EDITION 1045
11 NOVEMBER 2024

On this day in 1920, the Cenotaph was unveiled as the United Kingdom's national memorial to the dead of Britain and the British Empire of the First World War. It was rededicated in 1946 to include those of the Second World War and has since come to represent the Commonwealth casualties from those and subsequent conflicts. The word cenotaph is derived from Greek, meaning 'empty tomb'. Did you wear a poppy this year. Please share your thoughts in our latest poll. VOTE HERE

So, as another week passes into the annals of history, here are 10 things which caught my attention and may have escaped yours. Please feel free to share on social media and forward to your colleagues and friends so they can also subscribe, learn and engage. I would be very grateful if you did.

Just before you dive in, remember our POTENTIAL workbook [see below] is on offer for only £99. This unique workbook will help guide your organisation to its highest potential. Contact us today to start your transformation.

William Montgomery
Editor and CEO of TEN

1. How to save a failing meeting. We've all been stuck in long meetings that bounce aimlessly from one topic to the next. Instead of rolling your eyes, take control. Be brave enough to propose a solution. If a meeting starts veering off track, or feels like it's losing control, try these tips. READ MORE

2. He won, the world lost. Former president Donald Trump won the 2024 US presidential election, defeating the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. President Trump now holds the title of 45th and 47th president. He will be officially sworn in on 20 January 2025. How on earth did we lose to this idiot? That’s the question liberals have been asking themselves this week, How did they fail to beat “a twice-impeached former president, a felon, a fascist, a bigot, a buffoon, a demented old man”? New York Times

3. Here’s what the rate cut means. The Bank of England cut interest rates for the second time this year, reducing its benchmark rate from 5% to 4.75% in a widely anticipated move. The decision, announced by the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), came amid cooling inflation and slowing wage growth. It marks a significant shift in monetary policy following last year's aggressive rate-hiking cycle. However, the Bank warned that inflation could temporarily rise to around 2.75% next year before returning to the 2% target. While further rate cuts are possible if inflation remains contained, the Bank emphasised the need for caution to protect those most vulnerable to price rises. BBC

4. Etiquette training for the Commons. Some MPs are being given “refresher” lessons in how to behave in the Commons, following a series of faux pas. MPs have been apparently addressing one another as “you” instead of referring to “the Right Honourable”; one was told off for taking a swig from a milk carton, despite a strict ban on food and drink; another allegedly appeared in the Commons barefoot. Metro

5. The thin blue line. 534 police officers have been sacked from forces in England and Wales in the year to April 2024, up from 394 in the previous 12 months. The Police Barred List from the College of Policing showed that dishonesty was the most common reason for dismissal, with 125 cases, followed by sexual offences or misconduct (74) and discriminatory behaviour (71). These figures do not include Nick Adderley, who was sacked as Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Police for gross misconduct after he lied about and exaggerated his naval rank, length of service and achievements, nor Rod Hansen, Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Constabulary, who was sacked for gross misconduct. Leadership must start at the top because leaders set the tone, culture, and vision of an organisation, inspiring commitment and guiding behaviour across all levels. Editor

6. Short activity helps blood pressure. Doing five minutes of extra exercise a day could help lower blood pressure. In a study following 15,000 people wearing activity trackers for 24 hours, the results showed that activities including climbing stairs or a short bike ride were enough to yield blood pressure improvements. For participants who otherwise didn't exercise regularly, walking still had some positive effects. But for greater change, the study author said, putting more demand on the cardiovascular system was needed. High blood pressure affects 1.28 billion people globally and can lead to strokes, heart attacks and heart failure. The Guardian

7. University fees to rise. Tuition fees will rise to £9,535 next year, the first time that figure has increased in eight years. Maintenance loans will also rise by 3.1%, providing students with up to £414 extra per year. Both rises are linked to inflation. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson says the government will set out a long-term plan for universities in the coming months, to bring major reform to the sector. A lower fee limit of £5,760 will also be introduced for 2025/26 for foundation years in classroom-based subjects such as business, social science and humanities. BBC

8. Early and late exercise cuts bowel cancer risk. A study found that exercising in the mornings and evenings could help cut the risk of bowel cancer by 11%. Researchers from Germany’s University of Regensburg used data from the UK’s BioBank to assess more than 86,000 people aged 42 to 79 who tracked their physical activity over a five-year follow-up period. The results showed that activity peaks at 8am and 6pm – compared with continuous daytime activity or peaks at midday and night – were associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk, beyond the benefits of overall physical activity. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with an estimated 44,000 people diagnosed every year. BMC Medicine

9. Peak of the week. Attitudes toward ageing can significantly influence cognitive experiences in later life, a new study has shown. Researchers from Pennsylvania State University have found that older adults with positive expectations about ageing report fewer cognitive issues, such as trouble focusing or memory lapses. In contrast, those with negative expectations perceive greater cognitive decline. Ageing expectations are malleable and influence an individual’s perceptions of their cognitive functioning, said the lead author. The team now plans to conduct more research looking into the impact that can be made by encouraging healthcare providers to engage patients in conversations about cognitive health and ageing. Daily Mail

10. The bottom line. Ironically, the Government’s new Value for Money tsar will be paid the equivalent of a £247,000pa salary – more than the prime minister. David Goldstone, the chair of the Office for Value for Money, will be paid £950 a day, and is expected to work one day a week. He previously oversaw the delivery of the London Olympics, which cost four times its original estimate. The Independent