First Friday tries to secure speakers of interest, speakers who can help us influence our decision making in our own businesses, and speakers who we may not have contact within our normal capacities or roles.

Given the current economic situation, we have secured a relevant speaker.

The Bank of England has twelve agencies around the UK with some 600-700 business contacts each, representing their region's economic profile. They also liaise closely with key business groups such as the Chambers of Commerce and CBI. Agents analyse the confidential information contacts provide to them and report their assessment to the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee each month to help build a picture of overall business conditions. A summary of the overall assessment is published monthly. For contacts, the Agents in turn explain the Bank's view of the UK economy and outlook as well as arranging for Committee members themselves to meet with them and explain their monthly interest rate decisions at first-hand. 

Chris Piper joined the Bank of England in 1975. From 1996-2000 he helped establish the new Agency for Wales as the Bank's Deputy Agent for Wales. During 2000-2003 he contributed towards the development of support for the monetary policy process specialising in IT and business process improvement. Most recently he has been a member of the Bank's Senior Management as CIO and Head of Information Systems and Technology Division.

Chris joined us in 2008, at the start of the downturn and re-joins us now to tell us how good it will be in 2012!

Please click below to reserve your place asap at a lunch that we expect to sell out quickly!

The menu choices are - CHICKEN - breast of chicken stuffed with brie, wrapped in bacon with a creamy pesto sauce, or- SALMON FISHCAKES - served with a light chive sauce