These are difficult and challenging times for everyone as Covid-19 (commonly known as the Coronavirus) continues to spread and impact the global community, I want to personally update you on the steps we have taken to ensure business continuity for all our clients around the world.

io’s actions are based on the latest guidance from the World Health Organisation and aligned with the approaches taken by both of our parent companies.

First and foremost, the health and safety of our employees, clients and partners, and their families and communities are paramount. Accordingly, we have suspended all employee travel. In addition, given many of our clients have implemented similar travel policies, we have instructed employees to further leverage technology and conduct meetings virtually - an approach they are well versed in as part of our integrated Global team model. As the situation continues to develop, we asked employees in select locations to work from home as a precaution from last weekend.

We recognise that business continuity is a concern for our clients. Since inception, io has been designed as a flexible organisation with rigorous business continuity plans. This approach is reflected in the robust design and implementation of our business management systems such that they are accessible from any location. Please rest assured we have tested this scenario as part of our business continuity planning and we are well equipped to maintain the high-quality service you have come to expect from us. This ensures there will be no disruption to services as we work remotely. Additionally, io’s Agile way of working with Global execution is already well established and effective in delivering high quality services from multiple locations. This has been proven after a week of remote working with little difficulty including two new project kick off meetings.

This is an unprecedented time for us all, and the situation is changing daily, nevertheless we are committed to maintaining our business operations and ensuring clients continue to receive the highest quality service without disruption.

Finally, I would like to express our gratitude and admiration to all the people around the world who continue to keep the world moving. The health professionals, police, transport personnel, food store and pharmacy staff – the list goes on. Thank you.

Richard Dyson, CEO