It is not going to get any worse says Lord Digby Jones

Lord Digby Jones gives his outlook on business growth and trade opportunities.

In a web TV show with Vodafone's Rob Shardlow earlier this week, Lord Digby Jones (former director-general of the CBI) admitted 2009 had been an "annus horribilis" for everyone involved.

"Politicians will proclaim, 'We’re out of the recession! Everything’s fine!' – but it’s not," said Lord Digby Jones. "This is still a very difficult business environment. The best message for businesses right now is that things aren't going to get any worse. In 2011, and certainly in 2012, we’ll see good quality growth. But I’d be amazed if this economy delivered more than 1.5 to 2 per cent growth in GDP this year." Lord Digby Jones

And, as usual, the ex-CBI head (who famously described his time as a junior minister as "one of the most dehumanising and depersonalising experiences anyone could have") came out with some business gems. Here's our favourites:

Lord Digby Jones made some great remarks

"Yes, banks are lending money – but they’re attaching so many conditions to it that they might as well not be lending at all. “

“China wants your lunch. India wants your dinner.

Entrepreneurs must constantly reinvent.”

"Is this a good time to start a business? Definitely, yes. But don’t do it if a) you just want to make money out of it or b) your family doesn't support you because you’ll be divorced by the end of it and all the cash you have made will be spent on that.”

Lord Jones has had a lifetime in business – travelling to over 70 markets across the world gaining a unique breadth of knowledge and experience. He spent 6 years as the Director General of the CBI, held the position of Minister of State for UK Trade & Investment and has unrivalled heritage in advising a multitude of businesses around the world.

See the chat live by clicking on the link below

http://tiscali.webchats.tv/chat/exclusive_business_clinic_with_lord_digby_jones