A leading Cumbrian accountancy firm has shown its appreciation for key workers by lighting up its office.

David Allen asked Lee Crellin, of Just Beam It Lasers, to create a series of thank you messages to be beamed on the side of its building in Dalston as part of the weekly Thursday Clap for Carers event.

David Allen said: “We recognise that this is a really tough time for everyone, and we wanted to show our appreciation to the NHS and other key workers.

“Our clients are at the forefront of our minds, and we continue to reassure them that we are here to provide practical advice and support through these tough times.

“We are proud of our people for adapting to their new working environment, and we are implementing important steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of them.”

The firm has kept its offices open during the pandemic, with fewer staff and safety measures in place. Mr Allen added: "Every business is different, and we strive to support them throughout their journey. Our meetings with clients have mostly been by telephone or video conferencing and we have also used a lot of social media and e-bulletins.

"The majority of our workforce are working from home. Technology has been key throughout this and our advanced IT systems have enabled home working to be effective.

"A robust infrastructure, high speed broadband and the very latest information security are all important.

"We’re very pleased now that we had all of this in place.

"We forecast that more remote working is going to be the new norm as this experience has taught us how effective and efficient it can be.

"It also fits in well with supporting a work-life balance because it is much more flexible than being office-based.

"It is going to take a long time for things to get to a productive new normal."