Tired of listening to gloomy economic reports about negative growth, shrinking GDP, decreasing consumer confidence and news that Britain has endured an even bigger slump than that experienced during the Great Depression? While there was initially great optimism for 2014, this buoyancy lasted just about as long as my New Year’s resolutions, and by mid January the economy was, at best, tepid. Capital Economics, an independent macro-economic research company, even went as far as declaring that “the crisis is not yet over” in Europe.
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BioScience Boom in Hertfordshire
In 2011, the 39 UK Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEP) set out to accelerate economic growth across the country. In their recently published Strategic Economic Plan, Hertfordshire LEP set out a vision that by 2030, Hertfordshire will be the leading economy at the core of the UK’s Golden Triangle (the area between London, Oxford and Cambridge) prioritising the growth of its scientific and research capabilities.
Meet in the Middle East
Middle East Development Network’s (MDN) unique solutions come from a multi-level approach, leveraging both a highly sophisticated intellectual philosophy and a very practical, grassroots level perspective. This blended approach results from the founder’s personal journey, and his choice to provide new solutions for governments in a non-traditional manner. MDN is an international consulting company that focuses on governance, development, and alternative diplomacy.
Taking Stock of the New Tech Boom
The bull market is marking its five-year anniversary, and the NASDAQ – America’s index of tech stocks – has hit a high not seen since February 2000, when the infamous tech bubble burst. Enormous profits have been made by some investors, but there is speculation now that tech investment is approaching a peak and possibly even a bubble.
Kingston, Canada: Where History and Innovation Thrive
Kingston is a city rich in history, as the first capital of Canada. It is surrounded by fresh waters and is home to first-class academic, sport and cultural facilities. Established in 1673, Kingston is the oldest city in Ontario, located at the confluence of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and the famous 1000 Islands.
Go West
As more European companies consider expansion plans in the United States, many are concerned about how to get started, where to locate, and what business risks there may be. Our NEE staff recently spoke with Greg Myers, a member of the JobsOhio-West team about what one U.S. state is doing to help answer those questions. JobsOhio is the new private sector approach to economic development in the State of Ohio.
“In Ohio we help companies understand the U.S. business environment and provide them with important data.
Tech Jobs – Pay to Play
Both big and small tech companies in California’s Silicon Valley can’t seem to hire to fast enough. Salaries are soaring, and the perks are impressive. We’ve all heard stories about the working environment at Google, where fun stuff around the office includes bowling alleys and giant climbing walls. Among the other perks on offer at Google are free gourmet food, on-site medical care and travel insurance, even for personal vacations. And why not? In 2012, Google earned about $900,000 in annual revenue per employee. 
Inspirational Iceland
With the recent establishment of Meet in Reykjavík, the city’s official convention bureau, Iceland’s capital Reykjavík is boosting its image as a leading conference city and incentive destination; and the city certainly has plenty to show off with, from its newly built concert hall and conference centre Harpa to its unremitting “can do attitude”.
What sets Iceland apart and what is familiar to many is its beautiful and rugged landscape and natural wonders, which can be easily reached from its capital. Within two hours, visitors can be transported to the nearest glacier or into remote areas of the country.