COVID-19: Some thoughts...

The last few weeks have been unprecedented. Last week I read that over a third of the world's population is under lockdown which is simply staggering. While the impacts of this pandemic are devastating for people across the world, I am hugely impressed at the way our industry has coped and adapted to such immense change.

We are an industry known to be slow-moving and resistant to change, but within a matter of weeks if not days, companies have instilled plans to get their workforce working from home, providing them with not just the equipment they need but the time and space to manage a huge life change as schools were closed and the country put on lockdown.

I am under no illusion that it has not gone smoothly for some, but as a whole, the industry that lives off face-to-face contact and relationships has quickly embraced digital working, finding solutions ensuring that renewals are completed and help is given to clients where needed.

Our own Council has quickly adapted to bring you CPD sessions via webinars; a huge thank you to our Education Secretary, Johanna Mulley and her Education team for managing to set up so many sessions so quickly. Our AGM has gone digital! You can sign up to receive dial-in details on the event page. One thing we could not take online however is our Annual Dinner - this has been successfully re-scheduled to September, where we look forward to welcoming everyone to a well-deserved celebration. Thank you to our Dinner Secretary Cassie Watts for jumping straight in and making all the arrangements.

I extend my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all those key, frontline workers who continue to look after us, day in day out, and to all the unsung heroes who are still working to keep the economy turning over.

I wish you, your families and friends the very best. Stay home, and stay safe.