WITH an expected economic recovery in the next few months some businesses might be thinking about just keeping their heads above water. Make sure the head isn’t in the clouds though.

Individuals can make a difference and you need to be focussed on the most important aspect of your business if you want to come through the recession in fighting spirit.

Your people are the key. Put them first and the rest will follow. You must have talented people in your team, and while good pay is an obvious attraction, making sure your staff are engaged with the management – and that career opportunities are made available – is vital. The more you give to the workforce in terms of skills and training the better equipped they will be to improve your business.

Also, allow them to breathe. Don’t micro-manage your employees. You have a team in place, give them the confidence to get on with the jobs they were employed to do and use your time more effectively. That way, as a certain Mr Trotter once remarked, everyone’s a winner.