Editors Note
May 2010
Editor’s Note
I am writing to you in this, our May edition following the most unbelievable month of April that Europe has experienced for many decades.
A month filled with emotion, financial crisis, tragedy and travel chaos all crammed into the past few weeks which has devastated the whole of Europe.
Starting with the financial crisis affecting Ireland and Greece, which has led the major nations to discuss emergency plans to help both these economies.
We have deliberately featured Greece in our Country Focus in this issue (pages 10 to 18) to highlight the impact on direct selling companies and how, as always, they have found innovative ways to combat difficult economic conditions. Once again the determination and resilience of our industry is leading the way.
Secondly came the tragedy of the air crash in Russia, killing all on board, including the Polish President, his wife, Polish military chiefs and high ranking state officials. The impact on the Polish people throughout Europe was devastating as the whole country went into mourning and their sad loss was felt by all Europeans. We at Direct Selling News send our deepest sympathy to all our friends and colleagues in Poland and feel for them in this time of great sadness.
Then came the chaos – a volcanic eruption in Iceland on Thursday 15th April which brought Europe to a grinding halt with the hammer blow impact to travel, trade, health, family and companies.
All airports closed, hundreds of thousands of travellers were left stranded throughout the continent trying to get home. People travelled by car, trains and boats for many hours in an attempt to get back home. Hotels were either filled to capacity with people forced to extend their stays or were empty awaiting people to arrive.
Conferences were cancelled (please note VideoPlus University went ahead, see our special report on page 32), business meetings were postponed and the airlines reported losses of over €30 million per day.
Obviously the direct selling industry has also been badly affected with meetings and incentive trips cancelled, leaders and executives stranded and goods and products shorted as stocks could not be flown in.
The overall economic impact has still to be finally calculated, but will undoubtedly be many billions of Euros and could also result in the downfall of some of the airlines and associated suppliers.
In summary we have indeed witnessed a catastrophic month which will test the resolve, tenacity and resources of all countries across Europe.
To ensure we play our part, we at Direct Selling News Europe are staying closely in touch with our readers and their companies as they plan for the future. We will report and share good ideas to help get companies through these adversities.
It is true that we Europeans are used to adversity throughout our chequered history, and we in the direct selling industry have proved time and again that we find solutions to problems and turn defeat into victory.
I am convinced it will be no different this time and, working together as partners, we can get through the current situation and emerge as always stronger than ever. If there is any way you think we can help then let us know.
Perhaps you would like to send us your stories of how you coped with disruptions to your business. We would be very pleased to hear from you and your experiences, which we can then share with your fellow readers.
In the meantime I hope you enjoy our May edition filled again with great articles and ideas.
We are now working on our July edition when we shall be featuring the interesting markets of Slovenia and Croatia.
Thanks for your continued support.
Happy reading!
Paul Southworth
Editor
