friday update

With another week of lockdown (and January for that matter) thankfully ticked off, I do hope that as I write to you this evening you remain resolute in your determination to play your part in the ongoing daily battles we face to overcome the pandemic and remained fuelled with a degree of optimism and enthusiasm conducive to the Jenner ethos. It really is hugely encouraging to witness how well you all continue to conduct yourselves and my Co-Directors and I remain ever grateful for your efforts to push forwards during these unsettled times.

With government guidance ever-changing I appreciate that the advice and information shared, and new rules that we have needed to impose seems to arrive and then change on an almost daily basis, but I hope you will recognise how imperative our enhanced company procedures and protocols are in our attempts as a responsible employer to keep you all as safe and well as best we can. Please do take proactive steps to regularly test for the virus every 2-3 weeks using the latest asymptomatic testing service, which to remind you, can be booked through the following link: https://kcc.healthit.org.uk/covbook/home

New data now suggests that as many as 1 in 8 of us across the UK will have contracted COVID-19 by December last year which I do hope (but is yet to be scientifically proven) will help us build a ‘herd-immunity’ to the virus and with almost 5million (first dose) vaccinations now administered in the UK (which far exceeds the number of confirmed cases experienced to date which should be celebrated) I hope these are positive statistics that signify a light at the end of the (very long) tunnel. That said however, whilst the R-Rate has declined in the South East quite substantially by 13% it still remains too high at 1.2 to 1.3, which means that for every 10 people infected another 12 -13 people will catch the virus. When put into context in this manner it starkly evidences how highly transmissible the virus remains and how quickly this could spread throughout the office or any of our sites if we fail to comply with our heightened safety standards. I’m sure this acts as reminder enough that there is no room for complacency in our actions and that we must keep vigilant and on high alert to the risks.

Turning attention away from COVID-19 and taking a look at our industry, it is encouraging to hear that the construction sector remains strong and set to grow by 14% this year and a further 4.9% in 2022 (even though this means we are basically back to pre-COVID levels prior to the sharp downturn experienced due to the initial onset of the pandemic) in what industry forecasters dub a ‘W’-shaped recession and recovery. At this time we thankfully remain protected by the flexible furlough scheme, which is implemented in relation to turnover and productivity as and when we need it and which remains a huge comfort at this time. Let us hope that, given our strength as a business and with boundless experience in the priority sectors of housing, health and education where expenditure remains focused, that we can continue to prosper and emerge through these difficult times.

All construction sites continue to remain operational and progressing well which is a huge accomplishment in itself given the challenging working conditions faced, which undoubtedly impacts momentum. It is encouraging to see how accustomed our site teams are becoming to virtual communications particularly with Considerate Constructors audits now conducted virtually and which certainly does not seem to have hindered our scores. Folkestone Seafront development, as a prime example, has received high praise this month during their second audit recognising that the site creates a 'very positive image for the construction industry'. An 'impressive site appearance' and a 'caring and supportive work environment' were just some of the comments from the report with further recognition for our 'excellent' COVID-19 practices. Huge efforts go into ensuring we are accountable in our actions and actively contributing to the communities surrounding our projects and which evidently is happening here. Well done to all the site team for an excellent report!

Remaining our focus on FS1 the aerial images below captured from the two tower cranes on site illustrate the substantial progress being made by the team. The first image below is taken from TC1 showcasing the exceptional progress made to the East apartment block as well as the inter-connecting townhouses as they emerge further out of the ground, and the latter image pictures the progress of the West apartment block.

Nothing speaks louder than the positive words of our clients, which makes it truly rewarding to receive a firm commendation for our project performance and the conduct of our team following completion of the Jennison Building (University of Kent) at the end last year. As part of our Customer Satisfaction procedures the project scored 10/10 for quality of product and service, as well as our approach to health and safety, the environment and collaborative working, whilst citing Jenner as ‘Much Better’ than our competitor contractors and confirming intent to continue to work with us in the future. I have selected a few exerts from the detailed testimonials received from both our client project manager and ultimate end-user at the University, to share with you all as follows:

"I would like to thank all the team at Jenner for their work on the Jennison workshop refurbishment. I have been involved from the concept of the project to its completion. The team worked hard to ensure we stayed true to our vision for the building whilst working with us to deliver it within budget. Particularly I would like to thank the site manager Kirk Longman who provided excellent support for me throughout the project. Nothing was ever too much trouble and he was always very responsive to any questions, issues or concerns I had."

“Kirk ensured works were carried out to a high standard, never compromising the quality of the works and whilst understanding and appreciating the constraints on the budgets. Kirk was extremely accommodating to the universities needs and work processes allowing multiple site visits and using initiative to be in direct contact with our internal engineers throughout, avoiding potentially costly oversights. …….The University is delighted with the end result and excited to start the new semester in the newly refurbished space. It has been a pleasure to work with Jenner and your Team on this project. Thank you to all of you for delivering this project and I look forward to working with you again in the future”.

I’m sure you’ll agree the words above speak for themselves and will be fundamental in securing future work with this client and many others, so very well done to Kirk Longman, Dave Thomas and the wider team involved in delivery of this challenging refurbishment to such a high standard and in such a considerate manner.

Lastly, may I politely remind you all that Century House remains closed to external visitors and non-office based staff, as set out in companywide correspondence earlier this week, in the same manner that office-based staff are not permitted to access our construction sites at this time. Please do adhere to this ruling for your own safety and that of your colleagues.

Wishing you all a safe, relaxing and enjoyable weekend ahead.