Justin Keay

2 weeks ago | gfmag.com | Justin Keay

At first glance, Bulgaria, one of the poorest countries in the EU, might not seem like an obvious destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), given its reputation for slow-moving bureaucracy, limited transparency, and political instability. And since 1985, the population has declined from about nine million to around 6.7 million, fueling a growing shortage of skilled labor. Scratch below the surface, however, and the terrain is more intriguing.

3 weeks ago | gfmag.com | Justin Keay

Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s unpredictability is one of the few things both his supporters and critics agree on. Over two decades as prime minister and president, he has often made abrupt, consequential decisions with little warning. Still, the March 19 arrest of Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu—widely seen as Erdogan’s chief rival and the opposition CHP’s likely candidate in the 2028 presidential race—shocked even seasoned observers.

4 weeks ago | the-buyer.net | Justin Keay

I’m not generally given to Kevin McCloud moments, but this late summer, sitting on James Deakin’s Worcestershire terrace at Wagtail Retreat, looking onto his vines and the Malvern Hills and enjoying the sunset with a glass of his bubbly in hand, I felt I was witnessing a genuine Grand Design. Wagtail Retreat was all built by hand by James DeakinAcross the way, the lake he dug and the three luxurious, exquisitely decorated Shepherd Huts he built with his own hands.

1 month ago | harpers.co.uk | Justin Keay

HomeAnalysis & Insights By Justin KeayPublished:  24 March, 2025It’s a bleak early February morning and Tim Atkin’s annual Best of Rioja trade tasting is packed. Visitors are keen to see what’s new in Spain’s best-known and maybe most-changed wine region, with different styles and white wines showing alongside the traditional oak-aged ones that made this region famous. With the DO celebrating its centenary, Rioja Wine UK has unveiled plans for a big consumer event this summer.

1 month ago | the-buyer.net | Justin Keay

These are tough times for Champagne. According to the main industry body Syndicat général des vignerons de la Champagne (SGV), French domestic sales in 2024 were down 7.2% to 118m bottles whilst exports slumped almost 11% to 153m, leaving total sales at their lowest since 2002. President Trump’s plans for 200% tariffs will, of course, intensify matters.