Yorkshire grit and flexibility key qualities for recovery, report finds

BUSINESSES across Yorkshire and the North East believe that a flexible approach is the key to future success.

So says a new report by banking group HSBC, which found that 56% of business leaders in the region believe that adaptability and flexibility are crucial qualities.

The Great British Business report looks at how the country’s plc’s and SMEs have evolved over time and identifies what business people of today and tomorrow can learn from history.

According to the study Yorkshire’s reputation for mining, metal working, clothing manufacturing and ship building can in part be attributed to a strong work ethic and flexible approach.

Around 90% of respondents said product quality was the most important ingredient for success followed by service and reliability (81%) while nearly three quarters cited customer understanding.

Turning to the future 40% of respondents in Yorkshire and the North East said an ability to take calculated risks will be an important characteristic for business leaders of the future.

Mark Vines, HSBC regional commercial director, Yorkshire and the North East said: “Businesses in Yorkshire and the North East appreciate many of the characteristics that allowed the region to prosper during the Industrial Revolution are still valid today – an adaptable and flexible attitude, combined with a thorough understanding of the customer and a high quality product will allow businesses to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.”