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news opinion
What a difference a quarter makes. Just a few months ago, business leaders and economists had nothing but good things to say about the recovery and about the UK‘s prospects for 2016 and beyond
Now there‘s a new parlour game: who can ratchet up the negativity the most? ‘We are all doomed‘ appears to be the message from a number of quarters.
RBS went so far as to tell its clients to ‘sell, sell, sell‘. The bank, and others, have warned of a ‘cataclysmic year‘ ahead with the price of oil continuing to fall, with deflation a real possibility, and with the ‘major correction‘ in the Chinese economy causing stock markets across the world to slump. ‘Set your dial to gloom‘ was the phrase in the City as we went to press.
The chief economist of HSBC told one of our breakfast audiences a few months back that we had probably had the best of the recovery, and that 2016 was likely to be a more volatile year than 2015.
But we‘ve got to beware the self- fulfilling prophecy. Our readers must have noticed that when they walk into a networking meeting and tell colleagues how well their company is doing, they invariably get similar upbeat assessments in reply.
If they
say business is slow, others agree about how quiet it seems to be.
So let‘s be robust and positive. Let‘s talk business and do business. Let‘s be John Lewis and not Sports Direct.
And let‘s remember that five of the top 12 best ‘cities‘ to live and work in are Southampton and Portsmouth, Reading, Bracknell and Oxford.
It
could be better, but it could be a whole lot worse ...
David Murray Publisher
www.businessmag.co.uk
Five Hampshire businesses win The Queen‘s Award for Enterprise and Innovation
Five exemplary businesses based in Hampshire have won The Queen‘s Award for Enterprise and Innovation. These prestigious awards are presented to UK companies that demonstrate outstanding achievement in the categories of innovation; international trade; and sustainable development.
The winners of the international trade category were Lakesmere Group, Accuracy International, Porvair Filtration Group and Ultrasonic Sciences. Each organisation achieved sustainable growth in overseas earnings and commercial success with outstanding achievements over three years, or continuous performance over six years.
Matt Nicholson, regional managing director for Lakesmere, said: ”Lakesmere is proud to be flying the flag for UK companies overseas. This very special award recognises and celebrates the talents, expertise and loyalty of the people behind the company and has helped to raise the profile of both the construction sector and local manufacturing industry here in Winchester.”
Aqua Cooling won the innovation award for its leak prevention system that is designed for water-cooled equipment cabinets deployed in computer installations, such as data centres.
Simon Davis, sales director for Aqua Cooling, said: ”It is the ultimate seal of approval and a real boost as we strive to break into new export markets and industry sectors. Being recognised as one of Britain‘s best businesses would not have been possible without the inventiveness, commitment and hard work of everyone at Aqua Cooling and together we are determined to remain at the forefront of innovation.”
Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment, said: ”I‘m delighted to hear about local businesses achieving first-class awards. As Hampshire‘s economy continues to thrive, Hampshire
County Council will continue to develop the infrastructure and services required to ensure continued economic growth in the future.”
The lord-lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, presented the Awards, commenting: ”It is a great honour to present these awards on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. Celebrating the success of these winning organisations provides inspiration to entrepreneurs, start-ups and established companies across the UK.
”The individuals who have contributed to the success of their organisations should be proud of their achievements and I wish them the very best for the future.”
The Queen chooses the Awards‘ winners on the advice of the prime minister, who is assisted by an advisory committee. A corporate award is valid for five years and successful organisations may fly The Queen‘s Award flag and use the emblem on their stationery, advertising and goods.
In the March 2016 issue of The Business Magazine
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THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – FEBRUARY 2016
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