Bdaily Festive Focus 2020: “The magic of Christmas and Santa" is “just the tonic” for North East LEP’s Jen Robson

In the first of our festive focus series, Bdaily spoke to head of communications at the North East Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Jen Robson about her plans for the festive season, how 2020 has changed our outlook and her hopes for the future.

How has 2020 changed the way that you live, work, and think?

“I’ve always been grateful for having amazing family, friends and a great job, but this year I’ve really learned to appreciate it all and generally just slow the pace down.

“Working from home has forced me to look at my working pattern to fit round family life and I’ve actually found a much better work life balance because of it. It’s been tough and scary at times, but I’m determined to see the positives.”

What has been your single biggest challenge and how have you overcome it?

“I miss people! I miss seeing my friends and the people I work with every day – it was something that was really important to me before COVID-19 and no matter how hard I try, Zoom is just not the same.”

What has been the biggest unexpected positive to come out of this year?

“Time at home – doing the school run every day, eating breakfast, lunch and tea with my little boy every day and generally just feeling like I am not missing a thing. It reminds me it’s the simple things that count.”

What does your ideal Christmas look like?

“We’ll be savouring the fact we have a little boy who still believes in all the magic of Christmas and Santa – just the tonic for what is going to be a very different Christmas this year.”

How do you think people and businesses can support each other during 2020’s festive season?

“We should all be looking out for each other in any way we can, but with my practical hat on, I would say donate to your local food bank, shop local and big businesses pay suppliers promptly.”

What does 2021 look like for you and your business?

“The North East LEP has a big role to play as we continue to respond to the pandemic and move the economy into a recovery phase.

“We have a strong, committed and frankly amazing team who are primed and ready to face whatever is next and I am privileged to be part of it.”