Christopher Morath, Chief Operating Officer, Heller Industries, Inc.

Much of the business world has been focused on the geopolitical challenges facing Europe in 2019 and into 2020. As we end 2019, I have a solid feeling that this period of uncertainty will settle down into an organised exit from the EU with a balanced deal.

There is a newly elected prime minister with a majority of power to ensure that deals with the EU can be ratified. His slogan of "Get Brexit Done" seems to have some weight now. In reality, that means that the EU and UK will open discussions for a minimum of 12 months to define trading and other relationships.

The EU negotiating team may have some new faces, too, which should mean some creative thinking and new ideas on how to proceed. In the meantime, it’s business as usual for the rest of us as we continue to trade freely across the continent.

In the marketplace, there is a predicted slowdown in economies, which may send shivers through our industry. Semiconductor seems to be on a recovery, and although automotive is flat, more electronics per vehicle assures that opportunities are abundant. The communication industry is settling after the disruptions created by U.S./China tariff adjustments and 5G infrastructure builds are growing.

The EU and UK remain exciting places in which to do business; innovation and creativity are strong and confidence is growing. 2020 should be a solid business year.