We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time
The start point for the best source of fleet information |
Well there's some good Christmas cheer for diesel drivers, the price per litre has fallen below a £1. Petrolheads are still ahead, however. For many this will be the only glimmer on the horizon for some time to come. But while it promises to be incredibly tough over the next year, it's the time when the tough get going.
The best New Year resolution anyone could make come 1 January 2009 is to tackle the year ahead with a positive attitude. After all, the change in economic circumstances is a good time to take stock, re-evaluate priorities, adjust and move forward.
So what have we to look forward to? I can name six straight off the bat.
Firstly, lower oil prices. These are reckoned to stabilise around the $50 per barrel mark next year, which should see energy prices across the board come down. So apart from cheaper motoring costs, there will be cheaper heating costs for all.
Second, a stronger global desire to tackle climate change. Roll on the new US Administration and in particular Barack Obama's environmental 'dream team'. At last, we can look forward to the world's only Superpower taking a lead on the environment. While it's something it should have done long ago, better late than never.
Third, better regulation of the financial markets. The pursuit of wealth by the so-called "masters of the universe" had got completely out of control and the lack of tight financial regulation sees us all pay the price, and for years to come. One thing's for sure, the financial regulatory bodies will have to reign in the financial community.
Fourth, after all the 'bubble' warnings of the past, sanity may well return to the property market, making for a more stable and accessible playing field. First-time property buyers, essential to oiling the wheels of the housing market, will once more be able to step on to the property ladder.
Fifth, greater consumer conscience - about what they buy, where from and whether it's essential. We've enjoyed a runaway shopping train for the past decade, fuelled by loose credit management. Conspicuous consumerism, fuelled in part by the celebrity culture, was never a good thing, creating an even bigger divide between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots.' Hopefully, we'll be more careful with our purchases in the future which, while not oiling the economic wheels quite as well as in the past, may perhaps help the environment in turn.
Lastly, better management. The economic crisis will allow better managers to rise to the surface to better micro-manage enterprises. This in turn will drive efficiencies and, in time, as we come out of the economic gloom, result in stronger organisations. For, make no mistake about it, we will come out of our woes. But our attitude of mind will dictate how long it takes. So remember, stay positive, whatever you have to face in the year ahead.
Happy Christmas!
BusinessCar magazine ©2019
Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
