The CA magazine: September 2019
By Robert Outram, Editor of The CA
28 August 2019
Robert Outram, Editor of The CA, rounds up what's inside the September issue of the magazine.
Trade wars, ongoing uncertainty over Brexit and the renewed threat of recession in the world economy make for gloomy headlines. Our annual survey of finance directors, in association with Johnston Carmichael, does not paint a picture of despondency or panic, however.
While few FDs anticipate robust growth, only 15% in our survey expected to see the economy shrinking over the next 12 months. Meanwhile, compared with last year’s survey, FDs say their companies are hiring more staff, spending more on capital and seeing more opportunities to grow, both organically and by acquisition. Meanwhile the key issues of Talent and Technology loom large for FDs, with recruitment, IT spend and cyber-crime top of mind.
Also this month we reveal the results of the latest ICAS Brexit Tracker Survey, which finds that readiness for a “no-deal” Brexit has not improved much in the past quarter. Our insolvency feature focuses on the company voluntary arrangement route adopted by a number of well-known High Street retailers and finds that a CVA may not be the cure for the sector’s underlying problems.
Finally we meet Suzanne Brownie, who has combined her CA career with international success as a touch rugby player.
The CA magazine: September 2019