With just under two weeks left before we close for the Christmas holidays it's probably a good time to reflect on 2018.
As Christmas approaches I am personally as unprepared as ever, as I still have numerous things to do including my shopping.
Unprepared, that is a key word here as there is no doubting the main word that seems to be on everyone's lips these past few weeks and that is Brexit!
With the March 29th deadline fast approaching we seem to be as unprepared as the very first day after the referendum took place, in fact in my opinion I believe we are now in a worse situation than we were nearly 2 years ago.
At time of writing we were supposed to be having a televised debate between the Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition, however this looks like it has been shelved, parliament was going to be voting on the deal Theresa May had negotiated but that also looks like it is going to be delayed. So all in all this of course leaves us all...............who knows where.
I don't know about you but I'm sick to the back teeth of Brexit, but one thing is for sure it's not going away and it will have an impact on all of us, regardless of whether you are a remainer or a brexiteer.
Manufacturing of course is already feeling the impact and all this uncertainty is not helping anyone, especially those companies allied to automotive. Last week when a lot of you were enjoying the MiM Xmas drinks I was with a delegation of businesses at Westminster discussing all things Brexit with the British Chambers of Commerce and a number of MP's, it was certainly an interesting time to be in the hallowed halls of parliament as things seemed to be changing by the hour as MP's debated the EU withdrawal bill.
So as the uncertainty continues, as the debate rages on, whatever your thoughts and which ever way you voted, the Brexit discussions will continue long after the turkey has been eaten and Auld Lang Syne has been sung.
To conclude, if you have had a great 2018 then I hope 2019 is even better, if 2018 was not so good for you then I hope 2019 improves.