Festival of Economics

Inequalities – the Marshall Paley Lecture
2024-10-03 19:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | The Great Hall, Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol
In this inaugural event, Sarah Smith OBE, Professor of Economics at the University of Bristol, introduces Professor Sir Richard Blundell CBE FBA, Ricardo Chair of Political Economy at University College London. He is Co-Director of the ESRC Centre for the Microeconomic Analysis of Public Policy at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).
Blundell discusses Dimensions of Inequality: The IFS Deaton Review, a programme of research that stepped back and asked: how are different kinds of inequality related, which matter most, what are the big forces that combine to create them, and what is the right mix of policies to tackle them?
The Marshall Paley Lecture was supported by the University of Bristol, School of Economics , where Mary Marshall Paley was the first woman lecturer.
Visit our past events page to see details of past Festivals and to listen to audio recordings. Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Global Britain: What is our role in the world?
2024-10-03 15:30 - 16:45 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
In a world of shifting alliances and emerging global powers, where does the UK fit in? Our expert panel tackles pressing questions about recent global events and geopolitical challenges, as well as the UK’s international influence, trade strategies, and diplomatic relationships. In a lively debate on the challenges and opportunities that define the UK’s future, our experts share insights on the key geopolitical events shaping the UK’s place in the world.
Chaired by Cerian Richmond Jones ( The Economist , chair), with George Magnus (University of Oxford), Ian Mitchell (Center for Global Development) and Helen Thompson (University of Cambridge). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Beyond fair play: What would a fair society look like?
2024-10-03 13:45 - 15:00 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
In a time when social inequality and justice are at the forefront of public discourse, our panel examines a vision for achieving a more equitable society. In today’s rapidly evolving social and economic landscape, defining and achieving fairness is more important than ever. The event considers income equality, access to education and healthcare, and the role of government, institutions and civil society in fostering equity. Our expert panel examines innovative approaches and policies aimed at creating a society where opportunities and resources are distributed equitably, and every individual has the chance to thrive.
Chaired by Eshe Nelson ( New York Times , chair), with Daniel Chandler (LSE), Paul Hufe (University of Bristol), Will Snell (Fairness Foundation) and Nyoaka Squire (Babbasa). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Trading nation: How can we get Britain exporting again?
2024-10-03 12:00 - 13:15 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
Does the UK’s future economic growth rely on exports? And if it does, what can we export to boost the country’s economy? Our panel explores the strategies and policies needed to help boost the British export market, which is increasingly service-based. This session examines the policies that could address barriers to international trade and enhance the UK’s export performance. Key discussions cover the UK’s leading trade sectors and global contribution to research and innovation. The expert panel considers policy and regulatory solutions to drive Britain’s export growth and strengthen our global economic position.
Chaired by Irina Anghel (Bloomberg, chair), with Vince Cable (Former Secretary of State for Business and Trade), Emily Fry (Resolution Foundation), Joris Hoste (University of Cambridge), Andrew Varga (Seetru). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

This Time No Mistakes: How to Remake Britain
2024-10-03 10:30 - 11:30 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
Will Hutton discusses his book, This Time No Mistakes: How to Remake Britain , with Irina Anghel (Bloomberg). The book highlights how the right and left have gone wrong over the course of the last century – and how we can remake a better Britain. Hutton argues that Britain’s inability to invest in itself is at the heart of the country’s problems and that the malevolent thread linking the grievous errors of the last forty-five years is the attempt to create the utopia of free markets and a minimal state.
Hutton’s book reflects back on modern British history and political traditions from the First World War, via the Cold War, to today. He explores the ingredients that made for the success of the great reforming governments of the 20th century and discusses how these can be used to reform democracy going forward.
Buy Will Hutton’s This Time No Mistakes now from Bloomsbury. Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Tim Harford: Cautionary Tales (Live Podcast Recording, 2024)
2024-10-02 19:00 - 20:00 | The Great Hall, Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol
Tim Harford returns to the Festival of Economics with a third live recording of his popular podcast, Cautionary Tales. We tell our children unsettling fairy tales to teach them valuable life lessons, but these cautionary tales are for the education of grown-ups – and they are all true. In his hit podcast Cautionary Tales, Tim Harford brings stories of awful human error, tragic catastrophes, daring heists and hilarious fiascos. Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

The first 100 days: Has the new government got its priorities right for kick-starting Britain?
2024-10-02 13:45 - 15:00 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
The first 100 days of the new UK government serves as a barometer for Starmer’s economic and public policy aims. Our panel of experts debates the new administration’s first 100 days and considers what the initial priorities mean for the future. The session explores the strategic decisions, policy implementations, and economic measures taken during this critical period and what they mean for the long-term success of the country. Panelists review changes in economic and public policy, to explore how the new government’s actions set the stage for its term and how they might influence the UK’s trajectory.
Chaired by Richard Davies (Economics Observatory, chair), with Gavin Kelly (Resolution Foundation), Stuart McIntyre (University of Strathclyde), Adrian Pabst (NIESR), Helen Simpson (University of Bristol). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

The kids aren’t alright: Tackling a legacy of child poverty, bad diets and poor health
2024-10-02 12:00 - 13:15 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
The next generation faces a unique set of health and social challenges. Our expert panel considers the pressing issues affecting today’s young children, from educational disparities to declining health outcomes. This session brings together front-line practitioners, educators, and economists to consider the collaborative strategies needed to support and empower children and families and to create a more equitable and supportive environment for young people, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive.
Chaired by Phillip Inman ( The Observer , chair), with Christine Farquharson (Institute for Fiscal Studies), Paul Mitchell (University of Bristol), Matthew Poulson (Barton Hill Academy), Hannah Woodhouse (Bristol City Council).
This event was supported by the Centre for Evidence-Based Public Services . Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Great Britain? How We Get Our Future Back; and Growth: A Reckoning
2024-10-02 10:30 - 11:30 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
Daniel Susskind, of King’s College London, and newly elected Labour MP for Swansea West and former Chief Executive of the Resolution Foundation, Torsten Bell discuss their recently published books focused on growth with Ruth Badru (University of Bristol). Bell presents a clear-eyed diagnosis of the problems facing our country, in his book Great Britain? How We Get Our Future Back ; while Susskind provides a revelatory account of the past, present, and future of economic growth – and how we should rethink it in his book Growth: A Reckoning .
Buy Torsten Bell’s Great Britain? How We Get Our Future Back and Daniel Susskind’s Growth: A Reckoning now from Bookshop.org. Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Legacies of Empire: What Britain needs to do
2024-10-01 19:00 - 20:15 | The Great Hall, Wills Memorial Building, University of Bristol
The British Empire has left an indelible mark on the UK economy. From the accumulation of wealth, through colonial trade, to the continued economic inequalities borne from imperialism and enslavement, this legacy remains a subject of significant debate and analysis. This event explores how historical practices continue to influence contemporary economic structures, opportunities, and disparities in the UK, and address what the country and institutions can do to help repair the legacy of empire and enslavement. Our panel of experts delves into the complex economic heritage of the British Empire, its legacies and issues of reparative justice.
Chaired by Anu Anand (BBC World Service, chair), with Bishnupriya Gupta (University of Warwick), Kojo Koram (Birkbeck University of London), Jessica Moody (University of Bristol) and Margaret Simmons-Bird (education consultant).
This event was sponsored by the University of Bristol Reparative Futures Programme . Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

(Not) Moving on up: How can we increase social mobility?
2024-10-01 15:30 - 16:45 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
The notion of social mobility has been a cornerstone of UK policy for decades. Despite this, we have been witnessing a significant decline in the potential for young people to transcend their family backgrounds in their life outcomes. Our expert panel unpicks the policy interventions needed to ensure equality of opportunity, for individuals, and long-term socio-economic prosperity, for the nation. This event considers the causes of the current social mobility slowdown to explore strategies to reignite social mobility across the whole of the UK.
Chaired by Mehreen Khan ( The Times , chair), with Lou Davies (Bedminster Down School), Lindsey Macmillan (University College London and Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities), Suzanne Rolt (Arnolfini), David Sturrock (Institute for Fiscal Studies). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

How can we build a sustainable planet?
2024-10-01 13:45 - 15:00 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
Our expert panel discusses the intersection of economic growth and sustainability – in the context of escalating environmental challenges. This session explores how economic policies can drive sustainable development and create a future where our planet is protected. As the world grapples with the dual challenges of economic progression and environmental preservation, it is imperative to understand how economics can be leveraged to foster sustainability.
Chaired by Gavin Jackson ( The Economist , chair), with Ed Atkins (University of Bristol), Amy Coulthard (EnTrade, Avon Bristol Catchment Market), Jo Michell (University of the West of England), Claire Pearce (Real Growth). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Under-performing: How can we boost Britain’s low productivity?
2024-10-01 12:00 - 13:15 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
UK productivity has been sluggish since the 2007-09 financial crisis. Our expert panel debates the causes of the UK’s productivity stagnation and consider potential policy solutions. This session explores the extent of the challenge and to discover how boosting investment, improving education and training, exploiting technological innovation, and changes in regulation could help address the UK’s productivity puzzle.
Chaired by Sam Fleming ( Financial Times , chair), with Katy Riddington (National Composites Centre), Dariush Sokolov (Unite), Judy Stephenson (University College London) and Bart van Ark (University of Manchester and Productivity Institute). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

The Tyranny of Nostalgia: Half a Century of British Economic Decline
2024-10-01 10:30 - 11:30 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
An ‘in conversation’ with Bethan Staton ( Financial Times ) and Russell Jones as Jones introduces his book The Tyranny of Nostalgia: Half a Century of British Economic Decline . He describes and interprets the economic and political history of the past half a century, examining the challenges confronted by successive governments and their Chancellors, the policies employed for good or ill, and – running through it all – the desperate search for a panacea that could arrest the nation’s relative decline and return the country to its supposed former glories.
Buy Russell Jones’ The Tyranny of Nostalgia: Half a Century of British Economic Decline now from Bookshop.org. Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Bank of England Citizens' Panel (2024)
2024-09-30 17:45 - 20:00 | City Academy, Bristol
A one-off live event that offers the opportunity to meet Bank of England staff and share views on the economy and how it is affecting you, your spending and your plans for the future. Chaired by Romesh Vaitilingam, Economics Observatory editor-in-chief. Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

LIVE PODCAST RECORDING Money Clinic with Claer Barrett
2023-11-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Great Hall, Bristol Grammar School
A live recording of the Money Clinic Podcast , where Claer Barrett and guests Susannah Streeter (Hargreaves Lansdown) and Sarah O’Connor ( Financial Times ) respond to questions on inflation, interest rates, growth and taxes and the impact they have on our everyday financial lives. Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

How Do We Build a Future Where Everyone Has a Home?
2023-11-16 15:30 - 16:45 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
With soaring housing costs and an enduring cost-of-living crisis, securing a home – whether buying or renting – is a significant worry for many. The government is yet to meet its housebuilding target from its 2019 manifesto and has closed its Green Homes grant scheme.
This panel will discuss questions around housing supply, affordability and energy efficiency and what some policy solutions might be for both the short and long term. Chaired by Carol Lewis ( The Times and Sunday Times ), with Ed Atkins (University of Bristol), Dame Katharine Barker (economist) and Henry Overman (London School of Economics). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

What is the Future for Generation Alpha?
2023-11-16 13:45 - 15:00 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
While every generation has its challenges, Generation Alpha (those born between 2010 and 2025) has endured the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic as young children, compounded with the ever-increasing domination of technology and social networking.
Our expert panel will consider what the future might look like today’s children, addressing whether they’ll be able to afford homes or retire, whether they will have children themselves and how technology may shape their lives. Chaired by Eshe Nelson ( New York Times ), with Paul Lindley (Ella’s Kitchen), Michael McMahon (University of Oxford), Sarah O’Connor ( Financial Times ). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Talking Economics: Brunel’s Vision for 2050
2023-11-16 12:00 - 13:15 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
The ‘rest of HS2’ being cancelled has resurfaced questions about the UK’s infrastructure and public transport connectivity. Our panel will consider the country’s infrastructure needs and discuss what the great civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel might build if he was here today.
Chaired by Ed Conway (Sky News) with Chris Colvin (Queen’s University Belfast), Zoe Metcalfe (Atkins) and Claire Pearce (Salamanca Group). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

How the Battle for Minerals Will Shape Our Future with Ed Conway
2023-11-16 10:30 - 11:30 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
The battle for sand, iron, salt, oil, copper and lithium will dictate the balance of global power in the coming century. Ed Conway (Sky News) will introduce his book Material World: A Substantial Story of Our Past and Future and look at the history of human civilisation and how the fight to control these minerals will shape our future. Chaired by Anu Anand (BBC World Service). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Hargreaves Lansdown Breakfast Session
2023-11-16 08:30 - 10:00 | Hargreaves Lansdown
A breakfast session, hosted by Hargreaves Lansdown Bristol Team, focusing on financial resilience and what it means for the UK economy. Expert speakers will explore how financial resilience be embedded into workplace culture, the wider policy ramifications of financial resilience work and what this means for business. Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

The Social Cost of a Failing Childcare System
2023-11-15 15:30 - 16:45 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
As the nation’s childcare needs evolve, so too do the pressures facing nurseries, playgroups, childminders and other childcare settings. Our expert panel will discuss these challenges alongside the long-term consequences for families and the labour force.
Chaired by Lucy Denyer (journalist), with Christine Farquharson (Institute for Fiscal Studies), Rosie Fogden (Centre for Progressive Policy), Tina Maltman (Childminding UK) and Jane van Zyl (Working Families). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Oligarchs: Are They Dominating Our World?
2023-11-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
Today, more than twenty oligarchs serve as heads of state or government in countries such as Russia, South Africa, Lebanon, and El Salvador. Many have a net worth in excess of $1 billion, and they all – whether directly or indirectly – impact our daily lives.
David Lingelbach (University of Baltimore) and Valentina Rodríguez Guerra (Universidad Nacional de Colombia) discuss their book The Oligarchs’ Grip: Fusing Wealth and Power with Sarah Smith (University of Bristol). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

What are the UK’s Long-Term Health and Care Needs?
2023-11-15 12:00 - 13:15 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
As our nation’s demographics change and we are home to an increasingly ageing population, how will our needs for health and social care change? Our expert panel will address the effects that inadequate provision can have on those requiring and providing care, and discuss how policy can address these.
Chaired by Ore Ogunbiyi ( The Economist ) with Patrick Jeurissen (Radboud University Medical School), Emily Kenway (author), Cathy Reay (journalist and writer) and Chris Salisbury (University of Bristol and National Institute for Health and Care Research). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Britain and the Aftermath of Empire with Kojo Koram
2023-11-15 10:30 - 11:30 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
Kojo Koram discusses his book Uncommon Wealth: Britain and the Aftermath of Empire , which uncovers the scandal of Britain’s disastrous treatment of independent countries after empire – and how those decisions continue to affect the damage being done in Britain today and to its economy. Chaired by with Ore Ogunbiyi ( The Economist ). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Tim Harford: Cautionary Tales (Live Podcast Recording, 2023)
2023-11-14 19:30 - 20:30 | St George’s Bristol
We tell our children unsettling fairy tales to teach them valuable life lessons, but these cautionary tales are for the education of grown-ups – and they are all true. In his hit podcast Cautionary Tales , Tim Harford brings stories of awful human error, tragic catastrophes, daring heists and hilarious fiascos. Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

What is the Future of Food in the UK?
2023-11-14 15:30 - 16:45 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
With changing diets, new farming technologies and the increasing impacts of climate change, this is a pivotal time to be working in the food industry. Our panel of experts look ahead to the future of food and the burgeoning global food crisis.
Chaired by Anu Anand (BBC World Service), with Matthew Agarwala (Bennett Institute, University of Cambridge), Lotanna Emediegwu (Manchester Metropolitan University), Phil Haughton (Better Food) and Julia Kirby-Smith (Better Food Traders). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Talking Economics: What Next for Central Banks? with Jagjit Chadha and Huw Pill (2023)
2023-11-14 13:45 - 15:00 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
In the third installment of our series on ‘What’s Next for Central Banks?’, Jagjit Chadha (Director, National Institute of Economic and Social Research) and Huw Pill (Chief Economist, Bank of England) reflect on the last year of activity for our central banks and look ahead at what’s to come – and what challenges the UK must confront.
This will include discussion of the effects of rising interest rates, the decisions ahead for the Monetary Policy Committee and where the UK’s monetary policy might be headed over the medium and long term. Chaired by Anna Valero (London School of Economics). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Talking Economics: Food Supply and Inflation
2023-11-14 12:00 - 13:15 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
We’re all seeing the price of our weekly shop escalate beyond recognition, and hearing endless chatter about the cost-of-living crisis in the House of Commons. But why has this all happened? We have invited a panel of economists and industry experts to discuss the nuts and bolts of the international network of food supply and inflation in the wake of Brexit and shifting trade deals.
Chaired by Chris Giles ( Financial Times ), with Ha-Joon Chang (SOAS University of London), Swati Dhingra (London School of Economics and external member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee), Jean-Michel Grand (Action Against Hunger UK), and Melanie Vaxevanakis (MAZI Project). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography

Making Economics Easily Digestible with Ha-Joon Chang
2023-11-14 10:30 - 11:30 | Cinema 1, Watershed, 1 Canon’s Rd, Bristol, BS1 5TX, United Kingdom
To explore economic theory, Ha-Joon Chang (SOAS University of London) uses the histories behind various food items from around the globe, how they are cooked and eaten, and what they mean to different cultures. In his book, Edible Economics: A Hungry Economist Explains the World , he explains how chocolate offers insights into post-industrial knowledge economies, or how okra speaks to capitalism’s complicated relationship with freedom. Chaired by Mehreen Khan ( The Times ). Photo Credit: Bhagesh Sachania Photography
