It is no understatement to say that the world is eagerly awaiting the 27th July when London opens the 2012 Olympic Games. It’s an occasion when nations come together with heart and soul, to display the talents they have been grooming over the past four years.
The Olympic Opening Ceremony parade will feature 10,000 athletes from 205 nations. CSS wishes all the participants, the host nation and nations taking part, good fortune for a memorably enjoyable triumphant event. The news that former “Beatles” member, Sir Paul McCartney, will take part in the closing ceremony caused my mind to drift away onto the parallel business prospects the Olympics brings opportunities should always be grasped and the potential from the commercial aspects behind this world event are, in many ways, unimaginable. London’s economy is projected to grow by $80 billion by 2015 and carry along its wake many more prospects for the country. But this does not happen, “as if by magic”. It needs objective focused planning. The scenario with shipping and logistics is similar. Just like the Olympics, the numbers involved in the amount of cargo movement, in and out of a country, are huge and many of our friends will gain from this. But it needs strategic planning and a wide overall vision to convert the possibilities, from such occasions, into profitable returns.
Discussions at recently held business events, where we shared experiences and ideas about shipping and logistics, are gatherings which enable everyone to hone their skills. This is so important in helping to develop progressive strategies. We need to act on them and accept new challenges in true Olympic spirit: “Citius, Altius, Fortius” – “Swifter, Higher, Stronger”. With such a long lasting motto, driving us, we may all look forward to a great business season ahead of us.
I hope you will enjoy reading this edition of “Lighthouse”.