THE PAST IS A FOREIGN COUNTRY: THEY DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY THERE

so begins L P Hartley’s The Go-Between 

 
Has there ever been a time that better fitted those words? Things are so very different now to this time last year. And yes, looking back, we definitely did things differently there …
It’s almost the end of May, our personal and business lives have been turned upside down. Who would have imagined the early part of 2020 would begin with business premises being devoid of staff, and those staff, sometimes like square pegs in round holes, making the best of working from home. Early days it was so very strange for many people, but over the weeks and months we have come to accept the ‘new norm’, we’ve got by with online meetings, with balancing a laptop on the kitchen table, fitting in child care, home workouts, and just about managing to get along with other household members.
… we definitely did things differently there …
Shared spaces have not been ideal for many, but in the glorious May days we are enjoying right now, things are becoming more settled, and we are seeing the first tentative steps for staff returning to businesses. As our lovingly tended gardens are responding to our careful attention and rewarding us with splashes of bright colour, some staff are being carefully managed into hitherto empty spaces, and shoots of work are peeking through again for service providers.
… we definitely did things differently there …
Lockdown is not over yet, and collectively as we move forward, maintaining social distancing and respect for others, we perhaps can congratulate ourselves a little bit, we’ve come a long way. Most people I am in contact with have maintained, in the main, a sense of humour and humility about things. Those who have been forced to isolate alone will hopefully soon have some company again. Families have bonded, I believe – in a bubble of time never to be repeated.
… we definitely did things differently there …

I wish success to all our existing customers, new customers, colleagues and contacts.

We are here, if you need us.