Don't be afraid to seek partners for new ideas

We mustn’t sacrifice the very things that will ensure our ability to compete more strongly when the economy turns upwards. In previous articles, I’ve implored companies to think very carefully about retaining the skills that they are going to inevitably need, both in existing staff and those undergoing important training – particularly apprentices. The other critical area of activity not to abandon is innovation, as it is innovation in both product and process that is the foundation of future competitiveness.