At this point we assess the year that has ended and set targets for the new year. Once again, it’s easier to look back than to look ahead. Konsta Pylkkänen was indeed right that hindsight is the easiest form of wisdom. So I’ll start with the easy part – the year 2014.
The year 2014 started off hopeful. Winter finally arrived in January and it was predicted that the national economy would finally start to grow a little. In the spring and winter, the situation in Europe and Finland seemed to indicate that there would be no economic growth this year. The chaotic political situation in Europe also added to the mix, which further weakened the economic situation.
Fortunately, we focused on our own work last year as well. Not much energy was spent on complaining and worrying. The will was to use the energy through positivity to do our own work. Let's maintain good feelings and the mood to do things. It is otherwise hopeless to try to do these things with your teeth bared. 2014 was also a positive year in terms of sales compared to 2013. The bar was not exceeded by much, but with a slight hesitation. The operating result remained at a good level. 2014 was a good year for us. THANK YOU to our customers. THANK YOU to our suppliers. THANK YOU to our colleagues. The Dimex people form a great team.
The year 2015 has been entered boldly and openly with a focus on growth. Should we always aim for growth? During this time, it is not worth aiming for anything. The opposite is to aim for a decrease? Does the approval of the decrease feel like giving up and surrendering? If there are no development goals, it is difficult to see the future as positive. Movement is important, if not moving forward.
It is difficult to see a clear improvement in the economic situation in Europe and Finland this year either. The political situation in Europe is also at a crossroads. Let's hope that these situations will improve during this year. There is nothing to count on for improvement. Still, one can be hopeful.
So how do we manage? We still have to keep a firm focus on what we do ourselves. We’ll continue on the path we’ve chosen. Customer focus and solution orientation are our top priorities. Maintaining a high level of customer retention and acquiring new customers are extremely important this year as well. Product development has brought exciting new products for this year, and our offering is expanding. The introduction of new products during the current year is important. In production, maintaining our much-praised delivery reliability is very important to us. Overall, we still have to be really active. Phew, that’s a lot to do. I’m breaking a sweat just thinking about it. Luckily, we have a great team and a real can-do attitude.
I wish you a good start to 2015,
Jukka Krogerus
Managing director
040 300 4522
jukka.krogerus@dimex.fi