A New Year message from our CEO, Robert White
The start of a new year is often a time for reflection and, typically, unbridled positivity. Casting my mind back to last January (which seems so far away after the year just gone) and the increased economic certainty brought about by the new parliamentary term, there was much for businesses to be optimistic about.
Today, though, we find ourselves in another period of national lockdown – a concept that was entirely alien back then. Unfortunately, it is clear that the effects of the pandemic will continue to reshape the economy and, most likely, the way in which we do business for many months to come.
Despite all this, I’m a big believer that we should still see this unique period as a time for optimism – however cautious it may be. With several really encouraging vaccines on the horizon, the current situation and the ensuing lockdown hopefully represent the darkest hour before the dawn, the last push in an effort to find a way back to a new normal.
It is in this spirit, then, that I would like to wish all of our clients and colleagues the very best for 2021. Critically, we have been in this position before and I hope you too feel that we have the experience, collectively and individually to overcome the challenges ahead. I am particularly thankful to my colleagues for the commitment they have shown throughout the past 12 months and the strong position they have put us in to meet new challenges head on.
I know their resilience also proved instrumental in supporting our clients throughout 2020 and we will continue to do everything we can to do so this year. We operate in a diverse range of sectors including retail, technology, property and construction, manufacturing and supply chain, as well as sport – all of which are evolving at pace. It is our aim this year to continue to support all our clients as they help to shape the future of the economy.
Closer to home, I’m looking forward to Brabners helping to further strengthen the already outstanding regional economy here in the North West. Connectivity continues to be an issue for the region to address but, as life returns to our towns, cities and business parks, I believe that the many world class businesses in our region across industries such as technology, healthcare and media, will continue to shine through.
My hope for this year is that we all subscribe to the concept of building back better and I hope the region both drives and grasps any opportunity to ‘level up’ our economy, particularly as we start to emerge from the effects of the pandemic.
Despite all that has happened and the undoubted challenges we still face, I have also been struck by the groundswell of business support for environmental, social and corporate governance related initiatives. I am convinced that this sentiment provides further reason for optimism and that it demonstrates that business can, and will, play its part in shaping a sustainable future, doing its bit to drive a positive impact on the communities we all serve.
From our own perspective, Brabners will continue to invest in driving innovation, supporting diversity and in playing our part to build that sustainable future. I look forward to sharing updates on the success of a range of initiatives, including those delivered through the Brabners Foundation, in the coming months.
This year will undoubtedly present its own challenges. However, the next few (hopefully) weeks and (possibly) months in lockdown should also represent the final hurdle for many before life returns to a greater degree of normality.
I hope you keep safe and well in the coming months and look forward to seeing friends, clients and colleagues again in person when it is safe to do so.
Best wishes,
Robert White
Chief Executive Officer, Brabners
