friday update

As we find ourselves on day 2 of the 27 day of the second national lockdown, it would appear so far that life remains pretty much ‘business as usual’ for many of us, with the roads still bustling with the morning school run traffic and everyone going about their daily routines, perhaps just a little more cautiously and in a slightly more subdued manner. Thankfully the forthcoming few weeks will by no means be quite as restrictive as the initial lockdown imposed back in March and we must remain optimistic that this period will serve its purpose to substantially reduce the escalating rate of infection, reduce the burden on our NHS resources and return us to some form of normality in time for (dare I mention it) the lead up to Christmas.

Following on from my update to you all earlier this week, the Directors and I remain very confident that we are robustly prepared and well placed to continue productive construction activity and are able to do so in a safe manner. Our intentions are fully aligned with government guidance to continue in the best interests of society and the economy, and ensures we can push forwards without the inconvenience that the previous shutdown caused for so many of you being furloughed for many weeks. If you haven’t yet taken the time to read our second spike lockdown policy, confirmed case protocol and the supporting guidance offered, I strongly encourage you to do so (and which remain accessible via the main website) so that we can ensure you are all fully informed of latest procedures in order to carry out your duties safely and with due regard for your colleagues.

Taking a very brief look at the wider construction industry, whilst growth has stalled slightly during October, overall recovery continues with reports remaining optimistic for the 12 months ahead. With a pandemic-induced stalling of the economy in most other areas, construction has been deemed “the bright spot in an otherwise gloomy month for the UK economy” and contemplating this makes me thankful once again for our industry’s new found respect and significance, in addition to the resulting strong industry rebound. I remain confident that we can continue to ‘weather the storm’ and emerge stronger and more determined than ever.

Having dared to mention Christmas briefly, it seems an appropriate time to launch this year’s charitable appeal that I do hope you will actively support to help make Christmas a little brighter for those less fortunate than us. This year we have decided bring back the Samaritans ‘Operation Christmas Child’ that we supported a few years ago. We will be filling as many special boxes with gifts for a child and ask that you either donate specific items, fill a whole box or offer a cash donation with which we will use to buy-in stock to fill the boxes. Suggestions of items include: Toys (cuddly toys, barbies, matchbox cars, small puzzles etc) stationary supplies (notepads, pens, pictures or colouring books etc) hygiene items (toothbrushes, wrapped soap, hairbrush, combs etc) or other items which could include hats, scarfs, socks, torches etc. The full list of suggested items for either gender can be viewed below but please do note that we cannot include any food items or toothpaste due to organisers restrictions. Naturally, due to COVID-19 concerns, the boxes will not be sealed so they can be sanitised prior to distribution.

https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox/

It would be most heartening and great for companywide morale to fully support this initiative to demonstrate our kindness, compassion and generosity at such a difficult time, when we all need to pull together. The process will be managed by Katie on reception who will be accepting donations from Monday 9th November until the end of the November when the boxes will be packed and sent in early December. You have all been so incredibly kind and generous in recent years with our various charitable initiatives, last time filling 100 boxes for this campaign as shown below, and I hope we can at least match that again this year.

As one of our most prominent flagship projects and a ‘world-first’, the Urban Sports Park remains firmly within the public eye and widely discussed across the industry and has substantially elevated our company profile. This remains an incredibly challenging scheme for the entire delivery team in so many ways, not least site logistics and the bespoke nature of the design and its construction, and yet they all continue to drive forwards with relentless determination and I would like to commend them for their incredible efforts. Encouragingly, the project is really taking shape now with the surrounds of the suspended skating bowls at first floor level now installed and looking pretty spectacular.

In conclusion, I appreciate this weekend will undoubtedly feel very different for us all, and during which we may start to feel the full effects of lockdown with so many of the niceties that we have become reaccustomed to once again being removed, but as this weekend significantly marks Remembrance Sunday I feel it particularly important to reflect upon this and the ultimate sacrifice made for us all by so many during those troubled times. Whilst we are in undoubtedly difficult times, with the freedom they fought to secure us temporarily restricted in many ways, we must remain thankful that whatever circumstance we currently face remains insubstantial in comparison to those who fought to preserve our country. I would imagine that this year’s commemorations will prove even more poignant and with further respect and gratitude shown to our vital NHS frontline workers too.

That’s all from me for another week, other than to wish you all well and encourage you to remain alert and positive and perhaps take the quieter few weeks that lie ahead to rest and recuperate.

Stay safe and well