These are extraordinary times, not just for the industry, but nationally and internationally too

For this column, I wanted to take a different approach, given the unprecedented situation  brought about by COVID-19.

These are extraordinary times, not just for the industry, but nationally and internationally too. The sheer scale and impact of this pandemic is unlike anything we have ever seen before. The effect it’s going to have on our social and economic lives is still unknown, but right now, it is already proving to be extremely challenging.  

As a family business, nothing means more to us than our staff, partners and the communities in which we operate. Their safety must come first. With this in mind, I wanted to add my voice to the legions of people saying, ‘stay at home’. The more effectively we can act now, the sooner we can see the back of the virus, and return to some form of normality.

I also wanted to say a few ‘thank yous’. Firstly, to the Origin team – both our staff and our partners. As always, you have been fantastic in the way you go about your business. Keeping to all of our promises under these conditions has been incredibly difficult, and without your efforts and support, it simply would not have been possible. 

Secondly, a thank you to those of you in the local community, or know someone who is, that have been checking in on us and our staff. We try to do as much as we can to support you, through charity work, or presenting in local schools, but your outreach has been heartfelt and is greatly appreciated.

Finally, and certainly by no means least, to all the NHS workers, not just in the vicinity of our High Wycombe HQ, or our Warrington showroom, but all over the country. You are amazing! Even on a normal day, the jobs you do are impressive, but throw a pandemic into the mix, and we owe you an enormous debt of gratitude. If you have a ‘key worker’ at home, please do extend our thanks.

We wish you all the very best of luck weathering this storm. It will pass, and when it does, we, like everyone else, will be back stronger than ever. Who knows, perhaps people being cooped up in their homes for such a long period of time will make them realise they need a new door or window! 

To find out more information about Origin, please visit our website www.origin-global.com. For those of you that are interested in our operations, and our current state of play, please follow our social media channels, where will be keeping everyone as updated as possible. We will also be uploading some useful blogs to our website over the next few weeks, designed to help our Partners and homeowners during these difficult times. 

Stay safe.

Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin