Trees fall in the forest, with or without witnesses. Whether stricken individuals, vulnerable species, or scores felled by nature’s wrath (or man’s greed), forests regularly resound with the sound of their fall. Their demise is essential, as every fallen tree liberates a quantum of space, water, and nutrients to nourish new life.
Economies function much like forests. Populated by businesses of varying age, health and stature – all busily competing for a niche, cash and resources – economies frequently resonate with the sound of failing enterprises.
That sound has recently become deafening. Woolworths, MFI, Zavvi, Adams, Whittards, Waterford Wedgwood, The Pier, Viyella and others have collapsed into administration – most with little or no hope of resurrection. Just as winter storms fell vulnerable trees, the chilly wind of this recession is violently uprooting weak businesses. Our local high streets are starting to show the ravages, as are our office buildings and industrial parks. Gaps are opening up everywhere. While we mourn the terrible loss of jobs their failure entails, we must also recognise that space has been made for new growth. Read more.
