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All Systems Go!

All Systems Go!

exec team update

We are very pleased to announce that in accordance with UK Government guidelines, we will begin the implementation of our phased return to work this Monday 18th. Provided there is no change in the guidelines, we will have the whole A-Team back by the 22nd June. Whilst we are all looking forward to getting back to doing what we do best, safety remains our top priority and we’re making sure all is in place to look after everyone.

Each production team member will be accessing and working within their own designated departments. Arkonik HQ is a large facility with various separated zones. Because of this, we are easily able to accommodate social distancing within each department and outside spaces where a strict one-way system will also be in place. Regular handwashing will be encouraged, hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment will be supplied to all personnel.

For our office-based staff, attendance on site will remain minimal. Over the last seven weeks, we have switched seamlessly to many team members working from home and this will continue for the time being. Throughout lockdown we have worked hard to maintain the usual frequency of contact with our clients and this will continue; but now with renewed updates of their Defender builds in progress once again!

It’s been a tough time but the whole team have risen to the challenge; from those looking after security, our Finance, HR, Client Services, Sales and Marketing departments, to everyone supporting each other whilst on furlough. We hope that by implementing our carefully constructed return to work plan, along with many other businesses around the country, we can slowly begin to return to life as normal.

I’m excited to be doing what I do best again.
Andy Hayes | Managing Director

“Around eight weeks ago I wrote to you all and gave my personal guarantee that Arkonik would not only weather this “storm” but that more so, it would refine and strengthen itself during the process. It has done so, and as a result and as promised, EVERY vehicle in our pipeline will be delivered, ALL suppliers are paid and ALL staff still remain employed. Just like the best of Defender…. you have been forgiving, stoic and cool and I thank you for your patience.

This coming Monday will see the first of the Arkonik production staff coming back to our factory in Somerset. This is the beginning of a six week phased program of return. As you would expect, careful steps are being taken to keep safe and segregate. We are taking our responsibilities to protect our wider families and communities with appropriate reverence and we are determined not to experience further delay to the wonderful task of building and delivering our inimitable vehicles.

Personally, I am (by and large) redundant as a consequence of my extraordinary management team. I shall nevertheless be present frequently, in order to enjoy this phased return and the sights of my colleagues coming home. I am planning for and expect our Charleston facility to be up and running from the beginning of July, again with myself being present to oversee and enjoy its re-opening. I am excited to be doing what I do best again.”

Andy Hayes, MD

Alongside the Exec Team, our Brand & Marketing Team have also been working hard (from home!) to keep Arkonik as present and visible as ever whilst production have been on furlough.

“I’ve been working from home to keep marketing running as regular as ever during lockdown. It’s been a welcome challenge to find new and engaging ways to tell the Arkonik story through our newsletters, social media and website. We’ve experienced a really positive reaction to the content and I look forward to sharing even more exciting projects and developments as we move towards to the new normal!” 
Lauren Groves | Marketing Executive

“The positives for me in these challenging times have been the ability to focus and review valuable brand-centric projects for both internal and external audiences. Our new brochure will soon be going to press and an updated brand style guide is nearing completion. Being able to take a step back and evaluate our brand values, has and will make positive changes to our business and its customers post CoVid-19.”
Andy Stacey | Creative Brand Manager