TALENT AND AMBITION TAKE TWO

Brex- it – Is that it?

“Sounds like everything is going well with my super international family living in the small island of Britain.”  It was an email in my inbox from my son in Japan after the referendum and Brexit result. I was on my way to Italy for a few days. Not escaping Britain in a panic but on a well planned trip I was looking forward to.

A month and a half later after the result how is Brexit reality responding to campaign promises and scares? There were campaigns where proper, clear, accessible data and evidence were in short supply. I believe the jury is out and will be so for a while.  From the point of view of any proper government negotiations nothing much has happen yet.

When it comes to economic confidence uncertainty is king and queen. With the first economic health check after the Brexit vote available and building on data, conclusions and speculation about developments in the next few months the future does not look bright. There is a sharp downturn in business activity and confidence. That is particularly in the service industry. The service industry accounts for 80% of the UK economy. When I read about banks, restaurants, hedge funds, bars, gyms and hairdressers experiencing a dramatic deterioration in business confidence and the  economy on course to shrink  0.4%  in the third quarter unless conditions improve (the guardian 23.07.16) I see in my mind’s eye so much of the present vibrant mood, the confidence and  fabric of London slowing down. London is the place I know best and where I can best sense and imagine both the worst and best scenarios for a post Brexit future. Many Europeans here in London I have spoken to express uncertainty about their future. Hate crimes, xenophobic and racist insults and personal attacks have increased after the referendum result.

We can speculate on a shock factor after what many claim was an “unexpected” Brexit outcome and what it means short-term. We can act for the best possible long-term scenario and outcome which I hope will be an open, diverse and innovative country.

At this moment the service sector is weathering the storm the worst but experience tells us that most companies, big and small, are postponing big investment decisions, in buildings, people, plant and machinery when they worry about returns being unpredictable and low (FT 23.07.16). There will be a nervous wait in many quarters until the autumn when we will have some hard data on the state of the country’s economy and general health. In the north, the once upon a time named “Northern Powerhouse” there are heighten fears of uncertainty, potential damage and stagnation. It is uplifting news that GSK is investing £275 million in the UK, in County Durham, Hertfordshire and Montrose in Scotland.

Instead of leaving the country or getting caught up in depression, inactivity and fear how can we complete the Brex-it process? While awaiting government decisions and action how can we make the next few months an opportunity for innovative behaviour, diversity and optimism? Make the Brexit void and territory a positive challenge? Sharing talent, ideas, strength and joint up initiatives across new territories one by one and together? Make Brex- it – a positive challenge instead of a simple excuse for inaction and resulting in more insecurity, suspicion, division, xenophobia, racism and growth of hate crimes. Instead of doomsday behaviour – apathy, blame, finger pointing and fear let’s make sure we continue to build a lively culture and community of diversity, equality and aspiration. That is the strength, creating an opportunity from the challenge that makes any place, community, country or landscape a greater place to be in. A place where I want to live, work and stay.

Brex-it, wherever you are – How will you apply your talent and ambition for optimism and continued action, pragmatic and creative realism and innovation? How about doing one small thing each day…