Crunch or crisis?
Turbulent times for the British economy
How serious was the recent economic crisis?
How did it come about?
With Britain’s recession apparently at an end, is this crisis really over?
How are we likely to feel its effects in the future?
Come along and participate in this debate, which will bring together the general public, social scientists, and those ‘in the know’.
Chair:
Professor Richard Scase, author of Global Remix: The Fight for Competitive Advantage. Professor Scase is a frequent contributor to radio and television. He also has a regular column in the Kentish Gazette.
What can social science tell us about the financial crisis?
Dr Gioia Pescetto (Dean, Faculty of Business and Management, Canterbury Christ Church)
The recent crisis was not merely the consequence of market failure, but rather of systemic failure. This talk will maintain that risk is central to an effectively functioning financial system, but that such risk needs to be understood in order to be managed.
Professor Chris Pickvance (Professor of Urban Studies, University of Kent)
Effective reform to the banking system can only be achieved if the current capture of government and regulators by the banking industry is challenged. A widespread public debate is required in which most of the ways the banking system has operated until now need to be questioned.
Voices from the public and private sectors:
Richard Ascough (Secretary of the GMB Southern Region)
A key argument will be that public service workers ought not to have to suffer for an economic crisis that was not their making. Why should the tax payers take the pain, while the bankers take the gain?
Roger House (Chair, Federation of Small Business, South Eastern Policy Unit)
It will be argued that small businesses – and particularly ‘micro-businesses’ are essential to the recovery of the British economy. Accordingly, government ought not to stifle these small businesses with time-consuming, costly bureaucracy.
‘Crunch or crisis? Turbulent times for the British economy’ will take place on Wednesday 17 March, 7pm, at Augustine Hall, Augustine House, Rhodaus Town, Canterbury Christ Church University, CT1 2YA and is open to all. For further information please email: politics@canterbury.ac.uk
