2021 Draws to a Close!

As 2021 draws to a close, we can reflect on a more positive year than 2020. We continue to see optimism as markets recover into 2022 with the rollout of the vaccine booster programme, despite the setback the new COVID-19 variant may provide. The resilience and creativity of British businesses has been extraordinary in the face of COVID-19, and the economic recovery in 2021 is a testament to that. GDP is now 0.5% below pre-pandemic levels and unemployment remarkably never spiked as was feared once the furlough scheme was completely unwound. There are uncertainties on the horizon, and the new Omicron variant has underscored that COVID-19 is not quite over yet. However, the good news is the boosters provide excellent protection against the worst outcomes of the disease.

The last year presented challenges, but overall was much more optimistic than 2020. We are delighted to have been able to continue to provide advice and assistance to our clients as they have continued to adapt to the uncertainty, we have all faced.  

The UK’s transition period for leaving the EU ended at the start of the year and Exporting to the EU became much more complex overnight. The contract furniture industry felt the impact from these changes as many businesses had complex supply chains spanning Europe that forced them to rethink their operations. A silver lining is that this will help broaden the base of companies with export experience and skills. Government schemes have helped diffuse exporting and importing skills and we were delighted to be appointed by the British Contract Furniture Association to deliver an export training package to their members.

In November the whole world was watching Glasgow as COP26 was held. There was encouraging movement on government pledges on coal, deforestation, and fossil fuel use. However, the view from business is that the climate change response will be driven by a ground up movement of business and individuals, rather than politician’s promises. We are seeing this in our work as clients, suppliers, and partners all start to look at their supply chains and their impact on the environment.

The pandemic has amplified the importance of data, and especially real-time data, for businesses to understand the markets they operate in. We have supported clients in implementing new financial software, CRMs, and processes to assist them capture data and develop deeper understandings of their current situations allowing them to react to market changes faster.

Alongside our project work, our longer-term client relationships, supporting our clients with strategic, sales and channel, operational performance and financial advice and support, continues.

Lastly, we are grateful to be able to be involved in the community once again. Where Now Consulting completed a 5-day charity cycle in July. We would like to extend our gratitude to our corporate sponsors Steelcase, Alpha Scotland and 2NDHND and the individuals who donated to support Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). We significantly surpassed our £2,500 target and raised £6,224! Our ride totalled 250 miles over the 5 days, starting at CHAS’s Rachel House in Kinross and cycling to Robin House in Balloch via Killin, and then cycling back to Rachel House via Dunblane.

We are also delighted that Managing Director of Where Now Consulting, Mark Spragg, was appointed President of the Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce.

As always, we would like to thank our clients and suppliers for their business and support over the last year, and wish you all a happy festive period!