Sharing experiences and best practices:
In an aim to help businesses answer one of the most pertinent questions being posed
today; 365 Ecology hosted an online webinar “Navigating your Business through
Uncertainty” for peers in the industry. With economies being hit by the effects of
businesses slowing down, the webinar brought industry experts together to share their
knowledge and best practices for business continuity in current circumstances.
The webinar tackled different operational aspects, drawing a road map of the measures,
and means of analysis businesses should take at times of crisis, while providing advice on
some of the topical issues arises from this outbreak.
Osama Bekhit, Founder and Managing Director of 365 Ecology, hosted and moderated the
online discussion that was attended by members from the construction, engineering and
real estate industry. Bekhit was joined in the discussions by Islam El Saadany, Strategy
Consultant and Ahmed El Laithy, Legal Consultant, who raised questions and scenarios for
business continuity and provided real life examples of how 365 Ecology is maintaining
operations during these times.
Most businesses are slowing down but haven’t completely shut down. Industries and
businesses in aviation, marine, and tourism, have been the ones affected the most, with
major potential losses. However, with business revenues going down by an average of
30%, the main scenario trigger here is time. “We know businesses have slowed down, and
the only way we can continue to navigate these unchartered waters, is to look at the full
spectrum of outcomes. What are the implications? Cash flow is key to continuity, and at
365 Ecology we’ve started putting into action measures to help us build sustainable win-
win situations with all our stakeholders” said Osama Bekhit.
“When managing a crisis, the first step is to define the scenario trigger which in such case
is the novel COVID-19 virus. To date, this is considered a critical condition and not a force
majeure” said Ahmed El Laithy, highlighting the importance of understanding the
difference between the two and their implications on businesses.
Islam El Saadany, shared his experience as a strategist and expert in market analysis and
trends, identifying that when dealing with a crisis (current situation) as opposed to a force
majeure, macro and industry implications need to be considered. El Saadany shared a
presentation with the audience that showcased the sectors that may strongly be affected
and may be considered potential losers and those business that may be considered
potential winners. “There lies an opportunity here for business to study their business
model, put in place effective response mechanisms and start applying business
development- allowing you to rearrange your cards, know where to invest and when based
on the recovery rate of each business sector” said El Saadany.
During the webinar, the speakers also discussed the measures being put in place by the
Egyptian government in efforts to maintain normalcy for businesses, facilitating support
and easing financial obligations in loans and interests.