Wake Up to Money Office for Bodged Responsibility
Dec 2, 2025
Gervais Williams, Chair of Equities at Premier Miton, shares insights on the resignation of Richard Hughes from the OBR and its implications for investor confidence. Nicole Oldby, UK & Ireland Managing Director at Adyen, discusses how small businesses can leverage technology to compete with large retailers during the holiday season. They also explore innovative marketing strategies, including Hexham's viral Christmas advert, and the impact of AI on entry-level job opportunities. The conversation highlights critical trends shaping the financial and retail landscapes.
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OBR Leak Undermined Fiscal Credibility
- The OBR called the pre-budget leak its worst failure in 15 years, underlining the watchdog's central role in fiscal credibility.
- Richard Hughes resigned, showing how operational errors can quickly become political crises for fiscal institutions.
OBR Shapes Investor Confidence
- The OBR's forecasts anchor investor confidence and define fiscal 'red lines' for politicians.
- Who runs the OBR matters because it shapes international investor trust and fiscal discipline.
Leaders Should Own Operational Failures
- Leaders must take responsibility for failures in their organisations and be prepared to act.
- Nicole Oldby supported leadership accountability while noting practicalities of how investigations should proceed.