12th March, 2020

Hello once again

Covid-19, covid-19, covid-19, covid-19 corona virus, corona virus…. Yes I know we’re all tired of hearing about it but as its spread gets stronger and stronger all over the globe. Most countries still seem to be a bit “in denial” of the situation, thinking that they are young, strong and have a packet of kleenex. That’s really not the issue: where would you go with, say, your appendicitis if all hospitals are over saturated?

Europe is rapidly shutting down and I’m sure USA will be shortly behind. Demand will no doubt drop severely in many sectors worldwide coupled with a lack of supply internationally. That’s going to affect us all with cashflow problems either of our own, our clients or our suppliers. Massive flight cancellations, vessels with blank sailings and an oil crissis to help it on its way. Its not looking good!

I’ve been in contact with some of our membrs in China and Italy this week to hear about their cases. I’ve hear great solidarity and optimism from China as numbers for new cases go down. Lessons to learn from the drastic measures taken there (Spain…wake up!!). From Italy, most members seem to be getting on with life in their now limited field of action with services continuing to run although we all know with increasingly fewer goods. Thanks especially to Gilberto and team of Leadership Freight for sharing what will be common in more and more places – “Lavoro agile” in times of Covid-19. Be prepared and patience

From SCN, I’d like to throw in my comment, so that we spread action and love to partners and the SCN family and don’t spread virus, panic and fear.

“Pick up the phone”!

If you’ve had a downturn in business, take the opportunity to connect by calling your contacts so that you can plan ahead and discuss future possibilites and let them know what you’re up to. In fact, give SCN a call too! Let us know what you’re doing and what you’d like us to be doing. Also tell us about your communications in general as we want to connect to you all in these conference-less times.

SCN is looking into network options of communications and we’d very much like your feedback to find a good solution for everyone. what do YOU use?

While we’re connecting up, take a look, now a CLOSER look at xChange our partner for SOC containers. Don’t think you really need SOC containers?….THINK AGAIN!

On a bright note, CONGRATULATIONS to two new mums among us: Olga Ojeda (Mega Freight, Peru) and Jenna Morgan (Wallis Shipping, UK) . Life will never be the same again!

I can’t sign off without saying a word for my old work colleague Sebastian Moreira, Sebas, who tragically died at just 45 years old. Thanks for the footprint you’ve left with many of us. A reminder of how fragile we all are.

Speak soon,

David Cook