Hard week, but not without hope

IT has been a difficult week when you look at the headlines for Grimsby businesses, but the difficulties and closures reported appear to be isolated rather than a state of the industry situation.
Harry Carr's demise is not just a blow for the 180 workers, but a loss of a long-standing name in Grimsby's construction and engineering sector.
Cash flow problems have been blamed, which is always a risk when firms take on major contracts. If a big job runs over budget after a tender has been won, something has to give. Whether this has been the case or not, and for how long the company has been trying to stay afloat I don't know, but the fall-out is not easy. One consolation for many will be that although it will require major changes in terms of colleagues and environment, there should be opportunities with other companies where order books are full and work is flat out.

Skelton's could perhaps be seen as more a sign of the times. We're an increasingly health conscious nation, and I don't recall sausage rolls, bacon butties and pasties being top of Jamie Oliver's list. Then when it comes to the lunchtime offering there's the bright and breezy alternatives in the shape of national chains like Gregg's and Subway. Tough competition - not forgetting the hugely popular instore bakeries that Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and the like now have.
Even the smaller outlets have regular fresh deliveries to ensure we have our daily bread. Like any business that encounters difficulties, if it was that popular, it wouldn't be in such a state. There could be opportunities for a buyer, and let's hope so, but if they do then the offerings will have to change. the Hull-based company may have history, but it is future and forward thinking it needs now.

Lastly there has been the shake-out at Coldwater, where the significant internal changes reported back in September are coming into effect. Here, while we feel desperately for those who have tough decisions to make about downgraded jobs, we should perhaps be relieved that Grimsby remains a strong part of the company's plans, with so many operations elsewhere.
It was possible that the changes could have been more severe.

For me it is no surprise that these all come as the financial year end is reached. So while it may feel like they have piled up, it is in fact more of a reflection of the year that has passed for the companies concerned.
And it must be remembered too, just how many businesses are thriving and actually increasing employee numbers and expanding on the back of a stronger manufacturing and retail position than had been expected by many.

Probably a good time then to burst the gloom balloon and remind firms to get the entries in for Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards 2007. Getting on with the job may not seem like a reason for celebrating, but if companies look at what they have actucally done in relation to the categories open, they may well see some opportunities there. Details are on the website menu to the left.