Covid, Brexit and a shifting population

THE latest figures from the Office of National Statistics indicate the UK population has grown to some 67 million – but this actually indicates a slowing down of expansion compared with previous years.

The reason is partly due to Covid and restrictions on international travel coupled with the after-effects of Brexit as many Europeans decided to go home.

Population figures are very important for many larger businesses which have to plan for anticipated demand.

Orders for supplies have to be issued months in advance of actual need, but get this wrong and shortages occur leading to price increases.

In the year to mid-2020, annual deaths (55,000) were the highest since 1986, accounted for in part by the pandemic.

The report also indicates there is a population move away from the cities to the countryside. People are seeking their own bit of fresh air, a fact that can be easily accomplished by those who now work from home.

Such movement slashes the need for travel and puts into question the need to expand our railway system, HS2 in particular.

There is also a move for people to seek a new life in the countryside. Maybe less remuneration, but what they consider to be a better quality of life.

I was talking to a couple in south Devon last week who eight years ago, gave up their home in West Bromwich and moved down to be by the sea.

He is a long-distance HGV driver, she worked in the accounts office of a Black Country business. They are both doing exactly the same jobs today, yet in an entirely different environment. They told me that they would never return to the noise and bustle.

Next March will see the publication of the first results from the 2021 Census. This will provide more accurate figures of population movement and expansion. However, for those just starting on the first rung of developing their own business, they will be comforted to know that the number of potential customers continues to increase.

It’s just the little matter of selling!

Russell Luckock is chairman of Birmingham pressings firm

AE Harris