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Predictions for 2018
Part 1 of 2...
AS the sun sets on 2017, we look at
what could be in store for us in 2018. So what might we expect?
Well, as we look at 2017, we should sadly expect to see more terrorist acts. In
the UK, we will probably an increasing perception of the need to routinely arm
our Police. We are also expecting sadly to see an increase in gun crime, with
young gang members and other criminals using arms more and more. We should also
expect to see an increase in toxic and corrosive chemicals being used by
criminals. On crime, 2018 will most likely see an increase in cyber crimes, as
more and more vulnerabilities in Apple products and other previously less
targeted devices are exposed, as they become more and more popular. However
counter measures are also becoming more sophisticated too...
Even though Windows 7 in 2017 has held its ground against Windows 10, we are
likely to see more operating systems challenging their still dominant position
within the work place. Interestingly, we will also see lots of older software
being released for free, like the source code from Apple's original 1983
operating system, Lisa, due to be released in 2018. Artificial intelligence will
be taking a major leap forward. For Merseyside, expect to see some interesting
developments with some large software and internet companies moving in to the
area.
Banking will be a very hot topic of debate, both nationally and internationally,
but locally, we should expect to see quite a few local branches closing. This
will push the need for businesses to become more and more internet dependent.
Internet companies in 2018 will become more
and more under the spotlight as will telecommunications companies. Russian
activities in 2017 in and around transatlantic cables as well as other related
incidents, including the NHS computer crisis has highlighted our vulnerability
to commerce online. Also, expect more attempts to regulate Social media and non
regulated media outlets that ‘report' news. When it comes to news, we will
likely see Trump using the term ‘Fake News' more and more in 2018,
blurring the true and very worrying issue of real fake news. Also, the likes of
Google will be coming under very close scrutiny, as the new version of Google's
Search Systems are increasingly pushing larger firms and pushing out of the
results, small businesses and news organisations. On the issue of fake news,
Google will also see its search system increasingly investigated, as its latest
system is often promoting unaccredited news outlets and a few very selective
credited news outlets, opening the door to the danger of real fake news strongly
influencing the views of nations. Often this includes advertisements.
Interestingly, watch this space, as the advertisements agency in late 2017, ran
an advert about how it enforces advertisement regulation, which itself gave a
very misleading view to the public in the UK. So keep watching!... IMPRESS will
also assume more importance in 2018, with press regulation again being a topic
for review, with the reappearing allegations of national news organisations
having misled the UK public over Brexit, in 2017.
In 2017, local charity shops, instead of closing, turned to eBay, to sell items
as well as in store. This type of business more should be encouraged for small
shops and businesses, but many do not take these types of opportunities, mostly
due to outdated business practices and issues with banking systems. In 2018,
more businesses in the UK will start to realise that it's not the internet that
is causing the small shops on high streets to fail, by losing out the bigger
businesses; it's the lack of willingness to adapt. This lack of understanding of
the global nature of trade, that we are all now face, along with the fact most
UK based businesses, especially small ones, are just not taking advantage of the
opportunities the internet offers will become more and more relevant throughout
2018.
2018 will be a very turbulent year for the UK; it's not going to be an easy
year. Brexit is getting ever closer and we are still no nearer to sorting out
deals and the EU is set to make an example of the UK. Theresa May will survive
as prime minister through 2018, but mostly due to the fear of a hard Brexit, but
it's going to be very tetchy time ahead for her and her party. We might even see
another General Election called, if things go to wrong, but in UK politics,
anything could happen as of late.
On Merseyside, we will see our Liverpool City Region will become increasingly
more and more financially unstable, with many very hard choices being forced
upon our local Councils. Locally, as well as nationally, the Universal Credit
problems will affect even more claimants, increasing pushing people into
difficulties. Small businesses will be also increasingly facing pressures, as
Councils look to make up the short falls in their budgets. We should brace
ourselves to see even more shops and businesses close in 2018. Plus, if more
wage increases are forced on businesses and the increase in NI and pensions,
rents and insurance premiums, many will be forced to close up for good as, Will
2018 see the authorities waking up to the fact that small businesses are
invariably struggling and simply cannot absorb all these additional welfare
provisions for staff, however merited, It is not their responsibility to make up
the shortfall which results from large companies' tax avoidance! Unlike the
international firms, they can't threaten to pull out of the UK. This, on top of
intimation of quarterly returns to the tax office, which would quadruple
accountancy costs. We will also see an increase in strikes, especially on the
Transport Networks.
Protests about the new road to the Port of Liverpool are inevitable. This issue
is itself a classic example of lack of forward thinking. This need should have
anticipated and tackled years ago, before valuable resources were used to
provide, now much appreciated nature areas.
>>> Continued on the next page... >>>
Click on the Next Page link below or on this
link to see Part
2, that is located within this edition...
So what are your predictions for 2018? Please email
them to us via:-
News24@SouthportReporter.com...
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