Master's Blog March 2019
A summary of three recent lectures attended by the Master Scientific Instrument Maker
Three Lectures
Whilst anticipating some exciting experiences as Master, I didn't quite expect the number of informative lectures I would be invited to! Just in the past week I have been privileged to go to three.
The 32nd World Traders' Tacitus Lecture: Guildhall
The Financial Sector Redefining a Broader Sense of Purpose
This lecture was given by Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the IMF, in an interesting question and answer style. The speaker covered financial systems around the world and their ability to weather any oncoming storms, particularly if there was to be a repeat of the financial crash of a few years ago. Her message was quite upbeat and went on to talk about the reputation of the financial community and the need to improve it.
At the end she was asked about the proportions, today, of her two roles, Firefighter and Architect, and encouragingly, she said 'Whilst there was still a bit of firefighting to do, I am mainly in architect mode'.
The City Guides 16th Annual Melluish Lecture: St Jewry Church
Old Buildings New Architecture
Given by famous architect Richard Griffiths, this talk, accompanied by sumptuous pictures, spoke of the many exciting historical buildings in the City of London, including St Pauls, other Wren churches, Southwark Cathedral, Toynbee Hall and Guildhall itself. Whilst preservation of these historic buildings is of primary importance, there are times when repair or addition to them is necessary. Richard showed many examples of how such modifications could be completed, whilst being completely faithful to the original structure, and actually enhancing it in some cases.
The Chartered Accountants' Company True and Fair Lecture: Chartered Accountants Hall:
The Economic Outlook - with Brexit Looming
Given by the well known and respected economist and journalist, David Smith, this inspiring 'fact-filled' lecture gave us a summary of the current economic outlook, with a number of significant factors affecting it.
If I summarise, whilst the speaker said he could not ignore the 'elephant in the room' it was becoming more and more difficult to find anything to say on the subject of Brexit.
However, despite that, as for most economists, being the one reason to be gloomy, in another upbeat presentation, he gave us his ten reasons for being cheerful. Whilst being too many to list all here, amongst them was:
- UK still ranks as number one in best places to do business world wide
- The City of London with it's current strength and innovation will remain as the most important finance centre in the world.
- Our jobs growth, both private and public remains strong with wages outstripping inflation
- Brexit as a subject will eventually go away!!
With all lectures finishing with a reception, they really are the most informative and sociable of evenings with many new found friends!
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