Business

Can we afford to be afraid of nuclear power? | Energy

Published

2 days ago

July 6, 2025

Money can buy comfort, but energy makes comfort possible in the first place. Energy is the great enabler of the modern world. It connects the globe by moving people and hauling goods. It loosens the grip of the weather by warming our homes in winter and cooling them in summer. It forges the steel that raises our cities and synthesises the fertilisers that keep half the world’s population from starvation. It increasingly empowers us by electrifying the technologies we rely on daily.

It is also the great enabler of socioeconomic development. Monetary wealth and energy abundance move in lockstep: plot a graph of GDP per capita against energy consumption per capita, and you’ll draw a straight line. Low-energy, high-income nations do not exist. Prosperity and energy are inseparable; you cannot have one without the other.

Sure, GDP per capita isn’t a perfect measure of socioeconomic development. It says nothing about how evenly that wealth is distributed, for instance. But it remains an excellent barometer, and one that all nations actively strive to raise, particularly less wealthy ones.

Today, 700 million people live in extreme poverty (defined as living on less than $2.15 per day). They won’t climb out of it without access to more energy. Making as much energy as possible available to as many people as possible ought to be a defining goal of the 21st century.

But there is an elephant in the room: the climate emergency. Our energy supply is responsible for three-quarters of our global greenhouse gas emissions. Plot a second graph, this time of carbon emissions per capita against energy consumption per capita: you’ll draw another straight line. So, how do we promote energy abundance and the prosperity it enables without sacrificing the natural environment?

The answer is not to use less energy. Only a handful of countries – the UK, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark and the USA, for example – have managed to decouple GDP from energy. They’ve grown richer over the past few decades, even though their energy consumption per capita has flatlined or even declined. But these countries are outliers: rich, highly developed economies with infrastructure already in place. For the vast majority, the link between energy and prosperity remains unbroken. Denying the developing world access to abundant energy would be a profound moral failure, not to mention an act of breathtaking hypocrisy. The answer is not less energy, but cleaner energy, and more of it.

Wind and solar power are often offered as the solutions. But their power is intermittent, energy industry jargon for “unreliable”. They’re fundamentally constrained by meteorology and celestial mechanics: wind turbines falter on still days, and solar panels don’t work on the side of the Earth facing away from the sun (colloquially called “night-time”). I would love to live in a world where wind and solar alone could replace fossil fuels, but there’s no beating the laws of physics.

Elaborate backup systems won’t cut it, either. Pumped-storage hydroelectricity – which represents 95% of the world’s electricity backup capacity – and batteries discharge in minutes and hours. Yet wind and solar falter for days and weeks at a time. To replace fossil fuels and support renewables, we need something that’s always on, potent and, crucially, emissions-free.

Nuclear reactors meet these ideals. They’re dispatchable, industry parlance for reliable. A single one generates enough electricity to power the lives of 2 million average Europeans, even after accounting for downtime and maintenance. And they don’t emit carbon dioxide.

“But doesn’t nuclear take too long to build?!” Not necessarily. Between 1973 and 1999 France built 56 nuclear reactors with a median construction time of just six years, cutting the fossil fuel share of electricity in its grid from 65% to less than 10%. (Incidentally, France’s GDP per capita rose by 58% over the same period.)

It’s true that sluggish build times torment the west today. Flamanville 3, France’s first and only reactor of the 21st century so far, was supposed to take five years to build but ended up taking 17. Hinkley Point C – the UK’s first since 1995 – is still a construction site seven years after breaking ground; the British government recently announced another power station – Sizewell C – will be online by the mid-2030s, but many fear the actual completion date will recede quickly into the future. Across Europe, the median build time since the year 2000 has dragged out to almost a decade. But it’s not a problem with nuclear power per se; it’s a symptom of the west’s chronic inability to deliver large pieces of infrastructure, an ailment that affects everything from laying high-speed railway lines, to building new housing estates, to filling in potholes.

By contrast, rapid build times remain the norm in other parts of the world. China’s median build-time since 2000 is five years and 10 months; South Korea’s is six. The delays experienced by the west are regulatory and managerial failures, not technological ones.

There’s also a perception that nuclear power is dangerous, yet the data show it’s as safe as wind and solar. People believe that it’s expensive, yet the International Energy Agency finds it to be “the least cost option for low-carbon generation”. Perhaps it’s bad for the environment? Well, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe concludes it has the lightest ecological burden of any power source. And how on earth do you solve the problem of nuclear waste? Finland – with a grid that’s 40% nuclear – has a working geological storage solution.

In fact, nuclear power’s biggest obstacle is its terrible PR. It’s the bogeyman of the energy world, but like all bogeymen, the reality is rather different. It’s a tragedy that we’ve been splitting atoms in nuclear power stations for longer than we’ve known we were causing the climate to change.

Solving the energy problem solves a tangle of others: economic, humanitarian and environmental. I envisage a future where nuclear reactors – complemented by wind turbines and solar panels – power the world. A future where clean, constant and plentiful energy awaits, and where prosperity doesn’t cost the earth.

Tim Gregory is a nuclear chemist at the UK National Nuclear Laboratory and author of Going Nuclear: How the Atom Will Save the World (Bodley Head).

Three ways you can make AI generate business leads for you

Published

1 hour ago

July 8, 2025

Sharon Zeev Poole

For quite a while now, people within the business community have been talking about how AI continues to improve task efficiency and streamline operations, but few are truly exploring how this new era is affecting new business lead generation.

Since opening Agent99’s doors 18 years ago, part of my new business strategy has simply been to ask people how they found us. The majority of our leads come through referrals, followed by Google. However, just last week, I was on two new business calls and when I asked both prospects how they came across Agent99, they gave the same surprising response: “by asking ChatGPT”.

Where consumers and clients once relied on Google for recommendations, be it agencies, restaurants, dry cleaners, or anything in between, that’s no longer the default.

Today, people are entering these same queries into AI tools and expecting real-time, curated answers based on a mix of web data, reviews, and sentiment. And this shift has caught many business owners off guard. A high Google ranking no longer guarantees your business will be visible or recommended through AI platforms. All that work on your SEO strategy? It’s no longer the only game in town.

This was a light bulb moment for me as a business owner. If you’re not thinking about how you rank on AI platforms and prioritising this, you’re losing new business opportunities.

When I took a deeper look at why we were ranking so well on ChatGPT, and how this new kind of ‘search engine’ prioritises content, I realised (after some thorough research) that it’s because we’ve consistently focussed on our own PR (ie third party credible endorsement), winning awards, garnering reviews from our clients, and reporting on our marketing campaigns on our own website blog and social pages. This is what AI platforms prioritise when making recommendations.

So, if you’ve noticed a dip in leads lately or you simply want to boost your company’s visibility in the AI space, here are three strategies I strongly recommend.

Make your SEO plan AI-friendly

It’s no longer enough to optimise your company website for Google alone. Instead of short, Boolean-style search queries, people are now asking long-form, conversational questions. And in response, tools like ChatGPT are generating concise, curated answers drawn from a wide range of sources — with a clear preference for natural, human-sounding language.

It might seem ironic that AI prefers human content, but it’s the new reality.

To match this, we recommend rewriting key pages on your website, starting with your ‘About’, ‘Services’ and ‘Home’ pages, using language that mirrors how real people would ask for your services in everyday conversation.

For example, instead of writing: “We deliver integrated management solutions,” try: “We help Australian businesses develop management strategies that support sustainable growth”.

If relevant, start a blog that directly answers the kinds of questions people might be asking ChatGPT, and think carefully about how they’re asking them. Once you’ve mapped out your content strategy, commit to publishing consistently. AI platforms favour businesses that post regularly and demonstrate long-term authority in their field.

Prioritise earned media and content

AI tools place more weight on what others say about your business than what you say about yourself. So, while your website content is important, the next priority is securing earned media coverage. This includes article mentions in credible publications and thought leadership content in niche outlets relevant to your industry.

While the media landscape has evolved, organic coverage on high-authority platforms still carries serious influence. That includes local business media, trade publications, and long-form podcasts — especially those with strong digital footprints. A single mention in a well-respected outlet often holds more weight than a dozen paid ads in the eyes of AI.

You should also be submitting your business for awards, rankings, and “Best of” lists. Third-party recognition like “Top PR Agencies in Australia” or “Best Accountants in Melbourne” dramatically increases your chances of being recommended by AI tools for those search terms.

Lastly, make sure you’re actively collecting client testimonials and online reviews. Reach out to past and current clients and ask for a testimonial you can publish. Genuine, positive sentiment from others boosts your ranking and trust level within AI results.

Show up where conversations are happening

A lesser-known — but highly effective — way to improve your AI visibility is by showing up where your audience is already talking. Think Reddit, Quora, LinkedIn comments, Facebook groups, and even the comment sections of popular blogs or YouTube videos. AI tools are constantly crawling and learning from these conversations, and businesses that participate meaningfully often see a lift in visibility.

Start by choosing two or three platforms where your target audience is most active. If you’re B2B, this might be LinkedIn or industry forums. If you’re more consumer-facing, Reddit, TikTok, or Facebook might be the place. Jump in, answer questions, share your perspective, and most importantly, offer value.

When your brand is mentioned organically or involved in high-engagement threads, it sends strong signals to AI tools. Over time, this can help position your business as a credible authority in your space.

Also, respond to users who tag or mention your brand on social platforms. Engaging with user-generated content builds trust, encourages loyalty, and creates digital breadcrumbs that prove your relevance and responsiveness — two factors that AI prioritises more than ever.

AI isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how consumers discover and choose businesses.

Rather than fearing this new giant in the room, lean in. By understanding how AI platforms work and proactively shaping your digital footprint, you’ll improve your ability to attract quality leads, earn recommendations, and strengthen your brand presence in what’s becoming an increasingly competitive and complex market.

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Business

Maternity brand Seraphine worn by Kate enters administration

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Michael Race

The maternity fashion retailer Seraphine, whose clothes were worn by the Princess of Wales during her three pregnancies, has ceased trading and entered administration.

Consultancy firm Interpath confirmed to the BBC on Monday that it had been appointed as administrators by the company and that the “majority” of its 95 staff had been made redundant.

It said the brand had experienced “trading challenges” in recent times with sales being hit by “fragile consumer confidence”.

The fashion retailer was founded in 2002, but perhaps hit its peak when Catherine wore its maternity clothes on several occasions, leading to items quickly selling out.

Prior to the confirmation that administrators had been appointed, which was first reported by the Financial Times, Seraphine’s website was offering discounts on items as big as 60%. Its site now appears to be inaccessible to shoppers.

The main job of administration is to save the company, and administrators will try to rescue it by selling it, or parts of it. If that is not possible it will be closed down and all its saleable assets sold.

Will Wright, UK chief executive of Interpath, said economic challenges such as “rising costs and brittle consumer confidence” had proved “too challenging to overcome” for Seraphine.

Interpath said options are now being explored for the business and its assets, including the Seraphine brand.

The retailer’s flagship store was in Kensington High Street, London, but other well-known shops, such as John Lewis and Next, also stocked its goods.

The rise in popularity of Seraphine, driven in part by Royalty wearing its clothes, led to the company listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2021, before being taking back into private ownership in 2023.

Interpath said in April this year, the company “relaunched its brand identity, with a renewed focus on form, function and fit”.

“However, with pressure on cashflow continuing to mount, the directors of the business sought to undertake an accelerated review of their investment options, including exploring options for sale and refinance,” a statement said.

“Sadly, with no solvent options available, the directors then took the difficult decision to file for the appointment of administrators.”

Staff made redundant as a result of the company’s downfall are to be supported making claims to the redundancy payments service, Interpath added.

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Business

Landmark day for victims as initial findings expected

Published

2 hours ago

July 7, 2025

Emma Simpson and Mitchell Labiak

Tuesday will mark another big milestone in the long road to justice for the victims of the Post Office IT scandal.

The chair of the inquiry into it – Sir Wyn Williams – will publish the first part of his final report, focusing on compensation and the human impact of the scandal.

Thousands of sub-postmasters were wrongly blamed for financial losses from the Post Office’s faulty Horizon computer system, which was developed by Fujitsu.

More than 900 people were prosecuted and 236 were sent to prison in what is believed to be one of the biggest miscarriages of justices in UK history.

Sir Wyn put those victims at the heart of the inquiry’s work, which has pored over several decades worth of technical evidence and grilled many of those who had a role in ruining so many lives.

Dozens of sub-postmasters gave evidence too – many who had lost their businesses, their homes and some who served prison sentences.

Sir Wyn’s findings on their treatment will surely be damning given everything he has heard since the inquiry began in 2022.

The inquiry became almost box office viewing – racking up more than 20 million views on YouTube, with people with no connection to the Post Office following it closely.

However, it is going to be months before we find out who Sir Wyn will point the finger of blame at.

That will come in part two of the report, meaning that accountability is still a long way off.

Sir Wyn has taken a big interest in compensation for the victims, admitting at one point that he’d stretched his terms of reference on the issue, “perhaps beyond breaking point”.

He held four separate hearings on redress and issued an interim report in 2023, likening the various schemes to a “patchwork quilt with a few holes in it”.

Victims and their legal representatives still battling to secure final payouts will be looking to see what his conclusions are on compensation and whether it is living up to the mantra of being full and fair.

They hope his recommendations will result in more action.

Still, you might be wondering why we’re only getting the first part of the final report.

Sir Wyn knows how pressing compensation is to many of the victims and that’s why he wants to publish his recommendations on the issue as soon as possible.

“It’s something I am very keen to say as much about as I reasonably can,” he told the inquiry last year.

But the implication from this is that part two – establishing what happened and who is to blame – isn’t coming out any time soon.

This second report may not be published until 2026 given the sheer volume and complexity of the evidence as well as the need to give those who are criticised the chance to respond.

As for justice, any criminal trials may not start until 2028. Police investigating the scandal confirmed last month that files won’t be handed to prosecutors until after the final inquiry report is published.

After years of waiting, even after part one of Sir Wyn’s report is published, the sub-postmasters’ long road to justice will continue.

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