Why We Need to Look to the Innovators

The UK is stubbornly refusing to follow some of its closest trading partners out of recession and into growth. Despite this however, and as this recession runs its course, our experience continues to be somewhat at odds with reporting and we have much to be optimistic about.

You will see from the selection of deals completed in the last quarter, demand by acquirers for good businesses is still strong both here and in our other offices around the World. Also, a range of independent surveys confirm both my own experience as Chairman of a family business and what our clients tell us.

One of the key traits of many family businesses and smaller and medium sized private enterprises in general is their flexibility, a capability to embrace change and innovate, not just from the top down but right across the business. When owners wish to sell though, it is possible to pass the business to a new owner whilst protecting the unique culture and employee prospects.

I expect that, like so many other disruptive times in the past, businesses will successfully evolve to suit new circumstances and ultimately be well placed to thrive. Like many of our clients we have taken the opportunity that the current recession has presented to look at every part of our business model and have honed, fine-tuned and modified where needed. Arguably, we may not have done this were it not for current circumstances but the benefits have been measurable and sustainable.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” an observation by the 19th century philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche seems apt.

Brian Rebbettes, Chairman