In the first ICAEW In Focus podcast of 2022, Chief Executive Michael Izza looks at the biggest issues facing business and the wider economy, with help from experts from around the Institute.

The global economy is going through significant change at the moment, some of it long term, some of it short. For instance, we’re seeing the start of a gradual transition away from fossil fuels, starting with coal. At the same time, we’re seeing a huge increase in inflation – a symptom of more immediate economic challenges.

With the messages from COP26 still ringing in our ears, businesses and governments are considering how to turn promises into action. Much has been made of the ‘green and fair recovery’ as we come out of the pandemic. We will need new skills in order to facilitate that.

In the first part of an in-depth discussion between ICAEW Chief Executive Michael Izza and its experts in sustainability, the public sector, financial services and technology, we look at the impacts of COP26, how to cope with rising inflation, and the skills and jobs needed for the economy to ‘level up’.

Host:
Michael Izza, Chief Executive, ICAEW

Guests:
- Philippa Kelly, ICAEW’s Director of Financial Services;
- Richard Spencer, Director of Sustainability;
- Alison Ring, Director of Public Sector and Taxation; and
- David Lyford-Tilley, Technical Manager, Tech and the Profession.

Links:
- icaew.com/insights/cop26
- sdg.iisd.org/events/2021-un-climate-change-conference-unfccc-cop--27/
- unfccc.int/documents/310475
- ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices
- gov.uk/government/publications/levelling-up-fund-additional-documents

Producer:
Natalie Chisholm

Episode published: 04 January 2022
Podcast recorded: 30 November 2021