Read the Room

The worlds we are living in couldn’t be further apart right now.

Martin Lewis, the UK’s money saviour and deal hunter, has warned of civil unrest as recent rises in fuel and food have hit households hard.

This is the same week that Rishi Sunak’s wife has been criticised over her tax affairs. Akshata Murty owns £700m in shares of the Indian IT company Infosys, founded by her father, from which she received £11.6m in dividend income last year. Rishi’s popularity has nosedived and those that are struggling feel unheard.  

We are not questioning the ethics of capitalism. It is reputable to make money. London is the financial capital of the world and our economy, pensions, and public services are reliant on it, and shareholders demand it.

But consider the social impact of your actions and be empathetic to the global situation.  

Apologies to all Bridgerton fans, but this weekend was the highlight of the year’s wedding season as Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz married at her family home in America. A fairy tale wedding with two young, beautiful people scrutinized because of the gratuitous amount of money spent.

The bride and groom did not need the Vogue sponsorship deal. Brand Beckham’s fortune is dwarfed by Nelson Peltz’ billionaire status. As the 432nd richest person in the US, spending £3 million on his daughter’s wedding is insignificant.

But would it not have been more gracious to spend less on the nuptials and spend the remainder on the safe passage or schooling of Ukrainian children? Shares in Brand Beckham’s stock would undoubtedly rise.

No one should dictate how others spend earned or inherited income. But the privilege of freedom should be acknowledged.

The lesson for your boardroom is to read the room. Place every decision under journalistic scrutiny. If your social conscience is clear, your future reputation and shareholders will thank you.