Tomorrow's Business Today
The most important person in the room
For whom has the energy crisis been an absolute result?
Well, financial journalists in general and energy correspondents very particularly.
They are like gold experts at investment banks. Most of the time, colleagues wonder what purpose they serve.
Then at the right time, they emerge blinking into the light and their years of expertise are suddenly vital.
The big boss and the news desk remember what they keep us for – complicated stuff they suddenly need to understand.
I think hacks and flaks are a bit the same here. We can turn our hand to any subject, and the process is much the same. And then there’s a few things we totally get.
The appetite for smart energy related stories is huge. It will last – this is how newspapers work – long after public interest in the issue has faded.
So the clever energy flak can make a hit with the clever energy hack, who is suddenly the most important person in the world.
New takes, new angles on what all of this means are catnip.
The FT had a good take on it today with: Centrica seeks billions in additional financing as collateral demands soar.
In normal times, the owner of British Gas going into the debt markets to raise a few quid is peripheral even for the FT. Page 13, 400 words please chief.
Today it is on the front.
Reputations are made during these sorts of crises. Hacks who cover it brilliantly well find their name is made.
They won’t forget the flaks who helped them get there.
Press release of the day
Employers are driving away older workers by overlooking them for promotion, says this from Robert Walters.
Chris Poole at the recruiter says: “With professional job vacancies continuing to climb at near-record levels, causing a severe skills shortage, we cannot afford to overlook such a crucial part of our workforce.”
Stories that will keep rolling
1) Do we want Liz Truss to shake up the City?
2) Is WH Smith back in the black? How is the US business doing?
3) Does Barratt expect to build more houses this year than last or fewer?
4) What might the Bank of England learn from the Bank of Canada?
