If there were any greater indication that the United Kingdom is in a gigantic mess look no further than our falling exchange rate. The £1 is simply dropping in value like a stone.
However, to paraphrase Napoleon Hill, 'In every adversity lie the seeds of opportunity'.
So, if I were in charge of this country, here's what I would be doing:
- Restore our manufacturing industry.
No, even with the exchange rate we may not be able to compete with China on price - but we could compete on QUALITY.
Anyone else sick of cheap imports that break within days or weeks?
Anyone else remember the days when things actually LASTED?
I would be reinstating the 'Made in Britain' tag with regulated standards and pride in British workmanship to re-establish our brand worldwide.
- Restore our farming industry.
All but lost, and now imports from Europe are incredibly expensive. Yet we have acres and acres of verdant fertile soil.
Let's use them - and at minimum become self-sufficient in inexpensive food for all.
- Encourage future growth industries.
There's a huge tide in entrepreneurial instinct in this country.
Let's use business incentives wisely to divert this talent and passion away from 'no hope sectors' and into future growth sectors - like renewable energy, bio tech science and alternative therapies/well being.
- Encourage tourism like mad.
Britain may not have the best weather but it is incredibly beautiful. The weak pound now makes us a very cheap destination.
- Encourage enterprise skills in schools with a passion. Soon the days of being 'an employee' will be gone forever.
What's needed right now is long term, joined up thinking.
Not short term fixes.
Let's look at what real value and competitive advantage we can create in this country - and then GO FOR IT !
With the decline in the financial services sector it's our only hope to re-establish ourselves as a worldwide 'power' economy.
Showing posts with label British Enterprise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label British Enterprise. Show all posts
Monday, 15 December 2008
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Mrs Angry of Bakewell
Yes, I am ANGRY.
Why?
Because today a good entrepreneurial friend of mine has told me that he is putting his company into a CVA (Company's Voluntary Arrangement).
Is this because his business is loss making?
No.
It's actually a great British manufacturing company, which turns over getting on for £500k and is profit making every year.
The reason is that the business has fallen behind with their VAT. But instead of HMRCE being willing to negotiate terms, they are forcing the company into the action because of continued threats to send in the balliffs.
OK, OK I realise everyone has to pay their VAT, and if people don't it's not fair on all the rest.
BUT at a time when literally BILLIONS of pounds are currently being pumped in to try to make Britain a more enterprising culture, and encouraging people to go into business, WHY OH WHY are we condemning successful existing businesses to death in this way?
(Only about 5% of companies which set up in the UK go on to become profitable companies like my friend's)
Gordon Brown, Peter Mandelson, PLEASE - you guys need to sort out a more supportive solution for companies that get into trouble rather than just condemn them to death.
Call off the dogs and give these entrepreneurs some help in their time of need - so they can survive and be part of this country's future - not thrown on the scrapheap as another insolvency statistic.
Why?
Because today a good entrepreneurial friend of mine has told me that he is putting his company into a CVA (Company's Voluntary Arrangement).
Is this because his business is loss making?
No.
It's actually a great British manufacturing company, which turns over getting on for £500k and is profit making every year.
The reason is that the business has fallen behind with their VAT. But instead of HMRCE being willing to negotiate terms, they are forcing the company into the action because of continued threats to send in the balliffs.
OK, OK I realise everyone has to pay their VAT, and if people don't it's not fair on all the rest.
BUT at a time when literally BILLIONS of pounds are currently being pumped in to try to make Britain a more enterprising culture, and encouraging people to go into business, WHY OH WHY are we condemning successful existing businesses to death in this way?
(Only about 5% of companies which set up in the UK go on to become profitable companies like my friend's)
Gordon Brown, Peter Mandelson, PLEASE - you guys need to sort out a more supportive solution for companies that get into trouble rather than just condemn them to death.
Call off the dogs and give these entrepreneurs some help in their time of need - so they can survive and be part of this country's future - not thrown on the scrapheap as another insolvency statistic.
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Will I return to the Dragons' Den?
One of the questions I am most often asked these days - especially given the new series which has just started on BBC2 - is: Will I ever return to Dragons' Den?
(Apparently people believe my re-appearance would introduce a slightly more feminine and compassionate element to the panel.)
The answer is, of course, no!
Firstly, because most of my work these days is in the small business sector, inspiring, motivating and helping entrepreneurs on their business journey - and I don't feel that the 'coliseum entertainment' nature of the show is conducive to encouraging entrepreneurship in the UK.
Secondly, because I'm still in financial re-build following the meltdown of Red Letter Days and not currently undertaking any angel investment.
And thirdly because I'm sure the BBC would never invite me back!!!
But I do agree that the show has become too formulaic and that the panel is in dire need of a shake-up...
But, hey, why ruin a good formula for 'entertainment of the masses' in favour of a show which is more representative and supportive of British enterprise?
(Apparently people believe my re-appearance would introduce a slightly more feminine and compassionate element to the panel.)
The answer is, of course, no!
Firstly, because most of my work these days is in the small business sector, inspiring, motivating and helping entrepreneurs on their business journey - and I don't feel that the 'coliseum entertainment' nature of the show is conducive to encouraging entrepreneurship in the UK.
Secondly, because I'm still in financial re-build following the meltdown of Red Letter Days and not currently undertaking any angel investment.
And thirdly because I'm sure the BBC would never invite me back!!!
But I do agree that the show has become too formulaic and that the panel is in dire need of a shake-up...
But, hey, why ruin a good formula for 'entertainment of the masses' in favour of a show which is more representative and supportive of British enterprise?
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