Over the last twelve months we have been living through times which have challenged our resourcefulness as businesses. Many organisations have made and continue to make difficult decisions about whether they continue to operate and, if so, what changes are necessary to ensure their survival. Financial pressures have led to the streamlining of processes and a reassessment of staffing levels. Skills audits have taken place and the ‘fat’ has been trimmed wherever possible. This has been necessary not only to survive in the current economic climate but to ensure that when circumstances do improve for the business community we will be fit for purpose and ready to take advantage of whatever opportunities arise. 

No one is in position to predict the future however the one inevitability is change. We need to be able to meet the challenges that the market produces and are fortunate in being a business community that recognises the importance of flexibility and the necessity of being able to respond quickly. I am confident that we will rise to meet that challenges that the market produces with a combination of entrepreneurial flair and the tenacity to keep moving forward.

Many organisations are cautiously optimistic about the future. They have taken this opportunity of assessing their operations and reassessing their practices and policies that have, to some extent, been taken for granted as appropriate. This re-examination from the grass roots up has proved a valuable exercise in reaffirming priorities and refocusing on goals whether in the short, medium or long term.

It is in these times that we particularly value the expertise that can be drawn from colleagues whether from within our own organisations or externally through fellow members of the Chamber. Whether drawing on the experience of those who remember the challenges of the 1970s or learning new ways of working from those with shorter memories, networking our contacts and thinking creatively about ways to add value to the products or services that we provide, means that we remain competitive and customer-focused, whoever our ‘customer’ may be.

I am reminded that the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce has been supporting its members for nearly 150 years. Whatever the future may hold I am certain that will continue to represent the interests of our members locally, regionally, nationally and beyond, continuing to live up to the highest expectations of our predecessors and providing a benchmark that business in the future aspire to meet.

Ruth Ingman
President
Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce

2009