There are generally no upside benefits from holding your breath. And, holding your breath for over two years whilst waiting for a clear sense of direction on Brexit is starting to have dire consequences for industry.

Investment is the process by which businesses breathe. Investment is the life blood of commercial activity. Without investment our ability to compete in global markets will slip and we will be forced to play catch up, and at present, we are all waiting to see what our future trading relationship with the EU will look like before moving forward with investment plans.

There are few benefits to the present hiatus and based on the challenges faced by our Prime Minister this week, precious little chance of a speedy political settlement. Which is why a little basic planning seems to make so much sense right now.

Are there any downsides? Is planning an activity that will be wasted?

Hardly, even if the politicians sort themselves out and there is some certainty about Brexit, achieving a measure of business fitness will allow the participants to hit the ground running.

Accountants may want to consider their options to stand out from the crowd at this pivotal moment. Providing vulnerable clients with support to complete impact assessments and revising business plans for 2019-20 and beyond would seem to be eminently sensible?

Time to dust off you consultancy skills and get involved in solving problems. Time to provide some leadership when at present, there seems precious little on display. Time to step into the fray and provide client businesses with some much needed fresh air and the opportunity to draw breath.