Chris Dreyfus

Leadership Development Consultant

Death is a time to celebrate and give thanks for a life lived. No one can deny that Margaret Thatcher lived her life with passion and purpose. She has provided a strong role model for, not just Conservative values, but values which are universal if we are to build a society which encourages people to achieve their full potential.

Dr Steve McCabe

Director of Research Degree Programmes at Birmingham City University

Until recently Tesco was a company that was constantly expanding and, significantly, making greater profits each year. So that its profits have declined massively has come as a shock. Tesco is no longer the money-making machine it once was.

Melissa Davis

Managing Director of MD Communications

In recent months we have seen two examples of household name businesses that faced a communications crisis when the social media accounts were taken over. Whilst there is a certain element of bad luck in these incidents, there are steps that businesses can take to protect themselves against this new kind of communications crisis.

Peter Shakeshaft

Founder of Vin-X Limited, the fastest growing fine wine investment specialist in the UK

Last week I, along with many other wine enthusiasts from across the globe, headed to Bordeaux to spend several pleasant days having a first taste of a range of wines from the 2012 vintage.

Mac Attram

Multi-award Winning Business Coach and Trainer

I'm not going to tell you that you need to quit your job to start your business, that's your decision to make, but just because you're in a job doesn't mean you can't get started. Don't sit around. Get into action!

Jenny Dawson

Founder of Rubies In The Rubble

I kept trying to think of funny ideas to start a business with- tinted contact lens for skiing/sailing in the sun, a compactable, reusable cup for Starbucks, themed 3d glasses for home use and then Rubies in the Rubble!

Professor Sir Gordon Conway

Professor of International Development, Agriculture for Impact, Imperial College London

At this critical time when a new generation of Development Goals are being considered, agricultural development as a pathway to poverty and hunger reduction is understandably high on the political agenda.

Ann McKechin

Member of Parliament for Glasgow North

Breaking the stranglehold which the handful of large corporate publishers currently have over academics and university libraries is not only important because of the public money at stake, but also because genuine open access allows research to be utilised by those outside the close confines of academia.

Green Futures

The leading magazine on environmental solutions and sustainable futures

Google, Apple, Nike and McKinsey are on the growing list of companies to recognise the rewards of mindfulness.

Jane Sparrow

Managing Director & Author, The Culture Builders

There are many ways to resign: with dignity, anger, absence, humour... alcohol (all five if you want to go out in style). But with a cake?

Marsha Wright

TV Business Expert, International #1 Bestselling Author, Serial-Entrepreneur, Presenter, Mentor, Speaker & Quantum Leap Strategist to Discerning Entrepreneurs

Three years ago we became the proud owners of (my first ever pet) our cat, Fox. He's brought me a lot of joy, but loads of lessons too. I wanted to share one with you as I sit here looking across the room at him.

Raconteur Media

Premium publisher of special-interest content to some of the world's leading media brands

As the conventional financial system takes blows to its credibility, the question arises whether there is a better financial system waiting to be found.

Phil Couchman

CEO, DHL Express UK & Ireland

A report by Barclays about exporting caught my attention recently. It found that nearly half of British retailers view the US as the toughest market to break into, despite it being the top destination for growth.

Jack L. Williams

Barman and head mixologist for Late Night London

I've often said that planning a party sorts the men from the boys. It's either a total shambles, with relations strained and blood shed; or as easy as, well, organising a piss up in a brewery. And as a barman working in bars that sees every single type of party, I've been privy to a few 'do's (and the very definition of don'ts) in my time.

Seth Freedman

Whistleblower at the centre of the UK gas price-fixing story

Despite using cocaine every night for the final three of my six years working in the City, I only once traded high - and, after an horrific eight hours getting increasingly jumpy and disconcerted, quickly learned never to do it again.

Jeremy Cook

Chief Economist at foreign exchange company, World First

Gold offers no yield. There is no reward for holding it other than the smug feeling that you are protected from any potential economic Armageddon that's on the horizon. If you believe that's on the cards, then go right ahead and back up the truck and load up on the yellow metal until you're heart's content. Otherwise, you're best to leave it well alone.