No Two Men Are More Utterly Different in Values, Purpose, Style and Psychology: King Charles III and US President Trump

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US President Donald Trump is going to be greeted with a spectacular royal charm offensive during his state visit this week.  The aim will be to dazzle and flatter him with the ultimate red-carpet experience, with guards of honor, flypasts, historic carriages, a lavish banquet, pomp and pageantry.

In return, Sir Keir Starmer will be hoping this gilt-edged reception will help to deliver the UK's message on awkward issues such as Ukraine and trade tariffs.

And if anyone can get the US president's attention and influence him, surely King Charles III and the Royal Family can.

Or can they?

"I imagine it is an uncomfortable moment for the King," adds [Former Canadian high commissioner to the UK] Mr. [Jeremy] Kinsman. "I cannot imagine two men more utterly different in values, purpose, style, and psychology."

A Millennial Redesign by Britain's Oldest Brand Lyle's Golden Syrup

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Oh what is the uproar all about?  Because Lyle’s Golden Syrup is undergoing a redesign?

Wait.  There's so much more to it.

The British baking staple, now owned by Tate & Lyle Sugars, is highly recognizable because the logo has been unchanged for 140 years. The product is even the Guinness World Records holder for the world's oldest logo. 

Now, the company has redesigned the label on some of its products. The syrup that comes in a tin will retain the old label (the brand put out a social media post assuring dedicated consumers it wouldn't be changing), while a new design has been released for other products, as well as the Lyle's Golden Syrup that is sold in plastic bottles.

Criticism is always expected when you update a logo, especially one as old as Lyle's.  Gosh everyone hates change even if it is for the best!

The Big Divorce: Britain and the EU

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Britain officially left the EU in January and has spent the last 11 months in a transitional phase while the two sides try to negotiate a new free trade agreement to avert major disruptions at borders and more economic damage.  The transition ends at midnight Brussels time on December 31, 2020.

Here are some of the top issues still to be settled.

Remote and Alluring Places Around Ireland and Britain

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In his comprehensive guidebook, Britain and Ireland’s Best Wild Places: 500 Essential Journeys, Christopher Somerville takes you through some of the most untouched and scenic pieces in Ireland and Britain.

Have a look.

Is Global Uncertainty Taking Its Toll?

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Confidence in smaller firms is "cooling," with increasing caution among business prospects, while global economic uncertainty is taking its toll on Britain's manufacturers, according to new studies published by the Federation of Small Business (FSB).

Read more:  Small firms and manufacturers report dip in confidence

Global Trade Got Easier

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According to a new report commissioned by the UK division of Vodafone Group Plc, a majority agrees that even small firms can expand beyond home market thanks to technology advances and reduced travel costs.

Sixty-eight per cent (68%) of those surveyed felt that it is now easier to trade internationally.  This positive sentiment was particularly strong in retail (71%) and in the travel, tourism & media segment (82%). Nearly two-thirds (61%) see international markets as very important for their companies’ growth. 

Another key finding from the report is that UK businesses have reinvented themselves during the last five years of a stagnant economy to exploit the opportunities of the global marketplace.

Read the entire article:  British businesses says global trade has become easier