Another year has passed, and it is time for my annual reflection. Having been around for a very long time and having seen many different situations, I cannot say from a business perspective that it has been an enjoyable year.
As I have written before, George Hay is apolitical, we work with whatever the present Government gives us. It does seem to me that the messages given by the Government are having more of an impact on businesses than would normally be the case.
Whilst we do have clients succeeding and striving, I also think we have more than usual whose main objective is preserving the status quo. There does not seem to be an appetite for progression or innovation. In discussions with our clients it does appear that they feel the Government have created an air of stagnation and many businesses do not see an incentive for putting their head above the parapet.
This year we had a later than usual budget; less than one month before Christmas. Yet, it felt that the specter of the budget hung over the country many weeks and even months before. Whatever the Chancellor’s intentions with her pre-budget speech on 4 November, it didn’t work favourably for her or the country as a whole.
The festive period is supposed to be one of enjoyment and optimism, as we move from one year to another. Hopefully, the spirit of Christmas can lead to a more improved outlook for 2026.
I can assure you that the excellent team we have at George Hay will be with you all the way. When we have partners’ meetings, we often use the phrase in reference to our employees and say, “They are a George Hay person”. We then nod at each other, without any of us actually having in black and white what a George Hay person is – it is just an unspoken understanding between us what kind of employee fits into the George Hay culture. If pushed, the quality that I would always look for is an employee who cares. Somebody who cares about themselves, their colleagues and our clients.
I take this opportunity, on behalf of the partners and employees at George Hay, to send Season’s Greetings to you all in whatever capacity you are reading this. Thank you for your support throughout 2025 and we look forward to a successful 2026 with, hopefully, more optimism.
With kind regards,
Barry Jefferd
Senior Partner
