The Covid restrictions are now becoming a distant memory. I can remember many people commenting that certain things such as travel would never be the same again, but for many of us we are travelling as we were pre-Covid, last year it was recorded that we had reached 75% of pre-pandemic levels.*1 Having said that, it is business travel that has suffered the most as the corporate world had realised that the majority of meetings can now be held virtually.
‘Zoom’ was in the right place, at the right time. I know that I for one hadn’t heard of this software prior to the pandemic, then suddenly ‘Zoom’ became a household name during the lockdown, uniting families and business clients online. Going forward it has meant less travelling for me, I can use my time much more effectively because I am also available for shorter meetings if a client requires this.
But it’s not just travel that has been affected by flexible working, house prices have as well. As many people are now working from home either full or part time, the necessity to live near the city centres has decreased, and it has shown that the popularity for rural and coastal properties have increased. An example of this is the historic seaside town of Aldeburgh in Suffolk, Rightmove reported, between 2019 and 2022 property prices went up by 20%.
Employment in the UK has also been affected according to a report*2 that the UK was the only developed country with fewer people in work than before the pandemic, due to a surge in early retirement and ill health, according to experts.
So, have you re-evaluated your goals since Covid? I always think it is important to look back and learn from what has happened, and then reflect on the future. Often I describe my role as a sounding board, so if you would like someone to discuss your goals with, and to see if they are financially viable why not pick up the phone and book a free without obligation consultation.
*1CAA (Civil Aviation Authority)
*2The Telegraph, 10 November 2022