Dear Member
 
Tonight we are holding our “seminar type” event with Jonathan Price, Chief Economist with WAG - the purpose of the evening is to explore both myths and realities about the economy in Wales. The intention is to make the session interactive and informal, structured around a quiz but with the opportunity to discuss where we think the economy in Wales is now, where it may be heading, and what, if anything, we can do about it.
 
We have, disappointingly, had a number of last minute cancellations so I would welcome some replacements. Please email me on Robert.john@rllj.com if you are able to come.
 
 
The location is: Macfarlanes, 20 Cursitor Street ,London, EC4A 1LT.
 
 
The evening starts at 18.00 (we will start the formal part about 18.15) and end around 20.00
 
·        We are targeting to have about 30 people there

·        It will be led by Jonathan Price, Chief Economist of WAG.  As noted I hope that the Permanent Secretary, Dame Gillian Morgan, will also join us but that depends, perhaps inevitably, on whether she gets “called” to issues in Cardiff.

·        The intention, subject to the technology working, is for us to have the ability to vote on specific questions.  Jonathan will have two screens operating so not only will we be able to discuss the issues covered but vote on them and even (if it works!) see the results.
 
I imagine that the formal part of the evening will last for about, or just over, an hour, which should give us some time at the end to continue the discussion over a drink (courtesy of Macfarlanes).
 
For those who have the time or inclination you might want to look at the recently published Economic Policy Review (http://wales.gov.uk/docs/det/report/100705anewdirectionen.pdf>) and, as mentioned in my April newsletter, the UWIC UK Competitiveness Index, which you can find by googling the title.
 
We will charge a nominal £10 for this and if you haven’t sent money already you can give me a cheque on the evening.
 
Robert