Frances Cairncross is one of the UK’s most respected economic commentators. Formerly Management Editor of The Economist (for whom she wrote for 20 years), she has held senior positions at The Times, The Banker, The Observer and The Guardian. Her broad-based knowledge of economics encompasses environmental change, the internet and... Read more
Frances Cairncross is one of the UK’s most respected economic commentators. Formerly Management Editor of The Economist (for whom she wrote for 20 years), she has held senior positions at The Times, The Banker, The Observer and The Guardian. Her broad-based knowledge of economics encompasses environmental change, the internet and mass communications.
Frances draws on a wealth of experience and research to provide insightful and practical assessments of the economic scene and what the future holds for business. As well as an overview of the macroeconomic and global scenes, she examines the forces that will shape twenty-first century businesses and economies. Her book on the subject, The Company of the Future, won her the Institute of Internal Auditors’ award for business and management journalism.
Considering key issues which have the potential to affect business, politics and society, Frances also looks at the internet and the global communications revolution, which she examined in her book The Death of Distance. She discusses how the web has and will continue to change companies and outlines how businesses, governments and environmentalists can make common cause. On climate change, she argues that policies that prepare the world to adapt to it are now just as important as efforts to slow it down and what this means to business.
As well as regularly writing for a host of newspapers and periodicals, Frances also presents BBC Radio 4’s Analysis programme. She chaired the Economic and Social Research Council and was President of the British Association for the Advancement of Science. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, a Senior Fellow at the School of Public Policy, UCLA and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). After studying Modern History at Oxford and Economics in the US, Frances holds honorary degrees from Trinity College Dublin, Glasgow, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, City, Loughborough and Kingston Universities. She is also the former Rector of Exeter College, Oxford.
In June 2015 she was made a Dame of the British (DBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to education and in recognition of a very successful career as a leading British economist, journalist and academic.
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You can book Frances Cairncross through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Frances's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Frances Cairncross's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Frances tailored to your event.
Frances Cairncross speaks on a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Frances to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Frances Cairncross for events worldwide, subject to Frances's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Frances Cairncross is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Frances can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Frances Cairncross on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Frances can offer.
Frances Cairncross delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Frances Cairncross's areas of expertise include a range of business, leadership and industry subjects. To get a clear sense of Frances's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Frances Cairncross can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in a range of business, leadership and industry subjects is relevant. Details of Frances's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Frances Cairncross is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Frances Cairncross, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Frances's current availability for your dates.