September Edition

Autumn is certainly making its presence felt, weather wise, while events are most certainly back in full swing! This month we look back at our Edinburgh Highlights, look forward to the Budget and US election, report on a few old friends in the UK this Autumn plus introduce a Post Office Scandal survivor.

Jo Hamilton

Ever since ITV’s excellent dramatization, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, aired at the start of the year, the Post Office Horizon IT Scandal has never been far from the headlines. Jo Hamilton was one of the wrongly convicted Postmistresses, who used ￡36k of her own money to try and cover the erroneous hole. Her story is one of grit and determination, culminating in two massive court victories, yet they are still fighting, determined not to stop until the last person is cleared and adequately compensated. She is available for speeches and fireside chats – do check out her page for more on her shocking, yet remarkable story.

The Economy

The Budget will be presented on 30th October 2024, and is arguably one of the most anticipated for a long time, following a summer of downbeat forecasts and statements from the new government. Unsurprisingly, many clients are looking for clarity and guidance on the outlook for the economy, not just from the fall out from the budget, but also the upcoming US election. Current favourites include Gerard Lyons, one of the UK’s leading economists with 3 decades of experience in both the private sector and public policy. Victoria Scholar, Head of Investment at Interactive Investor and a regular financial broadcaster and presenter, plus Nina Warhurst, BBC Breakfast’s main business presenter. Do get in touch to discuss any economic briefs, so to ensure your audience is ahead of the curve!

Edinburgh Fringe

We go to the Fringe every year to scout for new talent, and catch up with friends, old and new. This year’s highlights included Dee Allum a trans comedian making her Edinburgh debut, Reuben Kaye whose becoming a firm favourite and is very lively character, plus TikTok star Finlay Christie. We’ve been following Finlay for a number of years and he’s really come into his own in the last year or so with an assured stage presence. Mark Simmons won Joke of the Year with this slick one-liner "I was going to sail around the globe in the world’s smallest ship but I bottled it."

Old friends are back! Chris Turner and Michaela Strachan

We’re delighted to report that both Michaela Strachan and Chris Turner are in the UK this Autumn. Michaela will be over here from the end of October to mid December, while the boy wonder freestyle rapper is here for most of November and December. Both are stalwarts of the events scene, but often based overseas, so it’s wonderful to have them both available without having to factor in international travel. Do get in touch with any enquiries you think they would work for.

All speaker profiles can be found below:

Jo Hamilton

Gerard Lyons

Victoria Scholar

Nina Warhurst

Dee Allum

Reuben Kaye

Finlay Christie

Mark Simmons

Michaela Strachan

Chris Turner