Amid political uncertainty and economic volatility, our annual Global Economic & Political Outlook 2025 event for business leaders examines the global business outlook and we will be joined by four experts: broadcasters Justin Webb and Lyse Doucet OBE and economists Roger Bootle and James Talbot. 

Who should attend?

This event forms part of our leaders’ programme which provides opportunities for senior business leaders to gain insight, network with fellow leaders and discuss the strategic themes impacting their organisations in an exclusive environment.

Meet our expert speakers

 

Photo of Justin Webb

Justin Webb 

Former BBC North America Editor and Radio 4’s Today presenter

The longest-serving current host of Radio 4’s Today programme, Justin Webb joined the influential news show after leading the BBC’s US coverage as Chief Washington Correspondent for almost a decade. He also presents the popular Americast podcast, and is a regular columnist on US affairs for The Times. In the US, Justin covered the twists and turns of the 2008 Presidential election, and as a senior member of the White House press pack, he was the first British journalist to be granted a full television interview with President Obama. Justin continues to observe the American political, social and economic climate, assessing the often-dramatic events on Capitol Hill, Wall Street and Main Street.

Photo of Lyse Doucet

Lyse Doucet OBE

BBC’s Chief International Correspondent and senior Radio 4, BBC World, and World Service presenter

Lyse Doucet is the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, covering events world-wide, but particularly those in and affecting the Middle East and Asia. She is also a senior presenter, anchoring programmes from the field and the studio for Radio 4, BBC World and the World Service. One of broadcasting’s most informed and respected commentators, Lyse has an in-depth knowledge of the politics, commerce and culture of the whole Middle East. She also offers an insight into the wider geopolitical climate as well as the disruptive and unpredictable elements in the world.

Photo of Roger Bootle

Roger Bootle

Former Group Chief Economist at HSBC and former senior Treasury Committee adviser

One of the City’s best-known economists, Roger Bootle is the founder of the influential consultancy Capital Economics. Renowned for his prediction of some of the most significant financial events of recent times, he also became recognised as a one of the UK’s leading pro-Brexit economists. After lecturing at Oxford, Roger became a dealer at Citibank, one of the few economists to gain direct trading experience. He then switched to the role of City Economist, becoming Group Chief Economist at HSBC, before establishing his own consultancy. For almost 20 years he was an adviser to the House of Commons Treasury Committee. He is a weekly columnist for the Daily Telegraph and the author of seven books.

Photo of James Talbot

James Talbot

Executive Director of the International Directorate at the Bank of England

James Talbot is Executive Director of the International Directorate at the Bank of England. James became Executive Director in 2023, following six years as International Director. He is responsible for the Bank’s international analysis and risk assessment which supports all of the Bank’s policy objectives. James sets the international strategy for the Bank and is responsible for the development of international policy in G20 and G7 and at the BIS, FSB and IMF. James is also the Bank’s Executive Sponsor for climate, overseeing the delivery of the Bank’s climate policy work. James represents the Bank in a number of international fora and committees, including Chairing the Network for Greening the Financial System workstream on Monetary Policy.

Bookings

This is a closed event with limited availability. If you would like to be considered for attendance, please register your interest by contacting our events team.