It’s that time of year, when Business Link Magazine invites the region’s business leaders to offer up their predictions for the year ahead.
It has become something of a tradition, given that we’ve been doing this now for over 30 years.
Here we speak to Sam Savage, Managing Director at Acorn Analytical Services.
2025 will be difficult to predict in the asbestos industry due to the continued economic uncertainty and subdued growth for all sectors.
Although compliance should be mandatory, we often see many companies cutting back on health and safety and compliance to funnel funding to other areas.
With National Insurance contributions and wages also going up, costs are due to increase for businesses across the board.
The cost of asbestos removal is also likely to go up with the increase in landfill tax due to be implemented in April 2025.
However, with the increased spotlight on asbestos within the government and the HSE, compliance should remain essential and the requirement for asbestos safety services should be high priority for firms.
We believe that heavily investing in innovation, technology and improving the customer experience will be the key to success in 2025.
Artificial Intelligence will continue to have an influence over how companies operate as the limits to this technology are endless, particularly in our industry where programming multiple sites could be done at the touch of a button going forward.
Workforce training and development is also a vital tool for businesses to ensure staff are happy and retain their expertise. Your greatest asset is your people.