Double humpf day

Posted on January 10, 2021 by Chris Warburton

What a crazy week that was. Not only were we back to work, but also whisked off into another lockdown, schools off, homeschooling, COVID cases rising and then towards the end of the week – a late night watching developments in the USA.

All quite unexpected, unsettling, and sprinkled with clouds of doom and gloom; it felt like we were dodging this all week, just trying to be cheerful.

There were of course, still some observations.

  • Getting back to work after the holidays is always tough. This year especially so, with a case of brain fog the first few days… hopefully, plenty of sunny spells with only the odd cloud this week!
  • It has also been a bit of pitiful performance on dry January this year… only 5 days… I am even still eating mince pies (they needed finishing – my excuse!). This coming week needs to be a fresh start… the opportunity to stay in, get fit, do our best to avoid COVID, and stay healthy.
  • Workwise, on calls last week it did feel that more of us have finally decided to be on video… I think I am now up to three ironed shirts a week now… still drawing a line at wearing a jacket… dark colours and cats just do not mix!

Stay strong, stay safe everyone, have a good week… Chris

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6 months in 5 days – the first week of 2021

Posted on January 8, 2021 by Chris Warburton

It has been quite the first week of the year.

  • Back to work after the holidays
  • A new lockdown, with a spiraling pandemic
  • Brexit/End of the transition period, with a loss of trade freedoms with the EU starting to bite
  • and oh yes, a violent attempt to stop a peaceful hand over of power in Washington DC

With everything going on, more normal news has struggled to get much air time this week. There are however themes for us to consider as we start the new year.

Digital is still dominating headlines and investment. With a further lockdown, this will undoubtedly be further accelerated. Firms continue to press forward in what is increasingly looking like the new normal. Some are already complaining they are being disadvantaged, a sure sign that this is a hot topic and source of competitive advantage.

The upcoming challenge is where on the scale of 100% automated vs purely manual do firms want to sit and where is the human touch needed.

The march of WhatsApp also continues. Over new year it set new records for engagement.

Facebook, who own WhatsApp, are working to gradually monetize the platform. It was announced that Facebook will now have access to more WhatsApp data which is likely part of this wider plan.

For UK customers, WhatsApp data is still reportedly under European region, Facebook data is being moved to the US (an impact from Brexit). All of this could potentially give access to new features, such as facial recognition. Whether it will potentially start to erode some perceptions around privacy on the platform we will see.

The ultimate goal however still feels like it is moving towards an omnichannel platform for the internet. Closed systems environments, capturing all customer interaction data, do seem to be increasingly popular.

The economy still feels like it is sluggish. For consumers not sick, and with a job, more data came out showing they have been paying down debt and moving house.

However, all eyes are now on what happens in the mortgage market the next few months. The stamp duty holiday ends at the end of March 2021, which arguably has driven up housing market activity… it is one we need to watch. The concern, whether the end of support will trigger a pop in what could be a housing bubble.

Globally, it certainly does feel as if the economy in many places continues to run on vapour. With all the stimulus keeping it aloft, at some point it will need to come into land. We need to watch for speed of descent. This will determine, the nature of any crash landing… and with extra headwinds in the UK it does feel like we are in for a bumpy few months.

Have a good weekend everyone… Chris

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Humpf day

Posted on January 3, 2021 by Chris Warburton

For many of us, today is humpf day… the last day of holiday before we return to normality; work, school and of course that which cannot be put off any longer, new year diets.

I am not quite sure what happens with my psychology on holiday? I start by thinking, ‘we are on holiday, let’s treat ourselves’ and then after a week switch to ‘the holiday is almost over let’s have a treat before it is done’… before you know it the mince pie supply is running low and all that is left in the festive pack of biscuits are the pink dry wafers, the ones no-one wants. This year was no different.

So January is typically the month to regain control, less calories, less alcohol and maybe less meat. However, with COVID rates rising and most of us back in lockdown, this year it will also be about doing more… More masks, more hand washing and in particular more support for health professionals, teachers and emergency services. They are still there, keeping us safe, and it is appreciated.

So – more or less – we are at the start of a new week and new year… it’s time to get moving again…

Have a good week everyone… @chris_w_tweet

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