Plant Planet’s Hannah Bounford reflects on the extraordinary circumstances of 2020.
Dear Reader,
As we approach the end of 2020, I’d like to take some time to thank everyone that has supported Plant Planet throughout one of the most unique years any of us has experienced. There’s no doubt that the whole industry has been impacted by the highs and lows of the year.
A Global Pandemic puts a spanner in the works
There’s no way to write a letter at the end of 2020 without recognising the massive upheaval caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. We, like many others, have felt the effects of Covid in our working and everyday lives. Luckily, we have been equipped to work remotely. The biggest impact for us being the suspension of print editions of Plant Planet magazine during the March lockdown.
However, with this suspension came developments to our online editions. As a company we have embraced the wide ranging possibilities technology has given us this year and it shows in the online only editions of Plant Planet.
Interviewing the Industry
Each edition of Plant Planet magazine published this year has included a wealth of knowledge from the construction plant industry. With the help of our key contributors Rachel Lambert and David Chuck, we have published interviews with some of the industry’s leading individuals.
“There was so much going on, and initially we were questioning whether we needed to close depots if construction was shutting down” says Asif. “Adrenaline was running high and we were having to make reactive decisions on a number of issues, including getting to grips with the Cramo acquisition, but I am pleased to say we dealt with it. We made it happen, which is very much my mantra.”
Asif has certainly endured the proverbial ‘baptism of fire’ but he, and his colleagues at Boels, has demonstrated great tenacity and resilience, even during the toughest time of lockdown.
Excerpt from: Asif Latief: Making it happen for Boels, written by Rachel Lambert
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When asked about how he sees the plant hire industry over the next six months, he responds: “I think initially we can expect a surge as customers get moving again, but will we get back to the existing run rate levels we were at in March? Unless the government kick-starts the economy with a range of measures which will improve confidence in the market place, I can’t see the sector returning to pre-Covid levels.”
Excerpt from Morris Leslie: Lockdown Across the Borders
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Plant Planet On Site: Looking forward to 2021
Of course, the effects of Covid-19 and ongoing uncertainty regarding future lockdowns has put the construction events sector on hold. The looming question for 2021 is: will we see the return of the industry’s leading events?
Here at Plant Planet, we’re excited to see the role that technology has taken in keeping industry events running throughout 2020. We’re also excited to see the industry embracing new and existing technology allowing for virtual events to take place. Plant Planet Virtually on Site is set to take place in September 2021. We aim to bring you the closest experience to a trade show, virtually. From visiting exhibitor stands and chatting with their representatives, to attending talks hosted by our handpicked speakers.
There’s no denying that this has been a strange year for everybody. We are incredibly thankful for the support we have received throughout the year. I wish you a happy and prosperous new year from all of us at Plant Planet Magazine.
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