In our latest series of leadership quotations, we hear from the Pfizer chief executive on a return to normality, and the DM Steelworks managing director on the skill shortage in the construction industry. We also hear from the Rakem managing director, the Protectaseal managing director and the European Commission executive vice president on the final throws of the Brexit negotiations.
Albert Bourla
‘I believe that the second half of 2021 will be a very different experience for a lot of us. I think if we will be able to vaccinate, we can go back to normal life.’ (The Pfizer chief executive on the potential effects of the company’s new vaccine).
Valdis Dombrovskis
‘We are now in the final push to reach agreement. One can say indeed we are now in the last moments to reach this agreement. There are still important elements to be resolved. We have seen many deadlines come and go but there's one deadline which we'll not be able to move. January 1.” (The executive vice president of the European Commission as Brexit approaches the endgame).
Don Mitchell
‘There is a skill shortage in the construction industry, particularly in the midlands and the south, where so few young people have the necessary skills as a result of the lack of appropriate training or education. This needs to be improved through the schooling system, and moved forward into training colleges and industry apprenticeships. This has been the situation for several years, as when companies ceased providing apprenticeships or training schemes, the quantity and quality of young people entering the construction industry was thus reduced.’ (The DM Steelworks managing director on the skill shortage in his sector)
Steve Bunker
‘The Government’s information support, especially via the DIT webinars and Trader Support Services, has been very welcome. What’s not been welcome has been the length of time and prevaricating about whether there’ll be a Free Trade Agreement between the EU/UK. As a business, we just need clarity, whether it’s one way or the other.’ (The Rakem managing director on the frustrating wait for news as the Brexit trade talks enter their final stage).
Ken Clark
‘UK manufacturers can no longer rely on the outdated reputation that “British is best”. In today’s market, it is essential for us to maintain competitive prices without sacrificing our quality, in order to stay a competitor on the global stage.’ (The Protectaseal managing director on the challenges ahead as we reach the endgame of the Brexit negotiations)
Tony Abbott
‘Ideally a deal between Britain and Australia would involve no tariffs, no quotas, as full as possible mutual recognition of standards and qualifications, and as free as possible movement of people for well-paid work, not welfare.’ (The former prime minister of Australia and current adviser to the UK Board of Trade, talking to the Commons International Trade Committee).
