Perspectives on the New Reality

With COP26 just two months away, our latest podcast continues our focus on the path to net zero. We consider the vital role businesses have to play in tackling climate change. And we focus in on how negative emissions can help to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.  In this episode  Will Gardiner, CEO of renewable energy company Drax Group, talks about how the company is using technologies including bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) to hit its target of becoming a carbon negative company by 2030.   Simon Virley, Vice Chair and Head of Energy & Natural Resources at KPMG in the UK, gives his views on the importance of negative emissions to reaching net zero  Wafa Jafri, Director, Energy Deal Strategy, KPMG in the UK, takes on hosting duties. 

Climate change was high on the agenda at the G7 summit. And it's likely to remain there as we prepare for COP26 in November. As more companies sign up to net zero targets, we take a look back at progress so far in decarbonising the UK energy market. And we ask, what lessons can we learn to help power the way to net zero? To help answer that question, we discuss the key findings of a new report from KPMG and energy company SSE, ‘Hindsight is 2050 Vision'. On this month's podcast Alistair Phillips-Davies, CEO of energy company SSE, tells us about what it means to him to be a COP26 partner and what SSE is doing to overcome the challenges to decarbonisation. Simon Virley, Vice Chair and Head of Energy & Natural Resources at KPMG in the UK, talks about his role in designing and implementing the Electricity Market Reform framework. He also shares his thoughts on what needs to happen next. Wafa Jafri, Director, Energy Deal Strategy, KPMG in the UK, takes on hosting duties.

Organisations have accelerated their digital transformations to handle the impact of COVID-19 on their businesses and their people. With lockdown easing, it’s time to think about the role of technology in a post-pandemic Britain and what that means for how we work. In our latest podcast, we consider what our digital future will look like and how we get there. Mark Williams, Partner, UK Ignition Lead, KPMG in the UK, is joined by: Lisa Heneghan, Partner, Chief Digital Officer, KPMG in the UK, who reflects on KPMG’s Our Digital Future virtual event and gives her views on how organisations can accelerate their digital transformations and make their businesses future ready. Garry Fingland, Chief Information Officer, Weir Group, who shares his vision of the digital future and how the pandemic has shaped it. Mel Newton, Partner, People Consulting, KPMG in the UK, who considers new ways of working post COVID-19 and how we can keep employees engaged and productive.

What does trade look like in a post-Brexit economy and how can businesses boost their bottom line with imports and exports? In our latest podcast, we discuss trade with Europe and the rest of the world, and the tax risks that could emerge. Vice Chair James Stewart is joined by: Andrew Morgan, Senior Partner and Brexit lead, KPMG in the UK, who discusses the challenges and opportunities of trading with the EU. David Slater, Director of Trade, KPMG in the UK, who gives his views on where business can look beyond Europe for growth. Andrea Tolley, Partner and Head of Transfer Pricing Corporate, KPMG in the UK, who explains what tax risks businesses need to be aware of.

The pandemic has seen us working from home, buying more online and spending less time in city centres. The roll out of vaccines means that, hopefully, the end is in sight. But what will our towns and cities look like post COVID-19? How are these places going to change? They’re the questions we seek to answer on our latest podcast. Vice Chair James Stewart is joined by: Yael Selfin, Chief Economist at KPMG in the UK, who shares the findings of our new report on the future of towns and cities. Andy Pyle, Head of UK Real Estate, who provides his view on how the property market will fare. Mark Essex, Director of Skills and co-author of a report on the future of towns with thinktank Demos, who discusses the importance of engaging local businesses and people.

It’s just over a year since Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party won the election. We look back over the events of the past year and ahead to what we can expect in 2021. Vice Chair James Stewart asks the questions and is joined by: Alasdair Murray, Head of External Affairs, who discusses the view from Westminster. Jennifer Lee, Head of our Liverpool office, providing her insights on how regional businesses have fared. Olu Odubajo, customer and digital consultant and host of his own podcast, talking about changing consumer habits.

As the US election plays out its final throes, we ask what does a Biden administration mean for UK business? Vice Chair James Stewart asks the questions and is joined by: Alasdair Murray, Head of External Affairs, KPMG in the UK – explaining what the change of President means for British politics and policies Yael Selfin, Chief Economist, KPMG in the UK – examining the possible economic impact and prospects for UK growth Michelle Quest, Tax Partner, KPMG – discussing what the election result could mean for a UK-US trade deal and what British businesses can expect.

For businesses already grappling with the impact of COVID-19, Brexit is an issue they could do without. But with the end of the transition period just weeks away, is there a risk of sleepwalking into a no-deal Brexit? And, if so, who will give businesses a wake-up call? In this episode, our experts discuss the stop-start nature of negotiations, the implications of no-deal or a skinny deal for regional businesses, and how Brexit could change the way we have to manage data. The line-up: David Elliott – Office Senior Partner, Newcastle Office, KPMG in the UK Alasdair Murray – Head of External Affairs, KPMG in the UK Isabel Ost – Director & Solicitor, KPMG Law, KPMG in the UK James Stewart – Vice Chair, Head of Brexit, KPMG in the UK

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and work. Any hopes we’d return to some semblance of normal by autumn have evaporated. We could be facing another six months or more of restrictions. Our panel discusses how businesses can help their people keep calm and carry on. We consider how organisations can adapt their approach to recruitment and onboarding, drawing on our own experience at KPMG. We look at how companies are motivating their people and supporting their health and wellbeing. And we take the view of one of our apprentices on what it’s like to work in a remote team, and the critical role of technology in the virtual office. The line-up: Mel Newton – Partner, People Consulting, KPMG in the UK Josh Port – apprentice and digital ninja, KPMG in the UK James Stewart – Vice Chair, Head of Brexit, KPMG in the UK Camilla Woodhead – Head of Student Recruitment, KPMG in the UK

We’ve reached peak uncertainty in the UK: we’re officially in a recession; unemployment is rising; and there’s no sign of Brexit deal. That puts business leaders in a tight spot: should they press on with their plans, or wait and see what happens next? Our experts unravel the politics, economics and regional aspects of this waiting game, to help business leaders get ready for the new reality. The line-up: James Stewart – Vice Chair, Head of Brexit, KPMG in the UK Alisdair Murray – Director, External Affairs, KPMG in the UK Yael Selfin – Chief Economist, KPMG in the UK Chris Hearld – Head of Regions, KPMG in the UK

The impact of COVID-19 remains the focus for government and business. But Brexit hasn’t gone away. Our experts discuss what we can expect as we approach the end of the transition period. Will we get a deal - and if so, what will it look like? We consider the EU’s point of view and take a deeper dive into what a deal could mean for trade and customs tariffs. The line-up: Stuart Burt – Senior Manager, External Affairs, KPMG in the UK Rebecca Okuda – Director, Head of Trade & Customs, KPMG in the UK James Stewart – Vice Chair, Head of Brexit, KPMG in the UK Kay Swinburne – Vice Chair of Financial Services, KPMG in the UK

Brexit is only days old but the size of the task ahead is already looming large. This week our experts ask which sectors will be the negotiating battleground, when businesses will get some certainty and how leaders can look to cut through the confusion and ensure they remain prepared, whatever the outcome. The line-up: Hannah Cool - Brexit Risk Management Lead, KPMG in the UK  Mark Essex - Public Policy Director, KPMG in the UK Tim Sarson – Partner and Value Chain Specialist, KPMG in the UK James Stewart – Head of Brexit, KPMG in the UK    

He’s got the mandate. Now what does he do with it? This week we roam across the full policy agenda confronting Boris Johnson – from upgrading infrastructure to achieving net zero emissions. Featuring Demos chief exec Polly MacKenzie, the panel discuss which areas the prime minister should focus on in his first 100 days and why, ultimately, everything comes back to Brexit. The line-up: Mark Essex – Public Policy Director, KPMG in the UK Polly MacKenzie – Chief Executive, Demos James Stewart – Head of Brexit, KPMG in the UK Simon Virley – Head of Energy and Natural Resources, KPMG in the UK.  

The relationship between politics and business is broken. Can it be fixed? Iain Anderson, Executive Chairman of lobbyists Cicero Group and author of 'F**k Business - The Business of Brexit', unpacks what’s gone wrong and prescribes a remedy. Alongside KPMG experts on government and politics, this podcast also asks: Will Brexit finally be put to bed under a new government? Iain Anderson – Executive Chairman, Cicero Group Mark Essex – Public Policy Director, KPMG in the UK Alasdair Murray – Head of External Affairs, KPMG in the UK Sarah Owen-Vandersluis – Head of Public Sector Mobility and Trade Lead Partner, KPMG in the UK Need help getting ready for Brexit? Visit: https://kpmg.com/uk/brexit

“It’s good to talk” as the saying goes, but in these volatile times what should organisations be telling their investors? In what is a critical moment in the Brexit process, this week The business of Brexit talks to: Bob Cowell from KPMG Makinson Cowell on his golden rules for companies when talking to investors. Head of Customs Becky Okuda on what the latest Brexit proposal means for companies trading across the Irish border Public Policy Director, Mark Essex on the chances of a deal this week Chief Economist, Yael Selfin on what a fall in investment will mean for the UK economy over the medium term. Need help getting ready for Brexit? Visit: https://kpmg.com/uk/brexit

Things are getting nasty. Bitter verbal fighting inside Parliament last week only reflects hardening divisions across the country. We speak to Tom Clarkson from BritainThinks to understand … what Britons think when it comes to Brexit (and it’s not the simple Remain-Leave split you might think). We get a view from inside the Conservative Party Conference and we hear from the head of KPMG’s Manchester office on how the Brexit debate looks from the North looking South. Featuring: Tom Clarkson – Research Director, BritainThinks Mark Essex – Director, Public Policy, KPMG Nicola Quayle – Senior Partner, Manchester Office, KPMG James Stewart – Head of Brexit & Vice Chair, KPMG   Need help getting ready for Brexit? Visit: https://kpmg.com/uk/brexit

Brexit won’t just impact the five million EU nationals in the UK, or British people living in Europe. For all of us, new rules could make a big impact on how and when we travel. Employers will need to shake up how they help staff through both scenarios, while making sure Brexit doesn’t damage their access to talent. Also on this episode, Chief Economist Yael Selfin outlines her latest forecasts for the UK economy, sterling and house prices. Read our latest UK Economic Outlook here: http://kpmg.com/uk/economicoutlook And we look at the extra ways companies can war-game their plans for a possible no-deal Brexit. Featuring: Punam Birly - Partner and Brexit People & Immigration Lead Tim Sarson – Partner, International Tax & Location Strategy Yael Selfin – Chief Economist James Stewart – Head of Brexit & Vice Chair, KPMG in the UK   Need help getting ready for Brexit? Visit https://kpmg.com/uk/brexit  

Supply chains are the arteries of our economy and a no-deal Brexit threatens to clog them up. In a week when leaked Operation Yellowhammer papers suggested there could be major disruption across the UK, our guests ... - Outline the new and emerging risks faced by supply chain and logistics planners - Try to identify where left-field threats will come from - Detail how the government can mitigate supply chain dislocation right now - Debate how seasonality should change planners’ assumptions - Pinpoint medium-term opportunities for more agile operators - Highlight some likely structural changes in the longer term.   Featuring Brian Connell – Brexit Supply Chain Lead, KPMG in the UK James Hookham – Deputy Chief Executive, Freight Transport Association Iain Prince – Managing Director, Operational Transformation Consulting, KPMG in the UK James Stewart – Head of Brexit & Vice Chair, KPMG in the UK   Need help getting ready for Brexit? Visit https://kpmg.com/uk/brexit 

It takes two to tango. This week we look at what’s happening on the EU side of negotiations with an inside track from Dr Kay Swinburne, who’s just completed a 10 year stint as an MEP and Vice Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee for Economic and Monetary Affairs to join KPMG as our Vice Chair of Financial Services. Kay gives her view of what reception the new British Prime Minister will get in Brussels and she maps out a very different future for the European project – and the impact that will have on Britain – once the UK is sitting on the outside looking in. We also speak to Richard Bernau, from our financial services practice, on how British banks are preparing and likely credit conditions in the event of a hard Brexit. Featuring: James Stewart – Head of Brexit & Vice Chair, KPMG in the UK Dr Kay Swinburne – Vice Chair of Financial Services, KPMG in the UK Richard Bernau - Director, Financial Services, KPMG in the UK  Stuart Burt - Analyst, External Affairs, KPMG in the UK Need help getting ready for Brexit? Visit https://kpmg.com/uk/brexit

The race is on! As Conservative Party leadership election ignites, we look at the ramifications for business from a Brexit perspective. We hear from George Freeman MP, one of the Tory’s ‘big thinkers’ and one of the 313 people electing the final two candidates. He talks about the really important aspect of the race now, and maps out a ’Britain Beyond Brexit’ - the title of his new collection of essays that was published this week. We assess the chances of No Deal: Is business as switched on as it needs to be? And the podcast also investigates what chief executives are thinking – not just about Brexit but the wider challenges – after this week’s Times CEO Summit. Sponsored by KPMG, and the release of our own UK CEO Outlook 2019. Featuring: James Stewart – Head of Brexit & Vice Chair, KPMG in the UK Mark Essex – Director, Public Policy, KPMG in the UK Rachel Hugo - Partner, Aerospace & Defense George Freeman MP - Member of Parliament for Mid Norfolk Need help getting ready for Brexit? Visit https://kpmg.com/uk/brexit

Brexit can feel like groundhog day. Exactly one year ago on 17 May 2018, Theresa May told the press that withdrawal bill discussions would return to the Commons “within weeks rather than months” before the summer recess, “…that’s what you would expect us to do on an issue so important.”   In this episode, we investigate the Brexit boredom by reflecting on how business is feeling after the latest Financial Times Brexit and Beyond Summit and offer some practical ways on how you can be best prepared during the/ current impasse.   And we’re talking unlocking growth: how can firms use Brexit to rethink their strategy, connect the UK’s regional hubs and boost their bottom line? Featuring: James Stewart – Head of Brexit & Vice Chair, KPMG in the UK Hannah Cool – Brexit Assurance Lead, KPMG in the UK Mark Essex – Director, Public Policy, KPMG in the UK Yael Selfin - Chief Economist, KPMG in the UK Need help getting ready for Brexit? Visit https://kpmg.com/uk/brexit

The sun is shining and our immediate cliff edge nightmares are melting away as a long weekend beckons. So does the latest Brexit extension mean you can rest easy for a while? In this week’s podcast we ask how to use these extra six months wisely: What lessons you can draw from what has so far been a massive fire-drill? How should firms to use this hiatus to rethink strategy and boost the bottom line? When should you gear up once again so you’re ready for the next political crunch point?  And we discuss how the politics could affect things: Would the rest of the EU be willing to grant a further extension after the current Halloween deadline? We get a view from Agata Gostynska-Jakubowska at the Centre of European Reform in Brussels. And we ask if that period of extension till 31 October is as certain as we’d like to think… Featuring: James Stewart – UK Head of Brexit & Vice Chair, KPMG in the UK Joe Cassidy - Head of Commercialisation on Brexit, KPMG in the UK Stuart Burt – External Affairs, KPMG in the UK Agata Gostyńska-Jakubowska - Senior Research Fellow, Centre for European Reform Rebecca Okuda - Director, Customs & International Trade, KPMG in the UK Need help getting ready for Brexit? Visit https://kpmg.com/uk/brexit

In the latest episode of The business of Brexit we try to banish the Brexit blues, ask how entrepreneurs are approaching Brexit … and what the rest of us can learn from them. Helping in our search for optimism amid the gloom is Emma Jones MBE, founder of Enterprise Nation. She discusses why entrepreneurs remain optimistic and how some are using this jolt to BAU as a catalyst for growth. We also share practical tips about why - and how – firms need to set a real time crisis control, or ‘situation’, room in the still-possible event that we leave, next Friday, without a deal. Featuring: James Stewart – UK Head of Brexit & Vice Chair, KPMG in the UK Tim Sarson - Partner, International Tax & Location Strategy, KPMG in the UK Mark Essex – Director, Public Policy, KPMG in the UK Emma Jones MBE – Founder, Enterprise Nation Tracey Perera -  Brexit Programme Director Need help getting ready for Brexit? Visit https://kpmg.com/uk/brexit

Recorded as EU leaders met in Brussels on Thursday afternoon to discuss a Brexit delay, The business of Brexit this week taps into how businesses across the country are reacting to the rapidly shifting politics. It sets out those final preparations you now have three weeks to complete before a still-possible cliff edge (rather than one). And the team suggest what companies will do if the government does get a deal through. Featuring KPMG UK experts : James Stewart – UK Head of Brexit & Vice Chair Hannah Cool – Brexit Assurance Lead Mark Essex – Director, Public Policy Sue Richardson – Head of Retail for KPMG in the North Need help getting ready for Brexit? Visit https://kpmg.com/uk/brexit

With three weeks to go, are you ready for anything? Next week could be the biggest yet in the Brexit saga and with deal, 'no deal' and extension all still live possibilities, businesses need to ask themselves that question. In this week's episode, we assess the likely outcome from a critical series of parliamentary votes and how firms should react to each scenario. We explore what businesses can do now to avoid becoming distressed if Brexit starts to strain liquidity. And the team give a view on how you can have those awkward pricing conversations with customers if Brexit is pushing your costs up. Featuring KPMG UK experts : Brian Connell – Brexit Supply Chain Lead Hannah Cool – Brexit Assurance Lead Mark Essex – Director, Public Policy Blair Nimmo – Head of Restructuring Need help getting ready for Brexit? Visit https://kpmg.com/uk/brexit

The terms under which you might trade with overseas customers and suppliers isn’t only a question of what deal the UK strikes with the EU. Importers from, and exporters to, the world beyond Europe could be profoundly affected by Brexit, even if there is a deal. In The business of Brexit this week our panel discuss the UK’s potential move to slash all tariffs; what the loss of access to EU free trade agreements could mean for your business; and how Brexit will impact exporters from the biggest segment of our economy: the services sector. We’ll answer listener questions and hear from our head of retail about what’s keeping retailers, and consumers, up at night. Featuring: Joe Cassidy, Brexit Commercial Lead, KPMG in the UK Hannah Cool, Brexit Assurance Lead, KPMG in the UK David Henig, UK Director at the European Centre for International Political Economy Paul Martin, Head of Retail, KPMG in the UK David Slater, Director, Brexit and Trade, KPMG in the UK   If you need help with your Brexit strategy and preparations just get in touch by visiting our website: https://home.kpmg/uk/en/home/insights/2018/06/navigating-brexit.html    

If the politicians extend our date of departure, can companies pretend Brexit away for a while? With less than 50 days till the UK is due to leave and time running out, The business of Brexit this week talks extension. Mark Essex explains why more time would be cold comfort for many businesses and sets out the implications of a general election. Brian Connell discusses why supply chain managers need to ‘think pricing’ and asks, after the UK announced an easing of import restrictions in the event of No Deal: "Would the EU reciprocate?” Hannah Cool argues there’s still plenty companies can do before 29 March (and why she’s an optimist) and Justin Benson, UK Head of Automotive, talks about what the suppliers to big carmakers can do in a moment of such uncertainty. Chaired by James Stewart, Head of Brexit at KPMG in the UK, episode 2 also includes political analysis by Mujtaba Rahman, Managing Director at political risk consulting firm Eurasia Group.  

What are your preparation milestones between now and Brexit Day? In this inaugural episode James Stewart, Head of Brexit at KPMG in the UK, talks through the dangers of boardroom paralysis, how less-prepared companies should prioritise in the time remaining and we set out the likely political scenarios. We discuss how to help your workforce – and how EU nationals can help themselves – with KPMG immigration lead Punam Birly. The team also discuss how you can maintain a strong financial position through the uncertainty; how to ready your supply chain and they answer your questions on everything from VAT rules to labour supply. Also featuring KPMG’s Tim Sarson; Yael Selfin and Mark Essex.