Companies risk losing discipline as the recovery takes hold, say top international executives such as Angela Ahrendts of Burberry, after imposing strict controls to survive the recession.

Ms Ahrendts, chief executive of the global fashion group, said the crisis had “forced everyone to go back to the basics”. A principal challenge for businesses would be to “hold on to . . . a much tighter, more focused business model as things start to open up again”, she added.