2012 - a formative year?

by Haines Watts Farnborough on 10 January 2012

Since I got back to the office from the Christmas and New Year break (I took a few extra days out this time), I have been contemplating the New Year and in particular what 2012 holds for us.  Perhaps a little later than some people, but then my “better late than never” mentality has prevailed.

I believe the best approach is to think about what we can do better in 2012 – what are our goals?  We are approaching the half way point of the month and I wonder just how many of us who did make New Year’s Resolutions have already fallen by the wayside?  I think it would be true to say that most people expect to fail.  An interesting aspect of the human psyche …

Ultimately it comes down to motivation and the impact that failure can have.  The power of money, as we all know, can act as a significant way to motivate behaviour – there are now mobile phone apps and websites which will “fine” you if you fail on your resolutions!  Looking at the UK as a whole and applying this to our current economy, we need to continually look to the future.  The new high speed rail link has just been given the go-ahead, to the obvious dismay of opponents, but we need to remain focused as a nation on competitiveness.  A sub-standard rail link, which is the alternative, will do us no favours in the future and will more than likely harm our attraction to investors.  The 2012 Olympic Games are coming our way this summer, so we must build on the added attention we will receive courtesy of the world’s media.  Some argue that the timing of the Olympic Games is poor, but rather than look at it this way, let’s think of the blessings that such a unique event will bring to raising the profile of our country, our nation and of what we have to offer … and we have a lot.

If you want any further information on this blog post please contact us.

Your CommentsComments2

It is good to be positive although with youth unemployment at its present record level and no solution in sight. One has to wonder whether the cost of a high speed rail link would not be better used by looking after the young unemployed who are likely to become an increasingly bitter thorn in our side.Let's be positive by all means but let's also be realistic

Catherine Apeh on 10 January 2012

Respond to this comment

I agree with your reservations and although youth unemployment is a pressing and growing problem, we do need to constantly update our infrastructure to keep us competitive. The alternative is a real risk that we will be left behind by other European countries which will be to our long-term detriment, our economy and therefore our ability to help young people into sustained employment in the long-term. With the demise of the future job fund I am all too aware that its effective replacement has been a long time coming.

Jane Gregory on 10 January 2012

Respond to this comment

Leave a commentComments will appear once approved.
All fields marked with * are required

Comment* Full name* Email* Website

Submitting your comment for approval
Please Wait..

Please note

Your comment will be sent for approval so won’t appear straight away on this blog. You’ll receive an email when your comment has been approved and is live.