An Exeter businessman has shared his experiences of dealing with the coronavirus crisis with senior policy makers on a top-level national podcast.
Chartered accountant David Park, a partner at Haines Watts based in Exeter and Crediton, was invited on to an episode of The Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s regular podcasts, including an interview with former Home Secretary and Education Secretary Lord Blunkett.
The Leaders Council, chaired by Lord Blunkett, brings together business leaders, politicians, and influencers across the UK. The Council’s goal is to celebrate the achievements of the nation’s unsung leaders, while laying the ground for the next generation.
Leaders Council members are invited to take part in podcasts. and have their voice heard by the people who shape Britain’s future, on all the major podcast platforms.
Quizzed by interviewer Matthew O’Neill, Mr Park used the opportunity to explain why leaders are required to inspire confidence every day they go to work and the impact this has on the people around them.
“At Haines Watts, we had been well prepared to adapt to the current crisis with a business continuity plan, so we were ready for any emergency,” he said. “With over 30 staff across two local offices, we arranged for the team to work comfortably from home with a business server platform ready for them to carry on doing what they do best. Being proactive and having contingency plans in place for any eventuality is one aspect of leadership and inspires confidence.”
He added: “Ben de Cruz, our managing partner, and I have continued to embrace leadership and adapt to change by generating internal growth during the pandemic. This includes expanding our payroll department to support the increasing demands from clients in coping with their furlough claims.
“In addition, we have taken on a new senior manager, Claire Tucker, and promoted Terry Bridle to associate partner, so are feeling positive about the future.
“As part of our support to clients through our national network of offices, Haines Watts has launched a campaign called: ‘Re-think, Re-engage, Recover’. It has proved to be a very well- received campaign, guiding our clients through the process of adapting and sustaining their businesses throughout the current crisis.”
A top 15 firm of chartered accountants, Haines Watts specialises in advising and supporting owner-managed businesses with a diverse portfolio of clients servicing all industry sectors. Mr Park is working with clients across the South West business community, offering advice as well as assistance with planning.
He said: “At the moment there are many frightened people, from all walks of life in need of strong and inspirational leadership as we continue to get to grips with this pandemic.
“Covid-19 has ravaged the global business landscape across industry, as well as within communities and governments alike. I was delighted to be involved in this podcast and hope it reaches a wide audience.”
Lord Blunkett said: “I think the most informative element of each episode is where host and interviewer Matthew O’Neill sits down with someone who really gets how their industry works and knows what makes their organisation tick. Someone who is there day in day out working hard and inspiring others. That’s what leadership is all about.”
