2013: Looking ahead

Welcome to 2013 and to our annual Looking Ahead review where we ask the county’s business community about the year to come. And their answers are, as ever, illuminating. This year, we’ve looked at four key areas: predictions for business in Lancashire; observations on skills provision; thoughts on finance; and wish-list resolutions. Alan Barnes reports.

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There is no doubt that business still remains difficult across the board, with many sectors facing challenges.

As a result, individuals and organisations are, understandably, spending money very cautiously due to the ongoing uncertainties and many issues outside our control.

We mustn’t lose sight of the fact that there is still business to be done. However, organisations are spending conservatively and the pressures facing us simply mean that a business proposition now, more than ever, has to be first class and far better than the competition.

At Napthens we see many customers successfully adapting their propositions in this way, and they are continuing to grow their businesses despite the current conditions.

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What is the outlook for your business and sector for 2013, and how do you feel Lancashire businesses will fare?

Stephen Gregson, director, Moore and Smalley Chartered Accountants, Preston

Gary Clarkson, managing director, Rosslee Construction, Accrington

Ann Morris, chief executive, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce

David Haythornthwaite, CEO, Tangerine Holdings, Lytham

Tim Bullough, Accrol Papers, Blackburn

Vernon Yerkess, managing director, Cleverboxes, Altham,

Steve Hoyle, managing director, Regenerate Pennine Lancashire

Debbie Pettitt, chief executive, Marsden Rawsthorn Solicitors, Preston

Nick Thompson, deputy managing director, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool

Richard Evans, senior partner, KPMG, Preston

How confident are you that you will attract people with the right skills in 2013?

David Haythornthwaite, chief executive,Tangerine Holdings, Lytham

Vernon Yerkess, chief executive, Cleverboxes, Altham

Colin Mustoe, chairman, Senator International, Accrington

Vivienne Davenport, development director, Westholme School, Blackburn

Paul Bowker, chief executive, Bowker Motor Group

Nick Thompson, deputy managing director, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool

Richard Evans, senior partner, KPMG, Preston

Mike Damms, chief executive, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce

Amanda Melton, principal, Nelson and Colne College

Debbie Pettit, chief executive, Marsden-Rawsthorn solicitors.

Will access to finance become any easier in 2013?

Howard Jones, co-director, UnifiedWorld, Blackburn

Steve Hoyle, managing director, Regenerate Pennine Lancashire

Richard Evans, senior partner, KPMG, Preston

Nick Thompson, deputy managing director, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool

Paul Bowker, chief executive, Bowker Motor Group,

Ilyas Munshi, chief executive, enterprise4all

Tim Mills, Pierce Accountantants, Blackburn

If you were the Chancellor, what would your New Year resolution be?

Rob Dobson, corporate partner, Napthens Solicitors

Vernon Yerkess, managing director, Cleverboxes, Altham

Vivienne Davenport, development director, Westholme School, Blackburn

David Haythornthwaite, chief executive, Tangerine Holdings, Lytham

Gary Clarkson, managing director, Rosslee Construction, Accrington

Colin Mustoe, chairman, Senator International, Accrington

Caroline James, senior partner, Trevor Dawson

Andrew Botham, Mayes Accountants, Accrington

Debbie Pettitt, chief executive, Marsden-Rawsthorn

Richard Evans, senior partner, KPMG, Preston