Delmec 2020: A Tough Year, a Brighter Future
The tree is up, the presents are wrapped and we’re awaiting the arrival of the big man in red. In many ways, it all feels very familiar, but in others, Christmas 2020 is very different indeed.
This time last year I was returning home from a sales trip around Asia. I’d covered eight countries in 12 days, a whirlwind tour of all the major cities, from Bangkok to Beijing. I spent my days meeting with clients, visiting sites, and learning more about the future of telecommunications in the region. Along the way I heard about rumblings about a SARS-like virus in China, but I had no idea of the impact it was about to have on the world as a whole.
Strength in Adversity
This year has upended our normality and thrust us into a state of constant flux. People have suffered greatly, particularly those who have been affected by this debilitating disease. Others have lost jobs and businesses they’ve worked all their lives to build. The effect on mental health, particularly on the older community, can’t be underestimated.
In times of adversity it’s possible to discover great strength, though, and I’m proud of how my team at Delmec have weathered this storm. Despite great upheaval, staff members continued their vital work, in our workshops, at our sites, and even across international borders. Others adapted quickly to working from home, fulfilling their duties while juggling family responsibilities.
Despite all the obstacles, we’ve continued to grow and expand, signing clients, undertaking assignments and developing our capabilities. I’m particularly proud of HR’s efforts to introduce staff-supporting policies and our engineering teams’ work on TiMs and the ground-breaking Project Eiffel. Our marketing and sales people worked tirelessly to build our business, bringing our new brand to life while the finance department, HSEQ and IT kept crucial cogs turning in the background. We welcomed new employees while celebrating the 20 and 25-year anniversaries of others. Every single member of the Delmec team gave it their all this year, coming together to support each other, protect our livelihoods and serve our clients during this tumultuous time.
On a personal note, 2020 has been challenging, but not without some upsides: like many people, I worked from home for most of the year, running Delmec from my kids’ playroom. Without constant travel, I spent much more time with my wife and children, and the experience really brought us closer together as a family. For the first time in years, I could explore more of my locality, enjoying beautiful runs along the River Barrow in County Carlow. We loved to amble through Rossmore Forest Park, which provided a treasured escape when cabin fever kicked in.
Like most of us, I’ll be glad to say goodbye to 2020, but I’m grateful for the lessons it’s taught us and I know the experience will make us stronger for 2021 and beyond. Our values – Solve Smart, Proactive Partners, Built Brave and Talented Teamwork – were established over 45 years, but they’re more relevant now than ever. We’re looking forward to all the possibilities that a new year brings, with projects to develop and tasks to tackle. No doubt there’ll be other challenges ahead, but the future is brightening here at Delmec, where synergy shapes success.
