As I write this, Boris has just announced Plan B is to come into operation as a result of the rapid spread of the OH MY GOD Variant!! I hope, for all of us, that this isn’t a taster of worse measures to come. I’m sure none of us want to be back in lockdown again.
This year has seen issues of extraordinary increases in materials and fuel prices, and difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff. Energy prices are already rising and further increases are forecast for next year!
That said, many of you are doing well, with your businesses having continued at pre-Covid levels (or better) or having recovered strongly. In talking to you though, there is a lot of understandable concern about what next year might bring.
But let’s try and remain positive. We’ve survived all that Covid has thrown at us, both from a personal and a business perspective.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.
Brian Stopford
