New York staff brave Hurricane Sandy setbacks

07 Nov 2012

Staff at Incisive Media's office in lower Manhattan have kept operations going against the odds following Hurricane Sandy.

Incisive Media's 80-strong team in New York are battling back to normality in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.

Matt McGowan, managing director. America (left), described the challenges and the fantastic response of the team:

"New York City and the tri-state area in general are still reeling from the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. Slowly but surely, pockets of communities are getting power and communications back. However, some communities are still dealing with the damage in the most basic of conditions. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been hit the worst by this catastrophe.

"The US headquarters of Incisive Media is based in lower Manhattan and our office building was closed until yesterday. Many of our employees have been without power, water and basic essentials, as well as not being able to travel due to public transportation stoppages. That said, they have shown great spirit by sharing resources as best they can, grouping together wherever possible and keeping themselves safe, as well as managing to keep the business running remotely. And for this we thank them enormously.

"Our publications have continued to generate good, relevant content during this period and plans for our next major conference, SES Chicago, are running as per schedule. Although the business is still running from various locations, from home bases to public libraries with internet connections, the team has done a splendid job of maintaining contact and communication with our subscribers and our customers.

"Thank you to everyone not impacted by the storm for your thoughtful messages and continued support. Our office team may hail from all over the world, but we’re glued together and motivated by the strength of spirit in the great city of New York".

The ground floor and two stories of basements of the building at 55 Broad Street were extensively flooded and, although staff are now able to get to the office on the 22nd floor, it still doesn't have any phone service, heating or hot water.

In the immediate aftermath of the hurricance, group chief executive Tim Weller sent a message of support to all of the US staff:

"Although we are miles away from you all in North America, I assure you that you and your families wellbeing are uppermost in our thoughts here in London. The news coverage of the devastation that Hurricane Sandy has caused is not lost on any of us. Above all I hope you are all safe and coping in what must be very difficult conditions,

"Matt (McGowan) tells me that many of you are still without power and have in some cases to walk many flights of stairs in some blocks just to use the bathroom. I wanted to let you all know that all of us are thinking of you and hope that life gets back to normality as soon as is possible, your personal safety and wellbeing are far more important than work".

About Incisive Media
Incisive Media is a leading global provider of specialist business news and information, in print, in person and online. The company’s principal markets include financial services, legal and accounting services, marketing services, technology and risk management. Incisive Media's market-leading brands include ClickZ, Search Engine Strategies, Investment Week, Legal Week, Post, Risk, Accountancy Age and V3.co.uk.

For further information contact
Matt McGowan
MD, Incisive Media
646 215 1255
Email Matt