FRIDAY UPDATE

I find it hard to believe we are just one week away from our (earlier than usual) Christmas closure and it certainly feels that the year has passed by incredibly quickly, which seems rather surprising and quite ironic given the uncertainty we have faced this year and restrictive measures that seem to have lasted a lifetime. From a virus that took us all by surprise at the turn of the year to the ‘new norm’ we find ourselves acclimatised to, 2020 will undoubtedly go down as a most unforgettable year.

As the first doses of the coronavirus vaccine are administered this week, naturally we are all hopeful that some positive news may be on the horizon following review of the government’s tiered system expected next week, when Kent’s fate for the next few weeks will be revealed. I do however feel it wise to mentally prepare ourselves for the worse as it would seem unlikely that a dramatic change of circumstance will ensue at this time, and which would potentially undo all the efforts and sacrifice of recent months. Please keep doing all that you are to stay safe and well and try to remain optimistic for better times ahead next year.

The media this week has returned its focus to the ongoing BREXIT negotiations which are ramping up at pace, and endeavouring to break trade deadlocks by Sunday to ensure the UK can emerge in a fair position and one of strength to confidently plan and move forwards as a nation. So much uncertainty and a distinct lack of clarity surrounds the ongoing debacle which understandably heightens concerns and anxieties about the unknown, but if this year has taught us anything we must resist the urge to panic and remain undeterred until we know more. Be it a deal or no deal, we will undoubtedly see substantial changes in both business operations and our personal lives and we will all need to adjust and prepare accordingly. Once we know more I will endeavour to keep you updated on any pertinent information and share my thoughts with you all on the road ahead.

As mentioned last week following Practical Completion achieved at Wateringbury, I am pleased to be able to share professional photographs of the project which really does look fantastic even when captured on a gloomy day, and is a credit to all the team.

As we edge ever closer to the end of the year we also come to the end of an era for two members of team Jenner who will be retiring at the end of next week. Paul Phillips, who is an incredibly longstanding member of Park Farm Joinery and one of our longest serving members of staff, and Andy Golding who is based at F51 (Urban Sports Park) and who has been with us for the past few years, will both be greatly missed upon their retirement. I wanted to mention their departures this week so as to give you chance to say your farewells in coming days. On behalf of my co-Directors and everyone at Jenner we thank both Paul and Andy wholeheartedly for their dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to the business and many years of hard work and wish you the very best for a healthy and happy retirement and do hope you will keep in touch with us in the future.

On a final note I would like to thank all those who very kindly and generously donated money or items to our ‘Operation Christmas Child’ shoebox appeal for the Samaritans, and I am delighted to announce that we managed to fill all 100 boxes which will be sent off early next week. Well done to Katie for your efforts in packing all these so thoughtfully to ensure an appropriate gift brings joy to children of all ages this Christmas who would have otherwise gone without. Any funds left over will be given to a local charity.

I do hope you will enjoy the last remaining working week and will embrace whatever situation we find ourselves in to make this festive period the best we possibly can. Thank you all once again for your ongoing efforts and do enjoy the weekend.