Good news for business gives cause to celebrate
WE might be forgiven for thinking that all the news that we see on the television, read about in the papers, hear about on the radio and engage with via social media at the moment is as bad as it is depressing. And of course, there are some major and serious issues affecting the UK and the world at present.
Some of the horrors that we see on television are unimaginable to us here as we go about our daily lives but, particularly at this time of year – a time for revitalising and regeneration, when we have just celebrated the good news of Easter – I thought it might be appropriate to remind ourselves that there is much good news that we should take heart from.
Certainly, within the business community there has been some significant and positive stories in recent weeks and I was particularly impressed with the recent GE Aviation announcement of a £20m investment for its engine plant in Nantgarw.
Having visited the facilities a couple of years ago, I know only too well the amazing work that takes place so close to the capital. The plant is the maintenance base for the GE9X, the world’s largest and most effective jet engine, and GE Aviation can be proud that it was selected for this work, based on the business’ wealth of technical expertise and track record of continuous improvement.
I recently met the plant’s MD LaChun Lindsay, and her enthusiasm was infectious. Her hard work, dedication and leadership played a massive part in achieving such positive results.
Of course, the recent announcement that Aston Martin will be locating in Wales is more good news for the economy and it was great to learn that contracts worth over £60m will be on offer to Welsh businesses.
Further news announced last week included Principality Building Society reporting that average house prices in Wales are at their highest point ever.
But it’s not just these big and prestigious household names and companies that have good news stories to share. There are thousands of businesses across Wales with good stories to tell and which are making a positive impact in their communities and to the wider Wales economy.
Within the IoD itself, we will be celebrating many good news stories at our Director of the Year Awards next month and, having already seen some of the applications, I have been impressed and hugely encouraged by the quality of the entries. Those who have entered, like the majority of directors across Wales, are playing their part in making their businesses and organisations better, which in turn leads to a thriving, stronger Wales-wide economy. And it’s right that they should be celebrated for the good work that they do.
So as you continue to enjoy the chocolate and, like me, today’s Bank Holiday, I hope you are reminded of this good news at this rejuvenating and uplifting time of year.
Robert Lloyd Griffiths is director of the Institute of Directors in Wales.