Miscellaneous

The coronavirus pandemic thrust the UK’s public sector and key workers into the spotlight last year. Clap for Carers captured the nation’s imagination, proving a moment of unity during the bleakest months of 2020. While the phenomenon rightly paid tribute to the NHS, our schools did not receive the same outpouring of support. In particular, the people underpinning vital school operations and communications across the UK received nary a mention. The unsung heroes of our schools — the school business managers, bursars and administrative teams. So what are SBM roles? If a headteacher is the brain of a school, the admin team is the heart that keeps the blood pumping

Sustainable investing has entered into the mainstream. With issues such as climate change and plastic pollution dominating the headlines, many investors are now much more aware of how their money is being put to use and want to align this with their values. But when it comes actually to investing sustainably, it can be difficult to know where to start. The problem is made worse by the multitude of funds now proclaiming sustainability credentials — the so-called ‘greenwashing’ effect. Fortunately, legislation coming soon should bring greater clarity for investors on this issue, but we believe there are some other, simple steps to help gauge a fund’s commitment to sustainability: Sustainability

White to play and win. E. Pogosjants, Shakhmaty v SSSR 1976. Promoting the a-pawn allows Black a perpetual check. Which move wins the game? Answers should be emailed to chess@spectator.co.uk by Monday 30 December. There is a prize of £20 for the first correct answer out of a hat. Please include a postal address and allow six weeks for prize delivery. Last week’s solution 1 Qa8! If 1…Ra1 2 Qxa1#, while any knight moves are met with Ne2# or Nd3#. Last week’s winner Mark Snell, Hove, Sussex

What seems like an age ago, the Conservatives swept to victory with a stonking majority on a wave of Red Wall seats turning blue, backed by the promise to level up the country. Less than a year on, questions are being asked about whether those promises — like reopening rail lines closed by Dr Beeching — are affordable when Covid-19 has forced public borrowing through the roof. The answers lie in prioritising investments on the basis of how well they level up Britain, and in cutting red tape and enabling private financing to deliver more for less. That way we can stimulate the jobs and post-Brexit growth which will power

In March, the rhinos, gorillas and other exotic animals at the Aspinall Foundation’s wildlife parks were looking forward to thousands of people visiting them during the Easter holidays and summer months. Instead, Covid-19 forced the parks to close, leaving the owners with more than 1,300 animals to feed and care for, but no income with which to do so. Fortunately, the Aspinall Foundation was able to turn to their Relationship Director at Barclays, who understood their business and approved a £2 million loan through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) to help them through this very difficult period. Hundreds of thousands of UK businesses found themselves in similar situations,

As I write, the UK has spent more than six months battling a virus which has led to the greatest upheaval and disruption to our daily lives in modern times. Its course and longevity remains unpredictable, and ominously the full impact on our societies and economy is unknown. Managing extraordinary events does inevitably force new and innovative thinking, accelerates novel technologies and helps us realise our strengths. In this environment, decisions made now could set the path for the UK’s place in the world and our prosperity for decades to come. We need to think carefully about how best to future-proof and grow our economy for the long-term. As we

In June 2020, which 85 year-old woman became British Vogue magazine’s oldest-ever cover star? – Dame Judi Dench The first world leader Donald Trump spoke to after being elected US President was the President of Egypt. Trump informed Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi of his love of which pop group? – The Bangles. Trump said: ‘I love the Bangles – you know that song, “Walk Like An Egyptian”?’ Which name was given to 118 female babies in England and Wales in 2019, down from 301 the year before? The fall may have been due to technological reasons. – Alexa In January 2020, which footballer became the highest overseas (as opposed to British) goalscorer in the

As the UK government carefully considers measures to assist a programme of economic recovery from the impact of Covid-19, BAE Systems and companies across the UK’s combat air sector are continuing to recruit and train staff and develop leading-edge technologies in collaboration with our boldest and brightest minds across industry and universities. This is in support of Tempest – our vision to deliver the most ambitious combat air programme in living memory. The UK’s combat air sector is a vital element of our economy. It has a turnover in excess of £6 billion a year and accounts for more than 80 per cent of defence exports over the past decade.

Exclusively available to Spectator subscribers throughout June & July (or until stocks last) is this mixed box containing three bottles of Chapel Down Brut NV and three bottles of 2019 Chapel Down Sparkling Bacchus at £120 including delivery (usually retailing at £132).

Forman and Field are offering our subscribers an extra 10% discount on their two delightful Father’s Day Hampers – one includes beer, a Pork Pie, Picallili and dried snacks while the other is their ‘Triple Smoke Hamper’ and includes their London Cure Smoked Salmon, James Eadie Whisky and smoked water. Use the code spectator10 at checkout.

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This week, The Spectator proudly becomes the first magazine in history to produce its 10,000th issue. To celebrate, we’re offering readers the chance to win one of 50 commemorative Spectator tea towels.Enter now Winners will be notified on 20 May. Terms and Conditions.