With 12 months of unprecedented change to reflect on, the start of 2021 has been a challenging time for businesses across the economy. Whether as a result of Brexit confusion or the impact of COVID-19 the first quarter of 2021 has been unlike any that has come before. From the impact of the Trade & Cooperation Agreement to the need to adjust for new public health standards and infection control there are many different influences at play. At RG Group the first quarter of 2021 has been a busy time, whether that is with respect to building up internal teams, developing culture and community or working on new projects. This is just some of what’s been happening at RG Group in the first quarter of 2021.
An internal promotion
Dave Dixon first joined RG Group in 1999 and has been with the business ever since. In the first quarter of 2021 he has been promoted to joint Managing Director, a role that will help him to develop the culture at RG Group, which he describes as motivated by doing the right job for clients and delivering quality at all times. Dave passionately believes that this is the foundation of everything that RG Group does and that continuing to make this the focus will ensure the business stays on track. He believes that “The next few years will be a very exciting time within the business as our plans for managed succession are put in place, with the existing board providing the stability we need to continue to grow and perform for our clients.”
An appointment to the board
In a further demonstration of the commitment of the business to expansion and growth in whatever markets lay ahead, the board at RG Group was also expanded in the first three months of this year with a new appointment. Adam Crabtree started out with the company in 2000 and has been part of the team that has steered RG Group towards exciting expansion, diversifying into new markets and solidifying connections with clients old and new. Adam firmly places customer focus at the heart of everything that the business does, highlighting this as one of RG Group’s core values. He also believes that one of the reasons the company continues to do so well is because of the emphasis on its people. He says, “the RG culture of looking after our people, providing them with a stable workplace and offering the opportunity to develop their skills and career experience” is also at the heart of RG Group’s ongoing success.
A charitable fundraiser
If the UK successfully follows the timing of the roadmap out of lockdown this year then the Brighton Half Marathon will go ahead as planned in June. One of the RG Group team – Chris Kallend – is going to be lined up on the starting line when the starting gun goes, running his second half marathon in Brighton for charity. He has chosen MacMillan Cancer Support as the charity that he wants to raise money for and has set a £2,500 fundraising target, which you can support here. Although this has been a tough year for everyone – and especially those who are unwell – Chris has been very aware of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on cancer treatment. Many patients who have been waiting for operations or treatment have had this put on hold and it has been a frustrating and frightening time for those affected. A lot of funding has been channeled into fighting the pandemic and Chris is hoping that his fundraising can help to bring some resources into a sector where they are desperately needed. Training has already begun and Chris is hoping that he can improve on his time achieved for the last half marathon.
A new way of living in Battersea
The first quarter of 2021 also saw work begin on a collective co-living scheme by the River Thames in Battersea. The 270-bed project offers a new way of approaching residential accommodation in London, with different types of accommodation as well as facilities and amenities on site for living and working. The existing buildings on the Battersea site will first be demolished to make way for a podium building with two blocks above. This will house a range of amenities, including office space, flexible working and community spaces as well as facilities for eating and drinking. Accommodation options in the new block will include 189 shared-living rooms and an 81 room hotel. The new project – named The Collective – represents one of the new breed of residential constructions that go further than just putting a roof over residents’ heads.
The first quarter of 2021 has been a busy time at RG Group. This has included the commencement of exciting projects that (hopefully) mark a more positive and energetic year ahead for the UK economy, as well as recognition of internal achievements via new appointments and charitable commitments that reflect the culture of the firm. We are already looking forward to the developments that the second quarter of 2021 could bring.