OP I N I O N Fortifying the FASI fund I GEOFF WATSON, CEO, THE DOREE BONNER INTERNATIONAL GROUP The motion to temporarily increase contributions to the FASI fund was removed from the items for discussion at FIDIs virtual GA, but the subject will be back on the agenda soon. Geoff Watson, CEO of the Doree Bonner International Group, believes this increase is needed to mitigate the effects of economic shockwaves to come attended the virtual FIDI General Assembly on Tuesday 23 June, as I was particularly interested in the Boards sensible suggestion that the FASI contribution would be increased by 300, given these unprecedented times. I was disappointed to see that item 5 Increase of FASI contributions by membership had been removed from the agenda and I assumed this was because the Board felt there was no way this increase would be agreed. A virtual conference is difficult and although I have never attended a GA at FIDI Conferences over the years because our UK FIDI delegate, Nick Kerr, represents the UK I assume these motions are discussed among the delegates and there is the chance to share opinions. I am now working part-time and a minority shareholder in Doree Bonner, so this is my own personal view. I totally understand removal companies around the world have suffered terribly during COVID-19, and Doree Bonner is no exception. As an organisation, FIDI has also had to absorb a substantial loss of revenue. The Osaka conference had to be postponed, FAIM audits, webinars and seminars were cancelled. However, FIDI is not a removals or relocation company, and it is during times such as these that it is busier than ever, because Affiliates need, and seek, its support. If anyone wants confirmation of how our industry associations are currently working, feel free to get in touch with Ian Studd and his staff 48 FF298 AugSept20 pp48-49 Geoff Opinion.indd 48 at BAR - they have been working 24/7. The biggest saving I could see FIDI making is from holding more virtual meetings and undertaking less international travel without compromising on quality of service, as it will require the staff to support its membership more than ever through the difficult times ahead. Like all removal companies, Doree Bonner is looking at every line of expenditure on our P&L and having to make some really tough decisions. My concern is that we have not yet seen the worst effects of this pandemic on the economy here in the UK and in a number of countries around the world and I will stick to the UK market for my argument, as this is what I am familiar with. In normal times, removals companies are at their busiest for enquiries during April, May and June, leading to the busy months of July, August and September, during which (like most UK removals companies) they will achieve around 40 per cent of their revenue and about 60 per cent of our profit before tax (PBT). COVID-19 really started to have an impact on the UK moving industry on 24 March this year. It resulted in a total close-down for the professional moving industry. I highlight this because there were some small removal companies that ignored the warnings and continued to do moves, putting themselves and their customers at great risk. That soon dried up, as BAR became very vocal indeed, communicating with MPs, local authorities and the media. They did a great job during this period, and Ian Studd and his staff deserve a huge WW W. F I D I FOC U S . OR G 20/07/2020 16:14