What a bumpy ride the chancellor is having. A self avowed Thatcherite he wants to preside over a low tax, low public sector economy, the much vaunted yet meaningless Singapore on Thames. He finds himself however, with one of the biggest tax rises in living memory and a huge expansion of public sector borrowing. Not … Continue reading We don’t need cheaper fuel
Collaborating across the sector
The building was finished when we got there. With CyberNorth, I am always trying to think of new ways of engaging with the local cyber security companies and their potential clients. I try to mix things up. Our latest event was a round table with about a dozen people. I know a round table meeting … Continue reading Collaborating across the sector
Overseas visitors
When I was asked if I would be interested in meeting with some representatives from the Department for International Trade, I had to give it a bit of thought. My focus with CyberNorth has been on supporting sector growth regionally and nationally. Internationally has been a step too far for me. In the end though … Continue reading Overseas visitors
Political parties should not form governments
When you are in the middle of something it is hard to see that there are other alternatives. This is so with our current political system where the party with the most seats gets to form the government. Occasionally when the particular party does not have enough seats in parliament to form a majority then … Continue reading Political parties should not form governments
Serial reader
I’ve said before that for my last significant birthday my daughters got me membership of the Lit and Phil library in Newcastle, the largest independent UK library outside London. It’s such a great place to go and browse or sit and read among all the amazing books they have. If you are in town it … Continue reading Serial reader
Zoom bombed
Image thanks to IT@SDSU I was in a Zoom call that got bombed. I can’t recall this happening before though I have been in some odd online meetings. The event was called ‘Switching the Stereotypes: transformational leadership in the workplace’ and was partly in celebration of International Women’s Day. It took us all a while … Continue reading Zoom bombed
Holier than thou
Image thanks to WorldWar42 The situation in Ukraine is appalling. I can see no justification for Russia to be doing what it is doing. I’m not there though and so the only view that I can obtain is from our side of the fence. I believe what I am reading and watching yet you know … Continue reading Holier than thou
Things coming true
The sun is out and it really feels like spring is on its way. It’s still very cold in the morning but there is now hope. It’s not just the crocuses and snowdrops that are showing, I even cut the grass last week, but businesses are starting to emerge from their COVID induced slumber. Suddenly … Continue reading Things coming true
Some things change
It was weird walking through the grounds of County Hall in Durham again. I hadn’t been back since I stopped working there nearly five years ago. To be honest I was never sure if I would ever get the chance to go back again, as by now it should have been pulled down and everything … Continue reading Some things change
To fight or not?
Image thanks to Ukraine News Today I am a pacifist. I don’t believe that war ever solves anything and have never come to terms with the fact that humanity can’t get beyond it. War should be confined to history yet, as the saying goes, only the dead see the end of war. If only everyone … Continue reading To fight or not?
Thoughts from a Guerrilla Worker 