Bristol-based law firm Gregg Latchams has kicked off its packed 2020 programme of construction breakfasts with a typically insightful presentation from the Bank of England’s agent for the South West.
Donna Kehoe, pictured, provided the room of industry professionals with an update on the state of the UK economy and a summary of recent publications from the Bank of England. 
She explained that though global economic growth is expected to remain slow, there are reasons for optimism. And while UK business investment levels have taken a serious hit since the 2016 Brexit referendum, the economy is growing and pay rates are increasing at highest rate for a decade.
According to the Bank of England’s December 2019 Financial Stability Report, stress tests carried out on the UK’s major banks last year showed they would be able to withstand a severe economic shock. Donna explained that the test results showed three times the level of resilience of these banks than in 2007.
Following the presentation, the floor was opened to a lively debate, with questions covering topics from the viability of the government’s timescale for post-Brexit trade deals to whether an adversity to risk from the banks is at the cost of potential economic prosperity.
Gregg Latchams head of construction David Morris, pictured, said: “What a way to kick-off our exciting programme of construction breakfasts for 2020 with such a valuable presentation from Donna, who we were delighted to invite back for a third time.
“Despite economic uncertainty remaining, there is an evident shift in the certainty direction, and I urge my peers to feel positively about 2020 and the progress that we can see in the construction sector this year.
“As ever, it was brilliant to see so many experts in the room sharing insights and experiences unique to our industry.”
The next Gregg Latchams Construction Breakfast takes place at Watershed on February 4 when David Morris and the firm’s consultant barrister Marcus Lavell will look at key aspects of construction contracts.
