There isn’t a benefit to the Covid-19 epidemic, simply disruption and devastation. Yet this has reminded us of the fact the Merchants of Peace understood when founding what became the ICC, our world is a joined up place
In the century since those first steps were taken to assist recovery, global trade has grown by 600% in real terms. Education and skills have spread to meet business needs, wealth has trickled down to a degree.
Other challenges are on the horizon, the impact of climate change, increased automation, possibly another pandemic. Commerce does not hold all the answers but is integral to our societies and will play a part.
Commercial Sense
Inside a business, with partners, or across the globe, most companies know that working together makes sense. They need to make sure that is understood at a time when separatism seems to be in vogue.
Environmental policies should be more than window dressing, even when a crisis could lead to short term thinking. The future of employees needs to be considered, rather than just replacing them with a robot.
The decisions and efforts many companies have made to protect their staff during the 2020 coronavirus epidemic are heartening. We won’t see 100% in the real world but in the main, care has led the way.
This reflects humanity and economic sense, a balanced message business managers can share. Making sure the voice of the commercial world continues to be heard will help us move forward in a rational way.
Practical Progress
If we add Brexit to the mix above, imagination and ingenuity will be required to rebuild business performance. As much as other countries are in trouble, they will also hold a wish to drive their economy forward.
Corporate bodies may lead the way and we welcome this but they were smaller once and entrepreneurship will matter. We know of cases where people couldn’t afford an exhibition but still headed overseas with a case of samples, an ATA carnet in their pocket.
We are here to help them in every way we can, with advice, local knowledge, freight back up, or whatever they need. Supporting ideas and business courage will be the best way to make our economy grow.
You are welcome to see our introduction to ATA carnets and their use, a service backed by people who want to work together.