A year on from its peak my clients are seeing “recession” in clearer perspective. It is now emerging as a constructive period of refocus rather than simply a recession. Perhaps it has even given us some valuable lessons or at least generated timely reminders of business principles that had been increasingly overlooked.

Prevailing over its pressures has required considerable resilience. Accurate budgets and credible strategic reviews, commitment to best practice on farm, action on debt reduction and clear communication with financiers and professionals have all played their part.