I think it was a casual conversation with Robert Bartup (GB Liners) earlier this year that made me aware of a serious gap in the editorial mix of this magazine.  As regular readers will know I have something of a fascination with the great and the good of our industry.  And justifiably so I say.  They have been part of the fabric of our industry and shaped it into what it is today – good or bad.  In that respect I make no apology for offering you the thoughts of Fred Hoult, Michael Gerson, Louis Le Roux, Michael Scott, et al.  I promise, more will follow.

But although the past explains the present, it is the future that really matters.  To this end I bring you this month the first in a series of interviews with the rising and shining stars of our industry.  The kind of people who are making their mark now, will shape our future and, whoever is doing my job in 40 years will be interviewing.     

This month please meet Denis and Sara from Alfa in Finland and Denmark respectively. They are not new to the business, far from it.  Even at their tender ages they have tremendous experience and obvious talents.  But what they do have, that the previous generation doesn’t, is the knowledge that whatever the future holds, however the industry develops, they will be in the thick of it.  Although the 60+ age group may choose to grapple with the delights of the technological revolution, running to keep up with an ever-receding leading edge, retirement is always an option.  For their children it is not.   

I have others in the pipeline too.  I am delighted to say that this industry seems to have no shortage of young talent ready, prepared and more than able to take over when their pioneering parents opt for an easier life. But, as 10,000 minds are undoubtedly better than one, you might know some too.  Do you have youngsters in your business who are already showing signs of being the thought leaders of the future? If you do I would like to talk to them.  More importantly, as my recent experience has shown, you really need to hear what they have to say.   

As our children grow we try our best to teach them well.  But there comes a time when we have to realise that, if we have done our job properly, they will be brighter, stronger, more innovative and braver than we ever were.  It’s our turn to listen.