So just when there appeared to be light at the end of the tunnel we enter Lockdown 3.0 but when speaking to members, for the majority, it is ‘business as usual’. All of the good work which had previously been put into COVID risk assessments and COVID procedures and safety measures has ensured a smooth transition into the next period. As in the last lockdown, our industry continues to fair pretty well compared to most others and workload is high with a forward order book so fingers crossed for this to continue.

The AGS will continue to review the situation but in the meantime will shortly publish an Interim Strategic Plan which temporarily replaces the Business and Marketing Plans. The current strategy is that we will continue to hold virtual meetings for the Executive and Working Groups. We will also continue to deliver high quality, informative and industry related webinars at least until June. These will be a mix of free to attend and paid for events to ensure that we continue to deliver valuable benefits to our members and the wider industry. This includes a stronger (active and financial) involvement in the Ground Forum initiative on Diversity and Inclusivity and more details will follow.

At the start of a new year, I would like to encourage any individuals of member companies who would like to take an active part in any of our Working Groups to please contact ags@ags.org.uk and we will put you in touch with the relevant Working Group Leader. We are proud of the work carried out by these groups and it really does help the industry and members as well as providing personal development and satisfaction. I am pleased to announce and welcome Will Fardon of i2 Analytical as the new Laboratories Working Group Leader and he will definitely be keen to hear from potential new members.

Julian Lovell (AGS Chair)