EDITION 1071
26 MAY 2025

On this day in 1940, the British government-initiated Operation Dynamo, a massive effort to evacuate over 338,000 Allied troops trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk, France, during World War II. Utilising a flotilla of naval vessels and civilian boats, this operation became a symbol of resilience and unity in the face of adversity. The Dunkirk evacuation exemplifies decisive leadership and the power of collective action. Mobilising diverse resources under pressure underscores the importance of adaptability and unity in overcoming formidable challenges.

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.

William Montgomery
Editor and CEO of TEN

1. How to make the most of your downtime. Rest isn’t a luxury - it’s a leadership skill. Stepping back isn’t about doing less; it’s about restoring the energy and clarity to lead well. This holiday, give yourself permission to pause. Leadership starts with how well you lead yourself, so here are three ways to make your downtime work for you. a]. Unplug with purpose. Set clear boundaries with tech. Even a few hours away from screens can reset your focus and reduce mental noise. b] Reflect, don’t ruminate. Use quiet moments to reconnect with your “why.” Jot down thoughts, not to plan or fix, but to reflect and gain perspective. c] Prioritise joy. Rest isn't only about sleep - it's about doing what lights you up. Whether it's a walk, a laugh, or a long lunch, joy is a powerful fuel for performance. Editor

2. Let’s try this again. The UK and EU have agreed to stop ghosting each other and give the relationship another shot. Brexit but with boundaries. Highlights of this diplomatic couples therapy include: EU fishermen hanging around UK waters till 2038 (presumably bringing snacks), fewer bureaucratic nightmares for cheese and wine, and a “youth experience scheme” so Gen Z can backpack freely and find themselves in Prague. They’ve also agreed on a defence pact (because nothing says love like shared missile strategy), linked carbon markets (climate crisis: jointly ignored), and the reintroduction of pet passports - finally, your dog can vacation in the Algarve again. Oh, and Brits can now use more eGates in Europe, which means less time in airport lines and more time pretending to enjoy tiny hotel kettles. Reset, rebrand, or just Brexit 2.0 - at least we’re talking again. Editor

3. Bills push inflation to highest in more than a year. UK inflation rose to 3.5% in April, up from 2.6% in March and above expectations. The increase was driven by sharp rises in energy, water, and other household bills, with the Office for National Statistics reporting the largest jump in water and sewerage costs since 1988. Service sector inflation also rose 5.4%, influenced by higher employer National Insurance contributions and an increased minimum wage. As a services-led economy, the UK is particularly sensitive to such changes. Analysts now question whether the Bank of England will proceed with previously forecast interest rate cuts. Core inflation and services inflation - both seen as key indicators - also rose more than expected. The Independent

4. Paris startups outpace London. Paris has overtaken London as Europe’s top startup hub, ranking fourth globally behind the United States' San Francisco Bay Area, New York and Boston, according to Dealroom. The city's rise is fuelled by its AI sector, which attracted nearly half of all VC funding in 2024, supported by top institutions like École Polytechnique and major deals from Mistral and Poolside. While London still leads in total VC raised and unicorn count, Paris startups have grown their combined valuations 5.3x since 2017 – surpassing London’s 4.2x growth rate. Financial Times

5. When are we truly at our happiest? Research drawing on data from over 20,000 people reveals the top three happiness-boosting activities: intimacy and making love, attending theatre, dance or concerts, and visiting exhibitions, museums or libraries. Each of these involves presence, connection, and a break from routine - whether through closeness with another person or immersion in culture and beauty. At the other end of the scale, only being ill in bed ranks lower than working or studying. That’s a wake-up call. The World Happiness Report reinforces this: happiness is less about money or status and more about relationships, purpose, and meaningful experiences. As leaders, we can’t manufacture intimacy or theatre tickets - but we can shape cultures where people feel seen, trusted, and inspired. What would most improve happiness at work? Please share your views in our latest poll. VOTE HERE

6. The Housing market and strategic decision-making. UK house prices have hit another record high, with the average asking price reaching £379,517, according to Rightmove. Sales are up 5% year-on-year, and more homes are entering the market; early signs of renewed demand. Lower mortgage rates, now below last year’s levels, are a key driver, and the Bank of England’s recent cut to 4.25% may spur further reductions. But there’s a leadership insight here: when conditions shift, so must your strategy. With more choice available, buyers are becoming more selective. Overpricing, unless your offering is exceptional, risks being ignored. The lesson? Success in any market depends on clear value and timely positioning. Adaptability beats assumption, because in both property and leadership, overconfidence doesn’t close deals. Editor

7. Net migration halved last year. Net migration to the UK dropped significantly in 2024, with 431,000 more people arriving than leaving - down from 860,000 the previous year. The Office for National Statistics called it the biggest numerical fall on record. Analysts attribute the shift to fewer arrivals for work and study, due to immigration changes by the former Conservative government, as well as the departure of international students. The government pledged further reductions through recent policy measures. Both Labour and Conservative figures welcomed the decline. However, experts caution that cutting migration must be balanced against urgent staffing needs in key sectors such as care and construction. Leadership now lies in managing policy with realism and foresight, not just political applause lines. BBC

8. Step aside limp sandwiches and dubious coffee. Gloucester Services has topped the latest Which? survey of nearly 100 motorway service stations across Britain, scoring a mighty 85%. Why? Because it’s not your usual soul-sapping stop. Think clean loos, stunning views, and a farm shop where the sausage rolls have their own fan base. It’s part of the Westmorland Family, who also run Tebay (2nd place) and Cairn Lodge (4th). These folks are clearly the Michelin stars of motorway munching. Moto’s Rugby Services nabbed third, and Extra’s Leeds Skelton Lake rounded out the top five, but Gloucester reigns supreme. So next time you’re cruising the M5, take the exit that leads not just to fuel, but possibly to enlightenment, and definitely to a proper pie. Editor

9. Punctuation panic? You’re Not Alone! Even grammar pros argue about colons and semicolons - British and American rules don’t always match. Still, here’s a tip you can trust: both show relationships between ideas. A colon introduces or explains: She brought three things: cake, coffee, and charm. A semicolon links closely related thoughts: She brought cake; everyone instantly forgave her tardiness. Semicolons can also separate items in a list when commas just aren’t enough: We visited Paris, France; Rome, Italy; and Vienna, Austria. Don’t fear them - just think of colons as pointing forward, and semicolons as tying two ideas together with style. Editor

10. The bottom line. The UK’s 50 richest families hold more wealth than the poorest 50% of the population, according to an analysis by the Equality Trust. The country’s billionaires have grown “ludicrously” richer, said the charity, which found that their average wealth has increased by more than 1,000% in the last 35 years. The Guardian