𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿?

It’s so-called ‘Blue Monday’. In a ‘normal’ year this means the day when we realise it was four weeks ago we were last paid, there is a long slog ahead this year, and it’s cold outside! These last few years have perhaps felt even ‘blue-er’ given the pandemic, and its lasting impact on finances and services. And this year blue-er still given the endless depressing stories of countries in conflict, increasing extremism, and corruption. So, happy new year…

In times like this it is all the more important to maintain a balanced perspective. So, let’s park the difficulties for a moment. There are several reasons for optimism from a business perspective. These are UK factors, but several of these points are globally applicable:
𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁: There is a strong and growing culture of entrepreneurship, with a supportive ecosystem for start-ups, including accelerators, incubators, and access to venture capital. This is facilitated by the use of ever-improving technology.
𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: The UK is a hub for technological innovation, particularly in areas like fintech, AI, and green technology, fostering new business opportunities and driving economic growth. The health and biotech sectors in the UK are expanding rapidly, as a result of research, innovation, and investment in these areas. In general terms, the innovations and efficiencies that technology has delivered to us are extraordinary, and this continues apace.
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: Despite challenges, the UK economy has shown resilience. Businesses have adapted quickly to changes, demonstrating agility and innovation in response to global events. London’s money markets remain very strong.
𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Various government schemes and incentives are available to support businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: There is a growing focus on sustainability and responsible business practices. This shift opens up new markets and opportunities and helps create a better future.
𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: The UK's creative industries, including fashion, media, and arts, continue to be world leaders, contributing significantly to the economy and enhancing the UK's cultural influence globally.

And then there are plenty of reasons to be cheerful outside of the business world:
· Cultural diversity
· Advances in healthcare
· Global connectivity
· Environmental awareness and action
· Education for all
· Community spirit, especially in times of crisis

It’s fine to feel a little blue, especially when the media is telling you that today is the day. There are plenty of reasons here to help you take stock, remind yourself that “it’s not all bad”, and finish off January with a spring in your step.