Our COVID-19 response: Supporting our employees, communities and clients
Thomas Armstrong Group have like all businesses within our sector and across the UK faced challenges and uncertainty during this pandemic; however, throughout this time, the health, safety and wellbeing of all employees, contractors and the public have always been our priority.
The UK Government recognised and supported the construction and manufacturing sector as key to the UK’s economy to remain open where it was safely to do so.
The Board of Directors and key management continues to meet weekly to unsure that the company abides by the current government guidance and advice; whilst still protecting the future of the business, a difficult balance to maintain.
It has not been the first time Thomas Armstrong Group has experienced challenging times since its established in 1830 but its long heritage, knowledge and expertise demonstrates its strength, determination, and resilience to change even through unprecedented times. This evidence can be seen across the company through the support given to our local communities and clients below.
This is also a credit to our dedicated employees who have responded and adapted to change extremely well by undertaking homeworking where possible but also in their full cooperation in supporting and helping to secure the business’ future.
Protecting and our Employees
Despite all efforts The Group took the tough decision to temporarily close our offices and construction sites in March 2020 for short period of time. This was to minimise the risk to our employees and their families as their health, well-being and safety was our priority, and to also assist in containing the spread of COVID-19.
Since this period, The Group has remained defiant and has continued to keep our offices and sites open. This has enabled to support the operations of key clients and suppliers, identified as vital within the supply chain, as well as supporting local communities. This was only possible by ensuring the latest COVID-19 guidelines were strictly abided by.
Across all offices and construction sites additional health and safety policies and protocols have been enforced to protect the safety of all our employees, subcontractors, and visitors including homeworking, social distancing, and face coverings.
In the event someone is required to attend our offices, a Visitors COVID-19 policy and key measures are in place for the protection of our staff and visitors. Full details can be viewed in our policy.
These protocols are constantly reviewed to ensure as a company we adhere and remain in line with the latest guidance given.
The future…
The end of this pandemic is looking ever more positive but as a company we are still staying and remaining vigil. The Group is looking forward to welcoming the full workforce back into the office environment very soon.
The end of this pandemic is looking ever more positive but as a company we are still staying and remaining vigil. The Group is looking forward to welcoming the full workforce back into the office environment very soon.
Making Maryport Smile
7th May 2020, Facebook - Ewanrigg Local Trust
STAY KIND: Hats off to the fab volunteers who run the Food Pantry at the The Settlement at Castle Hill. With social distancing in place things have been a bit tricky, but they managed to pull it out of the bag and get food parcels delivered across the town to people who needed them most.
Thanks go out to Hayley Bishop from Cumbria County Council and Allerdale Borough Council for support, volunteers from Thomas Armstrong Construction Ltd. who helped to unload boxes and divide up food and all the usual Food Pantry volunteers who coped with the new restrictions with style and grace!
Photo: Lisa Peel and Sarah Murray from Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd volunteering in the Food Pantry
Recognising our local front-line NHS hero’s
9th April 2020, Facebook
During a recent discussion, the Management Team at Thomas Armstrong (Timber) Ltd. decided that we needed to show our support and appreciation to some of our local front-line NHS hero’s.
All the staff on the ICU wards at WCH are spending many long hours fully suited in PPE which must be uncomfortable, exhausting and the need to re-hydrate frequently is obviously a necessity. Offering the availability to ‘grab and go’ a nice cool drink is our way of saying “we are here for you” and “ we appreciate everything you are doing to fight this virus”.
We would like to say a huge thank you to Caterite Food & Wineservice Ltd who answered our call for supplies immediately and organised the delivery with precision (we also suspect you gave us an extra special deal on the price ). Many thanks for your support and the staff at WCH also send their appreciation.
West Cumberland Hospital… please maintain the excellent work that you are doing to keep us all safe. The whole community appreciates everything you are doing for us.
Thomas Armstrong Volunteer Drivers Deliver Food Bags
4th April 2020, Facebook - The Settlement at Castle Hill
Well done to the TAC volunteer drivers who have been helping deliver food bags. The food is now all accounted for and the last deliveries are on their way. Thank you to the kind neighbours who identified people needing support, and a HUGE thank you to our volunteer drivers from Thomas Armstrong.
4th April 2020, Facebook - Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd
Last week Thomas Armstrong (Construction) Ltd. answered the call from Cumbria County Council/NHS to turn the previously disused Brackenthwaite Nursing Home in Whitehaven into a make shift hospital. Work started on the 25th March and was completed on the 29th March. Well done to everyone involved
We also donated boxes of face masks to a local nursing home in Westfield.
A Thank You from our Clients...
Really great to work with TA on this project. We love the new development! Such a great team, really helpful and supportive throughout the process - in particular with all the challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Thank you for helping us deliver this great project.
Project: Vine Terrace, Penrith, Client: Eden Housing Association
The UK wide lockdown brought works to HIP car park at Barrow-in-Furness to a halt, deemed as non-essential for manufacturing and construction. PMS worked with main contractors, Thomas Armstrong Construction Ltd. to get our teams back on site as soon as was safely possible once restrictions eased, continuing with the manufacture and erection of 550 tonnes of structural steel, now complete.
Project: HIP Car Park, Client: PMS Fabrications Ltd
Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Health and Safety is paramount in the Construction industry, not just to our employees and clients, but also as a duty to the public.
Therefore, looking after Health and Safety is not just good business sense and practice, but it is also the team’s top priority in promoting positive wellbeing and enforcing safe working practices across the whole Group and its clients to protect everyone involved.
