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In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Network Group has set up weekly community calls to provide a forum for its members where they can share experiences and talk through the common challenges they face.
The company has been providing networking and mentoring opportunities to its members for 26 years – “but this recent initiative really highlights that the unique collaborative nature of the Group is it’s real asset.” says Network Group. its new weekly call brings together 80 members to discuss the changing situation, it’s impact on the industry and provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and share best practice.
“Our main priority during this time is supporting our members,” explained David Tulip, Network Group MD. “One of the most powerful tools the group provides is a facilitated forum and structure, for peer knowledge exchange and peer group support.
“For the past seven week’s we’ve established regular and comprehensive communications with our members to discuss the challenges facing our businesses… and also to retain our strong sense of community that lies at the heart of Network Group.”
He continued: “No business has been unaffected by the events of the last month or so. Collectively, we can talk about the difficulties that companies are grappling with, for example, when operations are forcibly shut down, the new work-home life balance that the crisis has forced, and even the associated mental health challenges.”
He noted that a huge highlight has been hearing about pockets of success from the company’s members offering exceptional service to their communities during these unprecedented times.
Network Group says its members have been “demonstrating its values and the importance of being present for their customers and communities”, highlighting two standout examples:
Clifford Johnson, owner at PC’s Made Simple was recently contacted by a very distraught and upset 106-year-old lady whose Skype had stopped working. She was understandably worried that she wouldn’t be able to see her grandchildren during lockdown (or ever again!). Clifford was able to solve the issue, offering a remote consultation over the phone, and got her Skype up and running in no time… all free of charge, as he just wanted to help out.
Les Beer, director at TecRes has made it his priority to meet the needs of his clients despite having to temporarily close his store. With the situation changing so rapidly, Les recognised the need to keep checking in with his clients, to communicate often and generally be as helpful as possible – as a result Les has been inundated with feedback, one of his loyal customers said: “I always thought you ran a good business, now I know you manage an excellent one, thank you for supporting us all.”
David Tulip concluded: “These might seem like small acts of kindness, but it says a huge amount about the community spirit of our members and the fantastic work they do.”
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