Managers need a makeover
Julian Birkinshaw on why being a good manager is not natural
Road to Recovery
Resources
Is it too soon to call an end to the recession? That is the question troubling most UK companies. This series is designed as a blueprint for success on the road to recovery. Here, we examine how to exploit some of the opportunties that can arise as the UK economy emerges from recession.
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
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
