North West festive focus: Philip Brennan, Businesscomparison.com

As the North West’s business leaders tie the bow on a frenetic year and prepare for a hard-earned festive break, Bdaily North West has asked movers and shakers in the region to give their verdict on 2016 and tell us their hopes and fears for the new year ahead.

Up today is Philip Brennan, head of Chester-based comparison firm Businesscomparison.com, who gives us his views on the last 12 months and reveals what goodies he’s hoping to find under his tree.

What are you most proud of achieving in 2016?

2016 has been a breakthrough year for us in terms of recognition. We were named SME Website of the Year, B2B E-commerce Website of the Year, Cheshire Business Start-up of the Year and received an Online Business Award for finance and insurance services. It’s been a fantastic team effort and I’m proud of everyone involved.

Which was your busiest month, and why?

Every month has been busy for different reasons – from site design to marketing and building new partnerships. In terms of growth of the company our busiest month was July when we took on two new members of staff. We’ve branched out into energy and insurance comparison and so it was crucial we recruited skilled channel managers to take the business forward.

What are your thoughts on Brexit so far?

Uncertainty is always going to be hard on small businesses, however we’re a resilient community and, whatever views individual entrepreneurs have on Brexit, I’m sure will be put aside to make it work. I believe what SMEs need now is a clear vision for our country existing outside the European Union. Businesses can only roll up their sleeves and make it work if we’re aware of the processes and regulations. If the government want an increase in productivity, as stated in the autumn statement, they need to clarify how Brexit will work in financial and practical terms.

What are you most looking forward to in 2017?

We have two exciting projects going live in early 2017 - so this will be a very exciting time.

We will let you know more, closer to the time! We launched Businesscomparison.com in April 2015 so reaching the two-year mark with more staff, stronger branding and an increase in users will be a proud moment next year. We won’t be resting on our laurels though – as a company that supports small and medium sized businesses we know better than anyone the challenges of taking a business through the growth stage.

What will be your biggest obstacle next year?

As a business, we’re entering the growth phase so taking on skilled new staff and expanding the premises will be a priority. We’ve been lucky with staff so far but the national skills shortage looms large. We’re fortunate to have a wealth of financial and technical talent in Chester and, so far, have been able to recruit locally.

What’s the outlook like for your sector over the next 12 months?

The outlook is positive. The government has pledged to inject £500,000 a year into financial technology specialists and promised to launch a network of regional Fintech envoys. With the banks deliberating over whether to leave Britain in the wake of Brexit, Fintech and alternative finance are more crucial than ever to our economy. Investors are realising this and so are the government.

Tell me about your staff Christmas night-out

We’re based in Chester so we’re lucky to have a good selection of places to go and celebrate Christmas. This year we’re off to The White Horse at Chester Racecourse for a meal. No doubt the festivities will continue into town!

What’s the best date in December to put decorations up? How early is too early?

It’s got to be after 1 st December. We’re getting a little cramped in the office now with all the new staff but we’ve managed to squeeze in a Christmas tree. I did get carried away and gave everyone an advent calendar this year!

What are you hoping to get from Father Christmas? What’s your Tracy Island/Buzz Lightyear this year?

A Porsche Cayman would be nice but, I’m partial to craft ale so a box of ale will do me and good company of course!