Eight things we learned about new businesses in lockdown
BBC Since September we have been speaking to people who created start-ups during the pandemic for our business advice series CEO Secrets. Series producer Dougal Shaw explains what he learned from this snapshot. “Lockdown put fire in my belly.” “It was a sink or swim moment.” “I thought, ‘I’ve got nothing to lose.’” These phrases […]
The ones to watch at Europe’s new top table
Reuters The European Commission’s next president Ursula von der Leyen addresses lawmakers The EU parliament has approved incoming Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s new team by a large majority. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted in favour of the new commissioners by 461 to 157 against. There were 89 abstentions. The new team […]
Rihanna, Lizzo and Marilyn Monroe shine in V&A’s Diva exhibition
V&A Rihanna is among the divas who are represented in the exhibition What springs to mind when you hear the word diva? Mariah, who proudly owns the title? Beyoncé? Madonna? You wouldn’t be wrong – but the word was coined long before our modern-day pop stars entered stage left. A new exhibition titled Diva at […]
Plan to boost black and Asian women leadership roles
BBC Estella Edwards is launching the covenant to boost the number of black and Asian women in leadership roles in the Midlands A charity leader has created a covenant to boost the leadership prospects of black and Asian women. Estella Edwards is behind the new initiative which asks companies and public sector bodies to commit […]
Simon Middleton: England head coach to step down after Women’s Six Nations
Middleton has some regrets over the World Cup final defeat by New Zealand in November, but says he is “proud” of his work. “Representing England in a coaching or playing capacity must be the pinnacle of any sporting career and I can’t put into words how proud and fortunate I’ve been to be able to […]
Tory leadership rivals back Islamophobia inquiry
Sajid Javid led the leadership candidates in backing a Tory party Islamophobia investigation All five Conservative leadership candidates have said they will support an independent inquiry into allegations of Islamophobia within their party. Sajid Javid challenged the other candidates on Tuesday’s BBC TV debate to commit to an external investigation and the others appeared to […]
Ex-Dover MP released after serving half of sentence for sex assaults
PA Media Charlie Elphicke was first suspended by the Conservatives when “serious allegations” were passed to police in 2017 Ex-Conservative MP Charlie Elphicke has been released from prison after serving half of a two-year sentence for sexually assaulting two women. Elphicke, 49, the former Dover MP, was convicted in July 2020 of groping the women, […]
Howard Beckett drops out of Unite leadership contest
BBC Howard Beckett is backing Steve Turner in the contest Howard Beckett – one of the candidates in the Unite union race to succeed Len McCluskey as general secretary – has pulled out of the contest. Mr Beckett – the union’s assistant general secretary – says he will support fellow left-wing candidate Steve Turner. His […]
Uber: Travis Kalanick’s rollercoaster reign
Getty Images There is no doubt that Travis Kalanick, the billionaire founder of the Uber lift-sharing platform, built a company that is one of the giants of Silicon Valley. However, recent months have seen him make a series of apologies for both his own behaviour and that of members of his leadership team. He has […]
Hidden writing in ancient desert monastery manuscripts
BBC Fr Justin is helping to share online the historic manuscripts in an ancient Sinai monastery For a monk who lives in the Sinai desert in Egypt, in the world’s oldest working monastery, Father Justin replies to emails very speedily. It should come as no surprise: the Greek Orthodox monk is in charge of hauling […]