2 minute read
ADAPTING TO CHANGE
When your business is part of the ‘critical supply chain’, supplying key industries such as food and pharmaceutical during a pandemic, learning how to manage risk and disruption becomes part of the day-to-day.
The pandemic has tested the resilience and flexibility of supply chains around the world - and no one knows it better than Russell Croisdale, Managing Director of The Encore Group.
Advertisement
Russell explains that demand increased significantly during the first lockdown when the government, NHS and other major companies turned back to the traditional and trusted method of printed communication to deliver critical messages.
“When the lockdown was announced, it was important for us to be open and clear with all our employees and clients. We have found that the majority of people want to talk because they want to know what is happening within the business.”
Russell explains that by prioritising early and effective communication with stakeholders can create “stronger and better relationships” overall and that as Managing Director, he felt it was important to spend time communicating with all clients, large or small: “you will be pleasantly surprised by what opportunities this will uncover.” For most businesses, including The Encore Group, understanding cashflow was key. Russell comments that “cash was going to be critical to most of us coming through this situation in the best possible shape” and advises everyone to make contact early with debtors to ensure there are no issues with statements.
“It is all about communication right across the business and I believe if we manage our communication correctly for all our employees, clients and suppliers we stand a good chance of coming through this unprecedented time in the best possible shape.”
In addition, Russell found speaking to his peers – particularly other entrepreneurs within the Forum – for advice and support, helped tremendously.
“As far as I know there are no text books written or courses available on how to run your business through a global pandemic, but I am sure someone will write one after we all return to some normality! “We have great resources within all our members of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, please don’t be afraid to ask other members for advice or just to use as a sounding board.”
