High inflation, energy crisis, the crypto ice age …. it was an epic year for business and financial news, offering plenty of scope for this year’s award winning journalism

by Tony Major
Lionel Barber congratulates Personal Finance Journalist of the Year 2021 Mary McDougall 

It has been an epic year for news, especially business and financial news. We have seen the return of high inflation; an energy crisis provoked by the Ukraine war; the humbling of the tech titans; and the coming of the crypto ice age, captured by the downfall of 30-year-old multi-billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried, writes Lionel Barber, Wincott chairman.

Closer to home, the UK witnessed the passing of the Queen, the longest serving monarch; three different prime ministers, one of whom lasted less than the shelf life of a lettuce; industrial strife reminiscent of the 1970s; and a new phenomenon called “worklessness” where huge numbers decided to stay out of employment.

In 2022, the world economy continued to come to grips with Covid-19 and its impact on global supply chains.  Serious tensions between the US and China further complicated the process of adjustment, with some observers predicting a “conscious decoupling” between the two economic superpowers, with Europe sandwiched in the middle.

This list of stories, themes and trends set out above is by no means exhaustive. But it is clear 2022 has offered plenty of scope for some excellent economic, financial and business journalism.

The 2022 awards are now open for submissions. The Wincott Foundation judges will be looking for journalism which captures the drama and importance of the major economic and financial stories of 2022.

No one can complain about a lack of choice! So good luck to all our entrants.

Last year saw 111 entries for the awards. This year we can do better. In seeking entries, the Wincott Foundation reaches out to all the nations and regions of the UK, appeals to all generations of journalists and encourages all genres of journalism. 

The deadline for entries is February 24 2023 and all the details of how to apply are here.

You may also like