Among acquisitions, elections and one of the biggest events in the automotive calendar, here’s what this week’s developments have meant for the markets - and how you can monitor industry changes at home and abroad with the Plimsoll Analysis.
The economic ripples of COVID-19 have led to something of a gold rush as companies scramble to pick up distressed businesses at knock down rates. Most industries, even those enjoying relatively healthy sales growth in 2020 have been buffeted by the consequences of the pandemic. As a result, the vultures are circling and buying up their distressed rivals or pivoting and snapping up distressed assets in new or auxiliary markets.
Brexit has been and gone, but our connection and reliance on the European Union remains. Even the Department for International Trade has recommended to UK businesses to set up a new business on the continent to avoid the worst of the new trade barriers and friction.
Following the events of the last two years combined with environmental issues, shifting consumer behaviour and constant innovation, now is a pivotal time for the plastic packaging sector. Plimsoll’s analysis of the UK’s leading plastic and flexible packaging companies has found that the industry is well placed to grow in 2022, with 268 companies achieving a financial health rating of “strong” or “good”. While average company values are also up slightly compared to the previous year, overall growth currently sits at around 0.2%.
The UK seafood industry has become THE political football of recent years. As the realities and the consequences of the Brexit deal signed just before Christmas become apparent, an entire industry has seemingly risen up and said “Enough!”
Wines of Great Britain – a newly created association combining English Wine Producers Ltd and United Kingdom Vineyards – are this week running English Wine Week, an initiative designed to promote and celebrate English wine, with events and activities taking place across the country.
The IATA recently downgraded its 2019 growth and profit outlook for the global Airline market and 2020 looks set to continue the declining trend. Rising fuel prices, political and economic turmoil, uncertain demand and high competition are squeezing the market more than at any time since the financial crisis.
Back in August, Plimsoll looked at the prospect of acquiring the shipbuilding company famous for constructing the HMS Titanic, Harland & Wolff.
According to most political commentators, “No Deal” is as likely now as at any time during the Brexit negotiations. With 43% of UK exports in goods and services going to countries within the EU, losing preferred access to the single market could have disastrous effects on the industries that rely on it the most.
The European wine industry continues to be affected by a series of external events which are making it more difficult to operate profitably. With new research from market analysts Plimsoll rating 177 of Europe’s leading wine producers as “Danger”, these external factors could have an outsized impact on profitability and competitiveness in the market in 2023.