A new business environment

The markets in which we operate have evolved dramatically over the past twelve years.  They have expanded, become more complex and more competitive.  At a very macro level, some of the more familiar reasons and results of these changes are:  

• Driven by globalisation - market scale and geography have changed dramatically
• Driven by powerful retailers - the type, power and nature of customers has changed
• Driven by technology, affluence and generation change - consumer values, behaviour and wants have changed
• Driven by new technology - communication and communication forms have changed
• Driven by new technology and consumer - routes to market are changing  

Each of these dimensions is individually significant.  Combined they are creating step change. The bottom line is that the ways in which we conduct and run business must also develop.  But this is only the beginning,  

• We live in a world in which the pace of change is accelerating
• The very dynamic nature of our competitive environment means that the future for most companies is uncertain. 
• And uncertainty creates high levels of corporate risk. 

The corporate consequence of increased risk is often increased uncertainty, indecision and a focus on short term deliverables - which leaves companies exposed over the longer term.