A NORTH EAST businesswoman is urging SMEs to avoid ‘unwelcome and disruptive’ Brexit distractions in 2017 and focus on the issues that they can control.
Lynn Gate, managing director of The Office Co., which caters for dozens of clients at its Gateshead Metropolitan House managed and serviced office site, predicts that the sector will continue to thrive under a Conservative government.
However, while the forecast for the next 12 months looks bright as business continues to benefit from a strong economy and a weak pound, she doesn’t want to see leaders and managers getting sucked any further into the Brexit debate.
She said: “I firmly believe that 2017 will be good for business. I think that there’s a genuine feeling of ‘power to the people’; the tide is turning away from the large corporates and there’s a strong desire to fight to retain our identity.
“SMEs will thrive under the Conservatives – they always does. So let’s not get hung up over distracting and energy-sapping Brexit debates. They only distract SMEs from those things that they can control as the engines of economic growth.”
Lynn Gate says that if people focus on their own businesses while looking out for each other and remain grounded, then life should be good.
“Be generous with our own successes and share the knowledge. If we’re grateful that we are able to live and work in a stable environment, then we can move forward despite perceived distractions and barriers to growth and success.”
Next year will see continued traction among regional SMEs for solutions that include office accommodation, which embrace open workspace and shared working.
With current sales in excess of £300,000, The Office Co. is supporting growth with investment in infrastructure that includes the latest superfast broadband services to deliver high-speed wireless connectivity for tenants.
Lynn Gate says this will provide the environment to nurture growth for ambitious companies, who are looking to take the next steps to boost their ideas and concepts, new products and services, and brand potential.
“I’m really excited about 2017 – indeed the next 10 years. I foresee ever increasing demand for workspace in the region on easy-in/easy-out terms as more and more start-ups and entrepreneurs come to the market.
“These people will always need places like Metropolitan House to interact, to do business and network, helping one another to grow and flourish.”
So, on the cusp of a New Year, the outlook is bright for The Office Co, says Lynn Gate – a vibrant hub that deserves its position in the heart of the local community and a place to do business.
The Office Co offers a range of serviced and managed offices, virtual offices and meeting rooms for a wide range of businesses.Tenants include training provider N-Lighten & N-Able, UK property investment specialists Homes or Houses, IT network firm SL Data, shipping company Schulte & Bruns UK Ltd, and commercial property cleaners Let’s Clean North East Ltd. More atwww.theofficeco.co.uk