Author: adler

Michael Troeger is a professional educator, educational leader, and educational consultant based out of New York State, and the chief executive of his own highly acclaimed consulting firm.
Known for his relational style, Michael combines compassionate and ethical leadership with his considerable theoretical and first-hand experience in the field of public education, P-16. His specialties include student advocacy, non-traditional and marginalized students, establishing positive cultures, program and curriculum development, research and analysis, administrative restructuring, clinical skills, and the cultivation of critical leadership skills. He is also passionate about working with students with disabilities, having spent a significant portion of his career assisting those with mental and behavioral issues negotiate their way through P-12 public school, higher and postsecondary education, career and tech education, and into the workforce of adult society.
An extremely well-credentialed man, Michael Troeger possesses five NYS teaching credentials, as well as both a BA and a BS degree, an MS in counseling psychology, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and a culminating doctorate in transformational educational leadership. Michael has published works regarding teacher job satisfaction, and positive workplace cultures.
Professionally, he boasts extensive experience in the educational field. At the outset of his career, Michael Troeger’s unique approach of combining educational science with psychology opened a door for him. Michael took the helm of the ‘single point’ educational program; Senator Cook’s concept to be implemented in public schools and mental health systems throughout the state of New York. In his capacity as coordinator, Michael developed instructional and social emotional curriculum, and mentored, supervised and evaluated a team of teachers, parent aids, and other staff.  Michael successfully steered the voluminous collaborative efforts of multiple governmental agencies, including NYS, local law enforcement, mental health agencies, Children and Family services, family court, probation, and more. The program he coordinated was notably the first of its kind in the state, and is now held as the standard throughout New York.
As his career progressed, Michael assumed a variety of roles in the P-16 public education system, many of which dealt with issues relating to the improvement of mental health and the advocacy of underrepresented groups. He has both provided and overseen all aspects of student support services, including liaising with law enforcement, mental health and psychiatric centers, probation officers, family court officials,  caseworkers, public servants, the NYS Education Department, federal governmentalofficials, and P-16 institutions of learning and career development.
Eventually, he accepted positions with the Ulster County Transition Coordination Council and the Ulster County School to Work Partnership committees where he dedicated himself to representing the interests of K-16 public school students. Michael’s work with these two committees, and specifically his work with students with disabilities, earned him commendations from the New York State Legislature.
Michael Troeger, as CEO of his consulting firm and seasoned expert in education, has also worked hand-in-hand with adults withdisabilities, countless institutions of higher learning, and the New York State Education Department. Michael now wishes to pivot, and rejoin a K-12 school or an institution of higher learning where he can better apply his vast professional experience and education, but only if it is a school of excellence displaying a positive work culture.
What do you currently do in the field of education?
I am currently the CEO of an educational consulting firm, having taken leave from my W-2 student support position to complete my doctoral research. For two decades I have worked in collaboration with educational systems from K-12 to colleges and universities, a vast developmental span ranging from P-16.  However,  I’m now seeking to partner with exceptional learning institutions, both at the K-12 and higher education level, where I can rejoin a system of excellence, and infuse 20+ years of best educational practice and skills to maximize student and system success.
What was the inspiration behind going into education and ultimately, founding your consultancy?
Some years ago, I accepted a position as a project coordinator, seeking to reimagine New York State’s educational delivery system and infuse it with a systemic collaboration of supports; supports intended  to prevent placement of at-risk youth. While in this role, which was birthed by Senator Cook, I gleaned insights into an educational system which by all accounts had to be characterized as broken. In many ways, it treated students as throwaways rather than future productive members of society in need of proper guidance and preparation. I was moved by their lamentable situation(s), and began to advocate for students with special needs, doing so through a lens of systemic change. I subsequently transferred to another high needs school, where I began a pioneering role in NYS, as transition coordinator. My efforts were noticed by the  New York State Education Department, which eventually prompted a seamless transition into the educational consulting sphere. My business developed quickly, and I incorporated it not long thereafter.
What defines your approach to education?
My approach to education is defined by being a relational and ethical leader, which means that I’m student-centric and intent on doing the right thing. To me, it seems like common sense to begin any human interaction with empathy and compassion, but sadly, there are many industry professionals who don’t believe that’s necessary. There’s a common quote amongst my fellow educators that students don’t really care what you know until they know that you care. It may sound trite, but there is truth to that. Simple empathy is a great start, which typically manifests in listening. In actively listening, you’re saying to your students and to your staff that their opinions matter. This has implications for instruction, as well as for professional development, and conflict resolution. In fact, active listening is crucial when trying to solve any tough issues.
And what are the keys to being productive that you can share?
Being productive is all about fostering solid relationships. I just published extensive research on systems, particularly pertaining to educators, who routinely indicate that relationships are the number one aspect of cultivating a positive culture [workplace]—particularly with their supervisors. So, I understand both from my first-hand experience and from my research that creating a nurturing, positive culture is critical. This involves defining a mission and sharing a vision. When you operate within a positive culture, both engagement and productivity increase, as well as job satisfaction. All of this has a positive impact on employee retention,of special significance in light of the so-called ‘Great Resignation,’ wherein people are leaving the workforce in droves because of workplace dissatisfaction.
Can you share a long-term career goal?
This may sound a little unusual, but essentially, I think people are my legacy. My career goal is to continue to effectively and ethically work with my students and staff. Investing in them is what’s most important to me. From my point of view, seeing positive transformations in my students and staff, seeing the hope that comes from engaging with them, and helping them acquire the skills they need to live successful lives… is really what it’s all about.
How do you measure success?
My method of measuring success is all about the people that I influenced for the better. Once again, this includes both my students and my staff. Playing a small part in their lives by giving them the resources that they need, as well as perhaps a listening ear, is both humbling and a source of great pride.
What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned through the course of your career?
My job is to connect with people; students, staff, and more. In so doing, I position myself to be a small part of systemic change where necessary. After all, people comprise systems. As I’ve gained experience, I’ve learned that I cannot fix every dysfunctional system because some systems [people] just don’t want to change. So, I’ve resolved myself to the old adage of knowing when to pick your battles. That being said, I’ve also learned that there are times when one must take a stand, however taking an ethical stand requires courage and can be quite lonely.
What advice would you give to others aspiring to succeed in the field of education?
Sadly, during the course of my career, I’ve seen some pretty toxic leaders and some systems which are badly out of balance. So, I would encourage educators at any level—especially in leadership—to maintain their integrity. You must maintain high ethical standards, even when…no-especially when it’s unpopular to do so. It’s inevitable that your integrity and ethics will be challenged many times, so upholding these values and allowing them to guide your actions requires tenacity and resilience.
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
My family is the most important thing in my life. When I’m done working, I very much look forward to spending quality time with my wife and my son. The activities we choose to do are really a secondary consideration. The primary thing is just spending time with them.
How would your colleagues describe you?
My colleagues have described me in the past as being relational, being talented at developing relationships with students and staff, as well as being empathetic. And of course, being a staunch advocate for students. I think my colleagues would also describe me as a team builder, and a conciliatory professional who knows how to walk a tightrope. I think they would acknowledge that I advocate to the fullest extent of the law for my students, and yet also give respectful deference to any employer which may be involved in a given situation. Lastly, I have been recognized for my philanthropy, having been foundational in the establishment of a community center where I served as a board member, providing a warming center, advocacy, tutoring, clinical services and more in a marginalized community.
How do you maintain a solid work and life balance? 
Maintaining a healthy work life balance is a bit challenging. You need to be intentional about it. That means scheduling your recreational activities, which seems a bit counterintuitive, but by doing so you’re essentially making a commitment to your health, to your family. And, in the end, you’re typically the better for it and can therefore re-engage with your work in a much more invigorated state.
What has been the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome in your career?
The most difficult obstacle I’ve encountered in my career has been dealing with unethical and corrupt systems, particularly in the field of education. I came into my career with a higher set of ideals, as well as a higher set of expectations of people. So, whenever I find out this faith has been misplaced, it’s very disappointing to me. Over time, I’ve had to pivot in my thinking and understand that people are frail, and they succumb to pressures and to various temptations—it’s just part of the experience of being human. In short, no one is perfect, however I have found that establishing a transparent system of mutual respect emboldens authenticity, honesty, and risk taking; a more palatable system for effecting change.
Who has been a role model to you and why?
Sadly, I haven’t had a lot of positive role models in my career. My professional learning has been quite a paradox, wherein many educational leaders have actually modeled what NOT to do. It’s really those aforementioned toxic leaders who have given me the motivation to bring ethical leadership back to educational institutions. I’ve seen so much poor behavior, bad policymaking, and systemic apathy in the educational world that it has reinvigorated me with a new sense of purpose. I’m excited about systemic change; about bringing together a lot of good educators to improve things at every level. I want to help everyone concerned become re-engaged because many educators just seem defeated, and a fair number are even leaving the field entirely due to being morally beaten down. It’s my goal to serve as an example of someone doing the right thing in education and inspire others to make change for the better.
What is one piece of advice you have never forgotten?
A piece of advice that I live by is to always be kind, despite any obstacles or negative behavior. You can never truly understand what’s happening in the minds of other people. You can never truly know what they’re going through, and you can’t make assumptions. So, approaching them with empathy and compassion can sometimes make a huge difference and serve to change their attitude, and perhaps the whole complexion of a situation.
Read more:
Getting to Know You: Michael Troeger, Educator and Consultant

Starting and growing a business can be a challenging and complex process, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience.
In order to succeed, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the key factors that can drive growth and success.
In this article, we will uncover some of the most important secrets to growing a business, from developing a strong strategy and building a talented team, to nurturing customer relationships and continually innovating.
Whether you are an entrepreneur just starting out or a seasoned business owner looking to take your company to the next level, these insights will help you achieve your goals and realize your vision.
Here are the secrets to grow a business:
1- Utilize Visual Storytelling with Illustrators
One of the secrets to effective branding and marketing is to use visual storytelling to connect with your audience. This can be done by partnering with professional advertising illustrators to create eye-catching and memorable graphics and images that help convey your message and establish your brand identity.
Work with your illustrator to create a clear and consistent visual identity for your brand, including guidelines for color, style, and tone. This will help ensure that all of your visuals are cohesive and reinforce your brand messaging.
Incorporate illustrations into your marketing materials, such as your website, social media channels, and product packaging. This will help bring your brand to life and make it stand out from your competitors.
2- Seek Legal Advice Before Purchasing a Property
Before investing in a property, it is crucial to seek the help of conveyancing solicitors to manage your finances and avoid any potential legal issues. This is especially important for bootstrapped companies who may not have a large budget for legal fees, as the advice and support of a conveyancing solicitor can save you time and money in the long run.
A conveyancing solicitor can help you understand the legal implications of purchasing a property, including your rights and obligations as a buyer. This can help you avoid unexpected costs and liabilities down the road.
Besides, conveyancing solicitors can conduct due diligence on the property to ensure that there are no hidden problems or legal issues that could impact its value or your ability to use it. This includes checking for zoning restrictions, title issues, and potential environmental hazards.
3- Work with Tax Lawyers
In order to manage your finances and maximize your profits, it is important to work with specialist tax lawyers in the UK to understand the complex regulations and requirements of the UK tax system. A good tax lawyer can help you navigate the tax code and identify strategies to minimize your tax liability and increase your profitability.
Tax laws can be complex and ever-changing, and it’s important to stay compliant to avoid penalties and fines. Tax lawyers can help you understand your tax obligations, develop a tax strategy, and ensure that you are meeting all legal requirements.
If you are facing an audit or other tax dispute, a tax lawyer can provide legal representation and help negotiate with the tax authorities on your behalf.
4- Focus on Building Strong Customer Relationships
Building strong and lasting relationships with your customers is essential for business success. This requires ongoing effort to understand their needs, provide excellent customer service, and continuously improve your products and services to meet their changing needs.
Encourage customers to share their thoughts and opinions with you, and be open to constructive criticism. This will give you valuable insights into their needs and expectations, and help you make improvements to your products and services.
Take the time to understand each customer’s unique needs and preferences, and tailor your interactions and offerings accordingly. This could include customized promotions, tailored product recommendations, or personalized follow-ups.
5- Embrace Innovation and Continuously Adapt
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, it is essential to embrace innovation and continuously adapt to new trends and technologies. This requires a commitment to learning, experimentation, and a willingness to take calculated risks in order to stay ahead of the competition and stay relevant in your market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, growing a business requires a combination of strategy, hard work, and smart decision-making.
By utilizing the secrets discussed in this article, such as utilizing visual storytelling, seeking legal advice, working with tax lawyers, focusing on building strong customer relationships, and embracing innovation, you can give your business the foundation it needs to succeed.
Remember, success in business is not guaranteed, but by following these tips and staying focused on your goals, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your vision for your company. Good luck on your entrepreneurial journey!
Read more:
Secrets To Grow A Business

Are you thinking about making a purchase of Polygon (Matic Network)? If so, there are a few crucial facts to be aware of before making a choice.
An Ethereum-based platform called Polygon was created to make it simpler for developers to create and manage decentralized applications (dApps). As more individuals become intrigued by blockchain technology and its potential uses, it is growing. This article examines the fundamentals of Polygon, what makes it special, and what to think about before investing in it.
The MATIC Token
This is the native money of Polygon, and it is used to reimburse stakers and pay network expenses. Weekly MATIC token payouts for staking rewards make it possible to generate passive income.
In addition to being used for governance, MATIC tokens give investors the opportunity to vote on crucial Polygon network-related decisions. As a result, token owners have a voice in how the platform evolves and progresses.
MATIC tokens may only be purchased on cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance, Coinbase Pro, and KuCoin. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that the markets for cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile, and that values can change drastically overnight.
Investors may also be worried about the gas costs connected with cryptocurrency transactions. Although Polygon has made progress in lowering these fees, it is still important to comprehend the expenses before making an investment.
Staking, on the other hand, is lending your MATIC tokens to the network in exchange for benefits. Recognize the Polygon staking incentives that are available. Make sure to choose a reputable website when searching for a Matic staking calculator for accurate performance. You are compensated as a staker with a share of the platform’s transaction fees. As a result, it is crucial to take this into account when calculating possible returns.
Compatibility with Ethereum Virtual Machine
Polygon is compatible with all current Ethereum smart contracts and dApps because it is built on top of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This means that you can interact with Polygon applications using existing Ethereum tools like Metamask.
This compatibility is crucial for investors since it creates the possibility of new investment opportunities. You may easily access the same products on Polygon and take advantage of its lower transaction fees, for instance, if you invested in Ethereum-based DeFi applications.
In contrast to Ethereum, which charges 0.000001 ETH for each transaction, Polygon users often pay 0.00001 MATIC. Because of this, Polygon is a more economical option for investors and developers alike.
Scalability Solutions
Additionally, Polygon provides developers with tools that make it simpler for them to create applications for the platform. The most well-liked remedy is the Plasma framework, which enables developers to deconstruct their dApps and run them more effectively. Users may connect with applications more easily as a result, and the main Ethereum blockchain is kept clear of congestion.
TEE, or a trustless execution environment, is Polygon’s second layer of scalability. By enabling developers to run code off-chain when necessary, this layer speeds up and lowers the cost of transaction processing.
Developers occasionally need to communicate with the main blockchain, for example, during token transfers and payments. In these situations, Polygon offers a wide variety of bridges to connect the two networks.
Polygon Provides Technology for Blockchain Performance Improvement
Blockchain platform Polygon offers creative ways to improve the functionality of the technology. Developers looking to create decentralized applications (dApps) that need the power of blockchain but don’t want to deal with the scalability and congestion issues frequently associated with Ethereum are turning to it because it has features like sidechain creation and incredibly fast transaction speeds. The Polygon wallet’s connection with well-known wallets like Metamask streamlines the transaction process and makes it simple for users to deposit and withdraw money without ever leaving the platform. Along with performance improvements, Polygon also has strong security options like Plasma Security, which makes use of cryptographic methods to protect user cash from attacks.
What are the Several Major U.S. Exchanges List Polygons?
Major US exchanges including Coinbase Pro, Binance, eToro, and Gemini all identify Polygon as active security. Users must create an account and go through the verification process in order to buy Polygon tokens in USD. They can then add money to their exchange accounts and start trading MATIC tokens.
Researching and comprehending the dangers related to cryptocurrency investments is essential before investing. Learn how the network operates and keep up with the newest information on Polygon and the technology that powers it. Using a secure wallet is also recommended while keeping tokens safe.
However, investors may find it a terrific method to make incentives while supporting an innovative network if they do their homework and understand the Polygon network. With its scalability solutions and intelligent transactions, Polygon has the potential to be a big player in decentralized finance.
It Aims to Provide a Framework
Polygon wants to establish itself as the leading Ethereum scaling and development platform with an effective architecture for blockchain networks. The group has already made significant progress in this approach, launching Polygon 2.0, its second edition, which added a number of additional capabilities like Plasma security and gas cost efficiency.
The purpose of Polygon is to make it possible for developers to create applications rapidly and with little overhead. The development team is also putting the finishing touches on a bridge solution that will let users transfer their Ethereum assets to Polygon instantly and free of transaction fees and block confirmation delays.
What is the Blockchain Bridge in Polygon?
Users can move their Ethereum coins and assets to Polygon using the bridge without having to pay transaction fees or wait for block confirmations. Users may transfer ETH-based money and tokens easily across the two networks because of the safe link it establishes.
This makes it much simpler for consumers to benefit from Polygon’s benefits, like quicker transaction rates and enhanced scalability options. The bridge is a brand-new item that offers investors who wish to use the Polygon and Ethereum networks a priceless service.
Users can lower their Ethereum gas fees and make use of Polygon’s other capabilities by batching transactions off the mainnet.
Users can move their assets without the trouble of manually transferring money or dealing with exchange problems by linking the two networks.
For investors hoping to profit from the upcoming wave of decentralized finance applications, Polygon presents an attractive prospect.
Polygon may out up being the preferred platform for developers trying to create blockchain applications because of its scalability solutions, faster transaction times, and an assortment of security features.
Read more:
Things You Need to Know Before Investing in Polygon

Scottish salmon was the UK’s biggest food export in 2022, new HMRC figures have revealed.
Sales of the nutritious fish grown in cold waters off the Highlands and islands reached £578 million in the calendar year, with France leading the global demand.
European destinations dominated as the sector continued to bounce back from Brexit. Scottish salmon was exported to 54 countries, with North America and Asia reporting strong demand.
Overseas Scottish salmon sales outperformed all the UK’s other main food exports including bakery goods, chocolate, cheese, cereals and lamb.
Farm-raised salmon directly employs 2,500 people in Scotland and a further 10,000 jobs are dependent on the sector.
Fresh, whole Scottish salmon export sales of £578 million were down just six per cent on 2021 (£614 million) and a similar rate below the record £617 million in 2019.
The EU accounted for almost 64 per cent of sales, with the US and Chinese markets remaining popular.
The volume of fish transported overseas fell by 26 per cent, reflecting tight supplies globally and more Scottish salmon being sold in the UK domestic market – which is valued at around £1.2 billion-a-year.
During 2022, Scottish salmon celebrated the 30th anniversary of holding France’s prestigious ‘Label Rouge’ certification at the British embassy in Paris, while trade body Salmon Scotland was also welcomed into the global leading body for chefs, Worldchefs.
A university analysis also found that Scottish salmon is even more nutritious than thought – providing more than 70 per cent of daily vitamin D needs in a single portion.
Tavish Scott, chief executive of Salmon Scotland, said: “Scottish salmon is an extraordinary global success story that we can all be immensely proud of, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing hundreds of millions of pounds to the UK economy.
“With such pressure on public services during the cost-of-living crisis, the revenue generated by our farmers has never been more important.
“Scottish salmon, grown sustainably in the cold waters off our west coast, is recognised as the best in the world – which is why it is in such high international demand.
“Through responsible growth of the blue economy we can help feed the world, rearing one of the most nutritious foods that we can eat.
“Thank you to everyone involved from egg to plate for delivering such a successful year for Scottish salmon.”
Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “It is fantastic to see strong sales of Scottish salmon in 2022 and I want to congratulate everyone in the sector on another successful year.
“Scottish salmon is a world-renowned brand and its success is testament to the quality of Scottish salmon as a product.
“That is why we are committed to our ongoing work to encourage investment in research, development and innovation in Scotland’s aquaculture sector alongside robust management measures, so that consumers can continue to have confidence in the sustainability of Scottish seafood.
“Food and drink is one of our priority export sectors and the continued growth in global markets means more jobs and investment across Scotland.
“We will continue to engage with and listen to the Scottish salmon industry to understand how we can improve export opportunities and remove barriers to trade.”
Read more:
Scottish salmon has become UK’s biggest food export

The UK telecoms regulator has launched an investigation into the industry-wide practice of hitting broadband and mobile customers with inflation-busting price rises of up to 17% and could bring in tougher protections against hefty mid-contract increases.
Ofcom, which in December launched a separate investigation into the sales tactics used by telecoms companies, said it could intervene to ensure consumers struggling with the cost of living crisis have “greater clarity and certainty” over how much they are likely to pay over the course of their contract.
The UK’s biggest companies in the sector – including BT, EE, Vodafone, Virgin Media O2 and TalkTalk – are all preparing to implement above-inflation mid-contract price increases in the spring which mean they will make billions of pounds more annually.
The companies calculate the increases using various mechanisms, usually inflation measured by either the consumer prices index (CPI) or retail prices index (RPI) plus an extra increase on top of between 3.4% and 3.9%.
In December, the most common month for deciding the rate of rises for the following spring, the CPI was 10.5% while the RPI was 13.4%. This means that customers face increases of between 14% and more than 17% this year.
“We’re taking a thorough look at these types of contract terms to understand fully the extent to which customers truly know what they’re signing up to, and whether tougher protections are needed,” said Cristina Luna-Esteban, the director of telecoms consumer protection at Ofcom. “Customers need certainty and clarity about what they will pay over the course of their contract.”
Ofcom said research found that a third of UK mobile and broadband customers do not know that their provider can increase prices mid-contract. Of those that do know, about half have no idea how the rises are calculated. Nearly half of all telecoms customers do not know what CPI and RPI measure.
Most mobile and broadband companies added mid-contract price increase clauses in 2021, at a time when inflation was running at only 1.5%.
However, with the rate now running at a 40-year high, the rises have a significant impact on finances at a time when household budgets are being stretched by the cost of living crisis.
“Inflation-linked price rises can be unclear and unpredictable,” Luna-Esteban said. “So we’re concerned that providers are making it difficult for customers to know what to expect. At a time when household finances are already under significant strain, it is vital for customers to have sufficient certainty about the prices they will pay over the course of their contract. Even for those who do understand inflation and are aware of its current level, it is not possible for them to know what it will be in the future.”
The regulator said its review would assess whether tougher protections are needed, with its findings due to be published later this year.
Ofcom said consumer law did not prevent telecoms companies from implementing the practice, although it is not allowed in other utility sectors such as electricity and gas.
A few telecoms operators use other mechanisms such as giving customers 30 days’ notice of a price rise, with a right to leave for another provider penalty-free, while others specify fixed rates in contracts at the point of signing.
James Fredrickson, the policy director at the broadband firm Hyperoptic, said: “Customers should be made fully aware, from the beginning of their sales journey, of what they will have to pay for the length of their deal. There can be no more hiding behind small print. We’ll be proposing this principle in response to Ofcom’s review.”
The UK advertising watchdog launched its own investigation in September into whether telecoms companies were misleading consumers about inflation-busting bill increases when promoting deals in their marketing campaigns.
“At a time when household finances are already under significant strain, it is vital for customers to have sufficient certainty about the prices they will pay over the course of their contract,” said Ofcom. “Even for those who do understand inflation and are aware of its current level, it is not possible for them to know what it will be in the future.”
Read more:
UK watchdog to review inflation-busting rises on mobile and broadband bills

Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt will host some of the UK’s most prominent industry leaders on Friday as part of a drive to drum up fresh investment to revive the UK’s struggling economy.
The prime minister, who is expected to attend remotely, and the chancellor will address 200 business executives – including many of the 42 bosses from commerce and industry who sit on the UK Investment Council – with a focus on creating jobs in hi-tech sectors.
Council members include executives from Airbus, HSBC, Nestlé, Nissan and Hutchison Whampoa, which owns the 3 UK mobile telephone network. The head of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the outgoing Legal & General CEO Sir Nigel Wilson and Liv Garfield, the Severn Trent CEO are also expected to attend.
The government said the event would build on the success of the inaugural Global Investment Summit in October 2021, which brought together more than 170 chief executives “to showcase the UK’s commitment to green investment ahead of Cop26”.
Ministers said £9.7bn of new foreign investment was pledged on the day, “creating over 30,000 new jobs and supporting growth in vital sectors such as wind and hydrogen energy, sustainable homes, and carbon capture and storage”.
Lord Johnson, the investment minister, is expected to make a plea for firms to make the most of the UK’s low business taxes and high-skilled workforce.
Johnson, the former business partner of Jacob Rees-Mogg at his £7bn Somerset Capital Management investment fund, was sacked from his job as investment minister by Sunak when he took over from Liz Truss in November, only to be reinstated 44 days later.
The UK Investment Council was established in April 2021 under Lord Grimstone, the much-respected former Standard Life chair, who quit last summer when Boris Johnson was ousted as PM.
The council exists alongside another Boris Johnson initiative, the Green Jobs Delivery Group, which has been privately criticised by business groups for being a talking shop and lacking strategic direction.
A second investment summit this year is planned for October, which Sunak and Hunt will hope can boost Britain’s poor record of business investment since the 2016 Brexit vote.
Business investment fell in the year to October 2022 to leave the level spending on new equipment, machinery and IT systems 8% below its pre-pandemic level, according to the Bank of England and it is expected to fall again by 5.6% in 2023, the central bank said in its latest economic outlook.
The agenda for the discussion, which will be chaired by Lord Johnson, will focus on “how business and government [can] work together to encourage growth in the current economic climate”.
The meeting will come days after Sunak unveiled a shake-up of Whitehall departments that saw the promotion to secretary of state of Kemi Badenoch, at the newly created department of business and trade.
Read more:
Sunak and Hunt to host 200 UK industry leaders in investment push

NatWest has announced it will stop offering loans to new customers hoping to fund oil and gas exploration, extraction or production projects, as part of a wider climate transition plan due to be unveiled next week.
The banks’s chief executive, Alison Rose, said similar steps would be taken to phase out the same funding for existing customers, meaning the bank would refuse to renew, refinance or extend loans for upstream gas projects from the start of 2026.
“We want to ensure our capital is being used to support a transition while continuing to reduce the financing of harmful emissions,” Rose said.
“I hope this sends a strong signal that we are serious about ending the most harmful activity while financing the transition,” she added.
Rose made the announcement as she trailed the release of the bank’s first climate transition plan, which is due to be unveiled alongside the bank’s full-year results next Friday. The plan, which will be one of the first released by a UK bank, will give a sector-by-sector breakdown of how NatWest will halve the emissions created by the projects and companies it finances by 2030.
Rose said that the bank – which is still 48% owned by the UK government – would be “prioritising sectors with high emissions rates or balance sheet exposure values”.
However, the amount of carbon-heavy projects that NatWest funds as a proportion of its overall loan book is relatively small, accounting for 0.7% of its outstanding loans, worth about £3.3bn as of last year.
The NatWest boss also announced that the bank was launching a pilot project focused on demonstrating “that retrofitting homes at scale can be an achievable and affordable goal”.
It will involve partnering with a “coalition of landlords”, as well as Centrica and Schneider Electric, and focusing on improving the energy efficiency of social housing across the UK.
Rose said she was also in discussions with Airbnb on how to help hosts retrofit their homes through NatWest’s green loans – having invited Airbnb’s chief executive for Europe, Amanda Cupping, to her speech at the NatWest headquarters in London.
“I understand the cost of living is what most people are focused on, but I believe that cost of living concerns can lead to more and better action on tackling climate change,” Rose said. “The announcements I’ve made today are just the start of our activity in 2023 to tackle the climate crisis.
“I hope it shows good progress and the right intent and leaves you in no doubt that tackling climate change continues to be a major priority for this bank,” she added.
Meanwhile, Barclays is under fire for failing to provide the same pledges over its oil and gas funding.
A group of over 27 investors with $1.4tn (£1.1bn) in assets under management have written to Barclays, as well as four other European banks – BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole, Deutsche Bank and Société Général – urging them to stop directly financing new oil and gas fields by the end of this year.
The letter was signed by investors including the Midlands local government employee pension fund LGPS central, and the state-backed Nest pension fund and was coordinated by climate campaign group ShareAction. It comes nearly a year after 20% of Barclays shareholders rejected its climate strategy at the 2022 AGM.
Barclays defended its climate track record, including its intention to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and said it could “make the greatest difference” by working with customers to transition to a low-carbon economy. “We are in regular dialogue with many stakeholders, including ShareAction, on climate and broader sustainability topics and we value their ongoing thoughtful engagement.”
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NatWest to end new business loans for oil and gas extraction

New research suggesting the self-employed sector’s contribution to the UK economy fell by an estimated £25bn in 2022 is a “wake up call” for government to change course on its agenda for the nation’s smallest businesses, the UK’s freelancer trade body has said.
The findings, released today by IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed), suggest that whilst the solo self-employed population remained stable at 4.1 million in 2022, the sector’s economic contribution plunged by an estimated £25bn to a total of £278bn – an 8 per cent contraction compared to 2021.
The figures come as IPSE launches the latest edition of its ‘Self-Employed Landscape’ report, which tracks both the Office for National Statistics’ Labour Force Survey and the government’s own business population and turnover estimates, to estimate the economic contribution of the solo self-employed. The report provides a yearly snapshot of the sector and reviews the size, make-up, and overall contribution of the those who work for themselves.
Despite the fall in the sector’s economic contribution, the 2022 Self-Employed Landscape report yielded positive news for groups underrepresented in the workforce. The self-employed disabled population continued its trend of year-on-year growth since 2013, increasing by 42 per cent during this time, whilst the number of working mothers in self-employment has increased by 55 per cent since 2008 – the latter now accounting for 13 per cent of the solo self-employed workforce.
The average age of the UK’s solo self-employed is now 48 years old – one year older than 2021 – with the 60+ age bracket growing by 7 per cent in 2022, more than any other age group, to account for a fifth (21%) of the solo self-employed population.
Andy Chamberlain, Director of Policy of IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed), said: “Whilst the self-employed population has been resilient at best – and stagnant at worst – it is very concerning that the sector’s economic contribution has fallen by £25bn, pointing to a less rewarding operating environment for solo business owners.
“This research should act as a wake-up call to government. Policies which are detrimental to the sector, such as the IR35 rules and the VAT threshold acting as a cap on activity, should be reviewed.
We know that self-employment is an attractive option for key groups, particularly older workers; if government is serious about growing the economy and tempting them out of economic inactivity, it should be doing all it can to make self-employment an attractive and aspirational option.”
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One of Britain’s biggest investment platforms has added its voice to a campaign to scrap stamp duty on investment trust share purchases after calculating that its clients alone had paid £30 million in the tax over the past three years.
Interactive Investor, which has about 400,000 clients, called the levy on investment trusts “anti-competitive and unfair” and it wants Jeremy Hunt to change the rules in the budget next month.
Investment trusts argue that the tax is unfair because it is not imposed on rival investment products, such as funds, and because investment trusts have already paid it once when buying the underlying shares they own.
Richard Wilson, chief executive of Interactive, said his clients buying investment trusts had paid an average of £102 each in the duty last year. “It’s time for the government to level the playing field and recognise that, like funds, investment trusts are a thriving part of the collective investment universe. They have been powering Isa and pension portfolios for generations.”
Stamp duty of 0.5 per cent is levied on all UK share purchases, including investment trusts, but open-ended funds and exchange traded funds are exempt from the levy. Investment trusts are listed entities with independent boards that invest in other companies’ shares and are popular with private investors. They include Scottish Mortgage and F&C, the FTSE 100 companies, and have about £263 billion in assets.
Richard Stone, chief executive of the Association of Investment Companies, which represents most trusts, said: “The current approach taxes investors twice. This double-dipping is normally avoided by policymakers and should be in this case.”
Last month MPs on the Treasury select committee argued for equal treatment of investment trusts because they were better vehicles than open-ended funds to hold illiquid assets, such as infrastructure and green energy assets.
Andrew Griffith, economic secretary to the Treasury, told them: “One always aspires to a level playing field. I am learning rapidly that these things are never quite as simple as we seek, but I understand that point and will take that forward.”
Interactive clients have on average about 22 per cent of their portfolios invested in investment trusts and 21 per cent invested in funds.
Interactive is owned by Abrdn, which manages several large investment trusts, including Murray International, Murray Income and UK Commercial Property Reit.
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British-based employees are expected to bear the brunt of hundreds of job cuts at Deliveroo.
Will Shu, the delivery group’s chief executive and founder, told staff yesterday that it would cut 9 per cent, or about 350 jobs, at all levels, but the redundancies would not include riders who deliver its takeaways. They are self-employed.
In a blog post, Shu said the job cuts were one of the hardest things he had ever done and he took responsibility for overhiring. “In recent years we grew our headcount very quickly,” he wrote. “This was a response to unprecedented growth rates supported by Covid-related tailwinds. By contrast, we now face serious and unforeseen economic headwinds. We have also recently exited markets, meaning we do not require the same size workforce to support our operations. Quite bluntly, our fixed cost base is too big for our business.”
The final number of jobs lost may be closer to 300 as the company aims to redeploy 50 people if possible.
Deliveroo thrived during the pandemic, which drove demand for its services as lockdowns kept people at home. This has reversed as restrictions have been eased.
Deliveroo was founded in London in 2013 by Shu and Greg Orlowski, both 43. It works with about 176,000 restaurants and grocery partners, deploying about 150,000 riders to deliver food to customers, operating in ten markets including France, Hong Kong and Italy.
The number of technology sector workers who have lost their jobs so far this year is more than 98,000. Alphabet, Amazon, Meta and Spotify have all announced redundancies recently.
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