The Covid years: how Theatreplan navigated unprecedented challenges

The Covid-19 pandemic reshaped industries across the world, and ours was no exception. For Theatreplan, the period was one of significant disruption, but also of adaptation, resilience, and lasting change. Looking back, it highlights the strength of our values and the commitments we make both to our staff and to our clients.

Responding quickly to change

When the pandemic began to escalate, we knew social distancing would impact the way we worked. While we had previously joked (quite tongue-in-cheek) that our business continuity plan was simply to “send staff home to work,” the reality became urgent.

Our IT systems and workflows were already adaptable, but we made bold, fast investments to support the transition. One key step was moving our phone system to Microsoft Teams, a change long under consideration, but accelerated to ensure seamless communication during remote working.

Commitment to our people

Unlike many businesses, we made a clear “no redundancies” commitment. While the furlough scheme was also widely used across the UK, we carefully reviewed our position and concluded that this approach wouldn’t suit us. Instead, we invested in staff training, streamlined processes, and used company reserves responsibly to weather the uncertainty.

Supporting our people through this period was paramount. Regular video calls, staff meetings, and even virtual cake breaks became part of our culture. We recognised that everyone faced unique challenges, from home-schooling children to caring for family members, and we adapted our support accordingly, informed by staff surveys and regular check-ins.

Building a resilient decision-making process

The pandemic demanded rapid, confident decisions. We developed a streamlined decision-making approach that allowed us to act quickly while keeping staff fully informed. This agility became a defining feature of our response and is now embedded in how we operate.

Changes that stayed

Not all pandemic responses were temporary. Today, we operate a hybrid model, with staff in the office at least three days a week. Mondays and Fridays are popular for remote work, and our flexible working policy is the most progressive it has ever been.

These changes reflect a permanent shift in how we balance productivity, collaboration, and wellbeing; lessons forged during the most challenging circumstances.

Lessons learned

The Covid years proved that Theatreplan could pivot effectively without compromising our commitments. We learned that resilience comes not just from processes, but from the dedication of colleagues who knew the company had their back.

The experience has left lasting benefits: more flexible working, stronger digital systems, and a culture of trust and support. Above all, it reinforced that Theatreplan’s values — responsibility, adaptability, and respect for both staff and clients — guide us through even the most uncertain times.