Ploughing on

Strange times. One minute, industry matters are looking promising; the next minute, life – and indeed the world – is put on hold. There’s no precedent in modern times for the sheer disruption and stranglehold that coronavirus has placed on ordinary activities. But perhaps rather than wallow in a present situation beyond much control, we should keep that upper lip stiff and focus on more optimistic issues.

Wherever you are reading this copy of Concrete, here’s hoping you are safe and well, and that the pages inside can provide an informative distraction (especially if you’re working from home) from current affairs.

If you’re away from the office for day-to-day work now, remember that Concrete Society members have access to a wealth of information via our website and the Members’ Area in particular. So much of our material is available at your fingertips (including, coincidentally, ‘@ Your Fingertips’, the nuggets of free information), from advice sheets and ‘Concrete on site’ booklets, to the Concrete Vault and magazine archive.

Although a number of the Regional Network events over the coming weeks have faced uncertainty, a visit to the Events page on-line will keep you updated as to the latest news.

One event that ploughs on is the 2020 Concrete Society Awards. The deadline for entries is fast approaching (22 April) and the competition is open to structures substantially completed between October 2018 and April 2020. As in recent years, there are no formal categories; we are looking for projects with concrete as the majority structural component.

If your company has been involved with such a project that has a certain je ne sais quoi, then entry to the awards is highly recommended. Success at the awards has helped innumerable companies raise their profile and boost their marketing/PR outreach.

If it’s bespoke technical information you are after, then The Society’s renowned advisory service is still on hand to answer queries. Our library team is also here to field research enquiries and those looking for general information.

So despite the present difficulties providing a reality check and maybe a change in perspective and priorities, with the hyperconnectivity of the modern world people can adapt to new circumstances.

Clearly, we all look to future days (whenever they are) when life can return to ‘normal’. But to focus on the positives, circumstances have reset the nation’s focus on where its true priorities lie, in looking out for each other, and we have a Government that seems willing to throw money, everything and the ‘kitchen sink’ at the current situation.

In reading our news section this month, maybe reflect that life was indeed ‘normal’; we’ve kept it focused on pre-virus updates. Stay well and wash your hands (again).

Taken from Concrete April 2020. Visit: www.concrete.org.uk / https://bit.ly/2cjmEiM