Sector chief praises ‘resilient’ Shropshire businesses
One of Shropshire's key business figures believes 2019 can be a successful one for the sector despite ongoing uncertainty over Brexit.
Richard Sheehan, chief executive of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, said he is encouraged by the amount of businesses which reported substantial growth last year and "rolled up their sleeves" despite big concerns about what the future may hold.
He believes businesses will have opportunities to expand further this year, but has called on the Government to offer clarity over exactly what Britain’s departure from the EU will mean for the sector.
"There is a clear lack of clarity and understanding for business owners and consumers. The knock-on effect of that has been a slowing in investment plans and a reduction in migrant labour being available," he said.
"We picked up in the second half of last year a lot of investment from foreign-owned companies has stalled. This in the main is where they have more than one facility around the world and they are looking very carefully about how much money they are going to invest in the UK if the UK suddenly has a huge fence around it.
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"But Shropshire businesses are very resilient and we have seen from our measurements, in times of feast or famine, we tend not to have the peaks and troughs that other areas do.
"We tend to be enjoying a bit more stability and continuity. We have been encouraged by many businesses we have spoken to last year who have experienced growth.
"They have rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in with what is available to them, but we have to look to our politicians to ensure they do the right thing for businesses.
Rejuvenate
"It is good to see the market towns getting in investment. We can’t be under any illusions that the high street is under immense pressure. It is important we energise and rejuvenate our town centres and support those that have taken the leap of faith to put their business within our high streets."
2018 was a challenging one for many businesses hit by Brexit uncertainty, rising costs and falling consumer confidence.
Last week's collapse of retail giant HMV capped a particular torrid year for retailers. Notable high street names such as Poundworld, Toys R Us and Maplin all went bust in 2018.
House of Fraser also went bust with debts of nearly £1 billion and was bought out of administration by Mike Ashley and his Sports Direct empire, leading to the Telford store being saved from closure. The store in Shrewsbury will close on January 12.
Mr Sheehan added: "People have put their life and soul into the businesses and they deserve to be supported properly.
"My message to business owners is keep doing what your doing well, keep marketing, embrace technology, be innovative and work together.
"We would actively encourage people to come together at a time of challenge to share joint opportunities and trade together. We will be doing what we can to ensure there is a platform for businesses to be able to do that!"
