Insights

Private Markets: The Trust Test

Private markets are moving into the retail spotlight and scrutiny will intensify from regulators, media and investors . Which means clarity is not just good practice, it is reputational protection.

Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh - Hyper-scaling Minerals

Robin Walker was in Riyadh for the Future Minerals Forum - which is fast becoming the largest and most significant gathering of the critical minerals, mining and metals sectors.

Rachel’s Trilemma: The Autumn Budget 2025

The Chancellor has delivered the pivotal Budget of this Parliament. Could the budget solve the trilemma of keeping the markets, the voters and the backbenchers happy?

Meeting them where they scroll: What can Mamdani and Polanski teach us about the modern media landscape?

A new approach to campaigning has emerged over the last few months, which have been used by some former political outsiders to move themselves into the fore. How have they done this and what lessons can individuals and organisations take?

‘I will do what is right, not what is popular': a tale of two speeches

‘I will do what is right, not what is popular' said Chancellor Rachel Reeves this morning in an unprecedented 'scene-setter speech’. Well, she may well be right about the second bit.

The death of the link: How the AI browser changes (almost) everything

There is always hype where AI is concerned – and the noise is always louder when it is ChatGPT and Sam Altman that are involved. Never knowingly under-sold, the pronouncements from that part of the Silicon Valley should always be viewed through narrowed eyes. This time, however…

Why Junior miners still hold the keys to future supply

Demand for critical minerals is booming & sources of supply are more important than ever but junior miners face new challenges in raising the finance to deliver.

How gaming has shaped today’s media consumption habits

“Don’t stay up all night playing video games” – a phrase that, at least since the release of the Nintendo 64 in 1996, lives long in the memory of many former teenagers as well as the not-so-distant memory of Gen Z and Alpha gamers. 2.7 billion of them to be exact.

The Year of the Cyber Attack: Why Every Business Needs a Crisis Communications Plan

Will 2025 be remembered as the year of the cyber attacks? The last few weeks have certainly been very turbulent.

Sun, speeches and snake oil: ten lessons from Labour in Liverpool

The Cardew Public Affairs team has returned from Labour Conference. From Starmer’s latest reset moment to Reform UK’s growing influence, and the shadow cast by Farage, we unpack what happened in Liverpool and what it means for Labour.

Firefighting with purpose: what can a comms professional learn from a government in chaos?

In government communications, there is no such thing as a quiet day. No matter how well prepared an administration might be, once you enter the doors of Number 10, there is very little you can do to control the beast.

Are "Super Universities" the way forward and how can their mergers be communicated?

The news that what is being called the first “Super University” is being launched in the South East of England should come as a surprise to nobody after years of headlines about the financial stresses facing Universities up and down the country.

From SEO to GEO: Why media matters in the age of AI

SEO is no longer enough. With the rise of generative AI, we’ve entered the era of Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO), where AI systems shape reputation by drawing on authoritative media, clear corporate sites, and consistent messaging.

Anglo-Teck off to Canada but London’s market still sees hope for miners

A mining mega-merger amidst a commodity boom - sounds familiar? Teck Resources has turned from being the one that got away from Glencore to a partner in a “merger of equals” with Anglo American.

Lets try that reset again

It was Churchill who supposedly said 'never let a good crisis go to waste' - and today's resignation of the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, after a damning report from the Standards Commissioner over her tax affairs is certainly a huge crisis.

Burning questions: Clean Energy Policy for Autumn 2025

As Parliament returned and the Met Office confirmed 2025 as the hottest summer on record, the climate crisis is back in news headlines.

Who is Zack Polanski? Could the Green Party’s new ‘Eco-Populist’ direction reshape the British left?

Chances are that the name Zack Polanski wasn’t on your political radar until this week. Perhaps it still isn’t.

What would Google’s AI Overview say about continued rise of AI search and how organisations can prepare?

As Google launches AI mode for search in the UK today, digital associate Ben Plumer explores the evolving search habits that tech companies are driving and how organisations can prepare for them.

Mamdani talks the talk and walks the walk (digitally)

Following Zohran Mamdani's surprising triumph over Andrew Cuomo in the New York Mayoral Democratic primary, Ben Plumer explores the digital tactics that helped him tip the balance.

As the media reports on its own demise, what can you do to get your messages out?

The Reuters Institute reports on digital news shows a rapidly changing landscape. Jimmy Leach looks at how companies can tell their story via a fragmented media and be heard through their own digital footprint.

Sea shanties and mineral security

Cardew’s Robin Walker attends the UK Mining Conference in Cornwall.

Hey Big Spender?

The UK’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has just delivered the three-year Spending Review (SR), the first multi-year settlement since 2021.

Lights, camera, action: is video the way forward for comms?

Seeing more video on your feed than normal? Me too, and it’s no coincidence – platforms, creators and audiences are loving the format.

Six votes that will shake up British politics

Reform UK’s six-vote margin of victory in the Runcorn & Helsby parliamentary by-election last night is the narrowest ever by-election victory

Moving the pieces in a global game of chess

US Ukraine deal highlights growing importance of critical minerals globally & an opportunity for London.

Three things for companies to consider about Google’s AI-driven search

Google's AI Overview is changing the way people understand your company and it's reputation. So it's time to re-evaluate how you prepare yourself for that search engine shop window. Our Head of Digital looks at ways you can prepare yourself.

Can Energy Security be Realised through a Clean Power Vision?

As the UK government convened the International Energy Security Summit last week, few could have predicted just how timely the event would be.

Reforming the local election playbook

Local campaign offices around the country are stacked high with leaflets, social media is awash with awkward selfies of canvassers on the beat, and no doorbell is safe – it can only mean one thing: local election season.

Relief, but the uncertainty is just beginning

The feeling may be that the UK has escaped lightly from Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs announcement, but the wider questions of the US/UK relationship aren't any nearer to resolution. Cardew's Public Affairs team dips into the geopolitics.

The importance of brand communications: Gucci’s struggles are a cautionary tale

Gucci’s falling sales and creative upheaval are symptoms of a deeper identity problem, explains Olivia Blackman.

UK Universities’ International dilemma

The scandal over funding of fake students distracts from far more fundamental issues for the university sector, explains Robin Walker.

Ditching Development

With UK politics in turmoil over Trump’s foreign policy stance—now, a Labour government has halved development spending with barely a ripple of dissent. In his latest blog for Cardew Group, Robin Walker examines how cross-party consensus on international aid has crumbled in the face of rising defence costs.

You should have never started it

President Trump marks his first month as US President today and it is fair to say that he has made an impact. Cardew's Public Affairs team looks at his seismic impact on British politics, and the extraordinary last 48 hours in particular...

DeepSeek – five talking points to make you sound informed

The US domination of the AI market has been broken this week by the Chinese app DeepSeek, causing billions to be wiped off tech stocks. It's a topic you need opinions on - Jimmy Leach has some of the talking points.

What’s in store for healthcare in 2025? A mixed bag but the fundamentals remain the same

With a new administration in the US and a few licensing and M&A deals already out of the gate, Allison Connolly, our head of healthcare, looks at the uncertainties and potential opportunities for the healthcare and life sciences sector for 2025.

Will the real Opposition please stand up?

British politics could be seeing a seismic shift with Reform UK threatening the two main Westminster parties. Cardew's public affairs team gives its assessment on what might happen next.

How to fuel AI

Keir Starmer's ambitions for AI-fuelled growth will require access to critical minerals and joined-up thinking on energy policy. Cardew Director Robin Walker looks at the challenges ahead for policymakers and investors alike.

Are you following the thread from the bird to the butterfly?

Brands are starting to reconsider their commitment to X. But for those who need to communicate corporate messages, does it still work as a channel, or are the alternatives starting to look more attractive?

sir keir starmer presenting his plan for change at a podium

Plan for change...or change of plan?

Five missions, six first steps, two priorities and now six ‘milestones’. Lists of promises are inherently risky. So why has Keir Starmer done it?

The Budget: Rachel’s Tightrope Act

The UK’s first female Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has just delivered her first Budget, with a confident (if fairly long) performance and a Gordon Brown-esque blizzard of statistics.

Navigating risk and reward: AI in Communications

Last month, The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) released the findings of its annual industry survey (State of the Profession Report 2024).

Party Conference Blues...Reds and Yellows

The Liberal Democrats basked in the Brighton sunshine and the glow of an MP total that grew ninefold in July. A week later, Labour in the Liverpool drizzle struggled to overcome a series of political difficulties and only fleetingly enjoyed their first conference in power in 15 years.

As they seek to raise tuition fees, how can universities make their case to MPs?

With reports over the weekend of an inflationary increase to tuition fees that will take them over £10,000 and Monday’s Times covering an aspiration for 70% of school leavers to go to University, higher education is once again becoming a hot topic.

Labour’s Energy Policy: Seven things we now know

Twelve weeks into the Labour Government, clean energy is easily the most well-developed policy area. Clare Dobson, Cardew Group’s Senior Policy Consultant sets out what we know so far:

A New Era for Investment Trusts

Effective immediately, the Treasury and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have announced the temporary exemption of investment trusts from assimilated law requirements by the European Union.

10 things we've learnt from Labour's first 25 days

Election day seems like a lifetime ago yet it is only 25 days since Keir Starmer’s Labour Party claimed victory. With Parliament now in recess what do Labour’s first days tell us about the shape of Keir Starmer’s Government? Here’s ten things we’ve learnt:

Like and subscribe

As media organisations change their business models, companies who want to communicate digitally need to move their audiences from followers to subscribers.

Future of search in the age of AI

Google search is heading to a model of interpretation rather than links. This will pose big move for companies and their content in a new age for the battle for visibility.

10 things we've learnt from Thursday night...

The key takeaways from a difficult night for the Tories and a good, though not perfect, night for Labour. But the real story might lie in the by election.

When looking to raise money, your story is everything

Raising money as a biotech startup can look daunting in the current environment, but what matters to investors is the story you can tell, and the evidence behind it.

Long term decisions for a brighter future

Is Rishi on the right track?

After the chaos of last year in Birmingham which heralded the end for Liz Truss, there was an air of trepidation ahead of Conservative Conference in Manchester.

Glitter, Growth and Grey Belts

Keir Starmer’s Labour Party had a golden opportunity to hold a successful party conference – and more importantly to confirm their status as favourites to win.

Sea change

Prime Minister Jim Callaghan confided to his aide Bernard Donoughue,‘There are times, perhaps once every 30 years, when there is a sea change in politics'

Rishi Sunak's Cabinet reshuffle

The PM's Cabinet reshuffle marks a move to the centre ground and a serious attempt to stamp his authority on his Government. But is it too late to stop an election defeat?

Goodwill Hunting

Jeremy Hunt yesterday delivered an assured Autumn Statement – his second in the job. It was more Gordon Brown than Kwasi Kwarteng, but it remains likely to be his last.

Mais Reeves Be Ready?

What we can learn from Rachel Reeves’ Mais Lecture and her view of ‘Securonomics’ as the answer to disrupted supply chains, economic imbalances, populism, and energy transition

The Budget: Rabbit Hunting

Jeremy Hunt, has delivered what we know will be the final Spring Budget before the General Election – though not necessarily his final ‘fiscal event’ if the election is delayed long enough.

What’s the true value of your drug? It’s about how you communicate it

Advances in cell and gene therapy are a boost to treating rare diseases, but the cost is a dilemma. That’s why communicating the value of your drug is ever more important.

Decoding AI: The Dangers of Algorithmic Bias

The increasing ubiquity of AI raises questions around accuracy, regulation, data privacy and the radicalisation of content. Understanding the pitfalls will be the key to staying ahead of the curve.

Private Markets: The Trust Test

Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh - Hyper-scaling Minerals

Rachel’s Trilemma: The Autumn Budget 2025

Meeting them where they scroll: What can Mamdani and Polanski teach us about the modern media landscape?

‘I will do what is right, not what is popular': a tale of two speeches

The death of the link: How the AI browser changes (almost) everything

Why Junior miners still hold the keys to future supply

How gaming has shaped today’s media consumption habits

The Year of the Cyber Attack: Why Every Business Needs a Crisis Communications Plan

Sun, speeches and snake oil: ten lessons from Labour in Liverpool

Firefighting with purpose: what can a comms professional learn from a government in chaos?

Are "Super Universities" the way forward and how can their mergers be communicated?

From SEO to GEO: Why media matters in the age of AI

Anglo-Teck off to Canada but London’s market still sees hope for miners

Lets try that reset again

Burning questions: Clean Energy Policy for Autumn 2025

Who is Zack Polanski? Could the Green Party’s new ‘Eco-Populist’ direction reshape the British left?

What would Google’s AI Overview say about continued rise of AI search and how organisations can prepare?

Mamdani talks the talk and walks the walk (digitally)

As the media reports on its own demise, what can you do to get your messages out?

Sea shanties and mineral security

Hey Big Spender?

Lights, camera, action: is video the way forward for comms?

Six votes that will shake up British politics

Moving the pieces in a global game of chess

Three things for companies to consider about Google’s AI-driven search

Can Energy Security be Realised through a Clean Power Vision?

Reforming the local election playbook

Relief, but the uncertainty is just beginning

The importance of brand communications: Gucci’s struggles are a cautionary tale

UK Universities’ International dilemma

Ditching Development

You should have never started it

DeepSeek – five talking points to make you sound informed

What’s in store for healthcare in 2025? A mixed bag but the fundamentals remain the same

Will the real Opposition please stand up?

How to fuel AI

Are you following the thread from the bird to the butterfly?

Plan for change...or change of plan?

The Budget: Rachel’s Tightrope Act

Navigating risk and reward: AI in Communications

Party Conference Blues...Reds and Yellows

As they seek to raise tuition fees, how can universities make their case to MPs?

Labour’s Energy Policy: Seven things we now know

A New Era for Investment Trusts

10 things we've learnt from Labour's first 25 days

Like and subscribe

Future of search in the age of AI

10 things we've learnt from Thursday night...

When looking to raise money, your story is everything

Is Rishi on the right track?

Glitter, Growth and Grey Belts

Sea change

Rishi Sunak's Cabinet reshuffle

Goodwill Hunting

Mais Reeves Be Ready?

The Budget: Rabbit Hunting

What’s the true value of your drug? It’s about how you communicate it

Decoding AI: The Dangers of Algorithmic Bias