Evening Briefing Friday 15th March

Podcast Summary

• British military's decision not to upgrade planes leaves them vulnerable: Businesses and governments must invest in necessary protections to ensure their operations remain secure and effective, even when faced with budget constraints.

  Businesses, no matter their size or industry, need essential support to thrive. This was underscored in today's Times evening briefing, which revealed that the British military's decision to not upgrade RAF planes with protective systems left a plane vulnerable to interference near Russian territory. The cost savings, approximately £200 million, paled in comparison to the potential risks. Former national security adviser Bill Ricketts called it a wake-up call for the Ministry of Defense. The incident serves as a reminder that businesses and governments must invest in necessary protections to ensure their operations remain secure and effective. In the case of the military, failure to do so could have serious geopolitical consequences. The ongoing situation highlights the importance of prioritizing essential investments, even when faced with budget constraints.

• Children's mental health concerns and Lenny Henry's final Red Nose Day: Over a million children in England sought mental health help last year, and Lenny Henry urges tech companies to make social media safer while concluding his 40-year Red Nose Day hosting tenure.

  There are pressing concerns regarding the wellbeing of children in England, with over a million referred to mental health services last year. The children's commissioner has expressed concern over the lack of resources and support, likening the situation to a "tsunami of need." Meanwhile, in the world of entertainment, Sir Lenny Henry is preparing for his final hosting stint for the Red Nose Day Charity Telethon after nearly 4 decades, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces for children, both online and offline. Tech companies are being called upon to contribute significantly to make social media platforms safer for young people. In other news, Shopify, the global commerce platform, is committed to helping businesses grow at every stage, from launch to hitting major milestones. The discussion also highlighted the resignation of a British MP, who cited family reasons and dissatisfaction with defense spending as motivators for his departure.

• Effective Online Shopping Solutions: Shopify's checkout system converts 36% better than competitors, ideal for growing businesses. 1-800-Flowers offers special occasion gifts, with Mother's Day deals up to 40% off.

  Shopify and 1-800-Flowers offer effective solutions for turning online browsing into sales and celebrating special occasions, respectively. Shopify's checkout system helps businesses convert 36% better than other leading commerce platforms, making it an excellent choice for those looking to grow. Shopify is offering a $1 per month trial period for new businesses. This Mother's Day, consider giving back to the amazing moms in your life with 1-800-Flowers. Their selection of handmade bouquets, sweet treats, gourmet food, and unique gifts can be easily ordered and delivered fresh. For a limited time, enjoy up to 40% off Mother's Day bestsellers at 1800flowers.com/acast. Don't miss out on this opportunity to save and show your appreciation.