2016 in review: Richard Osborn, Weightmans

Richard Osborn, partner and Midlands regional office head at Weightmans, looks back at 2016.

What has been your highlight of the year?
Whilst Leicester City winning the Premier League title was undoubtedly a highlight, I was also personally delighted to be appointed to the role of Midlands Regional Office Head for Weightmans, covering our Birmingham and Leicester offices – our very own “Midlands Engine”!

And your lowlight?
Aston Villa being relegated from the Premier League – oh, and the Brexit outcome (although as a business we are of course neutral!)

How do you think 2016 will be remembered?
The year of Leicester City, Brexit and Trump

Hero of the year (business or otherwise)?
Other than Jamie Vardy, I do think that the Leicester City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, deserves all the credit he has received for his decades of service to the East Midlands and the key role he has played in the regeneration of one of its main cities. He has achieved a rare balance of business-friendly political leadership.

And villain?
Well, as villains at least in the eyes of the Parliamentary Business, Innovation and Skills Committee, neither of the retail magnates Mike Ashley nor Sir Philip Green seem to have covered themselves in glory this year! Certainly lessons to be learned in terms of how to look after your employees.

What’s your New Year’s Resolution?
To do more exercise and spend less time at my desk – the two resolutions are clearly linked!