The boss of an island company is stressing the importance of maintaining a human touch for both clients and colleagues.

More than 90% of employees at Grant Thornton audit and accountancy firm is currently working remotely.

The company, which has an island base at Athol Street, Douglas, focused on the need for regular communication and to stay connected during a virtual conference in which bosses shared how they and their teams are adapting worldwide.

Dennis McGurgan, managing director of Grant Thornton Isle of Man, attended the online event which outlined how companies have adjusted to the global pandemic and the rapidly moving landscape in sustainability and audit market reform.

While the conference highlighted the strength of Grant Thornton’s culture among its 4,000-strong team working outside its offices worldwide, Mr McGurgan was keen to stress we don’t lose our human touch as the virus impacts directly on virtually all aspects of life.

He said: ’We all know this is a marathon not a sprint.

’The pandemic changed how Grant Thornton as a network operates and, when we reflect on the past year, we are more connected than we have ever been thanks to our investments in technology.

’However, we should always strive to work closely with clients even in a remote environment.

’Our work is international so, as we focus on developing relationships with colleagues in other markets, we must also remember to understand what’s important to them, how they like the work presented to their clients.

’You can’t just do that by sending emails.

’We have to be comfortable and keep an eye out for colleagues and ensure collaboration is alive and well.

’By all being part of a similar culture, we can continue to deliver and give our people access to the best knowledge and experts in the network, which enables us to bring the very best talent to the table for our clients.

’We firmly believe in working together as a community and people need to be reassured during these uncertain times. Despite the measures in place, the need for clear communication remains and people appreciate it: what we’re doing, how we’re doing it.’

The conference stressed four key aims:

lTalk straight

lDeliver results

lListen first

lExtend trust

Andrew Howie, at Grant Thornton UK, agreed and said: ’It is absolutely critical we can provide services across Europe and across the globe. We have member firms that can look after clients anywhere in the world they operate or help them move into a new territory or places they might be looking to invest.’