The 'return to work' discussions continue to rage on in offices and around boardroom tables across the world. Employers on the one hand trying to ascertain what the new ways of work are and in some cases could, rather than should be and employees on the other hand appreciating a new sense of meaning in the terms 'work/life balance' and 'career'.

As we continue to watch how business and the consumer embrace the new year despite all the difficulties being experienced, it is interesting to see Barclays, which sees nearly half of the nation’s credit and debit card transactions, reveal that spending on essential items increased 8.3 per cent – a sizeable uplift compared to December (5.1 per cent).

This was a question posed by a number of MBA students during a session last week. Their feedback is worth considering.

We have been encouraged by the strong response since we announced the relaunch of The Entrepreneurs Club and it is already bringing together interest from all across the industry.