Reasons to be thankful after a year like no other

We had all kinds of goals and expectations coming into 2020. While navigating the effects of a global pandemic certainly wasn’t one of them, it’s pleasing to pause and reflect on a year that has also brought many reasons to smile for our staff, our clients and the families and communities who ultimately enjoy the outdoor structures we’ve helped to deliver across Australia.

Uncertainty leads to positivity.

Initially we thought things might slow down back in March. We braced ourselves for a downturn in business, but in many ways the reverse has been true. In fact, thanks to continued public and private investment in outdoor infrastructure, we’ve been very fortunate, completing a record number of projects in Victoria, Queensland and NSW. Conversations with our industry peers suggest we’re not alone either, something we can be truly thankful for. Not all industries have been so fortunate.

Advancing Australia.

Fleetwood has always been 100% Australian-made, and 2020 has really galvanised the importance of this. With very little exposure to overseas-sourced materials and technology, we’ve seen very little disruption to our project timings and supply chains. It’s really reinforced the value of our ‘Australia First’ approach, something we’ll look to promote even more enthusiastically in 2021. The more high-quality outdoor projects that are designed, manufactured and delivered right here in Australia, the better we say!

Long-lasting learnings.

Adversity and opportunity often go hand in hand. One of our greatest opportunities in 2020 has been to experiment with new processes and ways of doing things. We’ve learned many valuable lessons, and it’s seen us become far more resilient and versatile as a business, especially in our working arrangements and how we interact – both with our clients, but also each other.

Crossing borders.

For us, one of the biggest challenges were the border closures and lockdowns earlier in the year. With many of our senior team members confined to Sydney, this required new ways of managing our interstate projects without compromising on quality, timelines or budgets. Our teams on the ground in Queensland and Victoria really stepped up to fill the void – and they did it with such aplomb that, despite all the wider disruptions in the Australian economy, Fleetwood’s client satisfaction levels have never been higher. A fantastic result.

Zoom zoom.

Less personal contact with clients, creative partners and team members, also saw a significant increase in our use of virtual communication services like Zoom. While nothing will ever truly replace the value of face-to-face meetings, we found the immediacy and convenience of these platforms actually accelerated project outcomes in many situations – something we’re certainly looking to harness in 2021 and beyond.

See you in 2021 … outdoors

If there’s one thing the lockdowns and uncertainty of 2020 has taught us, it’s just how wonderful it is to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. We really do love what we do here at Fleetwood and can’t wait to do it even more in 2021. Thank you for all your support this year. We wish you and your family a safe and relaxing festive season, and look forward to working with you once again in 2021.

Ian & Roger Joyce

Directors

Fleetwood Urban

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