What do world events mean for you and your business?

I saw this conversation on LinkedIn where someone was asking why it takes things like trade wars and tariffs for people to realise the value of what we produce in the UK and wondering how we make Buy British a long-term commitment, not just a reaction.

“Buy British” has been a bit of a shaky political slogan since the 1930’s, more about propping up a failing economy and protecting jobs than celebrating excellence or even good value, BUT, as we’ve all noticed, times have changed in more ways than one.

Things like provenance, shorter supply chains, community and better quality produce for healthier eating are all becoming things that at least some people are valuing more and more.

We’ve all seen the sentimental posts about buying local but there has to be more to it than that. No-one is going to buy your local produce so that you and / or your kids can have a better life. We need to ask what we can provide that mass produced, anonymous, often cheaper goods can’t? What’s in it for our customers?

Finding the things that people value is essential – but we shouldn’t forget the importance of our own values.

At what point in a world crisis do you ask yourself what YOU stand for? Why did you start your business? Are you just looking for the advantage that a change in the market might provide or are you trying to make a real difference to people’s lives?

In a world plagued by a loneliness epidemic and AI “companions”, what really makes a difference is connection, and people are looking for signs that they can trust you, that you stand for something, so don’t be afraid to show your values.

At any moment in our lives we have a choice about how to inhabit the world.

When uncertainty is all around us it can be good to check out how we deal with it. I’m always happy to do that and to make meaningful connections between people I know so if I can help, just get in touch.