After a long 2020, we’ve spent the summer recharging but keeping a watchful eye on the economy. As is tradition, Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan, and his laptop, braved the sand and the surf to bring you his annual "From the beach" observations. This year he considers how 2021 will shape up after the challenges of 2020 (fair warning, he uses some stronger words to describe the year just ended).

January is always a busy month for Infometrics as we prepare to release the first forecasts of the year, as well as update our Sector Profiles and Regional Economic Profiles – clients will have received information about the timings of these updates. With still considerable levels of uncertainty, and a need to monitor and assess economic trends, please feel free to contact our team about how we can help keep your business or organisation informed as 2021 unfolds.

We will keep you informed of what we are doing, and wish all our readers a very Happy New Year.