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There is no doubting the massive uncertainty we’ve seen over the past year and the impact that has had in Lancashire.
It comes through loud and clear in this year’s Hot 100 list of the county’s most profitable SMEs. For one thing, the 26 per cent fall in employees is a significant and worrying figure.
The challenge of doing business is also highlighted in our roundtable discussing the state of the hospitality and food and drink sectors. That discussion included the stark comment from one contributor: “The industry is on a precipice”.
Another member of the panel summed up the attitude prevalent in businesses of all types across the county and which encapsulates the county’s psyche.
She declared: “We have great customers and we’re going to keep working hard at it. I’m really trying to keep smiling.”
It is the right attitude to have. Yes, things are challenging but it is not all doom and gloom. There are opportunities out there.
And as Dean Richards from PM+M, who compiles our Hot 100 list, points out, the diversification of Lancashire’s economy has helped create a resilient marketplace.
That resilience is in action across our SMEs every day as they work hard to adapt to economic conditions and to continue to make their significant contribution to our economy. Innovation and inspiration, as always, are also their hallmarks.
The Lancashire hospitality and food and drink businesses we brought together for this issue are certainly not shying away from the challenges. Their ability to adapt shone through some of the gloom. It was the same
story in our Hot 100 debate following the publication of the much- awaited annual list. There was also much optimism in the room when we hosted our Net Zero Carbon Conference.
Our businesses are becoming more aware of the net zero drive and the opportunities
Delegates heard in detail about the opportunities and challenges associated with achieving a sustainable and low carbon future and some of the amazing work being carried out here in Lancashire.
The county is home to a host of low carbon technology innovators, many exporting across the globe.
Our businesses are also becoming more aware of the net zero drive and the opportunities it will present them as momentum gathers. They aren’t waiting for government – they are investing now.
ESG is another area where Lancashire businesses are making strides. It is no surprise to us that the social element of this is so strong in our county. Companies in all sectors are part of the very fabric of the communities they operate in.
And they are working to improve those communities through the way they do business and their commitment to tackling environmental issues.
Helping create a better future: it makes sense, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is also a wise business investment.
Richard Slater, chairman
richard@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295584
EDITORIAL
Ged Henderson, editor
editor@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585
SALES
Joanne Hindley, sales director
joanne@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585
SUPPORT
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anna@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295582
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Tim Aldred, online editor
tim@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 297870
Lancashire Business View is written, designed and produced by Northpoint Publishing.
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Stephen Bolton, managing director
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