Availability dot

Available to book

Geopolitical risk & PE strategist

Tim Hames

Transform political and business strategy with Tim Hames, speaker specialising in geopolitical risk and private equity. Tim works with financial institutions and tech startups to navigate complex political landscapes, delivering bestselling insights recognised by The Times and Financial Times.

Trusted by Acuti Associates, Blackstone, The Carlyle Group

Tim Hames, Speaker | Politics & Business Expert
Tim Hames

Tim Hames

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£6–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

Get Tim's availability

Availability dot
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Book Tim

London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

Enquire Tim Now

Availability dot for speakers
Instant quote
No upfront fee
Vetted speaker

Tim Hames's biography

At a glance

  • Specialist in politics-business relationship
  • Former Assistant Editor at The Times
  • Co-author of The Long Shot
Tim Hames is a specialist in the relationship between politics and business. He began his career as an academic at Oxford University, focusing on American politics and UK Government. He then joined The Times, serving as Assistant Editor, chief leader writer, and weekly political columnist, and regularly edited the newspaper. During this period, he developed an interest in the rise of China and the workings of the Chinese Communist Party. Tim later became the Head of Communications and Public Affairs, and subsequently the Director General, of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA). The BVCA's members include major firms like Blackstone, The Carlyle Group, and KKR, as well as smaller venture capital firms. Tim has extensive knowledge and a broad network within this corporate sector. Today, Tim is a writer, speaker, speechwriter, consultant, and senior adviser to various entities, including large financial institutions, leading professional service providers, and tech start-ups with potential for significant societal impact. He co-founded Acuti Associates, which advises on domestic and geopolitical risk. In 2022, Tim co-authored a book with Dame Kate Bingham titled "The Long Shot: The Inside Story of the Race to Vaccinate Britain." The book was serialised in The Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday, became a Sunday Times business book bestseller, and was recognised as a “Best Book for Autumn” by The Times, a Financial Times science book of the year, and a Money Week politics book of the year.

Topics, sessions and talks

The UK General Election Of 2024. A Turning Point For Business?
Changes in Prime Minister in the UK are not uncommon (especially in 2022). Yet, changes in party control of the UK government are much rarer. In the past forty years, they have only happened three times in 1979, 1997 and 2010. When they do occur, they have been highly consequential. The first of these elections led to an entirely new stance on the economy. The second triggered very widescale constitutional and social change. The third (by accident rather than design) created Brexit. The 2024 election could witness another change of party control in Whitehall. What will it mean for business?
Inside the Forbidden City: How Modern China Works and Its Ambitions
Much of the outside coverage of China (even in elite publications) is unduly simplistic. President Xi Jinping is portrayed as the reincarnation of Chairman Mao. The leading figures of the Politburo Standing Committee are dismissed as inconsequential Yes Men. The country as a whole is deemed to be an entirely closed society. None of this is accurate. It is critical to understand what modern China is, how it works, and what it wants. It is vital to appreciate why its ambitions have changed over the past decade and what those aspirations will be in the ten years and more to come.
The Trump Factor: Past, Present & Future in American Politics
The arrival of Donald Trump on the political scene has been the cause for utter bemusement in the wider world (and indeed for many Americans). Yet “Trumpism” as an outlook has deep routes in the Republican Party’s history from its foundation in the 1850s. The notion of the outsider businessman figure as a potential national saviour is also long established on the American Right and dates back to the 1920s. Furthermore, the severe intellectual upheaval within the Republican Party created by the combination of the global financial crisis and the quagmire left by the intervention in Iraq left a void in both economic and foreign policy for Mr Trump to exploit. That is why the ex-President (despite his legal woes) still has a shot at being the next President and why Trumpism will outlive Trump.
The Eagle And The Dragon
There is no more important economic and political relationship in the world than that between the US and China. This is only destined to become more true as this decade develop. Yet in the past five years, the two nations have become increasingly antagonistic on issues ranging from access to key technologies to the status of Taiwan. The implications of this for the international business sector (in particular) are enormous. What is driving this divide? Where will it go next? What will be the wider impact? Can the risk of competition between the two escalating into actual conflict be contained?
The Next One: Covid-19’s Aftershocks & the Future of Pandemics
A few years ago, the prospect of a global pandemic appeared to be a distinctly abstract prospect. We now know that the possibility is real and that the costs in human and economic terms are staggering. What are the aftershocks of COVID-19 and how long will they last? What are the prospects of a new pandemic in the next few years? Do we have the right strategy to deal with a completely novel form of outbreak? How should business and society assess the odds and make the optimal preparations?

Why we recommend booking Tim

Book Tim Hames as a speaker to gain unparalleled insights into the intersection of politics and business, informed by his extensive experience at Oxford, The Times, and the BVCA. His deep understanding of global political dynamics, especially China, and his expertise in private equity and venture capital, will provide your team with invaluable perspectives. Elevate your event with his compelling storytelling and strategic foresight.

Check Tim's availability

Trusted by Acuti Associates, Blackstone, The Carlyle Group

Featured Projects

Tim Hames - The Long Shot: The Inside Story Of The Race To Vaccinate Britain book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Tim Hames for my next event?

What is Tim Hames's speaking style like?

What topics does Tim Hames specialise in?

What information do I need to provide to book a speaker?

To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.

Does PepTalk charge a booking fee?

There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

How do I book a speaker with PepTalk?

Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.

I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

How much does it cost to book a speaker through PepTalk?

Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

Can I book a speaker who isn't listed on the PepTalk website?

Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.