A Year Since Lockdown - Parisa Jones

By Parisa Jones, Senior Associate Solicitor at Lester Aldridge (LA). LA are a full service law firm with offices in Bournemouth, Southampton and London. She is based in their Bournemouth office and specialises in Tax, Trusts, Wills and Estates.

March 23rd marked a year since lockdown began and the reality of the pandemic hit the UK. What are your memories of that day?

Although the lockdown was very foreseeable, I remember feeling emotional. There was so much uncertainty and as someone who likes control, it was quite overwhelming. I worried about how I was going to work from home and look after my three year old twin boys. I also worried about my husband who works for the NHS.

Thinking back, how did you anticipate the way forward for your business over those first few days?

I felt very fortunate that the firm had previously invested in our IT systems so when lockdown hit, we were all able to efficiently and effectively work from home.

Adapting to working from home full time was hard and there were a lot of discussions within the team as to logistics. There was constant communication and this helped ease the transition.

What actions did you take to save/change/pivot/support your business?

We had to instantly adapt the way we worked. Our team have always relied on meeting with clients face to face and having that level of interaction. This is partly due to the nature of work that we do but it also helps in us fulfilling our professional obligations. With face to face meetings no longer possible, we had to implement new procedures and ways of working.

Zoom has been incredible for keeping in touch with colleagues and meeting with our clients.

Name up to three positive outcomes of the last year for your business?

1. Adapting the way that we work has enabled us to reach new clients.

2. We have offered heavily discounted Wills to NHS staff and key workers. As a result, we have been able to help a lot of people get their affairs in order at a time when there has been so much stress and anxiety.

3. As a team, I feel that we are much closer. I am extremely fortunate to work with some incredible people.

Name up to three positive outcomes for you personally over the last year?

I got to spend a lot more time with my boys. Although I constantly worried that I was not doing enough for them, I always made sure we had our meals together and that there was plenty of time to play and have fun.

What do you most look forward to doing IN BUSINESS as we slowly move out of lockdown? 

1. Meeting clients again and welcoming them back into the office.

2. Continuing to grow and develop the team and the way that we work.

What do you most look forward to doing IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE as we slowly move out of lockdown?

1. Spending quality time with my friends and family.

2. Planning a holiday!

What are your predictions for business generally in late 2021 into 2022? 

The business world has changed a lot and I am cautiously optimistic.

Name one person who has been a lockdown hero for you over the last year?

My husband! Not only has he kept me sane over the last year but he also works for the NHS. Over the past few months he has been part of the vaccinations team at Bournemouth Hospital who have vaccinated thousands of people, helping us get closer to some sort of normality.

Name one business which has been heroic for you or your community over the last year?

It is really difficult to name just one business. As a member of DCCI, I have seen how many people have adapted their businesses over the last year. I have so much respect for everyone who has been in this position and fought to keep their business going.

Find out more HERE!