BUSINESS people in Huddersfield are being urged to help tell the future.

Training company Partnerships in Management, based at the Media Centre, Northumberland Street, is pulling together a group of business managers to examine current economic, political and social trends – and predict what will happen 12 months from now.

David Broadhead, managing director of Partnerships in Management, said the set up a special group to look at likely economic, political and social scenarios followed a similar exercise a year ago.

He said: “How much better off would you be if 12 months ago you could have prepared for the house price crash, the recession and the rising cost of daily living?

“How much would you have paid for that knowledge and what return would you have made on your investment?

“Twelve months ago, these are just some of the things that two groups of business people on a management course in Huddersfield predicted were likely to occur.”

The students on the firm’s MSc Strategic Change Management and Diploma in Management programmes also came up with a few other predictions – some of which have yet to come about.

Their forecasts included the end of Gordon Brown’s term as Prime Minister, a 25% plunge in house prices, a backlash against immigration, increased use of “clean” coal and nuclear power, challenges to the Human Rights Act and a revoking of the 24-hour drinking laws.

Without recourse to crystal balls or tarot cards, the group also predicted a rise in “austerity” shopping, a return to local not global markets and – more humorously – an increase in the sale of red, white and blue cars!

Said Mr Broadhead: “Most interest in joining the group has been shown by the smaller business sector and it would be good to see larger organisations becoming more involved.

“Anyone who would like to participate in this unique and innovative new venture should get in touch to work with us on reviewing our 2007 predictions – and taking them forward into the next 12 to 18 months.

“The forum is open to anyone with an open mind about business issues who would like to participate in a venture that could benefit both themselves and the wider community.”

For details contact David on 07957 325336.