Week 19 lockdown: Taking a break

Posted on July 26, 2020 by Chris Warburton

It was a little different this week with the first week of summer vacation and some really nice weather in the UK… good thing is I have been able to get out and about a little more… some observations for the week.

  • There seem to be definite groupings regarding adherence to social distancing and wearing masks… some people were strictly following the guidance, with others very relaxed… and very much the same where ever I went… ‘tutto il mondo è paese’
  • Indeed, sometimes is was easy to forget there ever was a lockdown, people were outside and life really seemed almost as normal… definitely some danger of forgetting and I had to check myself a few times…! (especially in the face of increasing rates elsewhere too)
  • Work wise, taking a break has been important… it is a good opportunity for us all to use this time in lockdown to refresh a little…

Another week, hopefully the weather holds… have a good one everyone… @chris_w_tweet

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Time to relax a little?: Weekly Roundup 24th July 2020

Posted on July 24, 2020 by Chris Warburton

This week has undoubtedly been a quieter week with a little time off work. However the news cycle continues with the main news (outside of politics) still being economic projections on the impact of lockdown.

  • Mortgage, credit card and loan businesses all seem to have struggled during lockdown, with credit card spending down 50% and mortgage lenders tightening criteria… this will likely flow through to impact lender business dynamics longer term, so one to watch
  • An interesting story on credit score hotspots in CCR magazine, the best and worst credit scores by area… Oxfordshire and Nottinghamshire if you were wondering
  • With all the tough economic news, Coronavirus and Brexit looming, many firms are curtailing investment due to uncertainty… this is when many are also calling for more digital investment… it will be important to make some key decisions in this area… it will be turning points for many businesses I suspect. (in addition preparation for a no-deal Brexit outcome seems to have worsened for many firms too… largely due to COVID19)
  • Lastly, it seems it is not just me but, we have all been spending more on tea and biscuits during lockdown… are digestive sales are through the roof?!

This week has however, for me, underlined the importance of taking some time off. I know it can be difficult… especially when it is so easy to cancel, work is hectic with video calls and returning to normal… but taking a bit of time to decompress can be really beneficial… it is definitely not worth cancelling the leave.

Have a good weekend everyone…. @chris_w_tweet

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Week 18 lockdown: Touching normality

Posted on July 19, 2020 by Chris Warburton

The summer holidays here, restrictions are easing (for now) and there was a sense of making up for lost time this week… a sense of normality is returning… holiday trips being booked, days out with friends and at work investment meetings to get things moving again… it has been quite a remarkable journey so far.

Still some more observations this week.

  • This was the week, with all the activity, my bandwidth finally gave out… 3 simultaneous video calls and it was starting to creak… maybe an excuse to revert to audio only?!
  • I have been sorting through things these last few months… just found out if you leave stuff in boxes long enough, without getting rid of it, you find out it was actually useful… I think it may be a circular formula… am I destined to never throw anything away again…!
  • Workwise, some more grim economic projections this week and everyone is expecting a wave of delinquency volume to flow through. Digital investment is definitely opening-up… and plenty to do before it arrives… more preparedness needs to be underway for sure

Enjoy the upcoming week everyone… we will see what it brings… @chris_w_tweet

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