The Show Did Go On!

Firstly, let me say that I am coming from a purely business standpoint when writing this blog.  I, and all others should applaud (as we did for 10 Thursdays @ 8pm) those who risked their lives and futures to help others in need.

Now to my point, Covid-19 presented some huge challenges, and still does but it is all too easy to be drawn to the negative when everything seems to be falling apart around you.  After reading article after article, watching/listening to countless TV & radio stations reminding us of how bad things are going be and likely to get worse, I had to stop.  It was having such a negative impact on me, both personally & professionally.  There is no doubt that the last few months have been a terrible time for many people and businesses alike, for which I sincerely empathize.  But (yes, there is a but) I would like to point out that the world did not come to a standstill, people and organisations carried on as best they could.

For example, here at The Workspace Consultants we worked together with clients, contractors and stakeholders to enact strategies and processes that enabled sites across the country to work safely and to complete projects.  Re-inventing return to work strategies that seemed so daunting at times you wondered how could it be done.  Of course, there were hurdles to jump, unexpected issues cropping up and lots of re-scheduling to be done, but it was done.  We did not stand still and wait for the worst to happen, we made good things happen whilst ensuring all involved remained safe.

During all the horrendous financial news coming to us on what seemed like a daily basis, I was struck by a recent article by Andrew Neil of The Spectator www.spectator.co.uk/article/a-statement-from-the-chairman-of-the-spectator

In short, they were expecting a major financial hit during Covid-19 and furloughed a lot of staff.  However, it turned out that the financial implications were not as bad as expected and The Spectator is returning the funds received from the government and withdrawing from the scheme.  All of this was made possible with some creative thinking and getting buy in from all parties.  I would urge you to read the article.

My point to all this, well it's simple really, with the correct mindset and experience, extraordinary things can be achieved during difficult times.  It’s not all doom and gloom for everybody, thankfully.

I’d love to hear your stories of how life carried on for you, thanks for reading.

Gary O'Connell - Associate Projects Partner