partner feature
Mike Gorshkov, managing director of Linea Resourcing
2012 will be a challenging year for many, with uncertainty having a knock on effect to general job creation. However, we’re still optimistic, as confidence is still high in several technology sectors and there’s a big demand for talent. We have strategically invested in new locations in 2012 to facilitate this demand and grow our business, which will make next year particularly exciting for us.
Phil Cooper, chief executive of Venture Wales
As the recession hits harder and unemployment is at its highest for decades, there is a real onus on the government to pull out all the stops to help business and stimulate the economy in 2012. The Welsh government should maximise the drawdown of EU funds, extend the grants for the investment scheme and reintroduce the business growth programme to help companies overcome obstacles in these difficult times. It also needs to take a cold hard look at its programmes and prioritise those that directly encourage businesses to create jobs, not those that provide more window dressing and contribute little to the economic development of Wales.
Dr Peter Noyes, Vice Chancellor, University of Wales, Newport
With the economy continuing to focus people’s minds in 2012, at the university we are aware of our responsibility to offer new opportunities to the people and businesses of Gwent. While we have other things to occupy us, such as the possibility of mergers and tighter funding, we’ll have a rigid focus on continuing to develop the things we offer through the year ahead.
Adam Davies, director of Seer Green Financial Planning in Newport
Headline issues for the financial planning sector in 2012 include the implementation of root and branch reform of the financial services sector via the Retail Distribution Review, and the biggest changes to UK Pensions for 50 years with the introduction of auto-enrolment. All this will, of course, be in the context of continuing uncertainty in global economies, particularly across Europe.
Simon Thomas, managing director of Asset
We hope that 2012 continues the trend we’ve seen in 2011, which gave us our strongest month of sales in the history of the company. The housing sector appears to be growing, and the water industry investment programme is full steam ahead so we are optimistic for growth.
Daniel O’Connell, of Redmayne-Bentley Stockbrokers, Newport
In terms of economics, I think 2012 will be a year of consolidation for industry and global markets as the business community and wider public ease the austerity measures into their consciousness. I expect the overreaction of the markets to the Eurozone crises to subside somewhat, and believe economic output will be better than expected.
Julian Hilton, Jelf Insurance Brokers’ regional managing director for Wales
Investments and bank liquidity are the key for me as without it businesses will struggle to get loans on good terms, investments and growth will be limited and business will not be able to diversify and look for new markets. I’d also welcome anything that reintroduces that feel good factor in the South Wales business community.
David Barnes, owner Newport-based DB Public Relations
In 2012 I’d like to see a start made on Queensbury Real Estate Friars Walk scheme for the centre of Newport and confirmation of Debenhams being the anchor store, the Olympic Torch re- routed to come over the Severn Bridge and through Chepstow: the Gateway to Wales; a decision taken to build the Usk Barrage and the M4 relief road; the majestic CS 3000 at Celtic Springs Business Park snapped up and many more carriages added to trains on rugby international days.
20 THEbusiness QUARTER
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