“It’s vital for any business leader to be able to make a plan and implement it swiftly. This is exactly what I’ll be focusing on for my next workshop on 25 February, in which I will help leaders to devise a 90-day plan to implement within their business straight away." Rob Lister, managing director of Stonehouse- based Lister Unified Communications “We are hugely optimistic about 2020. With more certainty on the political landscape, we are seeing companies being able to re-start making positive decisions again. Superfast broadband and 5G mobile broadband are becoming a reality and giving all kinds of options to change the way companies do business. “We all need to get ready for this, so we don't get left behind, so the start point is to get the connectivity in place, our networks are ready and security is in place for the ever increasing cyber-risks. “There are still a limited time left to take advantage of the government-funded £67m Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, with grants up to £2500 available. Expected to run out in Q1, this year.” Anthony Pilkington, Managing Director of Stroud based BookCheck “Clearly we can now concentrate on our businesses rather than worry about Brexit, although we’ve still to see the trade deal outcome. Now’s a great time to concentrate on exports, as the government will be very keen to support. It’s also the time to concentrate on improving business profitability, starting with quality management information.” Gary Jones, managing director at Glevum, the windows, doors and conservatory specialist
“Our side of the business that installs windows, doors and conservatories for new build developers is also seeing a similar uplift, with developers pushing ahead with developments at a faster rate than before." Ian Mean, Gloucestershire director of BusinessWest “I am very optimistic about the economy over the next year, provided that the new Johnson government lives up to its promises on developing our infrastructure. “The forthcoming budget will be so important to this big spending. “I believe the new Western Gateway consortium, including Gloucestershire, is a great opportunity to give this region a real focus on growing our economy.” Ian Sloan, of Bankier Sloan Chartered Surveyors “We have started the year very positively and the prospects look good. Demand has been good for industrial property. Understandably in retail there is limited number of people looking for space, especially in town centres. “But there is demand for offices and I think generally we are in a much better place. I think the general election is out of the way, Brexit is out of the way, and people want to get on and do business.” Supriya Ray, managing director of Bovis Homes' Western region
"We're looking forward to a busy and exciting 2020.Along with Linden Homes and Vistry Partnerships, we are now part of the newly- formed Vistry Group - one of the top five housebuilders in the UK by
“We are very optimistic about the prospects for our business in 2020. There is no doubt that, since the election, consumers have a new- found level of confidence that simply wasn’t there beforehand.
volume. This followed the successful acquisition by Bovis Homes Group PLC from Galliford Try PLC of Linden Homes and their Partnerships & Regeneration businesses. “That creates fantastic opportunities for our people and our contractors across Gloucestershire – and a wider choice for house hunters looking to enjoy a new- build home, from first-time buyers and step-uppers, to downsizers" l
“Big ticket purchases are back on the agenda, we are currently seeing, for example, conservatory enquiries running at twice the level we were seeing last year.
February 2020 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 21
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