Pro Installer May 2020 - Issue 86 | Page 8

8 | MAY 2020 News Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk LETTER TO THE EDITOR ‘A confusing and chaotic time’ Over the past two weeks, with Government encouragement, the construction industry has started to return safely to work. A survey by Build UK (29 April) of major con- tractors reported close to 70% of sites were back at work. Most major housebuilders, plumbers’ and build- ers’ merchants and DIY and hardware stores have either re-opened or have announced plans to reopen soon. When the Government put the UK into lockdown on 23 March, it had no intention of shutting down construc- tion, but a week or so later it was alarmed to discover that most of it had closed down. It was a confusing and chaotic time. Government com- munications were unclear so when people saw others close down, they closed too. Asked to make Govern- ment intentions clear, Alok Sharma, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy wrote to reassure the construction industry that it was essential, and that those unable to work from home could con- tinue to work, operating safely with industry site operating procedures and guidance. “Whether by building temporary hospital wards… construct- ing the infrastructure society needs to function or ensuring that people have safe and healthy homes to live in, you are delivering for our Nation through this difficult time,” he said. The return to work will not be business as usual. We need sensible precautions like regular handwash- ing, cleaning and social distancing and safe working methods to protect workers and customers. As we’re all doing when we shop in Tesco or col- lect a prescription, we’re adapting to a ‘new normal’. Covid-19 Steps to minimise spread of virus at the workplace The GGF issued sensible guidance last week (28 April) stressing that in accordance with government guide- lines, installers can continue to work in homeowners’ properties provided they take relevant precautions. GGF Managing Director John Agnew said: “It can’t be any clearer; if it is safe to work to the Government and Pub- lic Health England guidance, then tradespeople can work in domestic homes.” A number of Deceuninck fabricators who are taking sensible precautions have resumed operations to fulfil existing contracts and new enquiries. Some have fabricated and installed windows for the new Nightingale Hospitals. We will be supplying PPE kit to De- ceuninck fabricators and we’ve issued practical advice and guidelines to fabricators and installers in a leaflet and series of posters to help custom- ers work safely in factories, offices and customer homes. The posters can be obtained free at shorturl.at/klvKU We are unlikely to return to the old normal anytime soon, and window fabricators and installers are having to learn how to operate safely in the new normal, the world as it is. They’ll play a critical part in getting the economy safely back on its feet. Rob McGlennon Deceuninck MD Let’s stop the spread of Let’s stop the spread of COVID-19 COVID-19 WELCOME Please use hand sanitiser provided before entering Please use hand sanitiser provided before entering the factory floor Let’s stop the spread of Let’s stop the spread of Let’s stop the spread of COVID-19 COVID-19 COVID-19 All employees must maintain a social distance of at least 2 metres apart at all times Clean keyboards, telephones and other equipment regularly All visitors must sanitise their hands and wear PPE where provided Let’s stop the spread of Let’s stop the spread of Let’s stop the spread of COVID-19 COVID-19 COVID-19 Wash your hands when you arrive at work and regularly throughout the day Only 2 persons in the break room at any time Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing Let’s stop the spread of Let’s stop the spread of Let’s stop the spread of COVID-19 COVID-19 COVID-19 Wash your hands as soon as possible after touching shared objects and door handles We are not shaking hands This leaflet is intended as a guide to help Deceuninck manufacturers and installers get back to work safely. We have also developed a series of Health and Safety posters for use in your offices and factories to help your employees with simple instructions to keep them safe. Use the link below for your FREE download. Posters are A1, for other sizes please ask. Supplied as single side print ready PDF: shorturl.at/klvKU shorturl.at/klvKU Sorry Please use disposable face masks and gloves provided Discard masks after 8 hours usage Deceuninck Limited Stanier Road • Porte Marsh • Calne • Wiltshire SN11 9PX T +44 (0)1249 816 969 • F +44 (0)1249 815 234 E [email protected] 04/20. All information in this leaflet is correct at the time of publication. www.karmadesignuk.com ® How Deceuninck manufacturers and installers can reduce the spread of Coronavirus EURAMAX MAKES STRIDES INTO DIY AND MERCHANT SECTOR Leading UK manufacturer of PVCu windows, doors and composite doors Euramax, has appointed Kevan Flanagan as its new key account manager for the DIY and merchant sector. Based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Euramax manufactures and supplies PVCu windows, doors and composite doors for the modular, new build, holiday home and home improvement markets. Euramax also supplies windows and doors into a number of DIY merchants in the UK and is looking to build upon this following Flanagan’s appointment, expanding its offering to both new and existing customers. Flanagan’s career in the construction industry be- gan in 1997 at Lafarge Ce- ment UK, where he worked as the area sales manager, before taking on the role of national key account manager in 2002. In this role, he was responsible for the accounts of a number of the UKs largest builders’ merchants, including Travis Perkins and Wickes. After four years, he then took the role as sales and marketing training manager, prior to returning to the role of key account manager for more well recognised builders’ merchants. Additionally, Flanagan has 30 years’ experience in command, leadership and management training with the territorial army. In 2012, he joined the Army Reserve as a reserve recruiting mentoring train- ing officer (RRMT), before starting at Marshalls PLC as national key account manager. Kevan Flanagan said: “The DIY market has grown rapidly in the last few years, with £55 billion predicted to be spent on DIY projects in the UK this year, it’s vital that we use this growth to build upon the foundation that Eura- max already has. “My years spent work- ing with some of the UK’s largest merchants has positioned me with a great insight and set of strategic, analytical and interpersonal skills, which will be neces- sary to develop and secure more customers within the industry”, continued Flanagan. “I’m excited to be taking the lead on this this sector and drive continued success with Euramax”, added Flanagan. “The DIY and merchant sector is one of our key business focuses and we have ambitious plans for growth in this sector”, Nick Cowley, managing director at Euramax commented. “Kevan’s successful history in this industry gives me great confidence that his knowledge and strategic skills will be invaluable to what we aim to achieve, and I’m excited to welcome him to the team”. www.euramaxuk.com