Beyond the Bottom Line

What society expects from business is evolving rapidly. Beyond providing returns to shareholders, businesses play a critical systemic role in the development of society and guardianship of the global environment. For many, this is unchartered territory. Success will come only if we continue to discuss and debate some of the most pressing questions, such as what is the purpose of business? Do investors hold the key to a sustainable future? And what does it mean to have purpose that goes beyond the boardroom?

Are you ready to go Beyond the Bottom Line?

Company responses to Ofwat’s slow-track draft determinations

September 2019

Introduction Water companies have recently responded to Ofwat’s slow-track draft determinations (DD). The key themes from those responses can be put into three key categories:cost assessment; financial issues; outcome targets.Cost assessment While supportive in certain areas, a number of companies...

What is the purpose of business?

September 2019

Beyond the Bottom Line

September 2019

Letter from the editor

August 2019

Blinded by the sun: the future of renewables disputes

August 2019

The deployment of renewable energy technologies looks set to continue to grow. However, it can be challenging to integrate these technologies into existing policy frameworks and energy systems. Renewables have also been prone to legal disputes, as illustrated by recent cases brought against the Spanish government. As such disputes become more commonplace, a range of economic, financial and public policy issues will need to be examined

New kid (needed) on the block? Vertical Block Exemption Regulation in the digital age

August 2019

The recent rise of ecommerce has triggered debate around vertical agreements between suppliers and distributors/retailers. Against this backdrop, is the European Commission’s current Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (VBER) still fit for purpose, or should it be revised? Do its Guidelines on Vertical Restraints (VGL) also need to change? Drawing on Oxera’s response to the Commission’s 2019 consultation, we discuss a few areas where revision and further guidance might be welcome

Women in Economics

‘There was a time when women in the economy, women in employment, women in finance were not seen as macro-critical. That’s no longer the case.’

Those are the words of Christine Lagarde, IMF Managing Director, ahead of International Women’s Day. It’s true, as Lagarde observes, that the landscape is changing. But is gender balance happening quickly enough?

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