Determined not to let Covid-19 derail the engagement that makes this independent business and technology consultancy thrive, Baringa Partners has worked hard on keeping in touch. Two-way communication has built the business from its launch in 2000 in London into a global operation with 850 employees and 65 partners across energy, products and financial services businesses as well as government and the public sector.

Collaboration is key – both to help clients run their operations, navigate industry shifts and find new markets, and to keep Baringa's workforce focused. Fortnightly survey rounds provide a rolling view of how people are feeling: Baringa knows success relies not on one silver bullet but on getting 1,000 small decisions right.

Changes are made little and often rather than waiting for bigger issues to develop. Staff returning after furlough have said they feel as if they have never been away, thanks to continuing training and one-to-one contact as well as Q&A sessions. Teams have also got together in a more social setting online to eat a takeaway at the same time, or to share one thing they have done that day to boost wellbeing.

To mark 20 years in business, the company had planned to take staff to Norfolk for a weekend of camping in yurts – but instead staged Baringafest, a virtual celebration which featured two in-house bands as well as a guest singer. Rewards sent out over the year include chocolates and wine for a successful bid for work or completion of a project.