Friday High Five – a happy New Year message

It’s been a tough start to the year, make no mistake.

There’s a squeeze on hospitality. One of the region’s biggest retailers, JD Sports, has admitted it’s going to miss an audacious £1billion profit target. 

I attempted to make some predictions across key regional sectors for the year ahead, even pricing in “the reservoir of resilience” that I have grown to admire amongst leaders of the region’s businesses over the last year I’ve been doing this job.

But the most shocking news of all was the harsh reminder of the sheer fragility of life and what we hold dear; the shocking death of a well-loved and devoted business leader, Kate Vokes.

What the Oglesby family have contributed to the North West has been immense, and her tragic passing seems so cruel, given how much she still clearly had to give.

The tributes have been heart breaking, but have also been consistent with the generous, warm hearted, but clear headed woman I knew.

It would be a good time to reflect on that at this time of year. To be kinder, more generous and considerate. To be more Kate.

Wishing you all a peaceful, prosperous and happy New Year.