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Your Total Guide To Business
When did you realise the Coronavirus could be a problem for you and your business?
We had early warning of possible trouble in February. A client was having some moulding tools built in China by one of our manufacturing associates and immediately following the Chinese New Year holiday it was evident there would be significant disruption to the supply chain. Certainly we have experienced delays but it’s our clients I really feel for at the moment.
What has been your plan to continue?
To be honest I was worried business would fall off a cliff but this has not been the case at all; on the contrary, it seems some people are using this time to revisit and revitalise projects and are then coming to me for advice and guidance to make them a reality in the market.
I am especially keen to see what people come up with in response both to coronavirus itself and also the effects of the measures taken to contain it.
How have you changed your business as the weeks are passing?
By coincidence I was already beginning to highlight the strength of our UK-based supply network in our marketing. Now this refocusing in favour of ‘reshoring’ is getting a big boost – we are the link between the commercial opportunity and the means to make it happen all here in the UK.
Admittedly as it stands some areas such as tool-making will no doubt continue to rely on the Far East because it is significantly cheaper, but even then we can help integrate this aspect back into a supply chain managed locally.
What have you seen in business which is positive?
A great deal. A real willingness to share and collaborate which is both personally heartwarming and also a pragmatic, sensible response to a completely unprecedented – and lets’ be honest - frightening situation.
Touching on the supply chains already mentioned I think this will provide a huge incentive for certain new technologies and business practices. For example, look at all the PPE produced for the NHS by means of 3D printing.
These technologies are going to transform manufacturing and challenge all the assumptions about convoluted and, as we see now, vulnerable supply chains. Such a boost for innovation and can’t come soon enough!
What have you seen in business which has been negative?
Overall I’ve been amazed at the creativity and resilience of business people. Where I really struggle is where monopolies are abused, such as overcharging for PPE for health & care workers, or the treatment of the dairy farmers.
I’m afraid this behaviour comes as no surprise and I very much hope this will prompt a major rethink about some of the bad habits the country has got in to.
What advice would you give to others in business?
It’s so tempting to just pull in the horns and hide under the duvet when big trouble hits. OK, I’m lucky I still have a business – I fear a lot of people are going to lose theirs through absolutely no fault of their own. They’ve had both their markets and often supply chains cancelled at a stroke and no-one can survive that.
However I would say whatever you do be visible! There is so much opportunity these days online and often these wonderful business people have hidden talents which – just by putting them out there – might net them a whole new set of followers and customers.
What can we do to help each other?
Teamwork is all! Also there seems to be a real willingness out there to connect and support each other – very much a sign of the times and a good habit to get into.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help either – I think people want to have a use at a time like this. I think some of our friendships forged at this time could be very enduring.
Your parting thought?
I’ve already mentioned being lucky, but my biggest break at the moment has to be getting involved in an initiative called The Cotswold Challenge. Five of us local business people have got together to try and do something for the young people in our area who have had their exams cancelled. This competition has cash prizes and top judges and provides a unique opportunity for them to both express themselves and gain something significant for their CV!
Over the past seven weeks despite having no prior experience we have thrown ourselves into The Challenge, unpaid, in the hope of making a difference. It’s a lot of work but enormously exciting and we can’t wait to see what the young people come up with! For more information visit www.thecotswoldchallenge.com - and hurry because the closing date is June 1.
For more information visit www.chutedesign.co.uk.
Scott Media is run by a UK-based journalist with more than 20 years' experience in the media - print, radio and television.
6 Gold View, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 8GZ
Website Email 07789 270030
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