It’s hard to believe that it’s five years since I was writing blogs charting the history of Target to mark our 40th anniversary in 2017, yet here we are this month celebrating an incredible 45th year in business. However, I think these last five years have certainly seen more changes in working conditions that all the previous forty!
Back in 2017, my last blog ended by asking a question; “what does the future hold?”, but I don’t think anyone could have guessed what was going to happen in 2020 when the Coronavirus pandemic took hold. With lockdowns and restrictions on our movements, we got used to new ways of working remotely, embracing digital technology including video calls, wearing facemasks in public places, using new terms such as ‘social-distancing’, ‘self-isolating’, ‘furlough’ and ‘flattening the curve’. In addition, we also took endless tests to make sure we were not spreading the virus. Although the vaccines seem to be working, Covid-19 has changed everybody’s lives in many ways and it certainly has not yet gone away for good.
At the start of the pandemic being a business owner in such uncertain times was extremely stressful, but like most things that have been thrown at Target over the last 45 years we have faced up to the challenges, found solutions, changed how we do things and actually came out stronger at the end of it. Personally, I was amazed and pleased at how quickly the furlough and Bounce Back Loan schemes were implemented to help businesses.
Despite all the challenges we’ve faced over these last five years, we’ve still managed to grow our revenue thanks to our very strong team and fantastic clients. We’ve won awards for our work and been ranked in PR Week’s Top 50 consultancies outside London. And we’ve continued to take our CSR very seriously, raising more than £40,000 for two local charities, Well Child and Hope for Tomorrow, through our annual golf day.
During this five-year period we’ve also seen big political change with two Prime Ministers resigning from office, and witnessed two major sporting successes for England; winning the Cricket World Cup in 2019 and Women’s Euro 2022 final. Sadly, we’ve also now had to mourn the loss of our longest-servicing monarch Queen Elizabeth II. After 70-years on the throne, her devotion to duty and service will forever be an example to us all.
I still feel very proud to be the majority shareholder of an agency that has helped so many businesses over the last 45 years. From huge high street brands to growing SMEs, the trusted partnerships we develop with our clients continue to be a key part of our success.
So, what will the next five years hold in store as Target approaches its half century? Based on these last five years, it’s fair to say I’ve absolutely no idea! However, I do know that to keep up with whatever the next challenges are, our business will continue to be as agile and adaptable as it’s been for the past 45 years.
