That was the year that was

rong>

As usual, 2013 has been an eclectic mix of good, not so good and downright bad. From a personal perspective it’s been a challenging year to say the least but things move on. From a professional viewpoint, I think the manufacturing sector remains buoyant, in good shape and well placed to tackle the trials and tribulations of the coming year. From a wider position, the recent Haiyan typhoon that has devastated the Philippines reminds us of just how fragile we are and how ruthless Mother Nature can be. Everything we’ve ever known can change in an instant. Kind of puts things into perspective doesn’t it?

It’s been a year of astronomical energy price rises that smacks of greed and profiteering and for many low income families the gut wrenching choice of whether to feed the family or heat the house is a very real decision that has to be made on a daily basis. How can that be right?

It’s also been a year where the warmth of human kindness is plain for all to see. I read recently of a story where hundreds of people from across the UK attended the funeral in Lancashire of a World War Two veteran they never knew. Harold Jellicoe Percival served as ground crew on the famous Dambusters raids carried out in May 1943 by 617 Squadron. He died last month aged 99 and he never married or had children. The funeral home organising the service put an advert in a newspaper appealing for people to attend. Hundreds did. Fantastic!

Business wise, I’m still really pleased to be involved in the manufacturing sector – more than that, it’s one of the best places to be in my opinion. I attended a number of really good, vibrant exhibitions in 2013 (like Advanced Engineering a couple of weeks ago) that demonstrate that manufacturing is indeed alive and well. Companies are continuing to invest in technology, equipment and people and there’s still a positive buzz in the industry that bodes really well for the future. Looking forward, 2014 is a MACH year and I think it’s shaping up to be a really good show – ably supported by other key events like Southern Manufacturing, Autosport, Subcon and Advanced Engineering.

All that remains is for me, on behalf of the team at PES to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Above all, thank you all for your continued support.