An update on my work week. We were pounced on by security as we arrived on Thursday to get a Covid test before we entered the building. One of the people in the office has tested positive so anyone that had contact needed a test. The rapid lateral flow tests are plentiful here and it seems to be the norm for people to test themselves if they are not feeling well. Other work highlights included problem solving for our cleaners, who were in a flap due to the ”sights they see” when the gents use the urinal while they are cleaning “there’s a great big mirror luv and they just whip it out right in front of you” They now have a safety tape barrier they can use to block the door.
It’s been really interesting to talk to the team here about the change in owners. The previous owners were Hard with a capital H. They had 20 security cameras installed in the workshop and used to berate people over the PA if they saw them slacking, logging in on a phone App even when on holiday. They famously fired someone over the PA. The staff however were loyal (and tough) and there are many with over 15 years of service. The new CEO is somewhat of a visionary, implementing sweeping change at a pace that scares me. The crew here have accepted his changes with interest and a banked excitement about what their business could become, although I understand there were rumours early on that the removal of the spy cameras was a trick and they were still there. The phrase I’ve heard many times now is “a breath of fresh air”.
On the theme of breathing and clean air, I wanted to post a photo of the Veolia recycling centre that we drive by on the way home sometimes. The navigation is still providing tours of the country by suggesting a different route home almost every day. Despite having now driven to and from work to Leeds for almost two weeks, we are none the wiser as to the best “normal” way to get there. Anyway, the building has a huge green living wall.
On Thursday night the CEO and COO were up from London and organised dinner at a Brazilian restaurant for my birthday. We had cocktails beforehand at a rooftop bar. I lost any credibility I may have had by ordering a “Pink Ballet Fizz” but it had Moet and Rhubarb syrup in it and sounded good (it was!). I contributed a bottle of wine to the celebrations that caused great excitement as it was a special one from our CEO’s hometown - a Penfolds RWT Shiraz. He explained the provenance to the rest of the group and asked the barman to decant it first so it could breathe. It was a short walk back to the apartments after dinner but it was quite late and so very cold - I think the temperature is about to get low very quickly from here on.
Sorry no photos from these few days. I promise the Edinburgh post next is photo heavy.
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