Comparing London and Frankfurt as world cities. The report examines changing relations between London and Frankfurt with the introduction of a single European currency and the decision to locate the European Central Bank in Frankfurt. Based on interviews with key personnel in global financial and business service firms and institutions in both cities, the findings support a network model of inter-city relations, which, the authors contend, is more appropriate than the simplistic competition model that dominates public discussion. By Jonathan V. Beaverstock, Michael Hoyler, Kathryn Pain, Peter J. Taylor.

By Anglo-German Foundation, UK, Germany.

Business Policy Resource.

In the Public Interest? Assessing the potential for Public Interest Companies Public Interest Companies are ?not-for-profit? organisations that deliver public services. Frequently controversial, they are at the forefront of the debate about the future of public services. Network Rail, National Air Traffic Services, housing associations, further education colleges, school companies, NHS foundation trusts and ?not-for-profit PFIs? are just some of the Public Interest Companies in use or that have been proposed. This report provides a hard-headed analysis of what role Public Interest Companies should play in the future of public services and follows on from ippr?s work on Public Private Partnerships. It suggests that these alternative organisational forms might help safeguard the public interest when contracting for public services and might better involve local communities in the delivery of services. However, difficult issues remain regarding finance, risk, accountability and governance. Public Interest Companies should only be used with caution.

By Institute for Public Policy Research, UK.

Business Policy Resource.