A readout from Lord Livermore’s Number 10 briefing with public affairs professionals, outlining the UK government’s economic growth strategy and the critical role businesses play. The discussion and question and answers highlighted the government’s three-pillar approach—stability, reform, and investment—while addressing key challenges such as regulatory barriers, planning delays, and post-Brexit trade relations. This readout captures the key insights, business implications, and how companies can engage with policymakers to shape the UK’s economic future.

The rise of open-source LLMs like Deepseek’s R1 is disrupting the AI landscape, challenging proprietary models from OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. As businesses and investors weigh the benefits of open-source AI—lower costs, greater customisation, and reduced vendor lock-in—governments are grappling with regulatory concerns, data sovereignty, and national security risks. In this blog I look at the strategic implications of this shift, outlining the risks, opportunities, and how companies, investors, and policymakers can navigate the rapidly evolving AI market.

The Stargate Project, a $500 billion initiative led by the U.S. government, SoftBank, and OpenAI, is set to redefine the global AI landscape. With cutting-edge infrastructure and support from tech giants like Microsoft, Arm, NVIDIA and Oracle, with investment from Softbank, Stargate aims to turbo-charge innovation across industries, from healthcare to energy and manufacturing. This transformative initiative offers unparalleled opportunities for businesses, investors, and governments worldwide. Discover how to navigate the risks, unlock strategic benefits, and position your company, start-up or investment portfolio at the forefront of this AI-driven revolution.

The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer reveals a world grappling with distrust and grievance. Business leads as the most trusted institution globally at 62%, but growing concerns over misinformation, economic inequality, and institutional inaction threaten this fragile confidence. To rebuild trust, leaders must prioritise transparency, address societal grievances, and invest in workforce development and ethical practices. Trust is no longer a passive asset but an active strategy for sustainable growth and reputational resilience.

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?

Strategic communication and stakeholder engagement are not optional for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and investors—they’re essential for driving growth and building resilience. This blog explores how embedding these strategies from the outset helps businesses overcome challenges, attract investment, and achieve sustainable success.

Misinformation is no longer just a societal issue—it’s an economic and strategic risk. From disrupting financial markets to eroding corporate reputations, the pervasive spread of false information is reshaping how businesses and governments operate. CEOs and senior executives must address this challenge with robust strategies that combine transparency, proactive communication, and stakeholder engagement. The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025 underscores the urgency of tackling AI-driven disinformation, a risk that threatens to destabilise societies and economies alike. Is your organisation prepared to navigate this fragmented digital landscape.

The UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan targets £400 billion in economic value by 2030. Achieving this vision demands more than investments—it requires a cultural shift from risk aversion to innovation.

This blog explores how policy, fiscal incentives, and strategic communications can drive this transformation. Learn how businesses, investors, and leaders can collaborate to build trust in AI, embrace calculated risks, and shape a future of innovation and prosperity.

The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism 2025 Trends Report outlines how AI and technology are changing the media landscape. Here are my recommendations on how businesses and governments must adapt their communication to reach better and engage with stakeholders, and rebuild trust.