Friday Update

I hope you are enjoying the sunshine and soaring temperatures and are managing to keep cool and comfortable, and most importantly safe in the heat.

Sadly, the media this week has naturally been dominated by the state of emergency faced in Beirut, Lebanon and the loss of lives and devastation the significant explosion has caused. This is just another stark reminder of the fragility of the world we live in and the catastrophic effects of governmental neglect and corruption that increases the potential for such a tragedy and makes us incredibly grateful for the well-meaning guidance our country receives. Our thoughts go out to all those affected.

On a more positive note whilst taking a brief look at the economic impact of the Coronavirus, the Bank of England has openly reported that the resulting downturn is less severe than initially feared as increased consumer spending has allowed the economy to bounce back sooner than anticipated, probably in part attributable to a faster easing of lockdown measures. The strong recovery to date bodes well with hopes to return to pre-COVID levels by the end of 2021, and given the intensity of the virus I do believe this is far better than we could have realistically hoped for. In recent correspondence we have seen from Secretary of State Robert Jenrick addressed to our local Kent development and construction support groups, construction has once again been cited as the cornerstone of recovery with strong focus on easing the constraints surrounding planning and development and greater emphasis on priority sectors such as Affordable Housing where focused spending is most welcome news for us as we push forward with real hope for the future.

As we continue to monitor the ever-changing guidance from government and adapt to the ongoing situation, we remain alert and ready to adapt should a second-wave be encountered. Pre-emptive Company Policy has been prepared in advance of implementation of a further period of either national or localised lock-down, and I can share with you that it will be the intention of the business, in our identified role as keyworkers and due to the importance of our work to both society and the economy, to remain fully operational should this happen. We will continue to strictly manage our sites under the implemented enhanced safety guidelines unless clear directive to the construction industry to cease activity is issued from central government, and of course subject to availability of all essential material supplies and our subcontracted workforce to ensure our sites can continue to progress. In making this decision we are completely confident that we are adequately prepared and acclimatised in our operations to keep all those who work on our behalf safe and well.

Aside of the evident risks to physical health posed by COVID-19 we simply cannot ignore the profound impact it can have upon ones overall mental wellbeing. Having experienced over 100 days of lockdown and with many staff furloughed for a substantial period of time, quite understandably it has been concerning and unusual times with so many feeling the strain of the situation and a heightened level of anxiety caused by the isolation. With 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health issue each year in England without a global pandemic to factor in, this ratio will only have been exacerbated by recent times and reminds us that we must play our part as a business in addressing these issues, now more so than ever. With this in mind we are currently arranging the opportunity of internal training to introduce a number of Mental Health First Aiders into the business to create a healthier work environment by investing in the wellbeing of our people. Those trained will be a suitable cross-section of our business demographic, both male and female, from younger members of staff and those who are a little more ‘seasoned’ to ensure suitability of the role in providing an initial level of guidance to find the right support for those who may need it from someone withing their own peer group, and more details on this will follow in due course. If you feel you would like to be considered to train for this role please do let me know.

Yet more staff were welcomed back from Furlough this week continuing our positive trend in productivity and profitability and we continue to make good levels of progress across all our sites. Looking at one of our most furthest afield sites, crossing the Sussex border, Amberstone Nurseries which neighbours the main Amberstone Road site is performing well with the new access roads being surfaced earlier this week and the timber frames well underway to deliver an additional 47 new homes on behalf of longstanding client Clarion Housing.

It is always a pleasure to finish the week on a positive note and this week we have an abundance of people-focused news to celebrate, with both milestone birthdays and new additions to the wider Jenner family. Big birthday wishes are sent to Site Manager Clinton Dunn who turned 60 earlier this week. Congratulations Clinton, 21 again (albeit with an additional 39 years of experience) and I hope you have a weekend of celebrations planned.

Welcome to the world to Baby Bundock who arrived safety on Friday 31st July. Congratulations to both Lewis and Jasmine at this exciting time in becoming parents and we are delighted to hear that you and baby Arthur are all healthy and doing well.

On more baby news, Dave Steer celebrated the birth of his second grandchild last week, a little girl Evie Hazel born on 28th July and poignantly named after his mother Hazel who sadly passed away earlier this year. Congratulations to Dave and his family and a very touching sentiment. We wish you all well.

Finally, may I take this opportunity to thank you all once again for your continued enthusiasm, positivity and hard work, and I wish you all a most enjoyable and relaxing weekend and please do stay safe in the sun.