The pandemic didn't prevent us developing products or supporting our clients. We prepared in advance of 'lock-down' by ensuring that all our team were fully kitted out with all the facilities they needed to work in their home offices. In addition, we put in place protocols that would ensure a flexible yet effective way of undertaking their normal tasks without any disruption to business. Magic Square Systems have always used remote working practices for carrying out proct development and supporting our clients. We decided to close our Technocentre Office ahead of the enforced closure to minimise exposure of the team to the Covid virus and protecting our team. That decision proved to be beneficial as our working practices were quickly aligned to address the challenges of the 'lock down situation'. We worked hard to ensure that our team's spirit, synergy and wellbeing was protected by daily video conferencing - communicating on business operations and importantly social aspects. Regular dialogue with clients also proved to helpful to both parties using any virtual means available - phone, email and video conferencing. Fortunately, our office at the Technocentre were quick to equip the building with Covid precautions and protocols that made a safe return, albeit for two days per week. It is so important to our team that we have some time in the same space for working and being together. Our feelings are that the Covid situation has forced a hybrid work pattern that is more flexible and dynamic. Now we feel at Magic Square Systems that we have a happier team that is also contributing positively to helping the environment - particularly at the time of COP26.

Magic Square Systems have always embraced technological advances in remote commuications in fact we contribute to same on a daily basis. All our team have home offices that are equipped with the same specification of facilities that are used in our central office at the Technocentre. During the pandemic the transition to full time 'working from home' was relatively easy because team members would work remotely at least one day is any week and longer if required by circumstances. In order to ensure that remote working full time was a success from all perspectives we introduced daily virtual meetings using Zoom, Skype and/or MS Teams between team members to maintain synergy and mental well being. These meetings were augment with adhoc calls (mostly video) to inject spontaneous interaction that would be normal in an office setting. Regular 'health checks' are made to encourage any concerns to be aired - again as it would in the office. The balance of remote working with 2-3 days in the office is working extremely well - we recommend it!

At Magic Square Systems we believe that virtual meetings are an effective way of communicating within our team and with clients. It may not be as pleasant as meeting face-to-face but in times of situations such as the pandemic and attempting to reduce your carbon footprint it works. We use Zoom, Skype and MS Teams the reason we use all three is to suit Client preferences.