Twelve months ago, all the news was about the environment. As an industry, we were seemingly the root of all evil and worthy only of casting into the darkest pit. Well, what a difference a year makes. Leaving aside simple issues, such as nobody being able to work out a way of carrying soup home without packaging, this has been the year of greedy bankers, toxic assets and no credit. This time last year, all we had to worry about was the alleged overpackaging of swedes (remember that one?). Perhaps it’s the least of our problems at the moment.
A point that others have made is that maybe, just maybe, there’s a substantial upside to all this uncertainty. Since the 1980s, the British economy has been based on ‘invisibles’ – banking, insurance, finance etc., traded by the boys and girls in the City. I’m sure they have their place, but it’s children’s stuff really. Put your pocket money in the building society and it will grow. Hah. A country can’t be truly prosperous if it doesn’t make anything; you have to underpin the invisibles with a workforce engaged in producing wealth. Wall Street and Main Street, as the Americans put it so well. If Government has truly learnt this lesson, then our dynamic and innovative industry could be poised to do very well as things ease through 2009. Many industries are presenting themselves as the engine that will drive the growth of the country out of recession. There’s one thing for sure – we’ll be right with them.
So have you made any resolutions? Business ones, not just to give up smoking or renew the gym membership!
How about:
• rationalise your inventory or service offering
• minimise product or packaging waste
• reduce energy use
• understand how the market is changing and what your customers really need.
To do one or all of these things requires a concerted effort on everyone’s part. Don’t think it is the responsibility of someone else to solve all the problems. Get a grip and decide what knowledge or skills you need to get yourself and your company through the coming months. Set yourself a goal, identify the skills gaps, invest in the training, do not deviate and achieve it. You will be surprised what you can do if you only put your mind to it.
Looking forward to a bright 2009
