Dear Colleagues

We are all in surreal times. Since March with a countrywide shut down, lagging behind other countries suffering more from the coronavirus pandemic, Laser Components had to adjust. Within 2 days we re-organised our business to maintain, without hinderance, our services to our customers. This was possible due to the flexible nature of our communication systems, and the dedication of our staff. I extend a huge thank you to each and every one making the necessary adjustments. We are grateful too that no one has been affected directly by the virus and all employees remain healthy and continue to work full time.

Of course, we are far from seeing the back of this disease and we are further adapting to more changes that look set for some time to come. For example, we have noticed how much the exhibition community has been affected. With social distancing virtually impossible, all face to face trade shows have either been cancelled or organisers have braved a virtual experience. These digital alternatives are quite different to the real people events and having participated in on-line events as both ‘exhibitor’ and ‘visitor’, we see more work is needed to be attractive as this global menace runs its course. Just like with adjusting to home office environments I am confident these virtual tradeshows will find a successful way.

It is worth mentioning the impact on our business since our last newsletter. Whilst it is not surprising that there has been an impact, we have seen shifts with more medical application activity whilst there has been a reduction in academic interests. With schools and universities returning even as we speak there is already a clear sign of increasing business in this market sector. So, whilst overall there has been an impact we are confident the year will settle to an acceptable level of business, even if we do have to continue to be adaptable and work harder.

As our government continues to grapple with rules and policies to keep us all safe, and whilst in some cases the public has questioned some of these, like our business, the policy makers need to be flexible and adjust to the rise and fall of infections. If everyone pulls together and follows the guidelines, we should expect a better outcome even if COVID-19 is with us for a long time to come.

Keep safe - Yours sincerely,

Chris Varney
Managing Director, LASER COMPONENTS (UK), Ltd.