Friday Update

I hope this finds you all keeping well and looking forward to the long Bank Holiday Weekend ahead. I am currently away in the West Country and experiencing the full delights of the great British weather, which is proving to be typically characteristic of an August bank holiday weekend! I hope the weather is kinder to you all over the weekend. 

As next week notably marks the return to school for the vast majority of our children after almost six months of home schooling, I anticipate a new level of nervousness and uncertainty amongst you with unanswered questions looming over the safety and wellbeing of our young people at this time. As with any decision made throughout the past few months there is always a degree of the unknown, and debate as to whether it is the correct course of action and so, as always, I would encourage you to remain open-minded, calm and trust in the carefully considered decisions of those who lead us and also consider the time our schools have had to prepare for the return, which is undeniably invaluable, in the same manner that it was for us. It is all too easy to get caught up in the political hysteria and public debate and so I would urge you not to let this cloud your judgement. Children are the demographic of our society least at risk and are incredibly resilient and I would suggest that a return to some form of routine and an element of normality, allowing interaction with their peers and friendship groups will only serve as a positive step forwards in both their and your overall wellbeing.

Construction industry focused news this week has taken a positive spin, suggesting that our ‘new normal’ could potentially boost productivity and safety in the longer term with individual and team effectiveness improved by new ways of working and better planning as well as the efficiencies that technological solutions offer us. Commendation has been duly given for our industry’s ‘flexibility, resilience and ability to solve problems’ and I feel we have resolutely proved ourselves as a shining example of this here at Jenner. With new practices firmly embedded in the way we now operate allowing us to push forward at pace and continue to deliver, I would hope you will all take a moment to reflect on how far we have progressed in overcoming some pretty challenging times and we must now continue with optimism and enthusiasm.  With reports of new infection rates increasing once again we must remain alert to the risks and ensure that complacency does not creep in to any aspect of our daily routines or safety procedures to ensure we can all keep safe, well and operational.

Following my previous updates I am delighted that we now have a full quota of willing participants ready to undertake Mental Health First Aid Training which will take place in October, and more details of how those trained will be able to support you in your role will follow nearer this time. I apologise to those few who missed out on this occasion.

Various office improvements are underway at Jenner HQ and I’m pleased to report that the ground floor disabled toilets are now back in operation and enhanced with shower facilities for anyone wishing to make use of these.  In line with our heightened hygiene measures this facility will be subject to the same cleaning regime as the rest of the office, with interim cleaning during the day to ensure it is sanitised and safe to use throughout the day.  The second floor corridor (to the left hand side of the stairs) will receive some much needed attention next week with redecoration works due to commence on Tuesday 1st September.  This work is likely to continue throughout the week and potentially into the following week, depending on how progress goes.  Please do be aware of the works if visiting the top floor and anticipate that those who usually reside here may have relocated themselves elsewhere within the building or will be working remotely. I apologise for any disruption caused at this time and hope you will welcome the changes. 

It is always incredibly encouraging and heart-warming to receive positive testimonials directly from our clients which are reflected in the exceptionally high-levels of repeat business we enjoy here at Jenner, and I am delighted to have been in receipt of such endorsement earlier this week.  Having successfully completed the careful refurbishment of the Old Vicarage in Beaver Road, Ashford, now to be known as Christchurch Lodge, the General Works team have received high praise from our client Ashford Borough Council in ‘exceeding their expectations’ throughout the project. 

“From the regular visits undertaken by our officers, we have noted the hard work and effort that has been put in to deliver a successful project. We were particularly impressed by the dedication and commitment to the project by your site manager Jamie Bevan who was always open to discussing ideas and offering up practical suggestions to overcome the day-to-day issues and unpredictable “unknowns” that inevitably arise with refurbishment projects. Our officers have commented that they would be delighted to work with this team again on future projects”

I firmly believe the excellent working relationships established with the client team ensured that this was a truly collaborative team effort and I sincerely congratulate Michael Larnder, Lewis Bundock as well as Jamie Bevan of course on your efforts here.

To finish this week with some good news, I am delighted to announce that Spencer Ghent and his partner Vicky welcomed their first child into the world this morning, a son Harvey.  Our warmest wishes and heartfelt congratulations are sent to you all and we do hope you are all doing well.

That’s all from me this week, other than wish you all an enjoyable long weekend break and I hope you will continue to stay safe and well.