Odyssey Systems, the Teesside-based telecommunications specialist, hosted a Productivity Breakfast where leading local businesses debated the challenges facing the economy.
The event, held at Odyssey’s head office in Preston Farm, Stockton, welcomed a group of businesses, including Armstrong Richardson & Co, Better Brand Agency, Charles Clinkards, Coles Solicitors, Jackson Law, Maguires Carpets, Sam Turners and Recognition PR, which came together to discuss the issue of productivity and how it is affecting their businesses and the wider economy.
Key speaker at the event was the Bank of England’s North East Agent Mauricio Armenllini who gave an overview of the economy, the latest monetary policy, inflation and the recent rise in interest rates, which opened up a discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing businesses
Productivity has been a key issue for the economy in recent years and guests discussed how the use of technology and improved processes are addressing productivity challenges in their business.
Guests also shared the consensus of opinion that the region is well-placed to tackle the challenges and embrace the opportunities the economy is currently presenting as they have done in the past, to build resilient, growing businesses.
Odyssey Systems Managing Director Mike Odysseas said: “We were delighted Mauricio could join us for our productivity breakfast. His level of knowledge is outstanding and he provided a real insight into what is happening in the economy, but he was also very keen to hear from the businesses around the table about what is happening on the front line of enterprise.
“Inflation also proved to be a lively topic of conversation with businesses around the table keen on a sustained period of no inflation to enable us all to give our customers the best deals and control our prices. Raising interest rates is a way of controlling inflation, but the recent rise has made little impact so it will be interesting to see what the Bank of England does next.
“However, while issues like inflation and, of course, Brexit concerning to businesses, improving productivity is a vital way in which businesses can counter some of those challenges. We are helping businesses through the use of new telecoms and internet technologies, which can enhance operations and it was interesting to hear from guests other efforts they are making to be more productive.”