Such an overwhelming week and one which it's very difficult to wrap one's head around.

So much confusion, so much concern. So much happening so fast!

Which is why communication will be so utterly vital over these coming weeks and months. Keeping in touch. Keeping informed. Keeping one another's spirits up.

And that is precisely the role which Service Dealer will be playing for the industry.

As ever we'll act as a link between the manufacturers and the dealers. And indeed between dealer to dealer - because it's important to know you're not alone. Dealers, however remote their premises may be around the country, have peers, colleagues and friends all around the UK who will all be facing very similar challenges. Now more than ever that link, letting each other know what's going on, is paramount. And Service Dealer is proud to fulfil that role.

So please make sure to keep us informed with what's happening with you and your businesses. Any advice or thoughts you want to pass on to our community of readers, please drop us a line or leave comments at the foot of these articles.

Service Dealer has an incredible team (all working remotely now!) supporting everything we do. Duncan's staff perform an incredible job, week in and week out supporting this Update and the magazine. Editorially we have the industry well covered with Martin Rickatson's agricultural machinery expertise, Laurence Gale's encyclopedic turfcare knowledge, Adam Bernstein's business and legal specialism and we can always rely on founder, Chris Biddle's words of wisdom.

We shall keep you informed every Friday with this Update whilst the magazine will continue to bring you in-depth features, interviews, thoughts from our columnists and all our regular features.

It's clearly an unprecedented time. However, we're already hearing about ways proactive dealers are overcoming adversity. Arb & Grounds for example got in contact to let us know about the free delivery and video demos they are now offering for their customers. This is merely the latest example we've always seen of the network adapting to the prevailing circumstances.

Dealers will be quick to realise their ever more vital role they will be required to play within their communities.

Agricultural machinery specialists will be key in keeping farmers farming when the country is so desperate for food supplies to be maintained. Turfcare dealers will be needed by local authorities to keep our parks and open green spaces a haven for exercise and for keeping a calm state of mind. And with the many people who will now be staying at home, a well maintained garden will be a therapeutic refuge, allowing for exercise, fresh air and mental health well-being.

Working practices will more than likely have to change somewhat. Perhaps some will have to offer options not considered right for them before. Click and collection facilities via websites might become more prevalent? Dealers will know what can work for them, their staff and their customers.

I freely admit I was somewhat overcome earlier in the week. I've always been a worrier and do have the propensity to let things get on top of me. I will say though that concentrating on work helped. Concentrating on something which I actually have some control over helped.

I once heard Tom Hanks being interviewed and he was asked how he remains calm through stressful times and he said he had a mantra of "this too shall pass".

But what about this! This too shall pass. But this now! This too shall pass.

Stay safe. Keep in touch. Wash your hands.