As I type, the chancellor, George Osborne, has just presented his Comprehensive Spending Review. Much of the real detail, the "how" as opposed to the "what", is still to emerge in a series of departmental business plans. Despite the pain these cuts will inflict, there's a common sense logic that many of us have faced up to at one time or another, and which business owners confront on a daily basis, that what goes out can't exceed what comes in forever. It's fun to spend and have a party, but sometimes you just have to buckle down, sober up and clear the debt.
As the doom and gloom of a difficult autumn descends and bad news and tough choices grab the headlines, it's easy to get bogged down. But there are good-news stories out there so we decided to look the other way and search out some reasons to be cheerful. This month therefore features positive stories from right across the UK and as an antidote to the pervading misery, it's bursting with brilliant examples of the UK's entrepreneurial and innovative excellence.
From a detailed report on the winners of the first IoD Director of the Year Awards UK Final, to this month's profile interview with expert retailer Kim Winser, to a feature on the booming bicycle industry, there's plenty of evidence that Britain is still capable of manufacturing things and making a difference. It's proof that we can create new, bold ventures and build world-beating businesses.
And in spite of how bad things might get in the next few months, more new businesses will spring into life across the country. Regardless of government cuts, innovators and entrepreneurs will make their mark and launch new ventures. It's fitting therefore that this month marks Global Entrepreneurship Week. Now in its seventh year, this annual celebration of business creation keeps getting bigger and better. From Brazil to Bangladesh and China to Chile, this year some 7.5 million participants in 88 countries will enjoy more than 32,000 events across the world. If the cuts have left you feeling a little deflated, visit www.gew.org.uk and get involved in an event in your area. I guarantee it will give you a lift.
Richard Cree