Amidst the ongoing Coronavirus crisis, there was an anniversary that whilst unimportant for many, meant a great deal to us. Having been helping clients since June 2017, Marengo Communications became three years old. Happy Birthday to us!

We are all delighted to have achieved this milestone, and it is important to note our thanks to colleagues, clients, friends and family.

COVID-19 has, of course, changed every reference to normality and seeing it through the lens of a start-up would offer nothing especially new or enlightening. But in carrying out our normal course of business, working with communities and stakeholders – seeking to bring about progress, economic development and helping with the housing supply – we realise our privilege.

Our team has been able to work from home. Those furloughed are on full salary and our clients are immensely understanding and supportive. Whilst many stakeholders are hugely busy dealing with how COVID is affecting their communities, we’ve actually noticed an increase in their availability and accessibility.

Digital engagement tools are the order of the day, and hopefully will be in the coming years. Instead of draughty church halls and council offices, we’re all getting used to Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype for Business, GoToMeetings and all the rest.

And yet we don’t talk about those who are finding this especially hard. Those who have their salaries and livelihoods snatched away. Those at greater risk because of their background or income. One such group at risk are our military veterans.

Since we were first established, Marengo Communications has committed to donating a percentage of profits to charity.

For the more historically aware, you may be interested to learn that our own company is named for the Battle of Marengo in 1800. You can read more about why we went for that here. Our interest in military history led us to Waterloo Uncovered. They do brilliant work combining archaeological expeditions to the Waterloo Battlefield with a support programme for veterans and the military community.

We had the honour of visiting the dig in Belgium two years ago, and have been supporting other initiatives since. To mark the 205th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, they have released a report this week about the impact they’re making. The report is called Peace From War and you can read it here.

We are very proud of the support we’ve given to Waterloo Uncovered and hope they can continue to make a difference.