Opportunity only taps
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JOHN FARRANT is pessimistic about the future of the small haulier despite the Government's policy of encouraging small firms. He speaks from experience and has no political axe to grind. He knows the consequences of a minimum lending rate of 17 per cent in an industry in which a return of 8-10 per cent on investment is regarded as almost generous.
He is acutely conscious that there has not been the usual Christmas surge in freight traffic this year despite the income-tax rebate in October. That bonus has probably been swallowed up by alarming telephone bills.
Although economic forecasts are grim, John regards 1980 as a year of opportunity for those wno know what their customers' want — preferably before even the customers are aware of it — and are quick to meet those needs. "Our research, our planning and our approach to the problems of road transport will ensure that we continue to anticipate the needs of the market and as a result remain well ahead," he declares confidently.