EXAMPLE PAGE - ANNUAL REPORT - THE SWEDISH CLUB - Flipbook - Sida 36
SERVICE AT ALL TIMES
Working in local
markets
Despite operating across very different environments, the
Club’s teams faced similar challenges and opportunities in
2021, as governments continued a programme of
lockdowns, followed by markets slowly opening up and
restrictions easing.
All teams recognised the value in being local to their
market. As restrictions slowly eased the teams made the
most of every window of opportunity as it opened, meeting
people in public places, out of doors and even identifying
suitable out of town locations.
One of the challenges faced by the teams was the need to
adapt to different regulations across the markets that they
served. Some countries remained fairly open, with business
being conducted in a similar manner as before the
pandemic and staff able to make the most of the
opportunities for personal contact that did emerge. Others
restricted movement, even within the country itself. In all
cases the teams had to wait until the autumn for travel
restrictions to be lifted and to to meet members and
business partners across the wider shipping community
face to face.
The market adapted well to new ways of working onshore
during the pandemic, while dealing with the immense
challenges of getting crew to and from vessels during
various restrictions. However, situations which might have
been straightforward pre-pandemic such as treating or
repatriating a crew member, became difficult and all the
teams saw an increase in claims as a result of infections
on board, medical costs and port delays.
Of course, by 2021, all the Club’s staff were well used to
maintaining contact via digital means, finding new ways to
deliver value to members. Indeed, some teams found that
people ‘met’ online on a more frequent basis than they
would have done pre-pandemic.
36
THE SWEDISH CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2021
One of the
challenges faced by
the teams was the
need to adapt to
different regulations
across the markets
that they served.