I read that you studied sports science at the University of Stirling. You then became a rugby player, fitness coach and then model. How did you get into your career as an actor? I played rugby in a world cup at under 20’s level in Italy. I then studied a Masters Degree and stayed in sport…
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The Athenaeum Hotel, Mayfair, London
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences on Piccadilly in London’s Mayfair, is a stylish 5-star boutique Hotel, offering comfort with a luxurious touch. Overlooking Green Park, the hotel has a very natural feel, from the views over the park to the visually stunning vertical garden, running up the corner of the building. This “natural” feel is…
Read MoreGalvin at The Athenaeum, Mayfair, London – Restaurant Review
Housed in the five star hotel, entering Galvin at The Athenaeum is a lavish affair, as we made our way past the comfortable lounge area to the restaurant itself. The restaurant is sleek and classy and hasn’t been over-designed, syncing with the decor of the hotel itself. We were seated at a table for two…
Read MoreInterview with Jon Snow, Anchor, Channel 4 News
What do you think is special or unique about the way Channel 4 News delivers the news? We have an hour where most other TV news programmes have to settle for less than half that time. It means that we can go into subjects in depth and interview newsmakers at length. On the night the…
Read MoreInterview with Yossi Eliyahoo (co-founder) and Stephanie Pearson CEO at The Entourage Group
THE ENTOURAGE GROUP is renowned for creating internationally acclaimed food and beverage concepts across the world. Its wide range of expertise has been cultivated extensively through years of hospitality management, operations and fine dining experience. CEO Stephanie Pearson, originally from the UK, and husband, Founder and co-owner Yossi Eliyahoo, have raised the standard in the global hospitality sector, since…
Read MoreInterview With Adventurer Henry Cookson, Founder, Cookson Adventures
Hello Henry, you have achieved some remarkable feats. Have you always had an adventurous streak? My parents run a small travel business, so that inquisitive nature was with me from an early age, but it really all began after I left school and travelled to Kenya to work as a guide on a riding safari.…
Read MoreThe Importance of Hospitality, by BBC Home Editor, Mark Easton
The phrases ‘corporate hospitality’ and ‘hospitality industry’ make me uncomfortable. They seem to come from the dictionary of double-speak, loaded with contradiction that threatens to pervert our civil society. Hospitality must never be commercial or industrial – quite the reverse. It is generous and intimate: present in the sincerity of a smile, the twinkle of…
Read More‘Business. Human After All?..’ By Rita Clifton CBE
I received an email from Harvard Business Review recently. They were offering a series of books called ‘How to be human at work’. A six-volume HBR Emotional Intelligence Boxed Set.And a snip at just $99.99. I am not making this up. A lot of people are at it. In fact, you get over a thousand results…
Read MoreLord Jones of Birmingham, ‘Making The UK Fit For Purpose in The 21st Century’
It is at a time of enormous domestic & international geopolitical flux that I reflect on how the UK might become fit for purpose in the 21st Century. One has to be careful distinguishing between what is hoped for & what is likely to happen. For example, wouldn’t it be marvellous if the Korean…
Read MoreMario Draghi, President, European Central Bank, ‘Twenty Years of The ECB’s Monetary Policy’
Central banks were often established in the past with the aim of bringing stability in the aftermath of historic episodes. The Bank of England was established during the sovereign debt crisis of 1690, when the government was unable to obtain funding in the market. The Federal Reserve was created after a series of panics that…
Read MoreInterview with José Pizarro – ‘The Godfather of Spanish Cooking’
You’ve been called the Godfather of Spanish cooking here in the UK, how do you feel about that title and how has the British’s attitude towards Spanish cuisine changed from when you first arrived in London, 20 years ago. That’s very flattering! When I arrived in London 20 years ago I couldn’t speak a word…
Read MoreInterview with Chris Ducker, Author, Entrepreneur
You coined the term ‘Youpreneur’, which is also the title of your recent book ‘Rise of the Youpreneur: The Definitive Guide to Becoming the Go-To Leader in Your Industry and Building a Futureproof Business’. What does ‘Youpreneur’ mean? A Youpreneur is someone who builds a profitable business based around themselves, their experience, their personality, and…
Read MoreStarting Your Own Business, by Aaron Etingen, Chairman, The London School of Business & Finance (LSBF)
Every entrepreneur, at some point in their career, will be faced with the same question: how can I be sure it’s the right time to give up the safety of my job and become a full-time entrepreneur? Making this leap of faith is not a decision to be taken lightly. If your company has reached…
Read MoreThe Story of the UK Ambassador and President Donald Trump. Does it Matter?
So, does it matter that one of our top Ambassador’s has to resign because of a leaked confidential assessment of Donald Trump and the current US government? Yes – it most certainly does, and it is enormously damaging and not just because President Trump doesn’t take kindly to criticism. It matters because Ambassadors are expected,…
Read MoreInterview with Carole Hubscher, President, Caran d’Ache
In an age when communication takes place almost exclusively via screens, why should we still value the pen? Handwriting is an important tool for our cognitive development; it’s proven that handwriting has a direct impact on our reading and recall capabilities. Writing by hand, not on a device, provides a complete individuality and freedom to…
Read MoreLord Soley – ‘The Impact of The Increased Use of Referendums On The Functioning of Representative Democracy in The United Kingdom’
I have been increasingly concerned over the use of referendums in the United Kingdom. I do not like referendums. I think Britain functions much better under Edmund Burke’s representative democracy model, where MPs and Governments can be thrown out if the electorate so wish. By and large, referendums do more harm than good. There are,…
Read MoreInterview With Emma Winchurch-Beale, President, World Media Group & International Sales Director at The Washington Post
Why are the WMAs important? The World Media Awards are hosted by the World Media Group, a strategic alliance of the world’s leading international media brands, and together we represent a strong quality environment for advertising going forward. Our role is to be the champion of high quality and trusted journalism. With the back drop…
Read MoreMichael Bloomberg & Carl Pope – Climate of Hope, ‘Can We Heal The Environment’.
What happens if we do bust the 1,000-gigaton carbon budget? We can still bring concentrations of those gases back down to a level that sustains a stable climate. We won’t get back quite the climate of the last 500 years, but we can shoot for one that future generations can adjust to. We have some…
Read MorePeaches Golding OBE, ‘The Importance of Diversity in Executive Recruitment’.
I entered the world of executive recruitment with the perspective I gained over twenty years in the boardroom. My journey along the corridors of corporate power demonstrates how tough it has been for the boardroom to reflect the ethnic and gender diversity visible in today’s society. I do not believe this is a deliberate strategy…
Read MoreInterview with Evgeny Lebedev, Owner of the Independent and Evening Standard
Where do you live and spend most of your time? I live in London throughout the year. This is where I’ve lived since I was 8, and though I travel a huge amount, and have a place in Italy, there’s no doubt that I’m a Londoner first and foremost. How important is philanthropy to you?…
Read MoreAn Evening With Rabbi Marc Schneier, ‘Strengthening The Relationship Between Israel and the Gulf’
How did you get involved with the Gulf? When the late King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, the custodian of the two great Mosques, launched his interfaith initiative in 2008, the then Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Adel al-Jubeir, reached out to invite me to the first interfaith gathering convened by King Abdullah and the…
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Capri Dolce Vita, by Assouline
Capri, a resort island dating back to the height of the Roman Empire, has long been an extraordinary destination full of ancient charm. Cherished by everyone from physician Axel Munthe, who recommended its clean air to his patients as a cure for bronchitis; to film director Jean-Luc Godard as the setting for his 1963 film…
Read MoreAlexander Johnson – Director, London Film & Media Company
Alexander Johnson is not what you might expect from a man who was, at the age of 23, the youngest CEO on the London Stock Exchange. Softly spoken, with an unassuming air about him, it’s difficult to imagine the former stockbroker playing hardball in business. But having been at the helm of several successful companies, he’s now…
Read MoreChristopher Hill – The Future of British Foreign Policy, Where are we Going?
The endless arm wrestling over Brexit has meant that Britain has been eyes down since June 2016, preoccupied with the backstop, the deal or no deal, and the internal agonies of the Conservative Party. The opportunity costs in terms of pressing domestic issues neglected are obvious. Much less discussed has been the long term future…
Read MoreVernon Bogdanor, ‘Beyond Brexit’, Towards a British Constitution
Perhaps an apology is needed for inflicting upon the public yet another book on Brexit. Someone has remarked that everything possible about Brexit has already been said, but it has not yet been said by everybody! But my recently published book, Beyond Brexit, is not about the whys and wherefores of Brexit. It seeks instead…
Read MorePaul Bassi CBE, ‘Brick By Brick’, There’s Nothing Difficult About Success
Where to Begin When I was first encouraged to write the book that would one day be Brick by Brick: Success in Business and Life, I was in my early 30’s and felt a bit embarrassed and uncomfortable with the idea. I was busy building my businesses, investing in property and focusing on the future,…
Read More‘Make, Think, Imagine’, by Lord Browne of Madingley
Several years ago, a friend took me to an auction of old watches in Switzerland. He told me he was keen to buy one made by Breguet; I had no idea what he was talking about, but I went with him to the pre-sale exhibition, and what I saw opened my eyes to a branch…
Read MoreTrevor Horwell, CEO at Nobu Hospitality
Since Nobu Hospitality moved into the hotel industry five years ago, the luxury lifestyle brand has grown to operate across five continents. On track to operate 20 hotels by 2020, the iconic portfolio will see properties in Barcelona, Los Cabos and Chicago launch this year alone. With a career in luxury hospitality spanning more than…
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A Touch of Style, by Assouline
Carlos Mota is the mastermind behind the amazing photographs seen in all the top design magazines, including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House & Garden, Vanity Fair, Departures, and Interior Design. His gifted and educated eye for selecting furniture, textiles, accessories, and art has produced some memorable imagery. Mota is known for adding color and sophistication…
Read MoreNiccolo Barattieri Di San Pietro, CEO at Northacre
How did you first become involved in the development industry? After many years of working in the City as a trader for various hedge funds, I realised that I’m more of a people’s person and that a finance career would never be able to fulfill me. I have always had a strong interest in property…
Read MoreErol Tabanca – Architecture, Business and The Odunpazari Modern Museum (OMM)
What was the first work of art you purchased for your collection? Was there a specific moment that was a catalyst for the start of your collecting? About 20 years ago, I went to an auction with a friend. Even though I wasn’t planning to buy an artwork, I took a liking to a small…
Read MoreSpeciality Food Industry – The History of Partridges, by John Shepherd, Managing Director
Partridges opened its doors for the first time at 132 Sloane Street on 25th May 1972 at 9am. A former car showroom had been transformed into a delicatessen with the slogan “Good things for the larder”. It was the vision of my older brother Richard who after studying at the LSE with Mick Jagger, among…
Read MoreEmily Young – Sculptor
What initially led you to become a Sculptor? When did you know it was the medium for you? My grandmother was a successful sculptor, so there were no huge taboos to break, the family home was full of her work, though she died years before I was born. For a while, till my early thirties,…
Read MoreJahid Fazal-Karim, Owner and Chairman of the Board, Jetcraft
Please introduce us to Jetcraft, what do you specialise in? Jetcraft is the largest international buyer, seller and trader of business aircraft. Through our 55+ year history, we have amassed a global presence, with more than 20 offices worldwide. Our Sales Directors know the local market, speak the local language and have facilitated numerous aircraft…
Read MoreCharlie Betts, Managing Director, Betts Group
Betts was founded in 1760 and is now in its third century of trading. Tell us a little about the history of Betts. The business was founded to service the newly developed jewellery industry in Birmingham at the start of the industrial revolution. Obviously a lot has changed since then, with huge technological developments in…
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