The growth paradox
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Welcome to the first 2025 edition of firstlight focus. There's been no shortage of news in this seemingly never-ending month of January but we're delving into a couple of the big stories from this week. Thanks to Jack Sice and the firstlight media gurus team for the brilliant analysis.
?? Jam tomorrow: the growth paradox
Growth has been this month’s buzzword, as an increasingly desperate Chancellor continues to search for the “levers” that will kickstart the United Kingdom’s stagnant economy.
Speaking in Oxford on Wednesday, the Chancellor outlined a raft of deregulatory measures, most notably throwing her support behind a third runway at Heathrow Airport – a decision that has inevitably angered environmental groups and will likely spark a serious rift within her own party. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband – vehemently opposed to a third runway – was notably absent on Wednesday.
Whether you think a third runway is a necessary evil or a slap in the face to the UK’s decarbonisation efforts, it is worth noting that the UK has not built a new full-length runway since the 1940s. Frankfurt Airport – one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs – has four runways, despite welcoming some 20 million fewer passengers a year than Heathrow.
In addition to supporting the expansion of Heathrow Airport, Mrs Reeves outlined plans for an Oxford-Cambridge ‘Silicon Valley’ – a term attached these days to any high-tech hub that has now become a tired cliché that reeks of imitation, if not desperation.
Overall, the proposals outlined in the Chancellor’s speech should be welcomed. Major infrastructure projects are a signal of intent that any serious, developed, forward-looking nation should encourage and support.
However, for all the talk of growth, what struck me most this week was how the lofty, ambitious and – perhaps unachievable – proposals outlined by the Chancellor stand in stark contrast to the economic reality facing a sizeable proportion of individuals and businesses in the UK at this present moment.
On The Daily T podcast on Wednesday, Steve Finlan, CEO of The Wine Society, offered his ten cents on the Chancellor’s speech, but also reflected on the impact of her maiden budget – decisions from which threaten the very existence of many small-to-medium-sized businesses in the UK.
Founded in 1874, The Wine Society – which has close to 300 employees and is expecting to record annual profits of ￡0.5–1 million in its latest financial year – is now facing increased costs of between ￡5.5-6 million that it didn’t have to absorb last year over the next 12 months as a result of decisions made by this government.
Smaller businesses in other sectors with tighter profit margins will simply be unable to bear the brunt of these costs, and there is now a highly likely situation in which the UK economy enters a recession – the very opposite of growth – this year.
For all the talk of kick-starting growth, deregulation and lofty infrastructure projects, this government would be wise to ditch the buzzwords and re-focus its efforts on “jam today” – and listen to the individuals and businesses that are simply struggling to survive in the here and now.
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??? Behind the headlines
This week’s tragic mid-air collision over Washington has left 67 dead and sparked a new political blame game, thanks to Donald Trump’s comments - and the media’s coverage has been as diverse as the policies being debated.
Starting with The Financial Times, which tackled Trump’s controversial remarks with its trademark neutrality. Trump had wasted no time pinning the blame for the crash on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, accusing Democrats of lowering air traffic control standards. While the FT did mention his statements, it did so with ‘polite scepticism’, positioning them as a sideshow to the real issue: systemic challenges in air traffic management. The focus here was on the bigger picture, policy failures and regulatory shortcomings,?rather than feeding into Trump’s rhetoric.
For readers looking for a mix of outrage, emotion, and a splash of drama, The Sun delivered full-throttle sensationalism in a dramatic two-page spread entitled “A Dark Night in History”. True to form, the publication hit readers with bold headlines, lurid imagery, and a heavy dose of Trump. Trump’s finger-pointing was presented as part of the broader chaos surrounding the crash, as the article combined quotes from grieving families with vivid descriptions of the wreckage.
Meanwhile, The i Paper approached the story from an entirely different angle. With a full-page spread, it centred on the human cost of the disaster, paying tribute to the victims, including two young figure skaters whose lives were tragically cut short. Trump’s comments were mentioned briefly but were clearly not the focus. Instead, the publication prioritised the emotional impact of the crash, weaving together personal stories and quiet reflections.?
One event, three narratives – and a clear lesson in how media framing can shape public perception of tragedy.
? ICYMI: fighting the power of 'now'
Paul Davies is over on the firstlight blog talking about how we've all been reduced to impatient seven year old waiting for Christmas. Why? The 'Amazon-effect' - in other words, our need for instant results. What does this mean when it comes to communicating about things that are a slower burn? Head over to the blog to read his advice: https://www.firstlightgroup.io/insight/blog-fighting-against-the-power-of-now/.
?? In brief