The City and the future

The theme of "The City and the Future" was chosen for our first series of lectures, focussing on how the City of London has and will react to change both currently and in the future.

Three lectures ran in our London office in autumn 2015, each hosted by an influential speaker who discussed their views on a topic which relates to them and how the City will potentially respond.

Lecture one

The future: a few things you really need to know

Richard Watson Author and Business Strategy Consultant

This session launched the City Series: The City and the Future and focused on how key trends such as the environment and technology will shape the future world. Richard Watson is a futurologist who believes it's impossible for us to predict the future, but that it is vital that we keep an open mind about what is possible and think ahead.

Read the lecture analysis here

Testimonials

• "I thought the lecture was really interesting and really thought provoking"
• "A great start to your series of three"

Lecture two

Britain's economic recovery in a dangerous and uncertain world

Robert Peston Economics Editor

As economics journalist Robert Peston prepares to deliver his lecture for the Addleshaw Goddard "The City and the Future" series, we asked our clients which global issues represent the biggest risks to the City. Structural flaws within the Eurozone continue to cause the greatest concern, along with the worries associated with China's recent economic slowdown.

Read the lecture preview here

Whilst recognising that many problems in the global financial system have been fixed since the crisis of 2008, and that the UK economy is in relatively rude health, Robert Peston sees plenty of bumps in the road ahead that businesses should be mindful of.

Read the lecture analysis here

Testimonials

• "Both the lecture and the Q&A session were highly accessible for non-economists, absorbing, well delivered, and thought provoking (if not exactly in an optimistic vein). All in all, an excellent evening."
• "Best seminar I have been to that a law firm has hosted!"

Lecture three

Can Corbynomics and the City co-exist?

Ken Livingstone Former Mayor of London

The former Mayor of London closed the City Series with a snapshot of his thoughts on the key issues that affect London and how he believes Corbynomics will deliver much-needed and long-overdue investment in the housing stock, transport network and digital broadband.

Read the lecture overview here

Testimonials

• "Interesting and fascinating"
• "Livingstone was a great finale"