Star comment: Firms can go forward with hope
Profit, rather than turnover, is a business’s most important figure. Yet few can fail to be impressed by the news that Shropshire’s fastest-growing businesses raked in sales of more than £1.6 billion in the last year.
The work of such firms companies as Telford toy distributor Golden Bear, car dealer Greenhous, pressings manufacturer Salop Design & Engineering, and even Shrewsbury Town FC feature prominently in a league table of commercial excellence.
It is their work that is helping to keep the economy ticking and ensuring local people stay in gainful employment. They are providing the solid foundation upon which the economy can continue to flourish in years to come. They are exemplars of good practice that others will learn from.
One of the most pleasing aspects of the table is the diversity of businesses that are represented on it. From heavy industry to leisure, there are contributors from all walks of commerce, helping to show that Shropshire and Mid Wales has a well-balanced economy that is not over-dependant on any particular sector. It also shows that there is a broad base of skills, with expertise in many fields, from technology to toys.
So, as a region, we can take comfort from the fact that if one area is hit hard by unexpected difficulties, others will not be disadvantaged.
We might not have expected the region to do so well. For there have been big differences in trade, technology and innovation across the globe.
Brexit, last year’s American election and other factors have caused instability and doubt. Yet Shropshire seems quite resilient to such changes. It is robust and strong, able to deal with conditions that vary at different times. We must not fall into the trap of resting on our laurels, however. Challenges remain, not least those caused when we eventually leave the EU and sever our ties with the single market, if, indeed, we do.
We must continue to invest in our businesses and also in our infrastructure, so that local companies are equipped with the right technology, with good transport links and with digital communications that will allow them to compete.
Residents in our region enjoy a quality of life that is generally good. They must, however, remain a part of the wider world. The region must not become a too-quiet backwater.
For now, however, businesses should be feeling pleased as they look forward with hope and optimism to a bright future.
