what a challenging 2021
This year seems to have flown by, and we can’t quite believe that Christmas is almost upon us. We can already hear the tiny cry of many mince pies waiting to be eaten and the faint rumble of our bellies as we imagine our first serving of Turkey curry.
Despite the huge challenges that we have all faced over the last 18 months, we are intentionally wanting to call out the positives in this update. As our name suggests, at embracent we always try to positively embrace new times – even if sometimes that feels hard to do.
So, even after a difficult start to year, we are very grateful to work with so many of our clients that also decided to be positive – as they asked for our advice about how to leverage technology for strategic benefit, and how to become more data driven in decision making.
It soon started to look like it would be a busy and interesting year – with our two areas of specialism in demand:
- embracing technology change – how to dramatically improve technology without breaking the bank or the business along the way
- embracing data insights – how to turn complex data into valuable insight without over-complicating the situation and trying to boil the ocean
- In the Summer, we conducted some research into how finance functions are using Automation Technology to improve efficiency and control. The results can be found here – but in short, we found that most organisations have only just started to scratch the surface about what is actually possible
- In the Autumn, having spoken to many finance colleagues, we realised that we needed some fresh air. The vast majority of the embracent team therefore decided to walk the Yorkshire 3 Peaks to raise funds for Ashgate Hospice. After a lot of hard work, blistered feet, and soggy socks, I am delighted to say that we raised over £5,500 for this amazing charity. A BIG THANK YOU on behalf of the patients and families of Ashgate for those of you who donated
- A BIG THANK YOU on behalf of the patients and families of Ashgate for those of you who donated
To help with all of this we were also delighted to welcome 9 incredibly talented new starters over the course of the year – most of whom have now fully recovered from the Yorkshire 3 Peaks and don’t seem to bear too much of a grudge!
so, what about 2022?
As we close out the year with increased uncertainly again due to the latest Omicron variant, but also looking back on some real positives in 2021, I am reminded of the famous quote:
“uncertainly is the only certainty” – John Allen Paulos
And in this great age of uncertainty, we will be working harder than ever to help you make real-time insightful decisions based on sound data and deliver enhanced customer experiences through better technology.
No matter what 2022 throws at us, we will be working hard in your corner – to support and encourage you when it gets difficult, and with some great one-two counter punch strategies for even the toughest of opponents.
best wishes
From all of us at embracent to all of you and your families, we wish you a healthy, relaxing, and enjoyable festive period.
Please stay safe and well and let’s hope that 2022 is a great year – both personally and professionally – for all of us.