I had my first Covid-19 jab last Friday. It was a momentous day. So much so that as I left the vaccination centre in Lincoln, the NHS had organized for the Red Arrows to perform one of their amazing aerobatic displays – just to celebrate my inoculation. (My wife believes that the team were on a training mission from nearby RAF Scampton, but I find that hard to believe – the coincidence is just too big!)

Perhaps it’s something in the vaccine, but, notwithstanding the ongoing shenanigans between the UK government, Astra Zeneca and the EU, I am feeling increasingly optimistic about the future. The pandemic has been longer, harder and more tragic than I ever thought possible, but a new future is in sight.

Recent economic news and our collective pent-up desire to get out, meet friends and family and enjoy our lives again is likely to drive consumer spending. As a result, the next 18 months is a time for all businesses to drive growth and build momentum.

The bounce-back might not last forever, but you have a clear window of opportunity this year and next. You could, of course, use the window to make short-term gains before returning to business-as-normal.

Alternatively, you could use it as a springboard for further innovation, investment and growth, taking your business to the next level. And if you did that, you might also just find the Red Arrows racing across the skies in aerobatic celebration.

Off The Record: Come Fly With Me by Frank Sinatra

Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away

If you can use some exotic booze

There’s a bar in far Bombay

Come fly with me, let’s fly

Let’s fly away

Written by Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn

The Time for Bold Moves

Growing through and beyond the pandemic requires bold actions, not timid plans. These 5 steps can help you to accelerate growth and transform your market position.

© Stuart Cross 2021. All rights reserved.