What to expect from 2013. Letter to the C-Suite

Happy New Year! Best wishes for 2013 and good luck with the resolutions, although mine typically die a nasty death in the second week of January when reality hits.

This year however I have resolved to get fit enough for some serious heli-skiing in northern Canada at the start of February. The thought of skiing 20,000 vertical feet or 6,000 vertical metres DAILY in the mountainous back country has stiffened my determination and so far, so good. Of course, if you never hear from me again, I am probably entombed on a snowy peak somewhere . . .

On a broader note, the business and finance community has entered 2013 on a more optimistic note than in previous years. The big economic fears of 2012 have largely been avoided, some at the last minute. Western governments remain heavily indebted, and will remain so until inflation starts to erode it. Big companies, where business models remain relevant, are sitting on large piles of cash. The BRICS continue to strengthen. China overtook Europe in the market for automobile sales. Investment and technology innovation seems to have re-started with Silicon Valley awash with new companies and office accommodation prices rising.

Top 5 Favourite Posts of 2012

As I emerge from post festive season recovery and face the new year, it is interesting to review what have been the most read, and therefore apparently the most interesting, topics in this blog during 2012.