2014: The good, the bad or the ugly?

Fri, December 19, 2014

2014 has been a busy year for businesses across the UK. We’re seeing an upturn in the economy and an increased confidence among business owners as a result. To find out more, we spoke to a couple of our readers to see what they thought.

Lyndon Wood, CEO and creator of www.constructaquote.com believed that 2014 was set to be the best year for British business since 2007, and feels confident that it has:

Britain is currently surpassing all neighbouring EU countries when it comes to entrepreneurial activity and figures by the ONS indicates that business action has been steadily increasing over the past seven years. The government cut needless red-tape during the middle of the year, and though controversial, it was certainly less restrictive to blooming businesses.

Dino Forte, Founder and Managing Director of outsourced contact centre, Ventrica is also feeling positive about the past year, highlighting that confidence and relief is being felt among businesses:

This year has seen both confidence and belief return as the economy bounced back. As a result businesses have been more willing to invest and take a few risks. Unlike several years ago, where there was no or little Government support, we have seen some really proactive strategies that have helped to resuscitate the fortunes of SMEs. The use of zero hour contracts for example has enabled both start-ups and existing businesses to become more agile, allowing them to expand and contract without harsh financial penalties â€“ sometimes the difference between whether a venture flourishes or folds. As an outsourcer we have grown by 50% in the last year and itâ€™s been the ability to flex our human resources that has given us the opportunity to build the business, so in turn those who were originally temporary workers have now become permanent members of staff. We have also secured access to grants with the help of local government that will support us to double our size by the beginning of 2015.

2014 has been a seemingly good year for business, and as we are now nearing 2015, it’s now time for businesses to be finalising plans and ensuring theyâ€™re well placed for the year ahead.

For more information visit - www.thinkbiggrowfast.net/2014/12/12/2104-the-good-the-bad-or-the-ugly/