Many people believe that this year will be a testing one, and there are likely to be challenges ahead in the local regulatory landscape.

While we would all prefer a less troubled economic backdrop, it is how we meet these challenges that will define us and make us stronger. And we should not forget that there will be opportunities as well as challenges.

The Year Ahead for Regulatory Services Conference  in Stratford on Avon on February 2/3 will be a great occasion to catch up and for everyone to share their latest thinking. The event is a partnership between CIEH, LBRO and TSI and will play an important role in shaping the regulatory services agenda and initiatives in the year ahead.

There will be great examples of best practice from high profile industry, national and council professionals on how local authorities can deliver vital services with real benefits for local communities and support local businesses.

And following that, LBRO's free event, Resources for Regulators Live, in Birmingham on March 6, will be an opportunity to apply that thinking in the use of a range of resources to deliver better regulation.

From April, we expect to be operating as BRDO (Better Regulation Delivery Office) within BIS. As with any change there is always a lot of emphasis on processes and structures but we know that the reality for front line inspectors working with business day by day is the challenge of rising expectations with shrinking budgets.

Front line regulators protect vulnerable citizens and enable thousands of small businesses to play their part in Britain's economic recovery. We are determined to play our part in making that happen. 2012 will be a challenging year but together we can make it a good one.

Responses to this blog are welcome and a selection will be printed here. Send them to enquiries@lbro.org.uk