Simon French

Felicity Hannah welcomes Debbie Weinstein, President of Google EMEA, Simon French, Chief Economist at Panmure Liberum, and Tara Alice, Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company. They dive into the transformative impact of AI on personal and professional growth and its role in enhancing the UK economy. The conversation touches on the creativity implications of AI and trade negotiations influenced by technological advancements. They also address the alarming decline in UK consumer confidence and the potential of AI in navigating fiscal challenges.

Simon French, Chief Economist at Panmure Liberum and writer for The Times, dives into the surge of gilt yields and its impact on UK government finances. He discusses the potential for tax increases or spending cuts while questioning if this issue is unique to the UK. The conversation also explores the Bank of England's challenges, the undervaluation of UK stocks post-Brexit, and the essential role of stable fiscal rules for long-term economic health. In a light-hearted segment, they ponder the necessity of government fiscal rules.

Simon French, Managing Director and Chief Economist at Panmure Gordon, shares his insights on revitalizing the UK economy. He argues that boosting growth begins with increasing North Sea oil and gas production. The conversation covers the shifting governmental focus from blame to growth, and the necessity for straightforward tax structures and local energy sources. French highlights the importance of infrastructure and education in economic reform while discussing the challenges of politician vulnerability and energy costs. It's an informative mix of humor and serious economic strategy!