On behalf of Devereaux Kelly Associates, I want to offer you our commitment and support through what will undoubtedly be one of the most difficult times for our generation. As business leaders, we are used to being agile and adapting to change – it is what we do! But the coming months will challenge us on multiple fronts.

Over the past week, we have been speaking with clients, industry experts and professional bodies about the impact that COVID-19 is having on business. We’ve heard:

• how supply chains are being affected by large increases and decreases in demand;
• about the impact on your top line;
• how difficult decisions are being taken to quickly reduce costs and maintain some degree of liquidity;
• how between 30% and 50% of investment activity supporting major change is on now hold, as organisations focus on critical services;
• how organisations are preparing for a significant worsening in attendance following school closures and as the virus spreads; and
• most importantly, the impact that coronavirus is having on you, your people and your loved ones.

These are uncharted waters and it’s important to collaborate and support each other through these difficult times.

Like many organisations, several of our clients are deferring major change activity and placing investment plans on hold. This has created some immediate availability for DKA to provide support to organisations through this uncertain period.

Uniquely, the team at DKA has spent the majority of our careers working inside small, medium and large organisations, across multiple sectors.  We have ‘walked in your shoes’. We share your pain, and whilst nothing compares to what this generation is facing today, we have great experience to draw upon and the track record of hitting the ground running!

We can support crisis management, scenario planning, engagement planning and communications campaigns, with immediate effect.

If the predicted V-shape recovery of the UK and global economies start to take effect later in the year, then leaders will need to switch their focus back to the medium to long term.

We can support organisations as they review lessons learned during this crisis; revisit core operating models and business continuity plans; refresh business strategy; review change portfolios for continued relevance; seek assurance on the continued effectiveness of high impact / high value projects and programmes; alongside reviewing corporate and major change governance models for future fitness.

Importantly, the support we provide at DKA can be done remotely. Whilst we prefer to physically connect with our clients, the advances in remote working enable collaboration, both effectively and safely from a distance.

Finally, these are difficult times for all of us. As well as looking after your suppliers, your people, customers and other stakeholders, it’s important that you look after yourself! Try to make time to re-energise physically, emotionally and spiritually, to check-in and support family and friends, and to take time out to reflect.

Most importantly, please stay safe and take good care of you and your loved ones. Good luck!

Ian Jones

Managing Director – Devereaux Kelly Associates Limited

Email: ian.r.jones@devereauxkellyassociates.com

www.devereauxkellyassociates.com