| I was initially tempted to
echo the Queen's words and say that 2009 has been a truly
horrible year. But, when you think about it, 2009 has
not been so bad after all. For one thing, government's
sensible counter-inflationary policy, together with timeous
action to curb credit granting, seem to have resulted
in the world-wide recession largely bypassing South Africa.
We have felt the effects - the economy has definitely
slowed and the property market is only now showing signs
of some new life - but we escaped the full rigours of
what could have been a truly depressing depression!
Perhaps more importantly, the recession has given us
the opportunity to reassess why we are in business in
the first place. Potentially devastating events - whether
physical or economic - often have the effect of giving
the thinking man or woman a bit of 'philosophy'. We
naturally tend to take another look at our priorities,
plans and purpose when faced with a force that is greater
than ourselves.
|
For our firm, at least,
the recession has offered the opportunity to hone our
practice, to refine processes and to expand skills.
It has also been very pleasing to note that our firm
remains buoyant on a sea of some turbulence.
We hope that a truly great 2010 awaits
us; not an annus horribilis, but a year of real opportunity.
Seasons greetings from the directors and staff at Venn
Nemeth and Hart. |