Stronger together

’. The 307 year political union will remain intact.

Personally I’m pleased. Just like in business, partnerships are often the way forward and in my opinion the same applies to nations. The UK is not a large country – and dividing it into smaller subsets would surely reduce some of its global clout? Financiers were certainly worried that the breakup of the United Kingdom could undermine London’s standing as an international financial capital.

Although conclusive, the vote was pretty close and for Scottish devolution – the process of granting powers from Westminster to the Scottish Parliament – the job has only just begun. The three main UK political parties – the Conservatives, Labour and the Liberal Democrats – signed a pledge during the referendum campaign to devolve more powers to Scotland should the Scots reject independence. Lord Smith of Kelvin – a former BBC governor – has been tasked with the job of overseeing the challenging implementation of more devolution on tax, spending and welfare. Change is inevitable and imminent.

Away from politics, I attended AMB in Stuttgart recently and I have to say that this show in general is emerging as a real contender to EMO. Whilst many people still rate EMO as the number one in Europe, the gap is closing fast. As AMB takes place in the years that EMO doesn’t, it’s fast becoming an important date on the calendar.

Whilst it remains predominantly a German show, UK interest is definitely on the rise. The nine halls were busy; the stands were vibrant and the venue is easily accessible. I think the event can only go from strength to strength; in 2016 there are plans to extend the exhibition area even further!