November is starting with a bang – with Fireworks and Finance (the Autumn Budget)!

We’ve partnered with the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, and Portsmouth and South Coast Business week Group – to bring you a public lecture by Professor Stephen Millard, Deputy Director (Macroeconomic Modelling and Forecasting) at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR).

Professor Millard will present NIESR’s latest view on the economic outlook for the United Kingdom. He will share an expert analysis of the impact of the October budget and the policy priorities outlined by the new Labour government. As part of his presentation, Professor Millard will also provide his view on the economic prospects for the South-East region.

Professor Homagni Choudhury, Head of Accounting, Economics and Finance said: “It is our pleasure to welcome Professor Millard and members of the public to this lecture on the direction of the national and local economy, which will be of huge interest to so many of us in the South-East region.

“The lecture reflects the wide range of expertise we have in the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance at the University of Portsmouth and affirms our commitment to civic engagement with local businesses, government and members of the public.”

Professor Stephen Millard said: “I am always delighted to return to the city where I was born and raised. This October Budget promises to be a crucial one for the wider UK economy which is why, given NIESR’s focus is on ensuring that people are aware of the economic forces that affect their lives, I am pleased to have the opportunity to share some of my insights and am looking forward to trying to answer the many questions I am sure attendees will have”.

For more information and to register visit go.port.ac.uk/2024

Celebrating success

This month we are also congratulating Mr. Rob Spalton, a senior teaching fellow in our Portsmouth Military Education Team (PMET) on his promotion to Colonel in the Army Reserve, which will see him join the British Army General Staff.

Rob’s promotion is a testament to his dedication and expertise, both in his military and academic careers. He has been balancing his part time role at the University of Portsmouth with his distinguished military service for nearly a decade, and his promotion marks a significant milestone in his 25-year army career.

Reflecting on his career path, Rob said: “At school, I was academically focused but always wanted to serve in the military. While studying geography at Oxford, I joined the Officer Training Corps and discovered a love for military life. Transitioning to the Reserves after 16 years of full-time service provided stability for my family while allowing me to continue serving.

“Working in the University team at Cranwell gives me the best of both worlds; there is plenty of opportunity to be suitably bookish but my Reserve service allows me to still be a soldier at heart. The two roles are unsurprisingly synergistic.”

Read the full story at go.port.ac.uk/military