Bridget Rosewell named in the Evening Standard's London Power List
Volterra’s Chairman, Bridget Rosewell, has been listed among the top 25 most influential figures in London by the Evening Standard. The analysis identifies the individuals who have helped make London one of the world’s leading cities, and recognises Bridget’s contributions as consultant Chief Economist to the Greater London Authority. As a key advisor to Mayor Ken Livingstone, Bridget has brought ‘intellectual vigour, authority and foresight to Brand Livingstone’. The full article can be read here.
Government announces financial deal for Crossrail Scheme
On 5th October 2007 the government announced that a deal had been struck to finance Crossrail. This represents a major milestone in a campaign in which Volterra has been heavily involved. Our work has been crucial in making the case that this significant investment has benefits to the UK and to London that are entirely overlooked by the standard approach used to decide on infrastructure projects. Recent publications on the cost of delay and the economic benefits are the latest stages of work which started in 2003 when we worked with the Treasury and the Department for Transport to build a case of the importance of this railway. With construction starting in 2010, Volterra will continue to work on the project to ensure that the strategy remains on track.
Paul Ormerod examiner of the 2007 Keynes Prize at the Eton College
Each year the Keynes Prize is awarded at Eton for the best essay by a student on economics. This year Paul was asked to be the examiner, and presented the prize at a dinner on 8th October 2007. He set a range of questions including: ‘Would game theory have been of any use to the USA or USSR during the Cuban missile crisis?’ and ‘The odds of winning the National Lottery are 14 million to 1. Why do people play?’ Most essays displayed knowledge and understanding which went far beyond the syllabus of A level economics.
Green Maniac: Using social networks to improve employment opportunities
Sustainable communities are built on trust, equal opportunity and social inclusion. New opportunities for building sustainability in the community are also emerging with the rise of the market for ‘green’ products and services. Volterra has recently engaged in a project in partnership with Meganexus and University College London which aims to increase access to employment opportunities for the workless and disadvantaged, by improving the matching of skills and enterprise needed for the emerging green economy. The project, known as ‘Green Maniac’, uses interlinked web-based social networks designed to extend the area of search open to job-seekers and those with employment opportunities (including voluntary and charitable work). If you are interested in participating in or sponsoring this programme, please contact Paul Ormerod for further information.
Analysis of the recent credit crunch
Paul Ormerod and Bridget Rosewell prepared an analysis of the likelihood of the recent surge in market interest rates in relation to Bank Base Rates. The analysis, which can be viewed here, shows that this is not unprecedented and could happen as often as 1 in 20 years.
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