2018 in preview: Rachel Wood, Sladen Estates

The managing director of Sladen Estates gives us her business predictions for the year ahead.

1. Industrial property will still be a shining light in 2018 and provide a good vehicle for investment as there will be continued rental growth this year even if investment yields level out.

2. There will be those companies that are staring into the abyss waiting for clarity on Brexit and there are those who are already grabbing the opportunity, of which there are plenty. Companies in the the manufacturing industry, for example, will see continued business growth and help provide the economic growth which the country needs.

3. With continued pressure on the purse, consumers will increasingly look for value so boosting the growth of the discount retailers. This year will see further changes to the high street with potentially some well-known names disappearing. The impact on towns needs to be seriously grappled and fundamental changes made to the mix of the traditional high street, led by pragmatic planning decisions.