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Andy Wilkins, chief executive at Gwent Hospitals Contributory Fund (GHCF)
2012 is likely to be characterised by a similarly depressed economy and high unemployment. I think the UK government needs to prepare for further intervention in the form of quantitative easing to stimulate the economy. Newport is certainly a victim of the dire economic climate but there is still potential for growth. It is vital to establish a rail link between Ebbw Vale and Newport to encourage spending in the city and improve employment opportunities.
David Russ, managing director of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce
It’s been a difficult year for SMEs this year, and we expect next year to be similar. We will be working closely with the Welsh government to make sure that support initiatives, such as the Welsh Jobs Fund, will make the maximum impact and we urge local businesses to take advantage of events, such as the Olympics, which present commercial opportunities. Only by doing this will local SMEs make the most of the year ahead.
Jason Fitzgerald, sales and marketing director at Certus IT
In 2012 we expect that even more companies will become interested in private cloud solutions, with major benefits in both security and availability. Certus has setup a specialist division, Certus Data Centre, providing data centre services in partnership with NGD and the Celtic Technology Centre. We’re looking forward to see how this service will help local businesses drive cost-savings across their IT infrastructures next year.
Jon Hughes, director of the Centre for Business
We expect the rise in unemployment will lead
to a boom in local people starting their own business. The good news to come from this is that these small businesses will drive economic growth and aid recovery. However, we believe consumers will continue to be cautious and overall growth will be muted in 2012, making it a busy year for Centre for Business as we support these new entrepreneurs.
Liz Maher, VAT Director, Centurion VAT Specialists Ltd, Newport
Going into 2012 businesses have two choices – cut costs or grow revenue. Businesses which have survived so far have already cut overheads so need to increase volume of sales, widen product offerings or look for new markets. We increased staff numbers in 2011 and had opportunities for growth, so 2012 for us is a positive opportunity.
Mary McDonagh, tax partner at Newport-based accountancy specialists Kilsby & Williams
The outlook for 2012 is very uncertain. However, business opportunities still exist, both in the UK and in overseas markets. In 2012 the accountancy sector needs to continue to play a significant role in helping businesses develop robust plans, access funds, minimise costs and identify the value- added. The role of the accountant needs to be even more that of a trusted business advisor rather than simple pen-pusher.
Matt Southall, managing director of Newport-based recruitment and training group Acorn
Recent industry figures show 84 per cent of employers intend to maintain or increase their current staffing levels for the next year and, while continuing to see some areas of skills shortage, we envisage a strengthening of demand in areas such as IT, as well as across the technical, healthcare and engineering sectors in particular. We’re expecting 2012 will follow a similar path to this year, flat-lining for the most part, but ultimately concluding positively.
Gerald Davies, managing director of The Kymin Group, Newport
In 2012 The Kymin Group will acquire more companies & IFA partnerships, business for us will continue to increase in volume, the Stock Market will recover and Inflation will continue to fall.”
THEbusiness QUARTER 19
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