Like every business across much of Europe, ATG Group has faced a challenging time over the past six months. Lockdowns meant that many of our projects were put on hold.
Our offices across Northern Ireland, Ireland, Scotland and England, were closed as we adhered to new rules.
We had no alternative but to furlough 85% of our staff for six weeks. This was to help our clients get to grips with the ‘new normal’. But despite the issues, ATG Group is delighted to report that we are back in business and without any redundancies.
Managing Director Dr Mark McKinney says that he has appreciated how the team at ATG Group pulled together during a difficult time.
“I have to say that I appreciate every member of staff for their team spirit. Having such a great team means that we have been able to adapt to the challenges. As a result, we are still going strong.”
“Thanks to continuity schemes such as the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Bounce Back Loans we were able to bridge the lockdowns. During these times we have embarked on revised risk assessments and safety procedures to protect our staff and those of our clients.”
Bright future
With many new practices in place, ATG Group is now operating fully and in June and July recorded profits. Dr McKinney says that the company’s continuing profitability proves its strength.
“We had to postpone a lot of our projects due to our clients needing to take stock. But the fact we moved into profitability during some of the most difficult months in economic history proves the resilience of ATG Group.
“Many of our projects are now back on stream and we are about to start work in a European country we have never worked in before. The pandemic is a fluid situation but we have adapted and will continue to do so.”
Dr McKinney adds that ATG Group receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development earlier this year will help in securing new clients.
And with changes to UK planning regulations on brownfield sites, the prospect of new projects is likely.
“I believe the future is bright. We gained recognition when receiving the Queen’s Award for Enterprise that has increased awareness of ATG Group. There might be global economic developments to deal with over the coming months but we are in a great position,” he says.
