It is hard to believe, as I write this, two weeks
have passed since the Leasing Life European Conference and Awards
in Munich – the most successful event Leasing Life has
run, and for me at least the most enjoyable.
The time has been a chance both to
recover and reflect. The most encouraging impression I have taken
from the occasion is that the European leasing industry has not
only embraced the need to develop in the face of global challenges
but is doing so calmly, openly and with a strong sense of
community.
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As such, our event (page one of a
full report can be found here) was not just about difficulties
facing lessors and the strategies needed to meet them. It was also
a chance to celebrate what has been a strong year for our industry
– something which both our award winners and the nominees they
narrowly bested amply demonstrated.
Speaking with delegates and dinner
guests in Munich, the reading I took of the industry’s mood is one
of tenacity rather than despondence in the face of a difficult year
ahead.
The cautious and perhaps wishful
optimism that characterised 2010 has given way this year to a
clearer, more pragmatic positivity, as companies have realised they
must constantly innovate in order to stay successful. Indeed,
‘innovation’ was the watchword of this year’s conference, and is a
word I feel we will continue to use heavily in 2012.
This issue of Leasing Life is the last one in
2011. Looking back to January, before developments in the sovereign
debt crisis were an hourly occurrence, it’s amazing to see how
different forecasts of the near future have become. It is perhaps
an understatement to say it has been a testing year and one which
has seen a lot of changes; demand has fluctuated, funding
conditions have been squeezed and businesses have been bought and
sold.
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By GlobalDataNevertheless, I look towards 2012 with
a positive outlook. Reading this edition, in which we assess a
strong fleet sector and discover growth and opportunity in the
Nordic region, as well as reflecting on the encouraging words and
collective determination on display in Munich, I hope you can also
look towards 2012 with optimism as well as pragmatic resolve.
It remains for me to extend further
congratulations to our award winners and additional thanks to all
the speakers who made the Leasing Life European Conference so
successful and a special thanks to the sponsors without whom it
could not have taken place.
I’d also like to thank all those who
have contributed to the content of Leasing Life this year.
It has been a great 12 months, and I look forward to seeing what
the next 12 will bring to us all.
Merry Christmas and a happy,
prosperous new year from all at Leasing Life.
Fred Crawley
fred.crawley@vrlfinancialnews.com
