approach.
- AC May is running as the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for the Midlothian South, Tweeddale & Lauderdale seat in the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections.
- If elected, AC May promises to work tirelessly to invest in education, employment, and businesses in the region and to demand better funded healthcare, including for care homes and mental health services.
- The Scottish Liberal Democrats oppose another Scottish independence referendum and believe focus should be on economic recovery from Brexit and COVID-19, not further constitutional division.
Welsh companies are well positioned to withstand potential failures in 2010 according to a Deloitte partner. While the number of companies going into administration may rise in the new year or second quarter, Welsh businesses are generally well-run compared to parts of the UK and have reorganized to face challenges. The partner also notes that some sectors like motor dealers have already seen improved trade. Separately, the document outlines regeneration projects and investments across Wales, including in towns, research collaborations, and a potential new prison site.
Presentation by David Smith of the Sunday Times at the Single Ply Roofing Association Conference 2019 at Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire.
More information:https://spra.co.uk/events/spra-awards-2019-live-blog/
John Godfrey is leaving Legal & General to level Britain upHenry Tapper
John Godfrey is stepping down from his role as Director of Levelling Up at Legal & General after 16 years with the company. During his time at Legal & General, he held several roles such as Group Communications Director and Corporate Affairs Director, and helped pioneer private sector investment in cities. He also spent time as Head of the Policy Unit in 10 Downing Street working on policies around devolution, industrial strategy, and city regeneration. Most recently, Godfrey was seconded to the West Midlands Combined Authority to drive progress on their housing target. Both Godfrey and the CEO of Legal & General expressed gratitude for his contributions over the years.
Lloyds TSB has appointed Tim Tookey as the new Group Finance Director. Tookey has been acting in the role since 2008 and joined Lloyds TSB in 2006 as Deputy Group Finance Director. The CEO and Chairman both praised Tookey for his excellent work, particularly over the last six months during a period of turmoil in financial markets. Tookey's experience includes roles as Finance Director at Prudential UK and Group Finance Director at Heath Lambert Group.
AC May is running for election as the MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale. They intend to work hard on constituents' behalf by listening to them and advocating for improved education, employment opportunities, business growth, healthcare funding, and other social services. They ask for voters' support in the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections to help achieve a more secure and equitable future for the area.
Casino Bank unlimited protection from BoEDerek Louden
The document is a letter questioning the Bank of England's decision to extend credit to "shadow banks" such as central counterparties and market makers during times of crisis. It discusses how the Bank of England Governor announced this change at an event in June 2014. The letter expresses concern about the large risks involved, as shadow banking assets have grown significantly worldwide since 2002. It provides some details about major central counterparties and broker/dealers that may benefit from this policy change but notes there is little transparency around which specific firms are covered. The author plans to vote yes in the upcoming Scottish independence referendum to maintain a democratic system not controlled by bankers.
BREXIT – THE IMPACT ON THE PLANNING INDUSTRYMJDelaMasa
This document summarizes discussions from a roundtable meeting hosted by No5 Chambers planning barristers on the potential impacts of Brexit on the UK planning industry. Over 30 representatives from major housebuilders and planning consultants attended. While there is economic uncertainty, the general consensus was one of cautious optimism due to continued demand for housing. Immediate government guidance on larger, long-term development schemes was seen as important to provide stability. Uncertainties remain around impacts to funding and workforce sourced from other EU countries.
The Parliamentary Yearbook is, in recognition of UK business commercial success and outstanding achievement, carrying a major feature in the next edition on the Queen’s awards for Enterprise, the UK’s most prestigious awards for business.
1. September 2014
A Dods Monitoring briefing
The Scottish Independence Referendum:
Views from business and industry
2. Contents
Introduction
The Campaign Leaders
Business reaction
Financial Services
Oil, Energy and Infrastructure
Viewpoints
Selected further reading and next steps
3. Introduction
This briefing considers the views of some stakeholders in the independence debate including retailers, the financial sector and oil industry.
The campaign for an independent Scotland has had many highs and lows over the years, with Winnie Ewing’s shock win at the 1967 Hamilton by-election a watershed moment for the modern nationalist movement.
The failure of the 1979 devolution referendum in the dying days of the Callaghan government proved a disappointment for many.
Following 18 years of Conservative rule, in which calls for a directly elected body in Scotland were resist- ed, the new Labour government of 1997 held a referendum on Scottish devolution within months of be- ing elected. An overwhelming majority voted in favour of a devolved parliament with tax-varying powers.
The first elections to the new parliament took place in 1999, with the late Donald Dewar leading a Labour-Lib Dem coalition.
The early years of devolution were not altogether smooth, following the death of Dewar in 2000. Henry McLeish served for only a year, followed by Jack McConnell who served until defeat in 2007.
Whilst the 2007 win for the SNP took some by surprise - the first time in nearly 50 years that Labour had failed to win a national election in Scotland - it was the successive 2011 victory for Alex Salmond that brought the nation to this historic vote.
The terms of the referendum were agreed with the prime minister, who’s party has only one Scottish MP. With the question posed - Should Scotland be an independent country? - the debate was under way.
The No campaign has consistently remained ahead, but with polls tightening in recent weeks, and pro- union parties promising a range of increased powers to Holyrood whatever option the people of Scotland choose, the British constitution is unlikely to remain static after September 18.
By James Sloan
Political consultant
Background to the historic vote on Scottish independence on September 18
4. 33%
think there would be no change
18%
of the oil industry believe independence would be a positive step
The Campaign Leaders
Alex Salmond
Voting yes “is a vote for ambition over fear”
First elected to Westminster in 1987, Salmond has been leader of the SNP since 1990, excluding a break between 2000 and 2004. He became First Minister of Scotland in May 2007, beating Labour by one seat.
His first four years running a minority government proved to be a precursor to the historic win in 2011, where he led the SNP to an overwhelming victory, gaining a majority in the Scottish Parliament.
As face of the Yes campaign, alongside his deputy, Nicola Sturgeon, Salmond is often considered a marmite figure. Despite being leader since 1990, he has shown few signs of standing aside.
This vote will determine his political future: heralding a rise even further, or hastening his demise.
Alistair Darling
Voting no means “we can have the best of both worlds”
One of only three ministers to serve for the entirety of the 1997— 2010 Labour government, Darling, like Salmond, was first elected to Westminster in 1987.
Seen by many as a canny operator, with cabinet roles in Transport, Work and Pensions, Trade and Industry, and a stint as Scottish Secretary, he made the transition from the Blair govern- ment to the Brown administration, serving as Chancellor during the financial crisis from 2007—2010.
Initially hesitant to take on the job as leader of the anti-independence campaign, Darling accepted the role. On taking the reins of Better Together he has focused on concerns over currency, the country’s fiscal future, building upon his experience as Chancellor.
Although many in his party would like to see Darling return to front-line politics, the former Chancellor is likely to remain resistant to such calls.
Despite only having one Conservative MP north of the border, David Cameron has defended the Union saying he believes in it with his “head, heart and soul.”
The three pro-UK parties—Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats—have all pledged, that should Scotland vote no on September 18, then more powers will be devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
Former prime minister Gordon Brown has also played an active part in the campaign.
5. Both the Yes and No camps have touted various businesses as supporters of their cause.
The Business for Scotland grouping of Yes sup- porting organisations signed a letter of 200 sup- porters which included Aqua Energy, Isle of Skye Fudge and Chocolate Company, former chair of Scottish Enterprise Professor Sir Don- ald MacKay, and former chief executive of RBS, Sir George Mathewson.
The 130 signatories of pro-UK businesses, lead- ers who have signed in a personal capacity in- cluded Iain Napier, chair of John Menzies plc, Audrey Baxter of Baxter Food Group, Victor Chavex, chief executive of Thales and Niall Booker, CEO of the Co-operative Bank.
Former chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, Gavin Hewitt told The Telegraph that around half the chief executives he had ap- proached agreed that the business case for in- dependence had yet to be made, but feared a backlash if they went public.
Retail giants, including supermarkets, have add- ed their voice to the debate.
Kingfisher (parent company of B&Q) chief ex- ecutive Sir Ian Cheshire said uncertainties around currency and EU membership would put "everything into hibernation" and a yes vote would “put a pause on everything.”
He claimed that plans for 23 new ScrewFix stores in Scotland had been put on hold.
Betting shop William Hill, which has taken a record political bet of £800,000 on a no vote, remains neutral on the issue of independence. However, outgoing chief executive Ralph Topping, has backed the yes side.
CEO of drinks giant, Diageo, Ivan Menezes said “we cannot pick up and leave Scotland. We're there to stay” whilst supermarket Morrisons confirmed it would continue to use Scottish farms for produce if a yes vote occurred.
The development director of Waitrose, Nigel Keen said the outcome of the referendum "will not affect" the supermarket's expansion plans in Scotland and the decision is “one for the Scottish people to make and voting is a personal matter for our partners.”
Next chief executive Lord Wolfson said "I don't think it would make any difference. We manage our business in Eire how we manage in the UK.”
The promise of cutting air passenger duty led to support for the independ- ence cause from International Airlines Group chief executive Willie Walsh, and Ryanair chief, Michael O’Leary.
Business reaction
6. Budget 2013
Financial services
The use of Sterling has dominated much of the debate. Financial institutions have mixed caution with forthright contingency planning.
Chief executive of Barclays, Antony Jenkins said that independence was “a matter for the Scottish people to decide – we think we can make it work either way as a bank.”
Insurance giant Aviva’s chief executive, Mark Wilson remarked “We operate all around the world and we operate in many jurisdictions and in many places so I really think that's not an issue for us to focus on."
The moves by Standard Life in preparing for a business relocation from Ed- inburgh were “precautionary…to ensure continuity of our businesses’ com- petitive position.”
Alliance Trust chief Katherine Garrett-Cox said that the company was not making a political statement in setting up new subsidiary companies in England, but merely alleviating cli- ent fears of uncertainty arising from a yes vote in September.
An RBS report said a vote for independence "could significantly impact the group's costs and would have a material adverse effect on the group's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects".
However, Ross McEwan, chief executive of the RBS group said “Let’s leave the people of Scotland to make the determination. If I need to operate in 39 coun- tries rather than 38, then that’s what we will do.”
The world’s biggest investment fund manager, Blackrock, called the Yes side’s plan for a currency union “infeasible” which would potentially bring risks to both countries.
Scottish Financial Enterprise’s chief Owen Kelly stated that “A yes vote would require the creation of an additional financial regulator with hundreds of staff. The cost would run into millions and have to be paid for by the industry in Scotland.”
Martin Gilbert, Aberdeen Asset Management head commented that independence “would be neutral for Scotland’s financial services industry.” He stated “we already operate in 30 countries round the world, so one more's not going to make any difference."
A note by investment bank Goldman Sachs said that “it is difficult to see the rest of the UK agreeing to provide a monetary and financial backstop to Scotland”
Although HSBC chief executive Douglas Flint is a firm supporter of the Union, the bank has made clear that he is speaking in a personal capacity.
The Financial Times reported that Lloyds Banking Group had considered moving their registered office from Edinburgh to London, in the event of independence.
Tesco Bank advised that independence “could significantly impact the fiscal, monetary and regulatory environment within which the group operates”.
Head of tax for KPMG in Scotland, Jon Meetan said: “The potential creation of an independent...separate Scottish tax system could give rise to a period of uncertainty for businesses and individuals…as well as cre- ate opportunities to design a more effective system tailored to Scotland’s specific requirements.”
7. The energy and oil sectors have long been at the heart of the arguments for independence, and the above figures, were the result of a survey of 700 firms undertaken for a report by the Aberdeen and Grampian Chambers of Commerce.
In April, at the Highland Renewables Energy Conference, representatives were divided over the impact on the sector. 53.7 per cent thought that an independent Scotland would be beneficial to the renewable en- ergy sector, however this contrasted with a vote of 61.8 per cent against Scottish independence amongst delegates.
BP chief executive, Bob Dudley, warned of “big uncertainties” facing the energy sector. He said that “Great Britain was great and ought to stay together.”
The UK’s second largest energy supplier, SSE suggested that a single energy market, post-independence, across Great Britain would be both desirable and likely; however this came as the company said that they had been “uncertainty” and “increased legislative and regulatory risk” associated with the referendum.
Centrica chief executive Sam Laidlaw remarked that independence "won’t make a material impact to our business."
"Whatever happens in the referendum this September, there's a huge amount of uncertainty around the framework that will underpin the future development of renewable energy," commented Niall Stuart, CEO of trade body Scottish Renewables.
Chief executive of BAE Systems Ian King said “it is clear that continued union offers greater certainty and stability for our business.”
33%
think there would be no change
12%
think independence would have a negative impact on the industry
18%
of the oil industry believe independence would be a positive step
Oil, Energy and Infrastructure
8. Budget 2013
“There are plans and plans. We may have made contingency plans about contingency plans, by which I mean if Scotland were to vote for independence in the early hours of the morning... we will have a team in place tasked with dealing with this.”
Sir Nicholas Macpherson, Permanent Secretary to the Treasury
Investors would be faced with “unfathomable levels of uncertainty” if independence happens.
Bill O’Neill, Head of UBS Wealth Management, UK
“I am a democrat, and believe that the geography, economy, demography and politics of our country are so distinctive that they are best served by our own sovereign government.”
Dame Mariot Leslie, former UK ambassador to NATO
"The main issues here are not currency, they're probably not even North Sea oil. I think the main
issue...as an outsider...is the vision of society, what do you want to do."
Professor Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Prize winner for economics, 2001
Viewpoints
Infinis, a generator of renewable power, with a 7.3 per cent market share, raised fears that independ- ence would have an “adverse effect” on their business, through a “division” of their customer base.
Defence contractor Babcock has suggested that independence would lead to job losses. Regarding their role in the Clyde, "It is unclear whether there would be a continuing role for Babcock should the subma- rine flotilla be moved and the nuclear infrastructure decommissioned.”
The Weir Group, in association with Oxford Economics, produced a report on potential implications of independence for businesses in Scotland. Weir Group chief executive Keith Cochrane has been vocal in his opposition to independence.
9. Next steps
Scottish Referendum White Paper
Gordon Brown’s battle for Britain: ‘You have to think about 100 years down the line’
Sunday Herald backs Scottish independence
BBC News—Scotland Decides
Time for a UK constitution - Linda Colley
Politics Home: Ann McKechin MP: Better together for business
Holyrood
Selected further reading
The final result of the referendum is expected to be known during the day of September 19.
In the run up to the referendum Dods Monitoring will be producing a “What if” scenario of possible outcomes, whether it is a Yes or No to independence—please contact your political consultant for more information.