FROM TH E E D I TO R All in this together? W ere all in this together has been the rallying cry of many throughout the pandemic, from local communities to big business but some have asked: is this really the case? If you look at the pages of this issue of FIDI Focus, the answer from the moving and relocation sector is a resounding yes. Our interviews with WERCs Lynn Shotwell and DASAs Simone Percy share common themes the value of tight-knit staff relationships within companies and the power of collaboration throughout the moving industry. Meanwhile, Santa Fes Yann Blandy is proof that some CEOs understand that todays successful companies must foster an environment with more flat and interconnected staff structures, where mistakes can be admitted and learned from. We also showcase examples of the many Affiliates who used their recent downtime to help others. Vehicles, storage space and packing materials have been valuable resources to offer out during the crisis staff expertise and kindness even more so. Then theres FIDI. While lockdown reduced dramatically the number of moves taking place almost everywhere, FIDIs workload got larger as it supported its Affiliates. This included producing updates and advice in the form of information pages, news and a webinar series; free access to its training modules; and moving FIDIs General Assembly to a studio in Brussels so the usual in-person event could be replaced by a virtual broadcast to the FIDI community worldwide. This against the background of FIDI continuing to manage its ongoing activities including the new FAIM DSP certification programme, EY Financial Assessment, customs guides and new website, to name just a few not to mention the FIDI office handling its own cost implications and issues as a result of COVID-19. The features pages will bring you up to date with several of these current projects, and the statement from the FIDI Board on page 10 will give you an overview of its response to the pandemic. Please read this and give your feedback. FIDI is an open organisation that encourages discussion and debate, and even disagreement, about its work. As always, this is better when carried out transparently and in a spirit of collaboration and togetherness. DOMINIC WEAVER C M Y CM MY CY CMY K WW W. F I D I. O R G FF298 AugSept20 pp08-09 Ed.indd 9 9 20/07/2020 15:20