Careless talk costs jobs

Simple message to business leaders after a difficult few days, don’t spread fear and negativity. Two comments from people who should know better… 

"Who will want to invest in – [ location name redacted by me ] - now? I am convinced the region still has a lot to offer inward investors but this has made attracting them more difficult."
Institute of Directors, regional chair.

"There is also the question of what this does for the wider image of the UK in terms of inward investment."
British Chambers of Commerce chief.

I suggest that people think carefully before spouting off predictions of woe.

In 2005, French cities saw 20 consecutive nights of violence and rioting. One year later, Invest in France announced a 12% increase in new projects.

Colleagues overseas promoting the UK as an inward investment location should actively spread the many positive stories such as the Broom army and the fantastic response of local people to have major cities like Birmingham and Manchester back to normal so quickly.

London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Paris, Los Angeles, Vancouver… all great cities have their problems, but the true test of greatness is how they respond.

Yes, things have been very bad. But talking up a problem only makes it worse.