Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Herald Express and you can read the latest edition (Published on Wednesday 8th July 2020) below:
We're Good to Go
Like others over the weekend I got a haircut, attended Mass and visited a pub for the first time since March.
It had been billed “Super Saturday”, with many predicting a rush to the pubs and tourist attractions, yet as it turned out the biggest queues were outside supermarkets, not bars.
I appreciate some are nervous about re-opening to tourists, yet when visiting businesses over the weekend it was clear the range of measures in place to keep staff and visitors safe. One-way systems, hand gel and taking contact details were the norm. Trade was regular, not busy. A small minority did not follow the advice, but most behaved responsibly.
Lockdown cannot be permanent, so re-opening now the advice says it is safe was the right move, the alternative of a social and economic disaster is not one we should risk.
Build Build Build
The Prime Minister’s speech last week came with a theme of Build, Build, Build.
Whilst much of the national media reporting has focused on the issues of housing and planning, there are some vital projects for our bay which could help build our way out of the current economic impact of Coronavirus. New Hotel construction like the Palace Hotel in Torquay and Park Hotel in Paignton are a sign of confidence in our future. Yet the biggest scheme of all is one which could benefit our NHS for generations, the proposed Health Infrastructure Plan project to rebuild much of Torbay Hospital.
This would not only boost our health services but see hundreds of millions pumped into the local economy. Securing the start of this scheme over the next five years would be a major boost to building back after Coronavirus.
Lasting Opportunity
Having got accustomed to meetings by video conference and sharing work via online clouds, few are relishing the prospect of returning to daily commutes.
In a range of fields across the public sector necessity has proved itself the mother of invention, with everything from Court Hearings to Parliamentary Select Committees adapting to digital methods. Businesses too have been adapting with many new services available online, plus teams working collaboratively on projects from home via technology solutions which did not exist only a few years ago.
This experience presents an opportunity for our bay. Why should a business or government body fund an expensive London Office, with a packed commute into work each morning, when their teams could be working seamlessly from a home or office located in a beautiful part of the UK? Recruiting to work from home also opens a range of options for those who have talent and caring responsibilities.
Initial work to recover will need to focus on reviving our Tourism and Town Centres, yet lasting opportunities to secure employment where your office is a digital environment will also be key.
Surgery Times
Following recent changes in public health guidance I can now restart my regular advice surgeries, although they must be by appointment only.
My next surgeries will be on Saturday 11th July from 11am till 1pm and Friday 17th July from 3pm till 5pm. Both will be held at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD. Social distancing measures will be in place.
To book an appointment you can email me at [email protected] or telephone 01803 214989.
