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New Statesman
14 hours ago
- Business
- New Statesman
Inside No 10's new dysfunction
Keir Starmer's Downing Street was dysfunctional from its earliest days. Labour, senior figures often say, had a plan to win but not a plan to govern. Blame for this was attributed to Sue Gray, who resigned as Starmer's chief of staff after just four months in office and whose tenure still 'casts a long shadow' in the words of one government source. No 10 has strived ever since to recover from this false start. As well as the appointment of Morgan McSweeney as Gray's replacement, two Blair-era figures joined last November: Jonathan Powell as national security adviser and Liz Lloyd as director of policy delivery and innovation. In his memoir A Journey, Tony Blair writes of the latter that she brought 'order and discipline' and 'had an excellent temperament too: lovely to work with, honest and, underneath all the English feminine charm, quite steely. Above all, capable.' Powell, who was No 10 chief of staff from 1997-2007 (making him the longest-serving Blair aide), is regarded as one of the government's most successful hires. He is credited with helping to broker the US-Ukraine détente and overseeing a wider foreign policy reset (with Britain striking trade deals with the US, Europe and India). But Lloyd, who served as Blair's deputy chief of staff from 2005-07, is proving a more divisive figure. Insiders speak of tensions between herself and Stuart Ingham, the head of the No 10 Policy Unit and Starmer's longest-serving aide, who joined as a senior parliamentary researcher in December 2016. Ingham, who has consciously eschewed a media profile, is described by those who know him well as a cerebral social democrat (his PhD dissected the debate between the liberal philosopher John Rawls and the Marxist intellectual GA Cohen). 'If there's one person in the country who can define what Starmerism is, it's him,' an ally told me. Cabinet ministers liken his relationship with Starmer to that between a father and a son (Ingham survived an attempt by Gray to remove him). Yet during Labour's fraught early months in government, grandees such as historian Anthony Seldon and former cabinet secretary Gus O'Donnell complained that loyalty had come at the expense of experience. 'I do think there is a need for No 10 to have a lot more heavyweights in there – a lot more policy heavyweights,' said O'Donnell after Gray's resignation, recalling past Policy Unit heads such as David Miliband, Andrew Adonis and Geoff Mulgan. Such critiques helped prompt the appointment of Lloyd who is close to Pat McFadden, Starmer's chief Whitehall fixer ('what does Pat think?' the Prime Minister will often ask). But government sources speak of a difficult marriage between Lloyd – who is unashamedly Blairite in her outlook – and a broadly soft left Policy Unit (No 10 denied claims that Ingham, who now reports to Lloyd, threatened to resign over her arrival). Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Before her return to government, Lloyd held roles including group company secretary of Standard Chartered Bank and chief investment officer of British International Investment. Though some praise her aptitude and experience, others speak of a clash of worldviews. In one meeting on growth at the start of this year, Lloyd is said to have raised concerns over the government's abolition of non-dom tax status. 'People who operate with assumptions from 20 years ago are different to the people who were in the guts of this election campaign and who understand how we built our coalition,' a senior Labour source told me. Lloyd is also said to have expressed concerns over Bridget Phillipson's school reforms, which impose new requirements on Blair-era academies such as employing qualified teachers and following the national curriculum (a Phillipson source insisted that talk of divisions was 'nonsense'). The recent appointment of Oli de Botton, who co-founded a free school former Blair aide Peter Hyman, as Starmer's education adviser was viewed as a shift in emphasis. But intermittent speculation that the Education Secretary will be moved at the next cabinet reshuffle is downplayed. 'Keir really, really likes Bridget,' remarked one insider. A recurrent critique of Starmer's government, intensified by the recent U-turn over winter fuel payment cuts, is that it has lacked a clear philosophical direction. Both Blairites and the soft left, for different reasons, have been disappointed by Labour's first year in office. Some believe this is exacerbated by the marginalisation of the Policy Unit, which one observer described as 'demoralised, lacking purpose and cut out of the loop left, right and centre'. Two advisers, Tom Webb (health) and Nick Williams (planning and infrastructure), left last month and a third, Ravinder Athwal, who oversaw Labour's manifesto and led on the economy, will depart in July. Some on the party's soft left – which has openly challenged Reeves' fiscal approach in recent weeks – hope that a new economic adviser could serve as a counterweight to the Treasury but others contend that 'there isn't an economist in the world who could come in and persuade Keir to go against Rachel'. As Starmer's government strives for direction, insiders believe that relations between Lloyd and Ingham will be a key litmus test. 'He's a great survivor,' said one Labour source, predicting that the original Starmerite would ultimately outlast his new Blairite boss. [See also: Andy Burnham has made his leadership bid] Related
Business Wire
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Covisian Showcases Smile.CX Human+AI Platform at CCW 2025, Hosts Unique Happiness Workshop and Panel Sessions
NEW YORK & LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Covisian Group, a technology company specializing in providing services and technologies to improve customer experiences (CX) globally, will have an expanded presence at Customer Contact Week 2025, June 9 to 12, 2025, at Caesars Forum, Las Vegas. As a Premier Sponsor, the company will participate in and lead engaging sessions and showcase its technology in Pavilion #5. Join us and go to to schedule a demo of CCWomen Summit: Stronger Together: How Women Lead, Overcome, and Lift Each Other in Customer Contact In a world where professional challenges are inevitable, how women support, mentor, and empower one another can make all the difference. Join an inspiring conversation with female leaders who are reshaping the narrative around mentorship, resilience, and collaboration. From embracing vulnerability to standing firm in the face of adversity, panelists will explore how leaning on collective wisdom, amplifying each other's successes, and navigating difficult situations without ego strengthens individual careers and the entire business ecosystem. Tuesday, June 10, 3:30 PM PDT Workshop: Smile Therapy: A Journey to Happy Customers Dashboards, KPIs, SLAs, technological integrations, reports, data flows… these are our everyday realities. Amid the whirlwind of transformation driven by generative AI, we have forgotten our fundamental purpose – to put genuine customer happiness at the heart of every interaction. Join us for an unforgettable interactive workshop where "Smile Therapy" comes to life. Experience a unique gamified session where you will learn, compete, collaborate, and create. Participate in imaginative storytelling and build the worst customer service nightmare ever conceived. Compete to craft the most engaging and hilarious stories of CX gone wrong—and then transform them into moments of pure delight. Come, play, laugh, and learn how to make happiness your ultimate KPI. Because, in the end, every contact is a chance to create a smile. Thursday, June 12, 8:00 AM PDT Main Stage Session: Smile More, Stress Less: Putting Customer Joy at the Center of the Journey sponsored by With AI, automation, and performance metrics central to the advancement of the contact center, it's easy to forget the most powerful outcome of each customer interaction: a genuine smile. This conversation invites contact center and CX leaders to reflect on the evolving definition of success and how we can realign strategies and cultures to prioritize joy, not just efficiency. About Covisian USA New York-based Covisian USA, a division of Covisian Group, helps contact centers deliver exceptional customer experiences through technology that brings together the best of human intelligence, GenAI and automation. Learn more at
Daily Tribune
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Rhythmic Remedies blends Music and Science in Bahrain's first wellness workshop of its kind
The Indian Fine Arts Society (IFAS), Bahrain, is set to host a landmark wellness initiative, 'Rhythmic Remedies – A Journey of Healing Through Music and Rhythm,' this Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Ramee Grand Hotel, Seef. Designed by Ms. Vinaya Karthik, Co-founder of World of Wellness, this unique experiential workshop blends ancient Indian rhythmic traditions with modern neuroscience to improve mental focus, emotional balance , and overall well-being. The event offers separate morning and evening sessions tailored for students, professionals, educators, and wellness enthusiasts. ' This is the first time Bahrain will experience music not just as art, but as therapy, as science, and as a tool for productivity and mindfulness,' said Nirmala Varadharajan, President of IFAS Bahrain. 'We are excited to introduce the community to the transformative power of rhythm.' Event Details Venue: Ramee Grand Hotel, Seef Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025 Timings: Morning Session: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM (followed by lunch) Evening Session: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Sharjah 24
05-05-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SSEF's 'Athar' promotes behavioural values
These visits were part of the "Athar" (Impact) programme's workshop series, with the participation of 15 children between the ages of 8 and 12. The visits aimed to empower children who have lost their fathers psychologically, socially, and environmentally. Interactive education The visits aimed to reinforce a set of moral and behavioural values by linking them to the surrounding environment and instilling diverse values such as compassion, acceptance of others, and self-defense in an interactive educational manner. They also aimed to develop children's observation and deduction skills in a practical and field-based manner, drawing inspiration from the animal world and the surrounding environment. Group work and coexistence values The visits also aimed to develop knowledge and the great lessons they hold in adaptation, diversity, and coexistence. They also aimed to instill a spirit of teamwork and cooperation among children through group work. The programme included educational tours aimed at creating an atmosphere of fun and educational enjoyment, which contributes to raising children's motivation to learn by learning about animals and their different environments. Additionally, educational activities such as drawing living creatures and writing phrases expressing acquired values contributed to consolidating behavioural concepts in a practical and enjoyable manner. The visit to the Sharjah Public Library also included a workshop titled "A Journey of Values Between the Shelves," which focused on developing children's value awareness. This stop reinforced four key values: love of knowledge, respect, discipline, and positive curiosity, amidst an interactive educational atmosphere aimed at instilling educational values in a fun and creative way. This opened the door to dialogue with children and highlighted their connection to their place. Building character and human values In this context, Nawal Al Hamdi, Director of the Social Welfare Department, stated that as part of the Foundation's vision to support children psychologically, socially, and environmentally through integrated development programmes that focus on building character and enhancing their human values, we were keen to implement a new series of the 'Athar' programme in an innovative way that allows children to experience an inspiring educational experience in diverse environments. The visits were rich educational experiences that combined learning and fun, and contributed to strengthening children's behavioural and moral values in a practical way, instilling them in their minds through real-life situations and live observation. Al Hamdi confirmed that SSEF believes that investing in building children's values is the cornerstone of creating a conscious generation capable of making a positive contribution to their community. Through the programme, the foundation seeks to promote positive behavioural values through interactive experiences that instill diverse concepts in every encounter." Social empowerment and environmental awareness As part of the Foundation's strategic direction towards achieving sustainability, Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation (SSEF) integrates the two pillars of social empowerment and environmental awareness. SSEF believes that caring for children enrolled in the Foundation goes beyond social and psychological support, but also extends to building a generation aware of their environmental role and responsibilities towards their planet. Through this integration, the Foundation seeks to instill the concept of sustainability as a way of life among children, enabling them to become ambassadors of environmental awareness and effective leaders in their communities in the future. The Foundation continues its commitment to caring for and empowering orphans by offering fruitful programmes that contribute to enhancing psychological, social, and environmental health and building the character of children, enabling them to face life's challenges with confidence and strength. The "Athar" programme falls within the framework of Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation's vision to raise a generation with noble values and positive behaviour that will be reflected in their families and communities. This programme is delivered through innovative, interactive activities that instill moral values in a child-friendly manner.
Gulf Today
16-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Italy highlights excellence in Creative Industries in Sharjah
Italy, UAE's second largest supplier among European Union nations, presented glimpses of Italian companies' excellence in Creative Industries and AI at the FUTURE INNOVATORS event held at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park). Speakers addressed several key topics that are driving Italian entrepreneurs and boosting the bilateral trade, including Creative Industries, Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, Sustainability, Fashion, and Design. The programme is part of 'A Journey through Made in Italy', a week-long voyage - from April 14 to 17 - through Italian excellence in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, promoted by Italiacamp along with the Embassy of Italy in the United Arab Emirates, the Consulate General of Italy in Dubai, and the Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Challenge Network and Triumph MENA part of Triumph Group International Benefit Corporation to celebrate high standards not just in manufacturing, fashion and food, but primarily as an expression of research, art, creativity, enterprise and craftsmanship. In a welcome address, Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO, SRTI Park, extolled the standards of Italian companies in creative industries and innovation, and spoke about how SRTI Park is equipped to host entrepreneurs and startups that want to reach new markets in the Middle East, while providing an overview of innovations under development at the region's buzzing technology park. Edoardo Napoli, Consul General of Italy in Dubai, spoke of the booming trade relations between Italy and the UAE, and hailed the role being played by SRTI Park in welcoming and hosting international companies to create world-beating products through innovative technologies. Valerio Soldani, Trade Commissioner of Italy to the UAE at the Italian Trade Agency Dubai, highlighted how ITA's platform of promotional activities and bespoke services to innovative SMEs and startups has been consistently driving the appeal of Made in Italy excellence in R&D intensive solution, resonating with the UAE vision with its cornerstone on cutting-edge tech in many sectors. He shared best practice of Italian companies in advanced manufacturing, water and waste management, supercapacitors, AI applied to healthcare and ITA trade shows in North Star, Wetex and Big5 as a launchpad for Italian and UAE partners to thrive in the market and the region. Nicola Bettio – Director, Innovation & Research Ecosystem at SRTIP, delivered a keynote address on 'Crossing the Chasm' that highlighted steps for driving cooperation between industry, government and academia to produce innovation that makes long-standing economic impact. In another keynote, Prof. Agostino La Bella – Full Professor, University of Rome Tor Vergata and Co-Founder, spoke on 'Hype to Impact: Strategic Pathways for the Next AI Wave.' Other topics covered at the event were: Innovation & Sustainability Across Industries; Future of Creative Industries: Innovation, AI & Emerging Trends; Role of education in driving innovation in fashion, design, and the creative Industries; Gaming & Interactive Media -- Future of Creative Industries; AI in the Land of Creativity: AI's Journey Through the Infinite Horizons of Creativity; and AI for the new era of profiling and brand enhancement. 'A Journey through Made in Italy' is part of the celebrations for the National Day of Made in Italy, promoted by the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to enhance Italian excellence globally on the anniversary of Leonardo Da Vinci's birth on April 15th. Trade relations between the UAE and Italy has been growing impressively. At the end of 2024 Italy exports to the UAE achieved a all-time record high value of 7.8 billion euros with a +19.4% year-over-year increase, doubling the acceleration pace of the previous year, further establishing the UAE as the first MENA destination and a focus market for the Italian companies, which are investing in a consistent business development and direct presence to better serve the extended region and dive into the market opportunities sparked by the UAE CEPAs (comprehensive economic partnership agreements).
