Webinar - Riding the Rapids: Searching for Growth in an Increasingly Fractious World - NEW
*Exclusive to Henley Partnership members*
Join us for a rundown on the biggest issues shaping the global economic and political scene, and a focus on how those will weigh on prospects for the UK. The session will provide a perspective, but also the opportunity for debate and questions.

Event information | |
---|---|
Date | 25 November 2025 |
Time | 14:00-16:00 (Timezone: Europe/London) |
Price | Exclusive to members of The Henley Partnership *Up to 50 Places* |
Venue | Online |
Event types: |
How do I book?
This event is exclusive to members of The Henley Partnership.
To book please contact your HR or Learning and Development team at your organisation.
Unsure who to contact? Please do not hesitate to contact us at thp@henley.ac.uk
Description
This session will examine the economic and political prospects for the major countries and regions of the world in 2026. Can the new US government succeed in kickstarting an era of more rapid growth? Can Europe overcome its ageing population and low public investment by galvanising private enterprise? Can China balance political control over its people with the desire for greater wealth creation? Or will these economic questions fade in the light of the growing geopolitical challenges posed by Russia’s aggression, North Korea’s fragility and China’s coveting of Taiwan.
And what does all this mean for Britain? A year into a new Government with a new policy approach, can we expect the green shoots of a productivity renaissance? Or will the problems of crumbling infrastructure, weak business investment and a shrinking labour force resist the best efforts of a new political regime? Which sectors look likely to do well, and which will be held back?
Join us for a rundown on the biggest issues shaping the global economic and political scene, and a focus on how those will weigh on prospects for the UK. The session will provide a perspective, but also the opportunity for debate and questions.
In 2026 the US will celebrate the 250th anniversary of US independence. Those years were marked by an inexorable, if bumpy, rise to global economic, political and military dominance. For most of us, our professional lives have been defined by the global order the US created: free trade, international investment, competition, the rule of law. However, that order seems to be breaking down. Other countries are defining their own rules of international engagement, where business serves political ends and the benefits of globalised commerce now have to be offset against rising risks. Yet, looking inwards is no answer: growth at home seems harder to come by, as ageing populations, rising government debt and failing infrastructure crimp demand.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the session, you will:
- have a good understanding of the geopolitical forces which are buffeting key countries and regions across the world
- have a good understanding of how those geopolitical challenges will shape economic policy and prospects in the world’s major countries
- know where the global and regional economic hotspots are likely to be in 2026
- have a good understanding about the likely policy direction in the UK and how that will affect economic growth
- understand how heightened security risks could drive economic and business outcomes
- have a broad sense of the big long-term issues which will shape the world over the coming 10 to 20 years
- be able to talk confidently about the impact these issues will have on your industry and business
Who this is for
For leaders and managers who want to take a broad, macro-economic view of the world, who want to understand the geo-political issues which will impact business and consider what that means for their organisation.
Robin Bew

Robin is a seasoned economist and business leader who can engage with audiences on international economic, political and business developments and relate them to company growth strategy and team development.
Based in London, Robin initially worked as an economist for HM Treasury, before moving to The Economist Group. He spent 18 years in senior editorial leadership roles with The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the research and consulting division of the business. These included Editorial Director, responsible for Group-wide B2B research and analysis, EIU Chief Economist, and Head of Global Forecasting. During this time, Robin advised companies and governments on their strategy in the face of economic and political developments, working across Europe, the US, Asia and the Middle East. He also appeared regularly in print and broadcast media.
For his final nine years at The Economist Group, Robin was Global Managing Director (CEO) of the EIU. He was responsible for the commercial success of the business, setting company strategy, including the execution of organic developments and several acquisitions. He led a team of 500 people, spread out in offices from New York to Beijing.
Robin now lectures, gives speeches and undertakes consultancy work.

*Up to 50 places per member organisation. 'Up to' indicates the maximum number per member organisation. All places are subject to availability at the time of booking.*
Contact us
The Henley Partnership
Talk to the team about membership - request a call or ask us a question at:
Email: thp@henley.ac.ukYou might also like
The International Coaching Federation presents on membership, credentialing and the new ACC exam - Don Whittle & Kate Jayes
IBS Lunchtime Research Seminar - Right- and Left-Wing Populist Ideologies, Cultural Backlash, and Firm Investment Decisions
17 Feb Insight Session - Senior Leader Apprenticeship | Future Leaders
This site uses cookies to improve your user experience. By using this site you agree to these cookies being set. You can read more about what cookies we use here. If you do not wish to accept cookies from this site please either disable cookies or refrain from using the site.