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Road to Recovery

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Road to recovery

Piecing it together

The recession is over, but the hesitancy with which the UK has limped out of the downturn enourages the view that recovery may be slow and painful. Careful timing and strategic judgment is needed to capitalise on slow economic growth, says Brian Groom

Prepare for take-off

There are many things managers can and will get wrong. The right strategies for growth must be in place before businesses can prosper again, writes Stefan Stern

Mixed signals

Observers are questioning the stability of the UK’s recovery following weak growth figures, says Daniel Pimlott

Onwards and upwards

Jonathan Moules looks at the ways in which three companies have flourished in a tough economic climate

Foreword

Hugo Greenhalgh says the road to recovery may yet prove to be long and difficult, but the end is nearly in sight

Related content and features

COMMENT

Managers need a makeover

Julian Birkinshaw on why being a good manager is not natural

Managing success

In uncertain economic times, strong leadership and real staff engagement are critical, writes Stefan Stern

Corporate strategy

Thanks to the recession, Charles Baden-Fuller foresees an era of entrepreneurial management

Positive thinking

While it may be tempting to resort to cynicism, it pays to look on the bright side, says René Carayol

    Trouble ahead for many companies

    Jonathan Guthrie says firms will seek out low-risk opportunities

    The need for investment

    Colin Mayer on the social support systems that encourage entrepreneurship

    Adapting to change

    Jonathan Guthrie says managing a business through a recession requires a mixture of skill and luck

    Bumpy ride

    Jonathan Guthrie warns that there will be trouble ahead for many British businesses

      Move into growth

      Building for growth

      Modelling the likely shape of the economic recovery is vital, writes Brian Groom

      Why SMEs stand by their modest expectations

      Small privately owned companies have had a good recession, with their guiding principles proved largely right, writes Jonathan Guthrie

      Mind the (funding) gap

      Small businesses are failing to access loans promised by the government, writes Jonathan Moules

      Time to spend

      Canny customers who shopped around in the recession are now being wooed back, writes Ian Wylie

      EXPLOITING OPPORTUNITIES

      Buying time

      A slow upturn gives companies an opportunity to expand in different ways, writes Brian Groom

      Loyalty scheme

      Stefan Stern suggests ways human resources professionals can boost staff morale following corporate upheaval

      Overseas mission

      Brian Groom says companies should exploit the weak pound to export to growing markets

      No more easy money

      Entrepreneurs have to work harder than ever before to secure finance, writes Jonathan Moules

      EMERGING FROM RECESSION

      Defining moment

      The opportunity to make strategic acquisitions will come from the recession, but timing is everything, writes Brian Groom

      Uncharted territory

      Economists are hoping that signs of new growth can be maintained, says Daniel Pimlott

        Proceed with caution

        As companies look to exit the recession, it is vital to ensure recovery plans are realistic and deliverable, warns Stefan Stern

        Start-ups in a downturn

        Entrepreneurs are finding that a recession has its advantages, says Jonathan Moules

          CASE STUDIES

          Focus groups

          Vincent Bevins looks at three companies that are adjusting their strategies to exploit new trends

          Cautiously optimistic

          Daniel Pimlott looks at how three companies are finding opportunities as the recession loosens its grip

            Back to growth

            Having weathered the storm, three groups are forging fresh plans to rebuild. By Vincent Bevins

            Coping strategies

            Daniel Pimlott examines how three very different UK companies have successfully adapted to the financial crisis