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Having for decades covered businesses of all sizes operating in myriad sectors, one uplifting truth is that a long-term approach can create great value. In contrast, short-termism can destroy value. And it often does, which is lamentable always and particularly so when that value has previously been built up diligently and patiently over time, with the right approach.

You do not have to look too far to see examples of such destruction. In some cases, it might involve a highly leveraged acquisition of a long-established business by a private equity player. In others, it might follow another kind of change of ownership.



And, on occasion, it might merely be the result of the arrival of flash new top brass without the vision or attention span that has enabled the value to be created in the business in the first place. READ MORE: Scotch whisky distiller with famous brands flags 'abrupt end' to spirits boom Scotland’s family business sector has plenty of great examples of enterprises which continue to prosper from a long-term vision. The same is true of many other privately owned companies north of the Border, and elsewhere of course.

And, while a much smaller proportion of stock market listed businesses seem to manage to achieve such a feat amid short-termism often fuelled by investors, some thankfully do. In these days in which there appear to be far too many professional managers who make their money by pushing change strategies whether or not these are required, not to mentio.

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