Time for reflection
Depending on the length of your Christmas break it's either a happy Christmas or happy New Year from me, but either way may I wish you and your business every success in 2005. Before we look ahead though, it's worth reminding ourselves just what the region has achieved on a business front over the last 12 months - and there's plenty to cheer.
Take transport. Yes, still a bête noire in many respects for the region, but things are moving in the right direction. Despite an army of sceptics the M6 Toll has been a resounding success. The redevelopment of New Street Station looks more likely than it has done for years after a £3100m pledge towards the cost from Advantage West Midlands. Passenger numbers at our main airports continue to soar (even if a name change to Nottingham East Midlands Airport proved rather more controversial) and Nottingham got a fantastic tram system.
Take technology. Warwick Science Park, under the guiding influence of David Rowe, toasted a remarkable 20 years of success. A success that has transformed the economic landscape of the Coventry and Warwickshire region and one that makes the gloom surrounding job losses at Jaguar's Browns Lane plant far easier to bear.
And take some fantastic companies. The likes of Pendragon, Experian, Enterprise Inns, Wilson Bowden or Goldsmiths are now powerhouses in the region on the back of major corporate activity in 2004.
But yes, some massive issues remain, such as the flow of jobs and investment to the South East. On the same theme the government is also trying to move thousands of civil servants out of the South East following the landmark Lyons report, but time will tell whether Sir Michael's excellent study will be seized upon.
And then there's the world stage. The expansion of the EU poses as many challenges as opportunities for the region, while the march of the Far East is undoubtedly the biggest single threat to this region today.
Which brings us to our cover story this month and the plight of MG Rover, a plight that somehow offers us a microcosm of the whole debate. Rover has been trying to break into the Chinese market for three years and after its failed deal with China Brilliance its track record in China isn't pretty. For the good of this region, everyone must hope that its new partnership with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation really does ensure the long-term survival of Longbridge. One thing is for sure: 2005 really is make or break year for MG.
Jim Pendrill, editor
Nanny state or constructive guidance - the jury is still out on government interference. But, as Lisa Miles discovers, food and drinks manufacturers are adapting to change read on....
The Government has ambitious plans for the South Midlands region, intent on building thousands of new homes and attracting new business as it seeks to cool an overheating South East. Insider invited leading players in the regeneration of the Northamptonshire area to an Economic Forum at Rockingham Speedway to debate the issues. Neil Tague took notes. read on....
Full of Eastern promise? Is now the right time for corporates to be thinking about that major tie-up with China or have they missed the boat? Kevin Gopal investigates, read on....
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