We’ve called this year’s annual round-up a rollercoaster ride. And although for most people it has seemed just a rotten year, one that many are glad to see the back of, we feel justified in using such a metaphor. The year has provided highs for some, and though the ride still feels rocky, most businesses are over the shock induced by the banking collapse of October 2008.
Neil Tague’s wonderfully incisive round-up of the year accentuates the highs and the lows. What emerges is a determination of people with good ideas to pursue them with vigour. And, yes, we include in that the various players in the soap opera of sports retail.
In this issue we have covered a range of themes, but strong leadership is the greatest one. We have interviewed Sir Mark Elder, the musical director of the Hallé orchestra, who has transformed the fortunes of a North West institution and has much to teach anyone wrestling with changing a culture of a failing organisation. We have also caught up with Martin Ainscough, a wealthy property investor who sees opportunity to acquire land for future development and building new communities.
Edwina Lilley, a woman with a midas touch in the restaurant world, has also told us about plans to grow her new business, Fourth Hospitality. And we have shared valuable insights with Matt Riley and Steve Smith from Daisy Communications, the Lancashire telecoms company that won our Deal of the Year at the 2009 Dealmakers Awards.
None of these unique individuals are making special pleas. They know the solution to their own problems lie within themselves. They have all proved to be genuine heroes with inspiring stories.
Make no mistake, next year will be tough. The plethora of businesses need to wake up to the reality that there is no government support to ask for any more; the cupboard is bare.
There will be public sector job cuts, which will impact on private sector suppliers. What public funds we can call for will need to be deployed to help rebuild the bridges and roads of Cumbria, swept away by floods. They need all the help they can get.
Have a merry Christmas and a much better new year.
Michael Taylor, editor
Also in: December 2009
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Life is a rollercoaster
It’s been a good year for some, but a bad one for more. Retail continued to struggle, property likewise, while corporate finance hibernated. Neil Tague straps himself in to report on an up-and-down year for North West business.
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Land ahoy
Martin Ainscough’s crane hire millions are supporting a business quietly making strides in land acquisition, reports Neil Tague.
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Sir Mark Elder
The man tasked with turning around Manchester’s Hallé Symphony Orchestra tells Michael Taylor how his musicians are bringing classical music to a modern audience.