A day in lockdown with EQ – Margaret Waite

As we continue to work remotely, we remain focused on supporting our clients and maintaining contact with them and the rest of the EQ team.

To provide a glimpse into lockdown life, we asked various members of the team to share their experiences of what an average day working from home entails for them.

This week, we spoke to Margaret Waite, Manager in our Glenrothes office, to get an idea of how she is spending her time under the current circumstances.

What does an average day entail for you?

More than ever I find myself speaking to clients. Therefore, a large part of my day is being in contact with my clients and forging even stronger relationships. Most recently my days were predominately taken up with ensuring clients’ book keeping is up to date and Vat returns submitted. Additionally helping, where needed, regarding checking and applying for grants for self employed clients.

What have you spent the majority of your time working on recently?

We spend time looking and considering individual client’s circumstances. One particular client did not have their tax affairs up to date and as such would not have been considered for a self employed grant. I contacted and informed the client of the situation, which they were unaware of. We managed to prioritise and get their tax affairs up to date so they can now apply for the grant – without our quick intervention the client would have lost out on a considerable amount of assistance.

How have you been supporting clients throughout lockdown?

Helping with advice in relation to assistance available for clients who are struggling financially. This has obviously been a very important part of our work recently. However, also dealing with clients ongoing needs eg book keeping, payroll, Vat & accounts etc has given a great deal of comfort to clients and reassurance that we are endeavouring to provide our usual high level of service and that we are at the end of the phone when ever they need assistance.

Given the current circumstances, are you doing anything differently? 

I have certainly been using and relying on technology more, since the lock down. I have never been particularly IT savvy but have certainly learnt more and relied on IT more. Admittedly without our IT department I would have struggled.

At the end of the workday, what do you look forward to the most?

Like everyone, we are limited to what we can do. We have enjoyed overhauling our garden. Since my husband is furloughed, it has been mostly his hard work, however I have contributed by growing some veg and flowers from seed – our garden like most of our street, has never looked so good. Last weekend we had food delivered from a local restaurant, who are providing home deliveries – that was a great treat. But my favourite time at the end of a working day is to just relax with my husband and our 2 cats and forget about the world around us.

While working from home, we are still offering the same level of support and remain contactable. You can reach us on any of our usual telephone numbers and email addresses, which you can find on the Our People page on this website.