Two years ago, commercial recovery was an unknown possibility for most of Europe’s troubled economies. With the global economic crisis in full effect and consumer confidence at an all-time low point, many of Europe’s most enduring and important businesses were recording record low profits and output levels.

However, European economic firm Markit EZ’s latest statistics show significant growth amongst most Western European economies. Leaders France and Germany saw strong increases in economic output, with top-level companies mirroring the recovery and output of mid-2007.

While Markit EZ’s index only covers the service and manufacturing sectors, analysts believe the data is reason to celebrate and gain confidence. Europe’s most export-heavy economies were hit relatively hard during the recession, with established countries and larger markets faring better against limited trade.

Markit EZ’s index covers the main EuroZone nations, excluding some of Europe’s smaller economies and nations. Despite the limited amount of data available, it appears that a full European economic recovery is on the horizon. Office occupancy rates have increased across the UK, with a number of small businesses opting for now-available space in order to expand operations and increase turnover.

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Students Face Bankruptcy and Private Debt Issues

It’s not just Britain’s businesses that are facing potential bankruptcy today. Alongside a string of business bankruptcy cases, courts are beginning to see graduates and former students file for bankruptcy, unable to repay loans that were taken out in a more employment-friendly climate.

A large portion of Britain’s students finance their education through loans, with the cost of a standard four-year degree program often exceeding £10,000 in tuition expenses. With housing and living costs added into the picture, many of Britain’s future leaders are left hovering above bankruptcy as soon as their degree is complete.

It’s not a phenomenon that’s unique to the UK, either. The Sarasota Herald Tribune, a major paper in South Florida, recent studied the debt levels of students in the local community. After acquiring private loans for college, a growing number of students are forced into bankruptcy proceedings when out-of-control circumstances leave them unable to find work or access to long-term funds.

Experts believe the stressful financial situation affecting many students could lead to problems for Britain’s future workforce and corporate leaders. With many students facing poor debt ratings and collections agencies just months out of university, it appears they could be right in that assumption.

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The last three years have been a roller coaster ride for businesses. From the collapse of industry giants to the personnel changes at some of the world’s biggest firms; the release of revolutionary technology to the immense competition between ambitious business upstarts, the world of international business has changed dramatically, quite possibly for the better.

But throughout the bankruptcies and shutdowns, a small group of CEOs have kept their companies running, often at record levels of profitability and acclaim. We’ve found ten CEOs that exemplify business success and recovery – ten people that companies simply couldn’t live without. If you’re in need of business recovery advice or a commercial boost, these are the people to study.

1. Warren Buffett

Source: http://tinyurl.com/2vodmjh

Considered the godfather of finance to some, Warren Buffett is a legendary investor and CEO. His primary company, Berkshire Hathaway, has consistently ranked highly amongst investment ventures, remaining profitable through even the most testing recessions. Buffett is also one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, earning more in a given quarter than most CEOs do in their entire lives.

Despite his immense wealth, Warren Buffett’s lifestyle has barely changed since his early days. The legendary CEO spends little money on himself, instead choosing to donate it to charity and support companies he believes in.

2. Jeff Bezos

Source: http://tinyurl.com/33j25ze

Jeff Bezos is one of the most dedicated and successful CEOs of the dot-com era. After driving across the United States, the Princeton graduate dreamed up ideas of a nationwide online e-commerce outlet. A business plan was drafted in the front seat of his car, ambition and immense focus set in, and Bezos launched Amazon in his garage the following year.

Since 1994, Amazon has grown into a truly global operation, employing over 20,000 people worldwide and producing almost $25 billion in operating revenue annually. The well-known billionaire is a notorious micro-manager, monitoring press releases and even appearing as Time Magazine’s 1999 Person of the Year.

3. Steve Jobs

Source: http://tinyurl.com/33z8nva

Few CEOs have been responsible for business recovery on the scale of Steve Jobs. After being fired from his own company in the mid-1980s, Jobs built a series of successful technology firms and created Pixar, the world’s first 3D film production studio. In 1996, he was brought back to Apple’s board and took the CEO’s role, restoring the position he’d lost over ten years earlier.

Under Jobs’ management, Apple transformed from a no-name computer manufacturer into one of the world’s biggest technology and consumer electronics firms. Known for his slick presentations and incredible product design skills, Jobs is one of the most well-known and celebrated CEOs in the world.

4. Richard Branson

Source: http://tinyurl.com/ns9dx4

Few entrepreneurs could turn a record shipping business into a global empire. Virgin CEO Richard Branson created a network of over 150 companies, all built from the capital he acquired reselling records as a teenager. Outlet stores, mail-order music, and a range of other interesting business ventures soon followed, making Branson one of the UK’s richest men.

However, this CEO is known as much for his adventurous lifestyle as his immense wealth. The CEO has travelled around the world in a balloon, crossed the English Channel in an amphibious vehicle, and even crossed the Atlantic Ocean in a purpose-built yacht.

5. Oprah Winfrey

Source: http://tinyurl.com/yafncba

If there was ever a Horatio Alger story for the masses, it’s that of Oprah Winfrey. Born in rural Mississippi and raised on government support programs, Oprah Winfrey managed to turn her college radio show into a multi-billion dollar empire. The TV anchor and media mogul is one of the most trusted faces in American media, building support for causes and products through her bevvy of TV shows and publications.

6. Eric Schmidt

Source: http://tinyurl.com/2uhlj34

One of the technology industry’s few non-founder CEOs, Eric Schmidt is the head of Google Inc. and former partner at Apple Computer. The California businessman is one of the industry’s most respected and dependable, performing numerous major decisions and strategic efforts during his time at Google.

Judging by Google’s legendary success, it appears that his efforts have been rewarded. While Eric’s personal net worth is just $5.5 billion, Google’s own assets exceed $40 billion. As the head of the most powerful brand in the world, it’s difficult to find a CEO more influential than Schmidt.

7. Gary C. Kelly

Source: http://tinyurl.com/32rmy36

The airline industry isn’t exactly bursting at the seams with stories of profitability, making Gary C. Kelly’s efforts at Southwest Airlines even more impressive. The well-known CEO is considered directly responsible for Southwest’s huge popularity amongst travelers, building the airline into one of the United States’ most successful brands.

Currently the Chairman of the Board, CEO, and President or Southwest Airlines, Kelly has received a great deal of acclaim from industry commentators and publications. In 2009 he was named as one of America’s best CEOs by Institutional Investor magazine.

8. Satoru Iwata

Source: http://tinyurl.com/3ya8svf

As the fourth CEO of Japanese video game company Nintendo, Satoru Iwata managed to turn a stale and uninteresting brand into one of the industry’s most recognizable and interesting. With Nintendo’s stock at an all time low and sales dwindling, Iwata’s policies and corporate strategy lead to the creation of the Wii and Nintendo DS, two of the company’s most profitable items.

Despite his reputation as a cunning businessman, Iwata is also a skilled programmer and game designer. His design and development portfolio includes hit titles such as The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Brothers.

9. Lynn Elsenhans

Source: http://tinyurl.com/33lok9g

A basketball enthusiast and energy mogul, Lynn Elsenhans is one of the world’s most successful female CEOs and a legendary figure in the petroleum industry. As CEO of Sunoco, Elsenhans oversaw business decisions that generated over $54 billion in corporate revenue throughout 2008.

Alongside her slick business savvy and marketing efforts, Lynn is also a dedicated environmentalist and conservation enthusiast. Beside rival oil corporation BP, Sunoco is one of the world’s most environmentally friendly and climate responsible oil and energy firms.

10. Bill Gates

Source: http://tinyurl.com/33nlwht

Ask anyone to think of a billionaire, and there’s a great chance they’ll pick Bill Gates. The founder of Microsoft and legendary programmer is one of the technology industry’s greatest success stories. Known for his combative management style and extreme dedicated to perfecting products, Bill Gates is one of the technology industry’s most visible and prominent CEOs.

Or at least, he was. After stepping down as the CEO of Microsoft in 2006, Gates has repositioned himself as a leader in global philanthropy. His charitable organization – The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – has donated over $28 billion to charitable causes and non-profit organizations.

Portsmouth FC, one of England’s oldest football clubs, has fallen under even greater public scrutiny after its £108 million debt burden was revealed to the public. Detailed in a public report, the club’s financial problems have reportedly been caused by ‘serial mismanagement’, poor financial planning, and excessive spending.

Portsmouth administrator Andre Andonikou attempted to clear confusion on the true extent of the club’s financial problems. With debts of £108.6 million and owed transfer fees of over £14 million, the club owes almost £123 million in total debts.

However, with the club’s company voluntary arrangement securing at least some of that debt, the amount of money required from Portsmouth is currently unknown. The club’s unsecured creditors have been noticeably quiet when publicly polled, but most financial analysts believe Portsmouth will end up with anywhere from 25-50% of their total debt repaid over three years.

In what’s become one of Premier League football’s most troubling events, Portsmouth’s financial troubled have opened the door for a range of other clubs to seek financial support. Manchester United have received public criticism for their financial management, and a growing number of Football League clubs have recently sought debt recovery and financial restructuring packages.

Iceland’s volcanic eruptions have had disastrous effects for Europe’s export-focused businesses. With planes grounded and shipments delayed, a growing number of businesses have been forced to temporarily close their doors and suspend service.

But there’s a second group of companies affected by the recent eruptions: Europe’s leading airlines. Already troubled by rising fuel prices and the price-cutting effects of budget competitors, a number of formerly successful airlines are examining commercial recovery options to limit the effects of this year’s greatest financial setback.

The International Air Transport Association, an industry body formed to represent global airlines, claims that the affected airlines are losing upwards of $200 million every day that planes are grounded. With flights halted for almost one week, many airlines have been forced to house employees in temporary accommodation and seek support from the EU government.

While the Brussels government confirmed their interest in supporting Europe’s troubled airlines, representatives distanced themselves from the possibility of an unwarranted subsidy for air travel companies. The long-term effects of Iceland’s disruptive eruptions are currently unknown, although up to five European airlines believe the eruptions have increased the risk of bankruptcy and business failure.

American automaker General Motors Co. certainly didn’t expect a swift recovery after filing for bankruptcy in June 2009. The troubled vehicle firm has received emergency funding from the US government’s bailout programs, aimed to provide an opportunity for the company – a major employer in the country’s North region – to rebuild itself.

Despite pointed political criticism, the government’s decision to aid the troubled automaker appears to have been a good one. GM alerted the public that they’d repaid their loans well ahead of time midway through April 2010 – a full five years before the planned date.

However, industry analysts are quick to point out that GM’s lengthy financial troubles are far from over. While the company is now free of government debt and public investment, it still faces a difficult road to recovery. The United States government retains a 70 percent ownership share of General Motors, giving the company a reasonable level of public backing.

General Motors CEO Ed Whitacre believes that the company can return to profitability, citing a change in focus from large, impractical vehicles towards mass market automobiles. With the US car market slowly recovering, it seems that even the most financially troubled firms could be moving towards recovery.

For young cinema fans, the decline of MGM doesn’t seem all that big of a deal. The studio has put out relatively few films of mention over the last forty years, instead relying on its James Bond series and studio re-releases for operating income.

However, serious movie fanatics are preparing to mourn the loss of one of Hollywood’s most historically important studios. MGM faces business bankruptcy at some point within the next two years, with debts of almost $3.7 million proving too much for investors and leading executives.

Despite MGM’s reputation for escapist fantasy, the company’s output has dropped significantly every year since 1970, when the once-legendary Hollywood studio was bought out by Las Vegas investors. 2010 has seen only one release from MGM – the forgettable Hot Tub Time Machine.

A number of Hollywood investors are eyeing up the studio, but few have committed to a purchase. British filmmaker Ridley Scott – director of Gladiator and Alien – expressed interest, however the studio’s limited back catalogue and lack of new releases have pushed many potential buyers away.

Almost 37 years after MGM outsourced their film distribution, it appears they may be closing their doors for good. For some, it’s an event that’s undeserving of discussion, however for others it’s reason for reflection, serious business discussion, and a review of the studio’s best moments.

American motorcyclists showed signs of regret and shopping savvy as the Buell Motorcycle factory opened its doors for a business liquidation sale. With everything on sale, visitors snapped up discounted motorcycle parts, special memorabilia, and even computer systems and machines used in motorcycle fabrication.
Buell is just one major American auto brand to be caught up in the global recession – a once-healthy motorcycle manufacturer that’s hovered above bankruptcy for the last two years. The motorcycle company had been plagued by management difficulties since the early 2000s, with Harley Davidson’s executive team focusing on the more profitable cruiser bike market.
However, for Buell enthusiasts and bargain-hunting motorcycle fans, the firm’s liquidation sale was a reason to celebrate the brand, not to bicker over its shortcomings. Fans picked up limited edition Buell items, international race memorabilia and competition parts, and even motorcycles from rival manufacturers brought into Buell’s factory for research.
With a growing number of American auto firms struggling with long-term debt and limited innovation, it appears that Buell’s collapse could be the first of many. Detroit automakers have secured government funding and investment over the last three years, but many speculators question their potential for long-term recovery.

The Rugby Football Union is considering changes to rules in order to force clubs moving into liquidation during a season to be relegated from league status. With a number of rugby union clubs consulting with business liquidators in order to remain open, the current system of docked points and limited penalties is attracting complaints from union participants.

National One club Stonebridge RFC brought forward the plan for more strict penalties on clubs going into administration. London Welsh, a UK union club, went into administration during 2009 and are aiming for a complete recovery and return to profitability.

While the UK’s rugby union clubs have largely escaped the financial horrors observed in the world of professional football, the financial crisis has caused worry for many club owners and investors. Ownership changes are relatively commonplace in union rugby, although not to the extent observed in football leagues.

Coventry, Birmingham, and London Welsh have all entered administration during the current season, although all remain in their respective leagues. While sport gurus are advocating a merit-based system with clubs elected by ability, many of those with financial interests believe a system where financially failed clubs are removed from the league will be more competitive and worthwhile.

The airline industry is certainly familiar with business bankruptcy. From Pan Am’s 1990s decline to the pressures affecting international airlines today, the commercial travel industry has long been subject to poor business conditions and lengthy debt troubles.

However, Britain – and much of Europe’s – airline industry is being hit by another potential problem: the after-effects of Iceland’s major volcano eruption. With dust covering much of Europe and leaving commercial flights potentially disastrous, a number of financially troubled airlines have been forced to cease operations until conditions clear.

It’s not just major airline business that have been hit either. Many of Britain’s small businesses and independent companies have been hurt by the recent flight grounding. Export and import-dependent businesses have reported a slowdown in business and severe infrastructure problems, with many product orders delayed by several days, and potentially several weeks.

Travel-dependent service companies are also being hurt by the no-fly issues. Transportation companies, particularly those with a focus on airport-to-city transport, have experienced a slump in business, leaving many taxi operators and shuttle services forced to send staff home. While it’s unlikely that Europe’s low-flying ash cloud will cause long-term business failure, the effects have certainly annoyed small and large business owners across the nation.