Spear’s celebrates its 15th anniversary with a special edition of the magazine, in partnership with Blue Marine Foundation, writes Edwin Smith
What good fortune, to be the editor presiding over this special 15th anniversary issue of Spear’s. Things have changed since 2006, when the global economy was surfing the crest of a wave and founding editor William Cash had the bright idea to create a journal for the high-net-worth individuals who called London home – for at least part of the year.
William is no longer involved, but everyone associated with Spear’s today owes him a debt of thanks – as we do to the other Spear’s editors down the years: Josh Spero, Christopher Silvester and my predecessor Alec Marsh. (Christopher and Alec remain among our cadre of top writers, while Josh plies his trade for the FT.)
Now, as we look ahead to the next chapter in Spear’s history, much augurs well. This year, we launched a new website, spears500.com, which means that – both in print and online – Spear’s is the leading resource for HNWs seeking expert advice.
Our database of top advisers to HNWs is the largest, broadest and most detailed in the world. We have also launched a new podcast, World of Wealth, in which I speak with entrepreneurs, HNWs and their most trusted advisers to unravel how the world of wealth really works. And, next year, we will unveil a redesigned editorial website, which will serve as the home of Spear’s journalism on the web.
It gives me great pleasure to announce that we have produced this special edition of the magazine in partnership with Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE), a charity which aims to restore the world’s oceans to health.
The philosophy that underpins BLUE’s work is explained by HRH Princess Eugenie, who, as an ambassador for BLUE, co-authors an exclusive article for Spear’s with Clare Brook, the foundation’s CEO.
Read HRH Princess Eugenie and Clare Brook’s exclusive article for Spear’s
Our stunning cover, by the way, is by neo-pop surrealist Philip Colbert, who has kindly donated this original artwork for the benefit of BLUE.
Elsewhere, John Arlidge dives into the world of ‘blue carbon’, while I meet a king of the superyacht world – and one of the charity’s most important donors – Peter Lürssen.
In keeping with the nautical theme, there is also a celebration of the dive watch and a treatise on the importance of oysters (for ocean habitats, rather than restaurants) by BLUE co-founder Charles Clover.
But any readers lacking a pair of sea legs should not be disheartened. There’s plenty of action on dry land, including exclusive interviews with British Formula One sensation Lando Norris, the economist Ann Pettifor, restaurateur Judy Joo and Omar Alghanim of the Family Business Network.
Plus, we tell the tale of the Lee dynasty’s $10 billion inheritance tax woes (they of Samsung fame), assess Joe Biden’s plan for a global corporation tax, and ask the great and the good some fundamental questions about the meaning of wealth – there are contributions from the likes of Yanis Varoufakis, Dame Stephanie Shirley, Sir Lloyd Dorfman, Lord Browne, Annastasia Seebohm, Mo Ibrahim and many more.
And if that wasn’t enough, there is, as ever, brilliant writing from our ensemble cast of star regulars: Nick Foulkes, Daisy Dunn, Sam Leith, Matthew Goodwin, Annamaria Koerling, Robert Amsterdam and Mark Walton.
I hope you enjoy this special issue of the magazine, and do click here to buy a copy and subscribe.
A digital version of the magazine can be viewed here.