As we continue to navigate our way through the current lockdown, my "PMA" has been somewhat challenged.
Did Easter really happen?
Every day seems to blur into the next!
My daily routine has most certainly been shaken, not stirred and so many new hashtags introduced into my social media vocabulary: #stayhome #wfh...you name it!
Thankfully though, I have not exhausted my hobbies and thoroughly enjoy my once daily walks by the canal which is literally on my doorstep (although the song "Cha Cha Slide" springs to mind when you are abiding by the safe distancing 2 meter rule!)
The recent weather has also enabled me to occasionally replace a walk with a cycle ride, a sport which I absolutely adore despite the fact that I live at the bottom of a valley and am surrounded by some incredibly challenging hills.
Workwise, some of the hours not spent on the road visiting our many partners (whom I really do miss seeing face to face) have been dedicated to my personal development. Webinars, Zoom calls, virtual events etc. have proved to be a fantastic and insightful. Special thanks to our columnist Nicky Pattinson especially for making my Friday afternoons so invigorating and for the opportunity her Zoom call presents to meet new people from all over the world.
In a distanced way, we have all come closer together, we are just more creative and thoughtful now - and I like that.
I am even becoming a fan of the kitchen too (watch out Mary Berry) all thanks to our guest chef, Tim Bilton from Tarte tatin to Hot Cross Buns, his simple recipes for our sister publication (watch this space!) Yorkshire Businesswoman are delicious!
Speaking of which, this online magazine is really taking shape, in a very short space of time. Aimed at the business woman, our Group Editor Gill Laidler is looking forward to contributions from businesses, individuals and entrepreneurs too.
Please do take a look and share your feedback:
At the TopicUK office it is business as usual, so far as is practicable and our loyal partners have kindly adapted to the short-term, temporary changes. As a thank you to them, we are "going the extra mile" - as marketeers we appreciate it is vital to keep their brand/product/services in the public domain, ready for when lockdown is lifted.
We are a small team with a huge "Yorkshire" heart and will continue to remain positive and champion our diverse business region,its entrepreneurs, educational providers, and the many cultural organisations and charities too.
I really do look forward to the day when we can safely meet again, whether it's for brunch at The Piece Hall, lunch at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, a business meeting at Avenue HQ in Leeds or even cocktails at Dakota Hotel.
What a joy it will be to ditch the "lounge wear and slippers look" and dip back into my "workwear wardrobe" - there's only so much a girl can take!
In fact, I crumbled this weekend and dressed in a red ball gown for dinner - whilst putting the green recycling bin out in said dress, a new "charity challenge" sprang to mind, but I will save this one for another Blog!
Till we meet again...
Stay safe, stay home, save lives.
Best Wishes
Mandy
