Our continuing operations in these uncertain times

TG Escapes – Continuing operations.

At this time we are continuing to work with our customers to develop their building designs and submit them for planning permission.
Construction on most sites has halted. This is due to problems in procuring supplies from the normal supply chain as well as our responsibility to our construction teams’ well-being. Whilst many construction sites across the UK are still operational, we will only restart once we have suitable safety procedures and equipment in place. Should government guidelines change and the supply chain is able to function again, we will re-start work on site if we are able to do so safely.

Our manufacturing facility is currently closed but will re-start once we are able to safely follow government guidelines at this time.

We are in touch with others in the education construction sector and understand that most building projects have been mothballed for now. We expect that this will have an impact on us all as we come out of the crisis. We anticipate that projects will be delayed and there will likely be a surge in demand from schools that still need buildings as life returns to normal, but with less time to secure planning and to build. We and the rest of the industry will potentially be stretched beyond our capacity.

We will of course always prioritise those projects which are underway. However, planning departments are already overstretched and this will get worse during the lockdown and is likely to continue long after.
Our architects, designers and engineers are working as normal but from home. We will continue to do this work and submit planning applications.

OPERATIONS

On all our construction sites that become operational, we shall continue to maintain a high standard of welfare provision along with high levels of personal hygiene which fully discharges not only our legal, but moral obligations, specifically Schedule 2 of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.  Indeed, we have updated our construction site risk assessments along with the associated control measures and have communicated such measures to all persons involved on our sites.  We shall continue to act appropriately as government advice continues to be cascaded to business.

As a responsible and ethical contractor with excellent relationships with our employees, contractors and wider supply chain, we have taken sensible and proportionate measures which entirely mirror the sensible and proportionate advice business has received from the government to help contain the spread of the virus.

SITE SURVEYS

There is so much that we can achieve with tele/video conferencing, so with forethought and a detailed brief we can visit your site independently with no requirements to have a face to face meeting, with a pre and after visit video conference call.

PLANNING

We are moving on with planning applications, although we expect that the process will take longer than usual. If you are able to progress your project into the planning phase then we recommend pressing ahead to ensure we are at the front of the planning queue. For projects where TG Escapes are the selected partner, we will be happy to manage the process for you now at no cost to you (except for the relatively small planning application fee).

There is no doubt that this crisis will affect us all in many different ways and fundamentally change our society. However, one thing that is certain is that if you need more space for the children in your school, that need will still be there when this is all over. We are here to do everything we can to help give you the space you need so don’t hesitate to let me know how we may be able to help you in these very uncertain times.