Growth in consumer spending remains sluggish; recovery in the business service sector is modest and the price of raw materials is rocketing. Who’s responsible for all that?
The Bank of England … no, not the economic circumstances we find ourselves in but the authoritative analysis and reporting of them.
Most of us only ever see the headlines as reported by the media each month and that may be enough for us, especially if the news is bad.
But how does the bank know what’s happening in Wales? Where does their information come from? And is it reliable?
We hope the answer to the latter point is ‘yes’ as it’s hugely influential – one pessimistic monthly report could halt an economic recovery in its tracks.
The Bank of England actually has a network of agents across the UK. In Wales it’s Neil Ashbridge who has his finger on our economic pulse and he’s agreed to give Caerphilly Business Forum an insight into his vital and sensitive work.
He’ll reveal how the information is gathered from business sources, how agents compile their reports and how they are used to steer the economy. He’ll also arm us with the sort of understanding we need to see beyond the headlines.
Some may use this insight to their advantage but at the very least it’ll add more substance to those countless conversations we have about the economy.
Neil will be joined by his colleague Carol Morley who’ll bring us bang up to date with the bank’s latest view of where the economy is going, particularly with regard to growth and inflation, and she’ll answer our questions on this.
This event is free to members (£5 to non-members) as part of CBF’s Business Breakfast series and will be held at Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel and Spa at Maesycwmmer on Wednesday July 13, from 7.30am to 9.00am.
It promises to be fascinating; I look forward to seeing you there.
Andrew Diplock
Chairman, Caerphilly Business Forum
For more information about Caerphilly Business Forum and its events call 029 2125 1395 or email leah@cbforum.co.uk