In the quantified world that we live in often the expenditure without easily quantifiable return is the first to be reviewed. Ironically it can often be the most important. Areas such as Marketing, Training and Health & Safety can be the first to feel the lick of the accountant's quill.

 

Of these three the most relevant to us, Means Of Escape, is of course Health & Safety and as a function of this, Fire Safety. The legal implications of cutting spending and the philosophical paradox of life safety versus livelihood safety highlighted in the article are certainly food for thought.

 

Proof of tough market conditions have already surfaced in the form of a report carried out by Plimsoll Publishing. An analysis of the 100 largest companies in the fire protection market yielded worrying results. 24 showed no sales increases at all, 16 were selling less than they were two years ago and 55 failed to increase sales at the same rate as their investment. The overall value of the 100 companies has fallen by around 40% in the last 12 months.(1)

 

All reports and statistics and reports should be taken with a pinch of salt but there is certainly evidence here of the kinds of decisions highlighted in the article being made by business owners / responsible persons across the country and not in the future but now, the present.

 

I would highlight simply to all that this particular budgetary expenditure, so quickly savaged and reduced, save lives. The may indeed be tough times but a life is still worth every penny.

 

Footnotes

(1) FRM Journal July 2008 Pg. 5 - Economic crunch hits UK market.

 

Jim Creak
Executive Editor
Means of Escape Publications Ltd