Dear Colleagues

I hope you are all safe and well and that you have adapted to our new way of working from home. It has been a challenge for many but great technology has enabled us to stay in touch, even Howard has got to grips with Microsoft Teams on his ipad! I look forward to seeing many of your faces through various online meetings as this becomes our new norm for the immediate future. 

I know that lots of teams across the group are keeping in touch for virtual social gatherings which also include our furloughed staff.  This is a great way to ensure that everyone still feels part of the team whilst they are out of the business and I encourage you all to get involved.   

It has been heartwarming to hear about some of the things our furloughed staff have been getting up to whilst they are not in the office. I believe that some are volunteering for the NHS, others helping out in their communities with elderly neighbours or providing shopping for those who are self isolating.  And, some are using this time to raise funds for valuable causes, more on that later.  Coronavirus has instilled a much welcomed and needed sense of community around the UK, maybe there will be some good to come from the devastation Covid-19 has caused afterall?

At times like these it is important that we acknowledge the challenges that our staff are undertaking.  The LTD team are still battling with the ongoing refunds for shows purchased across the year.  They have been working flat out to deal with our customers who are not always tolerant of the situation.  And, as we are all looking to adapt our businesses to reflect the world around us, I know that lots of people are going above and beyond to create new and exciting customer propositions.  People are bored at home and, because of lockdown, are running out of stimulus and therefore craving entertainment or education.  This carves an opportunity for us to move to digital solutions for our customers.  I am pleased to announce that Stagecoach is launching a number of digital initiatives this week, you will be able to read more about that later.

As I mentioned previously, we would like to thank you all again for your continued resilience and positive attitude in the face of the unprecedented challenge of the Coronavirus pandemic.  Our message to you remains – stay positive and most importantly, keep well.  

Sending you all my very best wishes,
Rosemary