Friday update

Friday seems to have come back around particularly quickly once again and I do hope this finds you all keeping well and enjoying the summer, and no doubt finding some welcome relief from the slightly cooler temperatures.

As predicted, yet further countries have been added to the ever-increasing list of those requiring a two-week quarantine period on return to the UK following sharp increases in positive cases in those areas and, without wishing to sound too repetitive, I must urge you all to continue to exercise a sensible degree of caution if considering foreign travel at any point in the near future as the situation remains highly unpredictable. The need to self-isolate caused by elective travel must be accounted for within your holiday allowance or taken as unpaid leave which I’m sure would be an undesirable use of this precious time and trust you will therefore make a considered decision that is right for you.

Focus this week has returned to BREXIT, and I might even dare to suggest that this offers some welcomed respite from the news dominating our screens over recent months, and I honestly never thought I would hear myself say that. It is imperative, at the point where we are now acclimatised to new ways of working and adjusting to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, that we now plan, prepare and adapt once again to be ready to continue to thrive and prosper in light of the changes that will undoubtedly unfold at the end of this transition period. It is reported that construction leaders from the CLC have set up a specialist working group to focus on the potential fallout and impact on the industry as we depart the EU, and to offer pre-prepared government guidance ahead of the changes. I do feel this is a positive and proactive approach, as well as being essential to avoid similar problems and the predicament of uncertainty and ambiguity faced in recent challenging times caused by the Coronavirus.

Disappointingly although understandably, yet another awards ceremony where we hoped to reap reward has been affected by the ongoing pandemic, with hopes to reschedule the postponed ceremonies from earlier this year remaining stalled. The National Considerate Contractors Awards highlight the outstanding efforts and achievements made in raising standards of considerate construction, recognising those sites which have gone above and beyond to deliver in the most professional of manners, playing a proactive role to interact with the communities we serve and with every due consideration given to minimise the potential disruption caused by construction activity. The Harmonia Village in Dover led by Site Manager Kirk Longman remains in the running for the ‘Most Considerate Site Award’ and we are set to learn of the winners and runners-up in coming weeks. We await with fingers crossed, and I will keep you posted on this. Ahead of the results I would like to offer my congratulations to Kirk (and his supporting team) for his unrelenting efforts, enthusiasm and passion to work in this way and to be recognised at national level is a huge accolade personally and an incredibly positive reflection of the Jenner business too. Good luck Kirk and team, we sincerely hope you get your industry-wide recognition.

All sites are continuing to progress well at this time, and it is incredibly positive to hear that this extends to Park Farm Joinery who are exceptionally busy and reporting an incredibly high-volume month. This output is in turn a positive reflection of the increasing levels of productivity on our sites, particularly those of a residential nature and my congratulations go out to all those within the PFJ team working so hard to ensure all our sites are in receipt of high-quality joinery to allow them to progress without delay.

It was most encouraging to receive such a positive response to my update issued on 8th August requesting anyone willing to become a qualified Mental Health First-Aider to step forward. We now have 9 volunteers who represent a good cross-section of the business, who will be trained in this role in the coming months. 3 places are still available at this time, so if you do wish to be considered please do let me know without delay. It is imperative that we work hard to break down the stigma associated with mental health and wellbeing, which is a huge challenge facing us all and particularly evident within the construction industry. It is so pertinent at this time due to recent circumstances, and I am delighted that we have so many of you within the team who are keen to play your part in addressing this need.

I thought I would leave you this week with an image that, whilst it may look like it is taken in foreign climes, is actually right on our doorstep as the sun sets over Folkestone seafront, and was taken by Chris Page’s son earlier this week. Like Father like Son as another self-confessed crane enthusiast it would seem!

I wish you all an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.