The single most important thing that has helped Platform to get through the past year was what we had at the start.

We have always been proud of our open, collegiate culture. We all strive to champion good work while supporting each other – and enjoying ourselves – along the way. It’s exactly this culture that has proved so crucial in getting us through three lockdowns and a year of working from home.

Can we claim to have all the answers to home-working? No. Does it feel like it’s a constant process of change? Absolutely. Are we fortunate to have clients that work in true partnership with us? Definitely.

We said goodbye to Marylebone High Street. We’ve continued to evolve the format of team meetings, we tried as best we could to have fun on Zoom (online cocktail masterclasses were the biggest hit), we offered more training than ever before and gave everyone access to an array of wellbeing experiences (from online yoga to aromatherapy kits and relaxation apps).

It’s undoubtedly been our team and our culture that’s got us through. We’re immensely proud of everything that everyone has achieved together. From the eight new client wins to the client campaigns we’ve delivered and our continued growth. We’ve celebrated five promotions, welcomed three new team members, and shared plenty of fantastic team news, including two engagements, a new baby, several house moves, two new dogs, and the arrival of a (scary) cat.

Even though we couldn’t be together as a team, we have shared so much. A huge thank you to everyone at Platform – you have all played a role in making the past 12 months a success. Hopefully, we can start to get together again in person before long.

Until then, take care and see you on Zoom.

Gay Bell and David Lawrence