A very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2021!

This is an email I have composed this morning to my contacts, and it has been met with such a positive welcoming. I am truly humbled to work alongside some amazing people and I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2021.

Well, what a year this has been for a number of reasons. Personally, for me it has been a mixed bag of happiness, excitement, solitude, upset and frustration. The year started well for me and my family with the birth of my daughter, Niamh.  She joined our son Henry and completed our family. She has been a feature of many conference and teams call since I returned to work in the summer! Many of you will have met her, or at least heard her! Like her mummy she is very vocal! I want to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of my customers for their ongoing support and continued support in 2020. It has been a challenge for sure!

I have started to compose this email a number of times and really have not been able to figure out the correct words to put in it, nothing seems to really sit correct, and express some of the whirlwind of emotions I am sure you have all faced this year too without taking the cheer and happiness from the festive period. This year has certainly tested a number of us, not only professionally but personally too. It has been one of the most difficult trading years that I have seen in my working career, but what has really kept my faith is the tenacity of people. I am sure there have been moments that as a business owner or indeed an employee we have been worried for what the next day will bring, but I have seen communities and people being brought together closer than ever.

I have seen business rivals, and competition offering the hand of assistance, people volunteering to help those vulnerable and most in need, and the staggering amount of money that has been raised for charity has humbled me. It has been challenging for many of us, and the way in which we have all given selflessly, and supported those around us has left me with a real sense of festive cheer against the backdrop of a rather strange Christmas period. I am extremely proud to be part of an organisation that has supported their staff and families throughout the crisis, and I am sure it is not just me that feels like this. I have seen customers across the country switch manufacturing to support the front line workers, and new ways of working have been brought to the forefront of our minds. Never in my life did I think I would be writing a festive message like this, let alone conducting sales and technical calls via video chat! The immense work by our frontline and support services has been phenomenal and I am sure you will join me in raising a glass to their efforts. I thank all of my customers and their customers for their ongoing support of these services, and keeping Britain moving and safe.

What we do not know is what the New Year of 2021 will bring, but we can be certain this virus will still feature until we have a vaccine being rolled out effectively. We also have to be mindful of Brexit too, and like myself we have no idea how this will play out until the details have been published. I appreciate that you have all been extremely patient during periods of uncertainty this year, however I would ask that this is extended until we have resolved this situation. Our marketing department and customer services will keep you as up to date as possible in any way in which we can. So please do make sure all of your contact details are correct that we have held for you. I will be contacting each and every one of my customers in the new year to ensure that we have all of the information that we need, as I am aware there have been a number of changes in personnel.

I appreciate that this break for some may not be as enjoyable as previous years have been, and it also may feel like you are alone, please never feel like you are alone. My phone, inbox, and social media accounts are always open and if I can help at all please do reach out and contact me. Many of you will know I sadly struggle with my mental health at times, and I know that when I am feeling a little deflated a chat or a message from a supportive person helps me.  Please never be alone. If you are not comfortable speaking with me please note the following numbers will be able to provide you with support.

Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans

CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35. Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)

Mind Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems. Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) Website: www.mind.org.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau - Advice line (England): 0800 144 8848

So from me all that is left to say is that I wish you, your families and employees a very happy and healthy Christmas, and I hope you all stay well and I really look forward to a break with my little family of now 4. Enjoy your time, and cherish the memories that this slightly odd Christmas brings, and I will see you in the new year.

Stay safe and well,

Emma x