On Thursday 11 June, 2020, the Women in Roofing (WinR) group launched the first in a four-part series of industry webinars. ‘Planning for the new normal: Site rules, communication, and collaboration’ was led by Kate Whatley, director of the WinR group and commercial director at SPV Group.
On the panel was John Newcomb, chief executive officer of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), Peter Henrickson from M&J Roofing and chief executive of RAM Consultancy, and Mark Mitchell, chief executive officer of Jarvis & Womack and national vice president of the NFRC. The webinar was chaired by Kevin Parr, a well-known speaker and conference host within the construction sector.
On a road to recovery
As part of the Construction Leadership Council’s COVID-19 Task Force, which represents the entire construction supply chain from product manufacturers and merchants to contractors and housebuilders, John Newcomb, provided valuable insight about its “Road to Recovery Roadmap” plan to secure the future of construction businesses nationwide, while setting the industry on a sustainable path towards recovery over the next two years. He mentioned how all stakeholders involved are working closely with one another to ensure that the construction sector is at the forefront of the economic recovery.
It was encouraging to hear that the construction sector is leading the economic recovery, and industry leaders are coming together and are open for real collaboration across the different sectors. There were discussions around the challenges in which the industry has been facing regarding a shortage of material supplies and the knock-on effects that has had on completing and starting new projects. John explained that the BMF is working closely with its members to come up with mitigating actions to help resolve these problems.
Implementing safety procedures
Peter Henrickson shared some useful health and safety and operational advice on what initiatives M&J Roofing has been implementing since returning to site, and how with the correct procedures in place, contractors can return safely back to site efficiently and effectively post lockdown.
Meanwhile, Mark Mitchell gave an insight into the housebuilding sector and post lockdown challenges since returning to projects. He mentioned how there is a reduction of housing units planned going forward, and a lack of confidence from housebuilders starting new sites. However, that aside, he mentioned how there are new opportunities available for the taking.
Mark also highlighted the work that the NFRC has been doing since introducing its Coronavirus COVID-19 Hub in March where members and non-members can access valuable health and safety tool-kits, advice and guidance for contractors about re-opening their business and construction sites, and information on how to support their employees through the transition period.
Open communication
Kate Whatley spoke about the importance of communication within SPV Group and how it has had a significant impact on helping to navigate the impact of COVID-19 amongst the company’s members of staff.
She also discussed how there are many lessons in which businesses can learn from since dealing with the current situation, which will help shape businesses and the way they work in the future. For example, attending virtual meetings to save on commuting time and carrying out training and CPDs online to name but a few.
Going forward, Kate also said it would be beneficial for businesses to share best practice and ideas with one another, and collectively push for wider innovation and use of technology within small and medium-sized enterprises.
Attendee feedback…
One attendee who attended the webinar said: “I took some really interesting points away with me from the WinR webinar. It was great to hear that direct talks are taking place with the government and key federations in regards to getting the construction sector back on track, as well as hearing about the issues surrounding product availability and the groups in place who are working together to help resolve these shortages.
“It was also very interesting to hear stories about how different contractors have managed the current situation, with some remaining open throughout the pandemic and others having only recently opened last month. It certainly helped to ascertain customer requirements.”
The second WinR webinar entitled: ‘Wellbeing and mental health’ is scheduled to take place on Thursday 18 June at 3.00pm until 16:30pm. To register visit: http://womeninroofing.co.uk/.
