Anthony Hilton

It used to be a defining feature of economic recessions that lots of people went bust. But this time it is different.

Co-op was never Lloyds contender

When two or more companies are competing in an auction to buy a third business, the investment bankers and accountants will do a forensic examination of rivals' accounts in the hope of uncovering signs of weakness.

Jobs figures are key to confidence

At a presentation given in Washington last week by one of the PR firms active on the US political scene, one could not help being struck by the gulf between the official figures and the public mood.

Retail finance needs to innovate

If a century ago the index of the cost of intermediation (the amount taken by middlemen) in the retail and financial sectors was taken as being 100, by the present day in retail it would have plummeted to one.

Financial PR has adapted to survive

The latest trading update from the London Stock Exchange illustrates yet again how lean the pickings in financial markets are and how tough therefore the environment is for financial PR firms.

Esure rises above industry woes

In a court case earlier this month, it was alleged that as many as one in seven road accidents in this country have been deliberately staged so those responsible can claim personal injury on the other party's insurance.

Osborne looks both ways on tax

Of the many challenges in PR and comms for politicians, holding contradictory positions in public must be among the toughest. But to get credit for both has to be the supreme achievement.

CEOs undervalue the common touch

In their quieter moments chief executives sometimes say the biggest challenge facing any big business these days is in defining the aims of the business in a way that will win the engagement of the staff.

Did Goldman plan tax furore?

It is always tempting to hit on conspiracy rather than cock-up as the key to what happens in public life.

'Expert' opinion requires expertise

People's reasons for talking to the media have always been varied. Some businesspeople gossip endlessly on the basis that the more stories they provide about others, the less likely journalists are to look too closely at them.