Welcome to our Autumn 2023 edition of The Lamwyk Journal, which is here to provide brain food and to enhance perspectives. So much content is dull regurgitation so we aim to offer thoughtful insights that are pertinent and thought-provoking. In the land of grey tedium we are making a difference. We hope you relish this edition and look forward to keeping you even better informed.
Edward Goodchild Publisher
It gives me immense pleasure to edit this It gives me immense pleasure to edit this Autumn 2023 edition of the Lamwyk Journal. This would not have been possible without the support of our brilliant Lamwyk team. A special thank you also goes to Leeds City Council for offering their unique and innovative thoughts on Levelling Up in an exclusive article.
Lamwyk began as a series of illuminating roundtable think-tank sessions convening leaders in business, scientific and civic spaces.
Our members enjoyed illuminating discussions where these experts offered solutions to some of the most daunting issues facing us all. The reinvigorated Lamwyk Journal continues in that vein.
This edition celebrates smart-thinking in quantum computing, gene editing, business growth and so much more. We hope you enjoy reading!
Tom O’Brien Editor
Creative Design - Tiggy Gambarini
Front Cover Illustration - Angela Chick www.angelachick.com
1851 saw the UK do something it had never done before. The country hosted a Great Exhibition, showcasing the era’s most innovative tech. The goal: demonstrating that the UK was a global hub for economic growth and prosperity.
Innovators were invited to look to the UK as a much more accommodating home for their commercial ambitions than nearby France or Prussia (now part of Germany). In modern times, policymakers in London find themselves making similar considerations to Prince Albert all those years ago.
In 2022, the government announced plans “to make Britain a global hub for cryptoasset technology and investment”. Plans for a Royal Mint NFT (non-fungible token) are now on ice, due to worries over fluctuating NFT values. Nonetheless, there remains a strong desire throughout government to create the world’s safest and best-regulated markets for trading these assets right here in the UK.
The government is also focused on making the UK a global centre of excellence in many other areas, such as life sciences. DeepMind, founded in London, is leading the world in mapping the human body’s proteins. Their work is key to building better treatments for horrendous diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.
However, what could have been a
wonderful UK story has become an American story. DeepMind is now Google DeepMind following the company’s sale to the Silicon Valley giant.
Why are great British companies feeling as though they can only achieve their growth ambitions by looking abroad for investment? Imagine if they could find the finance and expertise that they needed from other British companies.
Writing for The Entrepreneurs Network, noted historian Dr Anton Howes suggested that a new Great Exhibition would be a perfect platform for making those connections and showing the public the full strength of the UK’s scientific communities.
Dr Anton argues that such an exhibition would give investors, policymakers, experts and excited members of the public the chance to “see drone deliveries in action, take rides in driverless cars, actually use the latest in virtual reality technology, play with prototype augmented reality devices, and see organ tissue and metals and electronics being 3D-printed in front of them.” It’s difficult to think of a better platform for the UK’s innovators to benefit from in marketing their products.
Topped-off with an incredible host structure - like the famous Victorian Crystal Palace - a new Great Exhibition would make a powerful statement about the UK’s commitment to scientific innovation and subsequent economic growth.
If we want to consolidate the UK’s position as a global centre of innovation, we should celebrate our innovators with a festival that the world will never forget.
What’s the first thing you think about when someone mentions editing? Do books, newspapers, magazines or maybe even journals like this one spring to mind?
Scientists are rapidly developing a form of editing that you might not have expected: gene editing. An era when doctors can replace proteins that cause serious illnesses with healthy ones is a very real possibility thanks to this fascinating strand of science.
The latest landmark step in gene editing was taken by a team at MIT. They can now pack messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding key proteins into nanoparticles that are then delivered to the lungs. DNA provides a wealth of protein information. mRNA acts as a translator, by converting that information into a form that cells’ proteinmaking machinery can read.
mRNA then transports that information within cells, reaching and eventually binding with the ribosomes that convert the information into the proteins that sustain human life. Once proteins have been formed, they begin to fold. Sadly, sometimes proteins misfold and cause severe medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis.
Scientists at MIT hope to eventually develop more effective treatments for cystic fibrosis by sending different protein manufacturing instructions to the lungs to correct the misfolding.
Packing mRNA encoded with healthy proteins into nanoparticles is a brilliant way to achieve this.
A whole range of other illnesses could also be treated through mRNA delivery, by encoding the mRNA with different proteins. The key breakthrough at this stage is the development of a replica of cells’ internal postal service.
Treatments for so many illnesses have eluded humanity so far because we have not been able to change how the body functions at molecular level.
New ways of delivering protein manufacturing instructions through this replica postal service promise to change that completely. Scientists are more and more able to influence the chemical reactions that underpin life itself.
The MIT team is also working on stabilising their nanoparticles so that patients can inhale them. Imagine putting a mask on, breathing in, and reorganising your lung cells’ internal chemistry without needing painful injections.
The future of medicine looks very bright indeed.
Millions of supporters around the world love sports. They spend hours watching highlights of their favourite athletes achieving previously unimaginable feats every week (or sometimes every day). One thing has always eluded those supporters though. They couldn’t replace those star players in the match or game and secure victory for their team themselves.
For all the sixes that landed on the wrong sides of kitchen windows, free kicks that ended up in bushes, and basketballs that flew off into the distance, nothing could replicate that exact moment. Now, that is about to change forever.
America’s National Basketball Association (NBA) is pioneering augmented reality (AR) technology which will allow supporters to place an avatar of themselves into a live game. All basketball lovers need to do is scan themselves with a smartphone and upload the scan to the NBA app. Then they can select their personalised avatar from a drop-down menu and replace any player in the livestream of a game. They will finally be able to insert themselves into their most precious sporting moments and memories: in real time.
Better still, supporters will also be able to kit their avatars out in custom apparel.
This technology will almost certainly spread around the world, changing the sporting universe as we know it. Imagine successfully serving Championship Point in the Wimbledon final. Dreams really will come true.
Despite yet another train strike, you’re looking forward to driving to the beach for a lovely weekend family break. Before setting off, you check traffic updates and immediately wish you hadn’t. You’re left with two options: call the whole trip off or spend hours crawling through snarling traffic. Your trip can only be off or on. It resembles a classic computer, whose data is stored in bits that can either exist as 0s or 1s.
What if a third option found you a route that steered clear of all that traffic? This would be the quantum choice. Quantum computers can store data in qubits which can range from 0 to any value between 0
and 1. This allows the quantum computer to find a myriad of alternative pathways to solutions that its digital predecessor just cannot see.
Quantum computers achieve this by reducing (to almost nil) external noise and vibrations which influence how the atoms inside the computer communicate with each other. Vibrating in perfect harmony with each other, those atoms can then cohere and achieve the extraordinary. As a result, a new era of quantum computing could solve some of society’s most challenging problems.
These solutions include ‘fixing’ hydrogen to significantly reduce the cost of fertilizer production (and therefore food prices); providing nuclear power without hugely damaging radioactive waste; transforming cancer from an indiscriminate killer to a long-term medical condition and introducing revolutionary new treatments for Alzheimer’s and ALS.
The full and vast benefits of quantum computing are outlined brilliantly by renowned theoretical physicist Michio Kaku in his fascinating book Quantum Supremacy.
Sadly though, a new quantum age would not come without major risks. Because quantum computers are so much more powerful than digital ones, quantum computers can smash all digital encryption. This puts absolutely everything secured online including the world’s financial system, every internet user’s most sensitive personal data, and state secrets at risk of theft, corruption and/or destruction.
Governments around the world are currently competing against each other to be the first to build a reliable quantum computer. Their competition extends
to developing defences against the technology’s misuse. While inevitable, it is immensely sad that technology which could save the world from some of its worst excesses has become yet another theatre of competition between wealthy countries.
Imagine if things were different. Imagine if governments felt confident in sharing research on the many positive aspects of quantum computing. What if this technology were equitably shared with some of the world’s poorest countries to save millions from drought, starvation and premature death?
Security restrictions of course need to be in place, but sharing this technology freely around the world regardless of individual countries’ political alignment can achieve a world of good.
If you are interested in appearing in the next edition, please email support@lamwyk.com
As a business owner, you may have heard the term “company culture” before, but what does it truly mean, and why is it essential for your business? Company culture encompasses a wide array of factors, including values, behaviours, goals, systems, and the overall experience provided to both employees and customers. In this guide, we will delve into the depths of company culture, exploring its significance and how you can cultivate a thriving culture that benefits everyone involved.
Picture your workplace as an outsider stepping in. What do they experience? Company culture is essentially how things get done within your organization. It shapes the attitudes and behaviors of your employees, defining what is encouraged, discouraged, accepted, and rejected. A positive and welcoming culture will make employees and customers feel valued, while a negative one can result in disengagement and dissatisfaction.
A company’s culture can have a profound impact on various aspects of its performance, including finances, employee and customer retention, innovation, and customer experience. A positive and inclusive culture fosters employee satisfaction and loyalty, making them more efficient, creative, and productive. This, in
turn, leads to better customer service and increased customer loyalty and advocacy. Moreover, a strong company culture enhances your employer reputation, attracting top talent and making recruitment easier.
Crafting a successful company culture involves understanding two critical aspects: people interactions and response to change. Determine whether your organization leans towards independence or interdependence in its approach to work, and whether it prioritizes consistency or flexibility in response to change. This will help you identify one of eight main culture styles:
1. Caring: Focused on relationships and trust, fostering a warm and collaborative environment.
2. Purposeful: Tolerant and compassionate, with an emphasis on making a difference for the greater good.
3. Learning: Creative, open-minded, and adventurous, encouraging innovation and exploration.
4. Enjoyable: Emphasizes fun and excitement, creating a light-hearted and happy workplace.
5. Results: Prioritizes achievement and merit-based outcomes, fostering a goal-oriented environment.
6. Authoritarian: Competitive and driven by personal advantage, often led by dominant leaders.
7. Safety: Focuses on planning, security, and preparedness, providing stability and risk-consciousness.
8. Orderly: Prioritizes respect, structure, and shared norms, promoting adherence to rules and customs.
In most cases, a company’s culture will draw influence from multiple categories, creating a well-rounded workplace. However, some styles may work against each other, leading to conflicts within the organization.
Once you have identified your desired culture style, it’s essential to communicate it clearly and ensure everyone in the organization understands and supports the shift. Create a manifesto that outlines your values, beliefs, and shared goals, and regularly reinforce it. Seek feedback from employees to understand the current culture’s strengths and areas for improvement. Additionally, prioritize your employees’ health and well-being, as a happy and engaged team enhances productivity and reduces absenteeism. Consider implementing employee benefits, team-building activities, and community involvement initiatives that align with your chosen culture direction. These efforts will further strengthen your company culture and contribute to its long-term success.
If you find the task of shaping your company culture challenging, don’t worry. There are resources available to assist you in the process. Whether you need guidance from the start or prefer to assess your business independently before seeking support, professional assistance can make a significant difference. Reach out to experts who can help you create a vibrant and sustainable culture that positively impacts your business and all those associated with it.
A well-defined and positive company culture is not just a buzzword; it is the cornerstone of a successful and influential business. By understanding your company’s culture, shaping it effectively, and investing in your employees’ wellbeing, you can create an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and loyalty, benefiting everyone involved. So, take the first step towards a stronger company culture today, and witness the transformation it brings to your business.
by Helen Price-Evans www.starfishpeople.com
Leeds was already famous as a global centre of excellence for both milling and engineering. Now the city is pioneering a new era of innovative tech to solve some of society’s toughest challenges.
Commenting on the city’s growing tech reputation, Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council told Lamwyk: “A host of global and home grown tech companies such as BJSS and Pexa have chosen to call our city home, and this list continues to grow as more and more people hear about our city and its success stories.”
BJSS began its journey in Leeds and now has offices spanning the globe, including a local office in sunny Melbourne, Australia. This innovative business managed to save UK taxpayers £50 million through just one of their projects for the NHS. Such savings attract global attention.
Pexa has made the opposite journey, arriving from Australia to the UK on their mission to take the hassle out of buying and selling (or remortgaging) your home. With the support of the Bank of England their bespoke solutions will allow a new generation of UK tech entrepreneurs to spend more of their time at home making memories with their families. Nobody wants to waste time they could spend with their kids filling out endless property paperwork.
Cllr Lewis and his colleagues “remain committed to working closely with industry
leaders across sectors to attract good jobs to Leeds.” They see this surge in technological innovation as the latest chapter in an impressive commercial future for Leeds matching its proud past.
With almost 200,000 people aged between 20 and 34 living across Leeds, the Council wants to ensure that as many of those young people as possible stay in the region and build prosperous careers. New jobs alone are not enough. These jobs must help the city’s young people to build the ambitious futures that they deserve. Many Leeds tech solutions were celebrated during the recent UKREiiF Conference (mentioned in our last edition).
Tom Riordan, CEO of Leeds City Council told Lamwyk that the conference had “proven to be a resounding success allowing us to showcase our city’s vibrant economy and culture”. Tom “was blown away by the positive feedback about Leeds” from the thousands of delegates in attendance.
The commercial future of Leeds and the entire Yorkshire region will only go from strength to strength in the years to come.
about how advisers can best attract potential clients who don’t know that they need professional support and expertise. Lisa runs Vetted Adviser (VA), which is set to become the UK’s go-to portal for the UK’s most trusted advisers. It’s a crucial forum for this conversation.
The advice gap refers to the percentage of the UK population that doesn’t seek financial advice. This has now become an advice chasm. That’s according to recent (2021) research from Royal London, showing that 74% of UK adults didn’t think they needed financial advice. That worked out as 39 million potential clients that the financial sector missed out on.
There are gaps in the market, and then there are £185 billion in unadvised investible assets.
Two years later, the sector still struggles to persuade the bulk of the population that financial advice can help them.
Lamwyk spoke exclusively to Lisa Beale
(Tom O’Brien) - Thanks so much for talking to us Lisa. Why do you think so many people feel excluded from financial markets?
(Lisa Beale) - Thanks Tom - sadly many people only seek financial advice at specific moments in their lives. This might be the death of a loved one, a redundancy or another major life event. As a result, they don’t know where to find ongoing financial advice that they can trust, also tailored to their circumstances.
This is deeply unfortunate as bespoke ongoing financial advice helps people to make better money decisions. Without regular advice, people might make financial choices that leave them worse-
off in the long-term. Life events that are traumatic enough can become even more challenging as a result.
(TOB) - What role do you see advisers’ personal brands playing in making that marketing more effective?
(LB) - Personal branding refers to the brands that advisers build for themselves (mostly online).
Answering money questions on social media helps advisers to demonstrate their authority and expertise.
VA helps them consolidate this branding through a suite of testimonials and exclusive content for people to click through to after visiting their social media profiles. This suite is constantly evolving. Bespoke videos are coming. When their followers feel ready to pay someone they trust for expert financial advice, their first port of call will be advisers they’ve already built a relationship with online.
(TOB) How can advisers better respond to potential clients who currently fall below their wealth thresholds?
(LB) There are so many free educational resources that firms can create and give to anyone who is interested in financial advice. When those people do enter relevant wealth thresholds, they’ll seek advice from the people who encouraged their interest in finance.
(TOB) Are crypto-brands exploiting the advice gap?
(LB) Regulations for advertising crypto-assets are still far lighter than
for advertising equities. This difference hugely disadvantages firms and advisers specialising in traditional products.
The FCA is urgently reminding celebrities who market crypto-assets that existing regulations ban them from either encouraging urgency or FOMO (fear of missing out) or promising guaranteed returns.
VA makes it easy for advisers to access resources exploring the thinking behind the FCA’s latest regulatory updates. This allows them to offer their clients the most detailed and insightful advice possible about the potential risks and rewards of new and emerging financial products.
Closing the advice gap isn’t just smart business. It’s smart policy too. The more people know about financial markets, the more economic growth the whole of the UK will enjoy. Huge thanks to Lisa and her team at VA for highlighting this important issue.
Steve Bunce, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and other local dignitaries.
Communities across Walsall in the heart of the West Midlands suffer many challenges. Fortunately, these communities are home to many wonderful individuals. One of these local heroes is the celebrated boxing coach Shiney Singh, whose Box Smart Elite Boxing Club recently marked its grand opening in style.
The club has spent more than a year bringing communities together through the sport. They have produced boxing talents like 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze-medallist Aaron Bowen. Aaron has since made an undefeated start to his professional career and is signed to Matchroom Boxing. Talented boxers regularly travel from as far as Lancashire to train at the gym. Saturday 22nd April was a day to celebrate all of the club’s achievements alongside legendary pundit
Many young people in the UK spend their teenage years focusing on preparations for GCSE and then potentially International Baccalaureate (IB) or A-Level exams. Sadly, many young people living in Walsall must also contend with issues that nobody should ever have to experience. Knife crime, gang culture and racism represent real and present dangers to their safety every day.
Shiney and his team tackle these issues directly, providing a place of safety and acting as positive role-models for young people finding their place in an increasingly daunting world.
Building elite boxers is only part of Box Smart Elite’s work. They also build stronger communities.
A wide range of large regional organisations including Steps To Work and Starting Point Recruitment (SPR) regularly support the gym’s work.
The Lamwyk Team is committed to using our platform to help the third sector. This column looks at some of the most challenging issues that charities must respond to. In this edition, we’re highlighting the hardship facing the UK’s lowest-paid workers.
22% of all low-income households hold a loan with a payday lender, loan shark, pawnshop or doorstep lender. That’s according to shocking research published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) only a few weeks ago.
Perhaps one of these 2.6 million people works cleaning or securing your office. Maybe they are a teaching assistant helping children to learn. They could be a carer helping vulnerable elderly people to enjoy life or a young person building their career. Wherever they work, they all share one thing in common.
They don’t earn enough to live on. The ever-increasing need for emergency debt at usurious interest rates is just one symptom of an economy that traps millions of people in inescapable poverty, no matter
Another symptom is hunger. JRF’s study found that those low-income households who just about manage to stay out of debt often only do so by making swingeing sacrifices on food. 5.7 million low-income households are currently reducing the size of their meals. Sometimes they skip meals entirely due to cost pressures.
Should any of these people lose their jobs, they must wait five weeks for an initial Universal Credit (UC) payment. The intervening period often becomes a blur of intolerable stress, rising debt and unpaid bills.
The challenge of resolving the UK’s low pay crisis and its consequences goes beyond supporting any particular charity. It sits at the heart of a fundamental question which we must all ask ourselves.
Do businesses purely exist to make maximum profit, or do they play a larger social role in helping wokers to improve their lives?
JRF’s research shows that for many, living wages are still not liveable. It can’t be acceptable that colleagues are going home from work and worrying about paying rent or feeding their kids.
Everyone deserves to live and work with dignity.
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