Why Networking Is So Important – Now More So Than Ever

Like so many businesses in the East Durham area, we have had to deal with the many challenges which the coronavirus pandemic has presented.

Last year, when the first lockdown was announced, we were forced to furlough many of our staff as projects we were expecting to start were put on hold.

This time around, our staff are all working, either on site or from home. 

This has certainly been boosted by the fact the construction industry has been encouraged to continue and Nala Engineers and our clients are safely set up for social distancing. As we’re an integral part of the construction industry supply chain, it’s very much business as usual for us.

Although there’s no doubt this lockdown isn’t going to be over any time soon, and there’s a long way to go to get through the pandemic, it is encouraging that we are able to work. 

We’re a family business and would really feel the impact if we were once again facing a situation where our staff needed to be furloughed and projects were postponed.

What has struck me throughout the pandemic is how much everyone has pulled together to support one another. Through the Peterlee and Seaham business park group which Nala Engineers is involved with, the support being made available to businesses like ours has been fantastic.

We’ve always been keen to network, to speak to other companies and organisations in the area, but over the past 12 months, this networking group has been more important than ever.

The virtual events which have been held regularly have provided a welcome boost – being able to see familiar and friendly faces and hear how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted their business has brought with it a relief and comfort that we’re not alone.

They’ve also provided the opportunity to learn more about the support available from organisations like Business Durham, Digital Drive and NBSL, which we’ve been lucky enough to successfully tap into.

The group really should be applauded for its efforts to keep the community spirit going in these difficult times – it has not been easy but by continuing to help each other we will get through this.