If you read my leaders regularly you're probably aware that I'm a bit of a hippie at heart and that one of my passions is Planet Earth and our need to look after our environment. Nature is all about balance though and sometimes I wonder at the decisions made by those in power, which leave me confused at the thinking behind them. Take clean air zones... yes, they're a great idea but if in establishing them you're preventing people from working or you're adding to pollution by preventing them from getting from A to B by the shortest route, then you could end up doing more damage than good. Just where do you draw the line?

While I hate traffic pollution, I was pleased to learn today that the Taxpayers Alliance has won its campaign in Southampton, to prevent commercial vehicles from being charged £100 a day for the privilege of driving through the city. The TPA argued that in reality, it was just another unjustified attack on businesses and taxpayers. I have to agree. Just look at our industry... people travelling to and from their place of work in their vans, those carrying out repairs and/or servicing of appliances, delivery drivers, fitters, etc. Just think of the impact! Do those in charge ever think things through properly and look at the real consequences of their decisions?

And with several councils now considering introducing Workplace Parking Levies once more (a tax on businesses that have the temerity to offer parking places for their staff!) and public transport in such a mess, I sometimes wonder whether someone, somewhere, wants us all to down tools...

Finally, while I try to stay away from politics when writing, I felt swayed to congratulate Leeds-based Pland Stainless today. Why? Well with all the negative press Great Britain's been receiving as a result of the Brexit battle, which has led many of us to question whether we're capable of getting anything right, seeing a British manufacturer celebrating its Centenary has warmed the cockles of my heart. The celebrations included a tour by the Lord Mayor of Leeds and the presentation of some long service awards during a special luncheon, with a home-baked (but very professional) celebratory cake taking centre stage on the dining table. British manufacture and tradition at its best then! You can read more below and click through to the pictures via the link.

www.facebook.com/KBzine  

Yours,

Jan Hobbs