Surviving Lockdown

We asked six key Kent figures how they and their businesses survived the COVID-19 lockdown

- Julie Friend

Tudor Price, working harder at home and eating fewer biscuits

TUDOR PRICE - DEPUTY CEO KENT INVICTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Who did you miss most during lockdown?

My work colleagues. I’m a very sociable person and feed off the interactions I have with the staff and Members. Office humour can be quite spontaneous and specific to the environment and a great reliever of tension

What did you miss seeing?

I commuted from Wateringbury to Ashford most days and while the drive can be dull, I’ve missed the scenery. Watching the Kent countryside change seasons and the occasional spectacular sunrise when heading east is so beneficial to one’s mental wellbeing.

How did your working day change?

Usually, my day would be made up of meetings and responding to requests from Members of the Chamber, both here and abroad. However, since the start of the crisis, the Chamber has been delivering a countywide Covid-19 Business Support Helpline on behalf of Kent County Council and The Growth Hub. In the last few weeks, we have already handled more than 3000 inbound calls and undertaken 1500 Business Adviser call backs, helping businesses access the Government support schemes.

What did you learn during lockdown?

I realise now that I work a hell of a lot harder at home than I do in the office (not good). I’ve also realised I eat a lot of biscuits in the office. I’ve discovered how much time I spend travelling during the course of the day. I’ve also rediscovered the joy of sitting down as a family at the end of the day with no TV and just sharing a meal. Very precious.

Where will be the first place you go to eat/drink once this is over?