|
|
New
Year's Message
Jeremy Priestley, Managing Partner,
The P&A Partnership.
My message to businesses
over the past few years has remained surprisingly constant – and that is one of caution – to
watch volumes and margins and to be very clear about expansion plans.
This is despite the optimism for the economy in the Chancellors pre
budget statement; and I can see no reason for me to change my views.
Insolvency problems have emerged in similar numbers to previous years
and we now spend more time these days assisting businesses to get
back on their feet than ever before!
All that when the Chancellor seems to tell us otherwise!
The difficulties that businesses face today
can be quite easily explained. In a boom and bust economy it’s relatively easy for most businesses
to make money ….and for some to lose it. In the current benign
economy only those businesses that are well managed make profits -
there are tougher business conditions, there is no room for error and
a greater preponderance for ‘end of shelf life’ businesses
cease trading.
So I repeat my message to businesses – seek
the advise of your accountant in all your business activities!
Much is said about the level and quantity of
regulations that falls on businesses and I have serious sympathy with
the levels of criticism
that is expresses by the various business associations – and
frankly I suspect it will not go away. Interestingly I don’t
think it affects the level of business failures – capable management
seems to manage to cope with the problem, for the rest I suspect is
hastens the withering on the vine. However I do believe it puts off
a lot of people starting their own business and that’s a shame,
because without our young entrepreneurs we will never meet the aspirations
of enjoying a truly strong economy.
My message to these ‘about to be entrepreneurs’ is – if
you have a good idea, don’t be put off – seek guidance
from the wide variety of business support that’s out there, take
their advice …..and be cautious!
8.12.2004.
< back
to News headlines
|
|
