2020 - The year we'll never forget

As you get older, the years seem to flash before our eyes and admittedly as I try and recall events and memories, they tend to blur into either pre-kids or a post-kids era!

However, 2020 will be forever vividly etched in my mind. So many things have happened this year, that it honestly doesn’t feel real sometimes. I even started a memory box as we went into lockdown to capture all the huge changes and events that were happening!

Despite all the personal challenges and lows, and everybody has had their own problems and issues to tackle throughout this year, there has thankfully been times of real joy, celebration and gratitude.

And with the sad news over the weekend that will see lots of people’s plans and hopes dashed for the festive period, I’m really trying to focus on the positives so here’s a little snapshot look through my year and the rollercoaster of 2020:

• January and February were full of hope and optimism and no real idea of what we had coming round the corner! I remember writing in an end of year blog last year, 2020 had such a positive ring to it! Just before lockdown we were also lucky enough to enjoy a family holiday to Lanzarote and I’m so glad we did!  

• Come March, we were all faced with a new reality. I continued working through the lockdown as some clients did want to continue. However, there were some businesses which had to pause activity with their premises closed and no income being generated. It was a scary time for many people with the fear of the unknown being all consuming.

• April and May for me were a real mix of emotions. On one hand, not being able to see family and friends, the uncertain future in terms of work, and the daily Prime Minister addresses detailing the increasing death rates was overwhelming and extremely unnerving at times. On the other, we had some of the best weather I can remember, real quality family time spent eating, cooking, learning and walking together, and of course enjoying the Joe Wicks morning workouts. I also started the Marketing Week Mini-MBA in Brand Management which I went on to complete and get an A!

• June and July saw clients re-start and new enquiries started to come in, and schools reopened- which was a huge relief for many parents struggling with the home schooling! I also won Best in Marketing Services for Leeds and West Yorkshire in the Prestige Awards, and became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. However, my husband was made redundant in this time, and I also discovered a former friend and colleague had taken their own life. Like many people, the rollercoaster of emotions was really starting to hit home.   

• In August I welcomed new clients, RJC Plant Services and Little People’s Nurseries to the Bevic family, two brilliant businesses managed by top people who are really passionate about what they do and providing a great service to their clients. They are totally up for trying new things, reviewing their current ways of working and adapting and changing as needed. Great businesses, and a joy to work with. 

• In September I was delighted to join the team at Sporting Heritage as their marketing and comms lead and we kicked off with National Sporting Heritage Day! My client YAFTA also launched the online version of their prestigious Acting for Screen Diploma, running a competition with leading casting site, StarNow which attracted nearly 1000 entries! We also managed a family trip away to the seaside as lockdown eased and things did seem for a short time ‘normal’ but again, however we were set for more change as new restrictions were brought in.

• In October I began volunteering as a call companion for the charity Re-engage. The loneliness many people have felt is heartbreaking, and especially those elderly people who are unable to see loved ones or friends. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know my older person and look forward to our weekly chats. Supporting charities is something that is really important to me and this year has been no exception. I know my contributions are only a drop in the ocean given the huge gaps in fundraising they have experienced but if you can, these are just a few of the amazing organisations that need our support: MND Association, The Lighthouse Club, British Red Cross, Children in Need, and Mind.

• In November, I welcomed Lubna and her business, Time to Bloom to the Bevic family – a fabulous lady and business who I love working with. Lubna is a brilliant example of the sheer determination and passion that our entrepreneurs possess and will undoubtedly lead the charge in getting the economy back up and running in 2021! We have some really exciting projects planned for next year!  Bevic also appeared in the Prolific North’s Northern Guide for leading creative, marketing and advertising agencies in the north and I managed to start one of my new year’s resolutions in November and begin saxophone lessons!

• And here we are, as quickly as that, we are in December. This month I started working with some colleagues on the #SparklingBradford campaign which is all about celebrating the people and businesses that make the district sparkle which really has been a perfect way to end the year as we appreciate those who have helped us get through it.  I do love this time of year, especially with young children, so we’re still trying to make it as special as we can - even with restrictions in place. The door-stop santa was a huge success!

I am so fortunate that I have had the pleasure of getting to know several new clients over these last few months and have seen my existing clients respond so positively to the challenges and changes that have come their way.

For many businesses, despite how well they have communicated with their customers, developed and pivoted their offer, their fate was out of their control as lockdowns persisted and financial support denied, leaving the most viable of businesses up a creek with no paddle in sight.  It’s heartbreaking to read about people’s lives and livelihoods destroyed through no fault of their own.

I do see myself as one of the fortunate ones this year. I’m healthy, I have amazing family and friends, and I am so grateful to be ending the year on an even bigger note of optimism than I did last year – but don’t want to jinx anything as I fear I may have tempted fate last year!

So, here’s to seeing what 2021 has in store.

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a very happy, safe and healthy New Year!