Claire’s Column – Confidence is King

Published on: 12 Jul, 2012
Updated on: 12 Jul, 2012

Claire Dee

In this, the second of a monthly column – a must read for all those interested in Guildford business – Claire Dee reports on the annual Hart Brown Economic Forum

Confidence is King…

The past month has been a busy one in the local business community calendar.

On June 21 I attended the annual not-to-be-missed Hart Brown Economic Forum. When I first set up my Surrey business three years ago, almost every business person I met said you must go to the annual Hart Brown conference which attracts enviable speakers and is favoured by the local great and good. This year was the first time I was actually able to make it, and I’m very pleased I did.

Sponsored by Guildford Borough Council and the University of Surrey and held at the university’s School of Management, the event was entitled Success from Adversity and brought some interesting insights.

Keynote speakers included the managing director of Guildford business John Dennis Coachbuilders, Alan McClafferty, who was a breath of fresh air with his candid presentation on how the business has had to “adapt or die”. From seeking new markets – home delivery vehicles – to restructuring and reducing their headcount – two rounds of redundancies in 18 months involving more than 80 people.

Other guest speakers included financial investment expert, Justin Urquhart Stewart, and Dr Martin Weale CBE from the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.

And while all three spoke on different subjects in their own very different presentation styles, the overriding message of the evening was confidence is crucial to success. Without it, customers will not purchase from businesses who cannot sell because banks will not lend: simple.

The following day, as co-chair of the Surrey Chambers of Commerce Business Women in Surrey group, I was involved in a lunchtime event where women from around the county congregated to hear Lynne Featherstone MP talk about equality and women in the workplace.

As minister for equalities, Lynne shared her knowledge of the issues being faced and how the government is addressing them; including setting up a new Women’s Business Council. Audience participation was encouraged and as a result a number of healthy debates ensued, with how to smash the glass ceiling and make childcare more affordable top of the list.

In the end, however, the one essential skill recognised by all was to have confidence in yourself and your ability and allow that to carry you forward.

And finally, I read with interest today about a recent report from Bibby Financial Services claiming that despite the double-dip recession, employees in small and medium businesses in Surrey are confident in the future with many increasingly motivated, happy in their work and optimistic.

Forget location, location, location and education, education, education – confidence, confidence, confidence is very much king.

Claire Dee runs her own communications consultancy near Guildford and is an active member of the local business community including sitting on the Surrey Chambers of Commerce council. To learn more visit: www.clairedeecommunications.com