FROM TH E E D I TO R Crisis? What crisis? T he pages of this FIDI Focus are packed full of yet more stories about shipping delays, driver shortages, price increases, and many other challenges impacting on movers. So you might be surprised to learn that, on the whole, weve found contributors to these articles in the most optimistic mood for many months. In the rst weeks of the pandemic, international relocation slowed to a fraction of what it was, and, understandably, there was huge uncertainty about what the future held. As these weeks became months, however, businesses adapted, developing supplementary revenue streams, and putting their trucks, staff and expertise to work in sectors where demand boomed. Many movers took the unexpected opportunity to improve their companies, using downtime to work on projects that they wouldnt have otherwise, such as tackling business sustainability in its different forms; shoring up nances; engaging better with employees; or improving their technological and communications capabilities. These companies have become leaner, stronger, and more exible. As jobs returned, many rms reported that their usual peak season of a few months went on and on. This wasnt just about serving pent-up demand, either; some said they were busier than ever during 2021. The moving business is still here. WW W. F I D I. O R G FF304 Dec_Jan 22 pp08-09 Ed.indd 9 COVID is still here, too, and is still impacting on the sector in a big way, combining with the above challenges and more to create the most difcult trading conditions in living memory. However, there seems to be an understanding that everyone in the supply chain is being affected and, therefore with some newfound transparency and collective will its still possible to achieve a great deal. Accordingly, each movers problems we hear about are now couched together with a solution, even if that solution is simply nd out what is causing the issue and communicate well with your suppliers and customers. Surviving into 2022, not to mention thriving, is certainly worth communicating, although, of course, concerns remain about the exact shape of the future for global mobility. Clearly, however, there is a renewed condence among Afliates, and a buzz and condence about the industry, with fresh ideas in circulation and an eagerness to implement them. The FIDI Conference, which returns in April after a two-year enforced absence, is set to provide the forum to discuss these developments, and lots more - and in person, too! We are very much looking forward to seeing you there. DOMINIC WEAVER, editor@fidifocus.org 9 07/12/2021 09:39