While I generally try not to be too political I know John won't mind me saying that we were both incredibly relieved at David Cameron's decision this week, to put the brakes on further EU integration for us.

It's not that we're anti-European; we just hate the enormous sums of money those involved in running the EU seem happy to fritter away - the 'travelling circus' between Brussels and Strasbourg being just one of many examples I can give.  We're all paying for that and the majority of us don't like it - but we don't seem to have a say, do we?

It's simply not on. We all need to improve efficiency and we have to make sure that every £1 (or Euro!) we spend is spent wisely. Sadly our European masters seem to be of the opinion that there's one rule for them and their families and another for the rest of us!

And I'm not being protectionist - well not of this country, anyway - but we need to look after our planet and I strongly believe that if we can manufacture and buy locally, we should do so. 

As you can imagine, I was delighted to learn about the new Foresight project, launched this week by Business Secretary Vince Cable, which will be investigating the future of manufacturing out to 2050. And although it is exstensibly a UK-focused study, it will, I believe, help guide the role of product designers, planners and manufacturers around the globe.

All that remains for me to say now is Merry Christmas! We hope you enjoy whatever break you're able to take and that you stay safe and healthy - and that 2012 will bring some political stability, paid work for those seeking it and economic growth for the global community.

Yours,