Thought leadership

These women’s work – worth sweet FA?

What a depressingly predictable scenario. England’s brave, battling “Lionesses” (in itself arguably a bit derogatory but let’s not dwell on that) fly home to great acclaim across the football supporters in the country, men and women alike, inspiring a generation of girls to pull their boots on and of boys to stop making disparaging comments …

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“Anyone” for tennis? Grass court champions = grass roots cash.

Wimbledon fortnight begins. A time when for a few fleeting summer days the nation embraces tennis. The BBC swings into action, elbowing Eurosport aside, celebrities are (for some unfathomable reason in my opinion) spotted in the crowd and pigeons landing on a grass court are considered the height of situation comedy. I’m a massive fan …

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Gove on grammar – Panda-ing to pedants or good advice?

Will Michael Gove’s latest “Golden Rules” of grammar “impact” you? Technically they shouldn’t, especially under Mr Gove’s own rules – he abhors adjectives as verbs you see…”impact”. However, (he hates starting a sentence with “however” too) does it actually matter? I’m not so much speaking (sorry…”writing”) so much about Michael Gove’s version of grammar rules …

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Take it easyJet – Kate’s not the classic role model.

I have written before about the issues brands have to bear in mind when aligning themselves to celebrities. Do both brands fit? Is there synergy in terms of their current perceptions or…hopefully…an opportunity to find that synergy and benefit each other? Consider the risks if it all goes a bit wrong, celebrities are not known …

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Ryan Air’s charm….offensive? Or is it really “getting better”?

Ryan Air is hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons… again.However, it is not the usual issues, namely being the world’s love/hate airline – that has all changed (so we are told). This time it is embroiled in industrial action with baggage handlers at Madrid’s main airport. A Ryanair spokeswoman said: “We sincerely apologise for …

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FIFA FO FUM – sponsors smell the blood of corruption

With the FIFA annual congress meeting in Zurich today, one man appears to be somewhat absent – as I write this anyway… Whether you are a football/soccer fan or not, most people know the name Sepp Blatter. So far, teflon Sepp has managed to avoid the direct controversy that has surrounded his reign and tomorrow’s …

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PMQs – a kitchen sink drama we love to hate

The final PMQs of the coalition government will take place later today in the Commons but…has it rescued or ruined either leaders’ common touch as they seek your vote in May? It is a divisive topic. Many people won’t watch it or listen due to the timings or their location. Many find it utterly repellent …

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As Leicester embraces its kingly gift, what of Nottingham and Derby?

With crowds thronging the streets, the cortege of one history’s (and tellingly, literature’s) greatest villains King Richard III, wound its way to his new resting place at Leicester Cathedral. I heard on the radio at midday today that queues had been as long as 4 hours and even now (3pm) are still 1-2 hours long. …

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Ennis-Hill makes a stand over Evans and Sheffield United contract

The uproar over Sheffield United FC allowing disgraced footballer Ched Evans to train with them refuses to die down. The club is yet to confirm whether they intend to re-sign their former player but it is clear to one of their biggest fans, Olympic champion and much-loved sports personality Jessica Ennis-Hill, what it will mean …

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