Peter Jay provides economic insight at Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons' Challenge Lecture 2008

Former BBC Economist, UK Ambassador to the US and current author, Peter Jay, provided the keynote speech at the 2008 annual Challenge Lecture hosted by leading law firm Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons.  Peter delivered his lecture to an audience of over 200 business leaders and other key decision-makers gathered at Thornden Hall at Thornden School in Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire on Tuesday 1 July 2008.

Peter is the former Economics Editor at the BBC, a position which placed him for many years at the centre of the topical economic markets and the erratic political factors affecting global business.  His considerable knowledge of the global and European economic landscape enables him to provide essential information and insights to allow decision makers to plan strategically and gain competitive advantage.

Peter spoke about the economic challenges for businesses today, including those faced by Governments and economists in managing the trade cycle and the cyclical nature of the economy.  He put this into context by providing a fascinating insight of his own experiences and how various Governments and policy makers have dealt with them over the years.  He provided his thoughts on what he feels has contributed to the financial crises in the markets and the resulting belief in the value of investments, and also the loss of confidence in consumer spending.  Peter also discussed the role that key emerging markets such as India and China have had on global business cycles and economies.

Commented Peter: "We have seen a period of unparalleled stability and growth in recent years.  However, with the cyclical nature of the economy we are now experiencing a period of decline.  I feel strongly that these periods are not all bad as they do restore a sense of reality and caution.  No one has a quick-fix answer in these situations but if there is one certainty, it is that we will see a recovery one day and things will improve."

Jonathan Lloyd-Jones, Senior Partner at Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons, said: “We were delighted to have Peter as our guest speaker at this year's Challenge Lecture.  His talk provided a fascinating insight into the complex and interlinking philosophies that influence the economy.  It was a privilege to hear from someone who has been so close to the action for so many years."

This is the nineteenth year of the Challenge Lecture, which was first held to mark the opening of the firm’s Fareham office in 1990.  It is fitting therefore that 2008 sees the opening of the New Kings Court office on the outskirts of Southampton, which reflects the firm's ongoing expansion and continued improvement in client service.  The yearly event aims to reflect on the response of others to the challenges of life and previous speakers include Sir Digby Jones, Sir Clive Woodward, Sir Chay Blyth, Dr Helen Sharman OBE, John Simpson CBE, Sir Matthew Pinsent, Lord Sebastian Coe and Geoff Holt.

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For further information, please contact:

Daniel Baber, PR Manager at Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons

Tel: 020 7814 5489 / 07771 930 084; email: daniel.baber@bllaw.co.uk