Needed: a healthy dose of realism, with a side order of humble pie

It was also good to see more SMEs represented, both as finalists in the awards, and as attendees at the dinner. With luck, and lower fixed overheads, smaller and more flexible companies are well-placed to ride out the recession, with many already picking up contract work previously done in-house by now-redundant employees. However, the sheer differences in mentality between large and small companies became apparent when the raffle prizes were being drawn. The final offering was an integrated colour printer/scanner/photocopier which a number of us micro-employers were viewing with envious eyes. But then the jeers started: "Who raided the stationery cupboard for that prize?"

Whilst very much said in jest, the comments did make me wince. The thought of companies in Birmingham have spare brand-new printers sitting around waiting for the point at which they're needed is so very alien to small employers; hell, my stationery cupboard IS my office!

It will be very interesting to see if a similar prize at BYPY in 2010 will be greeted with the same derision. My hunch is that many of those mocking last night will not be with the same employer next year, perhaps having struck out on their own, and would be grateful for any help they might receive.

I don't wish difficult times on anyone, but a healthy dose of realism, with a side order of humble pie, doesn't go amiss.