Friday update

Before I address matters dominating life as we currently know it, I’d like to begin today’s ‘Friday Update’ by sharing some incredibly positive news with you all. On Wednesday we were informed that Kirk Longman and his team responsible for delivery of the Harmonia Village in Dover; the UK’s first dementia village of its kind, regenerating redundant former hospital properties which completed at the end of last year, were crowned the NATIONAL WINNERS of the Considerate Constructors National Gold Award. This is a remarkable achievement and a huge accolade for Jenner as the CCS is so highly esteemed as one of the pivotal and most-respected standards within the industry. Our incredible standards and how the project showcased an exceptional approach to considerate practice through fantastic external appearances and brilliant work with the local community was noted by the judges, and our commitment shown to the environment, safety and our workforce were highlighted as exemplary. High praise must be extended to Kirk in securing this award for his unrelenting enthusiasm and tireless efforts to deliver this project in such a considerate manner, and cited as a true credit to the industry. Kirk, as disappointing as it is not to be able to celebrate this in true Jenner style given the cancellation of the live awards ceremony in London, I do hope you will take a moment to reflect on your achievement and feel as proud of your efforts as we do.

Returning to review this week’s latest COVID-19 developments and new legislation issued from central government, it comes as no real surprise that a swathe of yet more stringent measures are being imposed upon us given the record numbers of positive tests recorded this week signifying another surge in infection rates. The new 10pm pub curfew, additional use of face coverings when moving in and around restaurants, bars and cafes, the rule of 6 and increased fines for rule-breakers, are new additions to the ever-changing ‘new normal’ to which we must now conform. Once again, if we all pull together to all follow these simple rules it will certainly help us to get through the difficult months ahead as the fight against COVID continues, and it remains imperative that we play our part to avoid further deaths, overwhelming of NHS resources or a second, economically devastating national lockdown. Enhanced guidance has also been released this week from the HSE which has been shared directly with the site teams and which we must ensure we adhere to as swiftly as possible. The guidance within the office remains unchanged in terms of social distancing, heightened hygiene and temperature monitoring all of which we are trying to police, but do please play your part and comply with these simple requirements in order to keep you and your colleagues safe and well. Remote working continues to be encouraged as much as possible in line with the latest guidance, although we would like this to be structured so that at least part of your working week is based within the office and this should be carefully coordinated with your colleagues within your immediate teams and agreed with your line manager to keep numbers within communal spaces and open plan offices at manageable levels.

It’s a pleasure to report more positive recognition for our people this week as the General Works team responsible for delivering ‘The Hub on Rye Hill’ were praised and rewarded for their efforts and added value given to the project, with Michael Larnder, Dave Thomas and Rod Wooldridge presented with a commemorative project keepsake this week alongside members of the consultant project team, as pictured below.

I was delighted to have opportunity earlier today to visit the site of William Muge and Snelgrove in Dover to welcome the Leader of Dover District Council Cllr Trevor Bartlett, various councillors and other key members of the client team to view the progress being made in delivering 65 new homes for local people. The Leader expressed that he was highly impressed with the standard of housing being delivered, spending almost 3 hours walking through the site expertly guided by Geoff, Sean and Will and our client openly expressed pleasure in working with the whole Jenner team in such a collaborative way. An image from the Councillors visit is pictured below outside the townhouses on the William Muge site alongside the latest CGI’s depicting the overall development.

In light of the ongoing epidemic, the Kent Construction Expo, our region’s most prolific annual exhibition for the construction industry has understandably been postponed until June 2021. Jenner have always ensured a strong a presence at the event to raise our profile and enhance our reputation, last year winning the accolade for ‘Best Large Stand’ and we look forward to the events return next year when hopefully life will have settled down somewhat. In the meantime Kent Construction Live will take place as a virtual conference next Thursday 1st October. The day will be hosted by our very own Ella Brocklebank and also Cheryl Causebrook (who many of you know well) in their capacity as co-chairs of the KCFG which kicks off the day at 7:30am. This is a free to attend event with an impressive line up of engaging speakers addressing some of constructions hottest topics and taking a look at business in this time of COVID. If you would like to register to attend and support the day please visit: www.kentconstructionlive.co.uk

I don’t believe we have any staff milestones to celebrate this week so I will leave you all to relax and enjoy the weekend. It would seem Summer has well and truly departed but I am sure that won’t dampen your plans.