Bets are on for pro.manchester’s Big Economics Debate as fears over interest rates rise

THE bets may already be in for the David Haye/Audley Harrison clash this Saturday but a showdown of a different type is landing in the city soon.

pro.manchester, the membership organisation for the financial and professional services sector, is hosting its first Big Economics Debate on November 23 with spectators promised a head-to-head debate like no other.

John Ashcroft, chief executive of pro.manchester will face Michael Dicks, managing director and chief economist of Barclays Wealth, to debate prospects for the UK economy and the future direction of interest rates.

Andy Bounds, North of England correspondent for the Financial Times, will mediate the debate and ensure everyone gets their say.John Ashcroft said: “This is the first debate of its kind in Manchester and we are looking forward to a lively and stimulating debate.

“This year I have long talked of a strong recovery with persistent inflation and fears interest rates will have to rise and soon. Growth in 2011 year will be above trend with a strong recovery in world trade with obvious implications for interest rates. Michael on the other hand anticipates low 1% GDP growth with subdued inflation, low interest rates and the launch of QE2 to ease the pain. Both can’t be right. It will be a great exchange of views”

Joining Barclays Wealth in 2007, Michael is responsible for running a 40-strong research team responsible for analysing and forecasting global economic developments. He joined from Lehman Brothers, where he was Chief European Economist.
Once named as ‘one of Thatcher’s favourite businessmen’ John was one of the leading entrepreneurs of the 1980s. As a visiting professor at MMU Business School, he specialises in business, economic and financial modeling and is a close friend of Andrew Sentence, the only hawk on the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee.

The Big Economics Debate takes place between 6pm and 8.30pm on Tuesday, November 23 at The Lowry Hotel.
Light refreshments will be available to attendees.
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