We at ESU Scotland were very excited at being given the opportunity to host the last World Members’ Conference in Edinburgh in September 2008. Over 250 delegates from 31 countries attended.
Baillie Gifford is delighted to be sponsoring the English-Speaking Union’s John
Smith Memorial Mace, helping to promote the effective use of English to assist in
international communications, as well as helping to improve international understanding
through improved understanding of current affairs and different cultural
views.
Debating is often an important part of business communication and decision making,
especially in the investment management sector. Investment Managers need to
think laterally and broadly so opinions can be formed considering various options.
A group of investment managers will often have a wide range of views and debating
allows them to explore their differing opinions and enlighten each other’s perspectives.
In fact, many professions are keen to recruit people who are well versed in
the art of debating – the ability to construct a persuasive argument, having confidence
to speak in front of others, responding to different viewpoints and being able
to ‘think on your feet’.
Baillie Gifford is an independent investment management firm currently managing
over Ł70 billion worth of client funds. We manage investments globally for
pension funds, institutions, charities and retail investors. The company is wholly
owned by its 35 working partners and has significantly developed its business over
the last number of years through organic growth without the need for merging or
acquiring and is committed to remaining independent.