Sunak has much to do to stem the flow of London stocks to New York

As two major firms leave the City, it’s essential the government shows a better understanding of big business, says Chris Blackhurst

One place looks dreary and dull; the other is happening and energetic (Getty)

Turn on the business news TV channels and the contrast is marked. If a story is from London it will be presented in sober, serious tones. Grey suits talking about grey suits. If it’s from New York about a US stock, the piece will be excitable, suffused with passion. The presenters will be less formally dressed, almost certainly one of them will be a woman.

One place looks dreary and dull; the other is happening and energetic. As a metaphor for the difference between London and New York, the UK and US, it’s always struck me as spot-on. The latter brings a dynamism to money-making that we more reserved Brits lack.

You sense it as you stroll through Manhattan. The tops of the giant buildings are adorned with corporate names. The place reeks of power and might. In London, by contrast, such self-aggrandisement is frowned upon. Our buildings are listed; we’ve got our heritage to preserve.