After attending two discussion forums this week, one could be excused for wondering what has really changed in 15 years?

Most businesses and individuals alike are glued to the news and habour real concerns for the future. The term "recession" is being used regularly and all are either preparing to or are already tightening their belts.

There is no political comment intended in the following article but one has no choice but to notice and be impressed by the genuine breadth and diversity of the group of candidates who have put themselves forward to be the next Prime Minister.

Building stronger relationships with consumers is key for most businesses and in additon to honing products and services to enable this, businesses are also investing in new technology and systems to help them obtain better data, get closer to and ultimately better serve their customers.