Traffic jams are starting, with people clearly outside and in the office last week. It was quite a full week, and like many people, was glad for the weekend, and some warmer weather. The last hurrah before autumn maybe? Observations for the week.
I have definitely been in lockdown too long… tried some hot chilli sauce on a meal out last week and it seemed just really mild… not like the stuff cooked at home… maybe I have been overdoing it with those hot peppers!
My fuel consumption is also starting to increase… filled up the car again… I mean 25 weeks and only 2 tanks used (and this included a trip to Scotland and back)… 2 more weeks and another tank gone…things are starting to change
Workwise, there is more and more concern over economic impacts expected in October… discussion on how to handle this and using this as an opportunity to re-engineer processes for customers were definitely, themes coming through
More this week no doubt… have a good week everyone… @chris_w_tweet
Posted inObservations|Comments Off on Week 26: Falling into a normal routine
More details continued to emerge this week to illustrate the economic pressure, that is underway and growing across the economy.
Many consumers appear to have gone into money-saving mode over lockdown – 3.6m are worried about how they are going to pay bills… more hard data on the stress some households are under.
FinTechs, which have had their dash for growth business models challenged recently, are starting to introduce more fees, or changing their business model… a sector under focus as mentioned before
Looking at other markets, many of whom have different government support models that the UK, delinquencies are starting to rise… is this potentially a view into the future for the UK? (it is expected, unfortunately)
Controls were in the news again with a story on Bank signature forgeries… it seemed to disappear as soon as it was reported… but obviously important for the industry that everything is done to ensure this sort of thing does not happen
There were also some interesting statistics from ONS on the impact of COVID on the economy. They really show the polarised impact of lockdown on different sectors in society.
Food and Accommodation, the impact has been dramatic, hard and sustained, but other sectors seem to have been only lightly impacted…. Public sector hardly at all, with minimal impact in financial services.
All of this points to a lopsided impact and recovery. This is against a background of rising cases again remember too.
Of course, economic doom and gloom is not the only news going on and the topic of Brexit was back in the news this week… with the UK government seemingly appearing to want to tear up its previous agreement with the EU… all of which does not bode well for the future relationships, both with the EU and internationally, which are largely built on trust… one to watch closely through the end of the year.
The return to the office discussion also continued with some companies proudly announcing they are permanently office free. However I have also been hearing stories of businesses asking people to return, it will rumble on I suspect.
Detailed data analysis on COVID virus, with a model study of its impact – could lead towards new avenues for treatment… an interesting read
and… will the heavy use of hand sanitizer, lead to resistance in bacteria and virus’s as they evolve to survive… like anti-biotic resistance….scary stuff
Lastly, there was n interesting video of an Airbus flying wing model demo – it could lead to more efficient planes… with the cheap seats will be at the end of the wings I suspect!
Have a good weekend everyone… @chris_w_tweet
Posted inOpinion|Comments Off on Economic impacts continue to ripen
A return to school this week was also a return again to getting up early… it was all a bit of a blur – it felt early. However it did mark a step towards more normality so I hope is a good thing… observations from this week.
I have been observing our local high street – which shops have re-opened and those that have not. It felt like a commentary on services we need, those we use, and those run with a profit margin for hard times… fortunately in the main things seem to be coming back.
I also noticed this week how unusual it is getting to have actual phone calls… most are teams or zoom meetings these days and using the phone now feels an extra step… how times have changed and so quickly too
Workwise, a couple of really interesting conversations on using digital to redesign and rethink processes so they are better. Also, the debate on pure offsite vs onsite working continues. It’s a time of change and new ideas for sure.
Have a great week everyone… @chris_w_tweet
Posted inObservations|Comments Off on Week 25: Back to school again
