Aptus update on operations

Since the restart of operations at the end of April, Aptus Utilities has been delivering maximum multi utility support to clients during a phased reopening of development sites across England. The demand from housebuilders is bringing our operational activities increasingly in line with pre-lockdown levels, which is encouraging.

Whilst the business has quickly responded to the needs of the construction industry, it has been imperative to return to operations in a controlled manner. This has involved ensuring that mandatory COVID-safe procedures and PPE are in place and that all employees are thoroughly briefed on the new health and safety protocols before returning to work.

Such measures are critical in order to safeguard our workforce and to ensure we fully adhere to safe working practices across all our clients’ sites. As a responsible business we are also mindful of the need to reduce risk within the wider community and we will continue to actively highlight and follow the official guidelines that help to keep everyone safe.

Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted site operations between 27th March and 27th April, Aptus has continued to receive high levels of enquiries. These have been processed by our dedicated estimating team, who, along with our design, commercial and finance teams, have worked hard to maintain high customer service levels throughout this challenging time.

Behind the scenes the collective effort from the entire team has ensured Aptus has emerged in a strong financial position. The return to site operations, along with the government furlough support scheme, will make sure this continues to be the case.

Employee welfare has been at the heart of our decision to restart and this spring we launched a health and wellbeing campaign designed to support employees and their families by addressing subjects such as mental health, stress awareness and healthy lifestyles. We also took the step of adding a new private intranet site to our communication channels. This has enabled us to share useful resources and maintain contact with employees who are remote working.

At the start of July and more than 100 days after lockdown began, we are approaching the next phase of operations with cautious optimism. The Government has backed construction and housebuilding as essential drivers in the country’s economic recovery and, with the industry already showing positive signs of revival, we are confident in our ability to support our partners in meeting important targets ahead.

Published on 3rd July 2020