How are you all doing?

STOP PRESS!

A useful link on gov.uk is a Benefits Calculator and will help you see what you are entitled to.  Click here. 

BBC 1 at 6.30pm this evening will be on Universal Credit.

 

Today we have some words from Dan Hill, Governing Committee and MD of MyDriveTime.  Dan also writes regularly for Intelligent Instructoron business matters.

From Ashes To Shoots:  Your Business Reborn

The Coronavirus is sweeping across the globe like a wild forest fire with growing ferocity.  The flames light up the hidden fragility and interdependency of our economy and wider society as World governments, corporations and banks try to curtail its reach.  Nobody saw it coming, and there will be reckonings to follow based on the way we react and support, both as individuals and as a country.

While the inferno rages, it’s important to remember that our actions will have a direct impact on how long it burns and who it affects.  It’s time for drastic measures, but for those measures to be calm and calculated.  Of course, the collapse of demand in our market is a huge worry for everyone, but it is temporary.  This is not the time for knee-jerk reactions that will cause a damaging ripple effect, both for you and those who rely upon you.  To limit the damage, take time to consider your options before you run into the fire in panic.  Do your research online and, most importantly, speak to people.  If you’re not sure how you’re going to pay for things, or whether or not you can do something, just ask.  Don’t hide in the darkness and hope it’ll go away, as nobody will be able to find you.  Instead, cry for help and let people come to your aid.  Ask questions, get advice and accept assistance, even if it means having to swallow your pride.  We’re all facing this together, and nobody is judging you.

Of course this is happening here and now.  There’s no planning for it, but that doesn’t mean you should focus purely on a short term view.  The actions you take now may have long term consequences for you, our industry and our country, so take some time to breath.  If you miss a payment or two, as many of us will, the walls won’t come crashing down over night.  It will take time for everyone to adapt and respond, and everyone will understand why.  Use this time to plan, talk and breathe.

Inevitably the fire will fade and die.  It will leave a trail of destruction.  When we emerge from our shelter, we’ll be stepping upon the ashes of fallen businesses and, sadly, friends and family.  It will be a solemn time; one for reflection.  I just hope we can all rise above the cynicism, anger and division that has silently infected our forest over the past few years; put aside our quarrels over Brexit and the like, and plant new trees with a renewed sense of purpose, camaraderie and optimism.  It’s on each one of us to decide if we aid that cause or hinder it.

Because new shoots will emerge from the ashes.  Renewal, based on lessons learned, will provide us all with an opportunity to grow stronger than we were before.  The new will replace the old and those with longer term vision will nurture this growth for their benefit.  This is temporary.  We know that new shoots of demand for our services will return, and it’s vital that we’re ready to go when they do.  Whether that’s two months, 4 months or 6 months, demand will return, and we will be able to rebuild.
Those who think positively will be using this time to review how they work and put new foundations down, so their business is ready to go when the smoke clears.  They’re using this time to do all the things they used to put off because they were caught up in the daily grind.  There’s no daily grind right now, so there’s no excuse.

Today, a customer called to discuss expanding her business once demand for lessons returns.  She is already looking to rebuild and I applaud her for it, because we will all need that kind of forward thinking when the fire is finally out.  I encourage you to do the same; take stock, ask for help and come out stronger.

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For anyone conducting lessons and tests for key workers, there is a link here for a poster you can print off and display.

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We received some positive feedback on Annabel Wallis’s article on back exercises.  One member said she was finding it invaluable, as she is not able to attend her regular physio sessions.

Thanks to Bill Lavender for sending in the following links that may also help. From NHS Choices.  And another here.

Another useful link sent in by Smart Driving with advice on income support during Coronavirus for self-employed.

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Thursday is Clap for the NHS at 8pm day.

And tomorrow, Friday 3 April, there is a request for people to go into their gardens at 8.30pm and shine torches into the sky for 2 minutes to remember all those people that have lost their lives & those who are also fighting this horrible virus.

Sadly, we know of another ADI who has lost his life to Coronavirus, so this would be a lovely way to mark the news.  Our thoughts go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Phil Graham, who was an instructor with Drewmatic.

And we were also sad to hear of the death of Professor Peter Russell, a Life member of ADINJC.  Peter has been fragile for some time but it’s sad to think that he also fell victim to this dreadful disease.  Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

 

 

 

Whilst our newsflashes are normally a benefit of membership of the ADINJC, during this national emergency we want to share information as widely as possible, so please feel free to pass this on.  We are stronger together.

 

The NJC continues to be dedicated to help you in these challenging times and we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.  Please feel free to contact us for help and support.

 

ADINJC’s helpline is 0800 8202 444

The Secretary’s number is 07855 453414

You can find the latest NASP guidelines on Coronavirus here.

HMRC Helpline:  0800 0159 559
Citizens Advice Bureau – https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you/

You can sign up to receive Government updates on Coronavirus relating to driving tests here.

The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.  We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.