Alliance 4 the Black Country, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce organisation representing the area’s growing professional and financial community hosted an event to give members an insight into the macro economy as we stand today.

The event, held at the Himley Country Hotel on 26^th November featured a presentation and question and answer session with Mike Priddy, Branch Manager of Handelsbanken Wolverhampton and Ian Holder, Partner at Mazars LLP.

The event addressed the state of the economy as we stand today with forecasts for the next 12 months and beyond and outline the basis for the short run trading perspective as well as the medium term strategic view on developments in financial markets.

Mike Priddy commented "It's clear that the economic outlook for the UK is set to remain uncertain for some time to come and it is incumbent upon us as trusted professional advisors to help steer our clients through this difficult period.
Key statistics around GDP and unemployment were discussed and it was interesting to compare these figures to the same stage of the cycle in the last two recessions. This generated some very good debate and whilst the rate of deterioration in both areas was seen to slow, the consensus of opinion was that, even with some confidence beginning to return, it is still too early to call what shape recovery we will have."