Burnham, Healey and Reynolds are now responsible for growth. William Hague, Chancellor of Oxford University and former Leader of the Conservative Party, says Britain's problem isn't invention, but conversion and commercialisation. He's right. But we also need to talk about culture, and the risk-averse mindset that holds back British innovation instead of rewarding it.

Two days at the Global Corporate Venturing Symposium in London confirmed something I have believed for years: the biggest barrier to innovation in investment, defence, and deep tech is not the technology. It is the risk-averse culture inside the institutions that should be accelerating it. Here is what the signals said, and why it matters now.

Britain stands at a strategic crossroads, with policy, capital, and innovation aligning. As the UK enters a “Goldilocks moment,” family offices and venture investors must act decisively to turn this rare opportunity into long-term growth, trust, and national competitiveness.

In a House of Lords inquiry, Dr Mhairi Aitken (Alan Turing Institute) and Professor Sander van der Linden (University of Cambridge) warned that AI-driven misinformation—seen by 40% of UK adults—undermines trust and reputation. They called for leaders to strengthen regulation, media literacy, and partnerships with tech platforms to uphold credibility.

Delaware’s proposals to limit shareholder recourse are prompting concerns among global investors and business leaders, who fear a rollback of corporate transparency. By actively lobbying for robust governance, enhancing internal oversight, and advocating for accurate economic metrics, stakeholders can protect trust and long-term market confidence.

TikTok has gone dark in the US after a law banning it came into effect. But, is TikTok a national security or an example of US corporate lobbying and influence against a foreign and Chinese digital and social media company that has disrupted Meta, Google, X and others?

Trust in Boeing is damaged after yet another safety issue. Repairing its reputation and regaining the trust of regulators, airlines, and passengers is going to be tough and requires a strategic rethink and refocus.

The EU has moved first with with EU AI Act. Where next for innovation and growth, and what are the impacts for companies, countries and other trading blocs?