Giving Compass' Take:

• Rob Davies at The Guardian shares his thoughts on what we should be watching out for in 2019 when it comes to business, our economy, and the environment. 

• How can funders and organizations use this information and help make improvements for 2019?

• Here's an example on how to shift towards economic sustainability in the new year. 

Making predictions in the world of business and economics is a fool’s errand but that’s no reason not to have a crack at it. Here are some things to look out for in 2019, which could be a rollercoaster ride.

  • Global gloom and doom: How about global recession, a US-China trade war and a chaotic Brexit for starters? Any or all of these could cast a shadow over people and businesses the world over.
  • The next Carillion?: Ever since the outsourcing and construction firm’s ignominious collapse a year ago, pundits and short-sellers have been placing bets on who will be next.
  • Fracking hell: Cuadrilla became the first company to frack for gas since 2011 this year, drilling near Blackpool, Lancashire.
  • Ryanair revolution: Ever since Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary agreed to recognise trade unions, he’s been at war with them.
  • High street, low sales: It’s hard to imagine how conditions on the high street could get much worse. Failures in 2018 included Maplin’s, Toys R Us, House of Fraser and Poundworld.
  • Reefer madness: Predictions for 2019 have offered precious few reasons to giggle uncontrollably so far but here’s one. The liberalisation of cannabis laws in North America presents huge opportunities for big business.
  • Bank battles: Legal battles lie ahead for former Barclays’ executives and Lloyds, raising the mouth-watering prospect of finding out which is the tougher opponent for the might of the financial sector, the Serious Fraud Office or television presenter Noel Edmonds.

Read the full article on what to watch out for in 2019 by Rob Davies at The Guardian.