Special Feature
50 lessons from lockdown We are all in this together
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et’s face it, the summer was a washout. One to remember for all the wrong reasons. Whilst we may be teetering on the edge of a second national lockdown, the shock and impact of the first continues to reverberate. Last month, Commercial Broker approached the NACFB community seeking to understand key learnings from the year so far. The learnings range from professional developments, ways of adapting
1.
“Before lockdown I had a healthy pipeline of business, then CBILS and BBLS landed. They’re great schemes and a life saver for SMEs. However, this crippled me financially. Businesses borrowed from their own banks. Many alternative funders weren’t yet accredited, so business dried up. I’m still here rebuilding lost revenues – but remaining positive!”
to the pace of change, or simply the personal ways that some have coped. The responses are honest, reflective, and hopeful. This collation acts as a snapshot of the time we have lived through and emphasises that the NACFB membership is a genuine community – one that continues to remain resilient.
2.
“Lockdown has allowed me to establish a better work/life balance, I have utilised the commuting time to better effect for a new healthier training regime. I have spent 102 hours in the saddle, covered 2,134 km and lost 30lbs since the start of lockdown. This is the new norm for me.” Paul Goodman, Chair – NACFB.
Tamara Renshaw, Managing Director – Acorn to Oak Business Finance.
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“If you are not a shining example of good attitude, your team won’t be optimistic either. It is this awareness of being responsible for others that keeps me on the right track and keeping in mind that this situation is temporary and just another hurdle on the entrepreneurial journey.” Aga Moczynska, Managing Director – Hussaria Group.
“Pivot is not a word that I usually would use, but it’s become more a word I use to describe my actions during lockdown. We pivoted to meet client expectations on customer service and loyalty, with Zoom for one-to-one meetings, alongside telephone, email and text. This has helped further build a deeper knowledge of what the client loves, be it a favourite football team or hobbies. Really getting to know your customer. We've been getting new government-backed funding out to clients creating awareness of what’s available – making access to funds easy, painless, and stress free. Saying thank you to customers with a surprise gift. People always remember how you make them feel. Personally, I valued my health, garden, office space, and the simple pleasures in life like a walk with a friend in the forest. Also, a staycation in Cornwall, with no stress of quarantining when you get back! We have never come through a pandemic before so there is no precedent. We pivot as we go!” Jo Malyon, Managing Director – Blue Badger Financial.
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