Get Creative!

Since 2020 the business world has been subjected to unusual patterns of disruption and uncertainty. From supply chain disruptions, rising energy costs to the current speculation of more oil shortages due to international conflicts PLUS the disruption coming from A.I.

As an observer of financial journalists and economists the speculation and beating of the drum of ongoing disruption is becoming louder. With further de-globalisation, an economic downturn due to high levels of inflation internationally- business owners have a variety of risks to consider and have to start think differently.

With the ever increasing manipulation of financial facts, altering financial metrics and how they measure the real state of the economy i.e. change from RPI to CPI. We are living through a 21st century phenomenon of renaming and altering the true context of the English language including financial terminology. Everything is renamed in an attempt to put a positive spin and confuse the general public to the reality of the financial markets and the real mess of our economy. Many say we are reliving the misconceived reality and naivety of the roaring 20’s. Business owner’s have to prepare their teams- the winners in 2026 will the businesses that think differently, and are able and willing to embrace uncertainty and change and get CREATIVE!

I am currently observing similarities to lockdown- then the key issues to face companies were supply chain problems. During this period I mentored 13 CEO’s each with an individual business turnover of £1million+ -for a FEW this created a sudden opportunity. For those rare companies that still manufactured in the UK with easily accessible commodities and components produced from resources available in the British Isles and Europe they capitalised on others inability as importers to fulfil and meet delivery dates due to skill shortages, lockdowns, and delayed shipping etc. Many looked for the opportunities presented by those circumstances- reaching out to customers previously lost to cheap importing from China. Others recognised they had to get a tight handle on their bottom line and monitoring the erratic movement of individual material costs.

With the ongoing disruptions due to the conflict in the ‘Strait of Hormuz’ we are seeing issues in the supply of not only Oil & Gas but Helium, Aluminium, Polymers essential for packaging/ construction materials, Fertilisers etc. The new opportunities I see emerging in business are from the discarded ideals of ‘Made in Scotland or Britain’ when I say that I mean genuine items made in the UK not imported and repackaged here to pass of as ‘ Made’ here. Manufacturers, innovators and service sectors fully independent of the turbulence of global supply chain- will have an easier time in the next few years vs those that have exported all their capabilities outwith the UK – a prediction of James Dyson 22 years ago.

If anything 2020 proved nothing is certain globalisation, just in time etc. only works when the World is working co-operatively. When countries start feeling the strains of unemployment, debasement of currency, inflation/ deflation, higher interest rates then the cracks in globalisation appear and the effects of national protectionism start appearing. With countries prioritising and putting their economic stability and interests first i.e U.S.A Tariffs etc.

The Business owners ‘To do list’ for 2026?

Do you have a business that can quickly adapt to change? Do you have too much bureaucracy that inhibits change?

Do you have a Creative & Resourceful Team that can think on their feet when faced with uncertainty or disruption?

Do you have alternative suppliers closer to home? Do you have something as simple as a Supplier back-up list?

Do you have a War Room in your business? Follow my Business Design mentor page to learn more next week!

What opportunities could this present to you if you are a genuine ‘Made in Scotland’ business- with local resources?

Perform a Risk assessment of your business -what if we see further disruptions and escalations in the Middle East?

Looking for a Business Mentor? Feel free to drop me an email to arrange an informal chat info@businessdesignmentor.com

Or if you would like to continue this conversation feel free to drop me an e-mail for a coffee and a chat!

© 2026 Denise McKeever/ Business Design Mentor. All Rights Reserved