An air of optimism

Long queues outside your local health inspector's favourite takeaway jaunt - this can only mean one thing, the World Cup is here! For some a feast of sport and for others, a living nightmare only made bearable by the thought of a dodgy curry and a beer. But the one common thing we should all embrace is the air of optimism and feel good factor, which accompanies the event.

It was reported recently that UK retail sales rose strongly in May, with analysts citing the World Cup as the main reason for the pick-up.

Sales volumes rose by a bigger-than-expected 0.6% from April, helped by a 1.7% jump in household goods sales and a 1% increase in food sales, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. Analysts said sales of televisions and food ahead of the World Cup had boosted the figures. Great news. But the importance of this 'pick-up" is how it is being achieved. This optimism in the retail sector spurred by the World Cup, illustrates for me, how businesses have embraced this infectious optimism and consequently are beginning to reap the financial benefits. To simplistic? Perhaps. Does it work? I genuinely believe it does. UK industry has also started to take the bull by the horns and is adopting this principle with inspiring results. For example the EEF has highlighted that a growing number of Britain’s manufacturers reported buoyant trading conditions over the past three months on the back of rising demand in overseas and UK markets, and greater confidence across the sector is starting to translate into recruitment. Of course I realise this is not just down to positive thinking, and it is always easier said than done. But having heard the negative attitudes of some manufacturers over the last two years or so, it is not surprising these businesses are still finding things tough, while those who have adopted the opposite approach are beginning to reap the rewards of recovery.

At the recent Drives & Controls, Air-Tech, IFPEX, and Plant & Works Exhibitions, I was quite overwhelmed at the vast majority of exhibitors who were so excited, positive, and optimistic about their products and services, and this came across when they were speaking to visitors. I spoke to many exhibitors at the various shows, and one that caught my attention explained to me that he told his employees at the beginning of the downturn that from that moment on they were never to mention the word ‘recession’ again in front of him. He wanted his sales team to be positive and focus on opportunities. It would be difficult to argue against taking this attitude, or even why you would want to!

UK industry is at a crossroads, most are taking the right route, but there are still a few who are adamant on talking themselves into an early grave. Please don’t let this happen. Positive thinking is just one attribute to success, but without it you might as well keep on digging! So take a leaf out of the World Cup and be positive, what have you got to lose?