Nothing beats face time.

November 2025

All conversations are best face-to-face. Some are essential.
So, a busy week of back-and-forth, taking in London, Birmingham, and even a fleeting diversion to Northampton, for meetings with clients and others in my NED capacity
It was great to check in with other business folk beyond Manchester and hear their thoughts about the market and the challenges they face.

A few common themes emerged:
1️⃣ There’s always been a real battle for talent but it feels most intense now.
2️⃣ People’s relationships with work is changing - still a challenge for some to shake off the work-from-home preference.
3️⃣ As ever, chemistry is vital. Smart takes second place to fit. Those who can build relationships, internal and external, have the edge.
4️⃣ This all matters because every MD and every Board highlighted the nagging uncertainty about which direction the economy is going in. 
5️⃣ People are nervous about committing to other investments - as well as hiring - until they get a clearer and more stable picture of the future.

As a side note, one of the virtues of train travel is the people you meet and places you see.

In my case I spent several hours with Jack Grealish on a fast train to London. Sadly no selfie but a good guy. Wish him all the best at Everton ⚽️

And, talking of sport, as a Leicester Tigers fan my rugby hackles definitely rose when I went to Northampton. Saints are good but Tigers all the way. 😁 🏉

Now, glad to be back in the office putting the finishing touches to the week.