Welcome to 2013 and to our annual Looking Ahead review where we ask the county’s business community about the year to come. And their answers are, as ever, illuminating. This year, we’ve looked at four key areas: predictions for business in Lancashire; observations on skills provision; thoughts on finance; and wish-list resolutions. Alan Barnes reports.
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There is no doubt that business still remains difficult across the board, with many sectors facing challenges.
As a result, individuals and organisations are, understandably, spending money very cautiously due to the ongoing uncertainties and many issues outside our control.
We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that there is still business to be done. However, organisations are spending conservatively and the pressures facing us simply mean that a business proposition now, more than ever, has to be first class and far better than the competition.
At Napthens we see many customers successfully adapting their propositions in this way, and they are continuing to grow their businesses despite the current conditions.
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What is the outlook for your business and sector for 2013, and how do you feel Lancashire businesses will fare?
Stephen Gregson, director, Moore and Smalley Chartered Accountants, Preston
Gary Clarkson, managing director, Rosslee Construction, Accrington
Ann Morris, chief executive, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
David Haythornthwaite, CEO, Tangerine Holdings, Lytham
Tim Bullough, Accrol Papers, Blackburn
Vernon Yerkess, managing director, Cleverboxes, Altham,
Steve Hoyle, managing director, Regenerate Pennine Lancashire
Debbie Pettitt, chief executive, Marsden Rawsthorn Solicitors, Preston
Nick Thompson, deputy managing director, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
Richard Evans, senior partner, KPMG, Preston
How confident are you that you will attract people with the right skills in 2013?
David Haythornthwaite, chief executive,Tangerine Holdings, Lytham
Vernon Yerkess, chief executive, Cleverboxes, Altham
Colin Mustoe, chairman, Senator International, Accrington
Vivienne Davenport, development director, Westholme School, Blackburn
Paul Bowker, chief executive, Bowker Motor Group
Nick Thompson, deputy managing director, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
Richard Evans, senior partner, KPMG, Preston
Mike Damms, chief executive, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
Amanda Melton, principal, Nelson and Colne College
Debbie Pettit, chief executive, Marsden-Rawsthorn solicitors.
Will access to finance become any easier in 2013?
Howard Jones, co-director, UnifiedWorld, Blackburn
Steve Hoyle, managing director, Regenerate Pennine Lancashire
Richard Evans, senior partner, KPMG, Preston
Nick Thompson, deputy managing director, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
Paul Bowker, chief executive, Bowker Motor Group,
Ilyas Munshi, chief executive, enterprise4all
Tim Mills, Pierce Accountantants, Blackburn
If you were the Chancellor, what would your New Year resolution be?
Rob Dobson, corporate partner, Napthens Solicitors
Vernon Yerkess, managing director, Cleverboxes, Altham
Vivienne Davenport, development director, Westholme School, Blackburn
David Haythornthwaite, chief executive, Tangerine Holdings, Lytham
Gary Clarkson, managing director, Rosslee Construction, Accrington
Colin Mustoe, chairman, Senator International, Accrington
Caroline James, senior partner, Trevor Dawson
Andrew Botham, Mayes Accountants, Accrington
Debbie Pettitt, chief executive, Marsden-Rawsthorn
Richard Evans, senior partner, KPMG, Preston
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