Friday update

As we arrive at the Halfway point through our second national lockdown, I hope this finds you all coping well and that you have become reaccustomed to life as we currently know it once again. Much of the current speculation questions whether we will have our freedom, or aspects of it, restored on 2nd December and whilst the current statistics would suggest otherwise we cannot underestimate the importance of mental wellbeing and the negative impact of a continued lockdown on the economy, and I feel hopeful the government have this firmly at the forefront of their thinking.

More positivity has this week been directed towards the construction industry as Business Secretary Alok Sharma has paid tribute to our industry in an open letter addressed to all in construction to thank us for keeping the economy moving throughout the global pandemic, and noting our contribution as being ‘invaluable’. Do not underestimate the weight of that message which applies to each and every one of you in the role you perform here at Jenner.

I am delighted to report that a fortnight on from the first confirmed case of COVID-19 experienced within the main office, any further suspected cases or those who may have been exposed to the infection, have all returned negative test results which is a huge relief and extremely reassuring. All of your concerted efforts are clearly paying off and lets hope all the optimism surrounding a potential vaccine comes to fruition as this could well be absolutely pivotal to unlocking ‘life as normal’ as we knew it.

This week our business hometown has also been in the media spotlight and dubbed as the new ‘Greenwich-on-Sea’ as a metropolitan seaside town where more and more people are choosing to live! The article below is an interesting read and for a business with 145 years of heritage in the town, and with so many of you being local residents it is nice to see some positive journalism focused on the town. It is also great to see the article singling out the development of Folkestone Seafront and the positive impact this will have on the town in its continued emergence, delivering luxury beachfront living.

https://www.kentlive.news/news/property/folkestone-kent-town-dubbed-greenwich-4706278?utm_source=sharebar&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sharebar

Many of our contracts are currently heading towards completion, and Wateringbury as a prime example of this, was looking spectacular in the autumn sunshine earlier this week just weeks away now from handover to our client Rapport Housing and Care. The project has been challenging for the team given the opposition felt by the neighbouring community, but their continued efforts will result in yet another Jenner development to be proud of, delivering 51 essential extra care residential units to the community.

A gentle reminder and plea for your generosity and support for our Samaritans ‘Operation Christmas Child’ appeal which we are embracing as our charitable initiative this year. Please do pass your donations of items or money to Katie on reception by the end of this month so that we can fill as many boxes as possible and support this incredibly worthy initiative. As a reminder, suggested 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/

Next week we await with baited breath the results of both the RICS National Awards, where the Curious Brewery is a finalist after its success in the commercial category of the regional awards, and the outcome of our shortlisting in two categories at the national Construction Marketing Awards. Everything crossed ahead of the results and I’ll update you on these next week as both pose great PR opportunities for Jenner whilst offering rightful commendation for the efforts employed to gain this national recognition.

Finishing on a positive note I’d like extend our congratulations to Lorna who has this week welcomed another Grandchild into the world and her first Grand-Daughter, which is incredibly heart-warming news, especially in current times and I do hope everyone is doing well and you have opportunity to meet your new addition soon.

Thank you all once again for those who have taken the time to read this week’s update which I do hope you continue to find informative, and as always I would like to wish you all an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.