If 2016 was the year that saw us lose so many legends and was the year of electoral surprise, what does 2017 have in store for us?

Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the forty fifth President of the United States. Not everyone sees it as a good thing and many don’t think he will see the full term, but I will be interested to see what effect his business acumen can have in the political sector.

The two-year countdown to ‘independence’

Less certainty follows 2016’s other big shock victory (no, not Leicester City winning the Premier League, although there is plenty of uncertainty as to what happens to them too). No, I mean the decision of the British public to direct our government to negotiate our way out of the European Union.

The Prime Minister says that she will trigger Article 50 in the spring, which will begin the two-year countdown to ‘independence’. The debate will start all over again as to whether it’s a good idea, but if the PM is true to her word, there will be no recount. As for a prediction, I think there’s too much at stake for us to rush into anything and therefore we will still be discussing terms this time next year.

Not great news for savers, but a great help to businesses

Maybe the PM will go one step closer to winning the next election through making herself popular by declaring 23rd June as a public holiday for Independence Day. Nigel Farage would, I’m sure, but I can’t really see it happening!

Inflation and interest rates have been at consistently low levels for several years now and, if the government is to get anywhere near its economic targets, they probably need to stay that way for 2017 and even beyond. Not great news for savers, but likely to be a great help to businesses in these continuing uncertain times.

Even more red tape from the banks

What will happen if the base rate falls even further and actually goes negative? Will they demand that we pay the banks to look after our money for us? Nothing would surprise me with the banks; that’s probably the one certainty for 2017 – more branch closures, bigger returns for the shareholders and more red tape for those of us trying to operate, let alone open, a business bank account.

Whatever 2017 brings, I hope it is kind and fruitful for you. Happy New Year!