They say a day in politics is a long time – well, the events in the UK during the first week of July saw more political mayhem and furore than anyone can recall in decades. People were literally trying to catch their breath from the pace of unfurling changes impacting our political landscape.
You may have heard that history was recently made as the people of Britain voted in a national referendum to withdraw from the European Union. Regardless of how one voted, the view of many was to question the poorly run campaigning and debates on both sides which generally left Joe Public feeling short-changed and confused about how to vote. There’s no doubt the people of Britain were as surprised by the eventual result as were the politicians, the financial markets, other EU member states and the EU elite.
But that wasn’t all. Within hours of the tally, our Prime Minister, David Cameron, announced that as a result of the Referendum he would be stepping down in the autumn, sparking what has turned out to be a fairly spiteful party leadership circus for the Conservatives (equivalent to your Republican party). And amidst all of this, a vote of no confidence was held against the head of the Labour Party (similar to Democrats) with the majority of the Shadow Cabinet resigning in protest against their leader’s role in the Referendum debate amongst other leadership quality issues! Although as it turns out, the Labour leadership challenge is set to run yet a while, as the party membership rallies round a beleaguered Mr. Corbyn (Labour Party leader).
I don’t think anyone could have anticipated the immediate political consequences of the Brexit vote, but we are where we are and only time will tell how Britain will benefit or otherwise from the people’s decision.
As someone who always tries to look on the bright side of life (an apt “Monty Python” reference I feel, given the way a number of our politicians and, of course, sectors of our media are behaving), I have come up with my own Brexit rays of sunshine as to how the result could potentially support our tanning industry:
- If Sterling continues to tumble, no-one will be able to afford their holidays in the sunny climes of our European neighbours – a great opportunity for UK tanning salons … we will still want our tans!
- As a result, more people using tanning salons means a stronger order book for tanning bed manufacturers (Germany being the country manufacturing the largest number of tanning beds for the UK market). So, this is great for our Brexit trade negotiations!
- Without EU research funding, there will be a smaller pot of funds available for campaign-styled research traditionally designed to attack our industry!
- Our trade association will gain in strength as salon operators need to demonstrate and promote their commitment to best practice when no longer under the regulations of the EU!
- Importing lotions and accessories from the USA will no longer need EU product registrations, saving us $$$$$!
Okay, so the above are somewhat tongue-in-cheek; but generally speaking, there is always a yin and yang to most situations and one thing is for sure: we Brits will commit to making a success of our futures both inside the tanning salon and beyond, and work hard to maintain continued excellent relationships with our American friends and colleagues. ■
One thing is for sure: we Brits will commit to making a success of our futures both inside the tanning salon and beyond.
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