Hearts & Minds

At Turnberry, optics trumped diplomacy as Starmer’s deference to Trump turned symbolic power into spectacle—reminding us that in politics, image often speaks louder than words.

YouTube has overtaken traditional TV in the UK, reshaping viewing habits across generations. Ofcom’s latest report signals a seismic shift—mainstream broadcasters must now rethink how, where, and to whom they communicate.

Greggs’ sausage roll boom has stalled—prompting a broader reflection: how should comms prepare for the inevitable plateau after relentless growth?

At just 19, George Finch leads Warwickshire County Council’s £2bn budget. His youth draws scrutiny, but also offers fresh perspective, generational connection, and a chance to reshape politics—if he balances bold vision with humility and historical awareness.

A new workplace trend—‘quiet cracking’—describes employees who appear engaged but are emotionally burning out. Unlike quiet quitting, it’s hidden and rising fast, driven by job insecurity, AI anxiety, and poor leadership. Employers must act before it’s too late.

Regulators are under siege—blamed for too much, yet never enough. To regain trust, they must drop the jargon, show their human side, and communicate with clarity and conviction.

When crisis hits the spotlight, the smartest move might be no move at all. In reputational storms, silence and stillness can be the most powerful response.

The RAC nailed media strategy by branding airport drop-off charges as ‘kiss and fly’ fees -turning a dry data story into headline gold. It’s a masterclass in cutting through noise with sharp, memorable language.

The UK has abandoned plans for a green investment taxonomy, complicating sustainability claims for companies and investors. This shift increases reliance on international frameworks and heightens the need for credible, well-evidenced sustainability narratives.

Labour’s vague use of “working people” has sparked confusion and mockery, as ministers offer conflicting definitions. What began as a campaign message now feels like a branding blunder, exposing the risks of letting internal marketing jargon go public.

Keir Starmer’s promised government dashboard—meant to showcase policy progress and boost trust—has missed its launch and stalled. What began as a bold transparency tool now risks becoming a PR blunder, exposing the dangers of over-promising in a complex system.

AI hype mirrors the late-’90s dotcom frenzy: wild valuations, bold promises, few profits. History warns most will fail, a few will soar. Don’t get swept up—keep your head. Tech advances, but speculative exuberance and risk remain eerily familiar.