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Meet the Retain Limited team! Our new staff profiles highlight the individuals who are the driving force behind our continued success.

From our experienced commercial team to our dedicated administrative staff, our team is committed to providing exceptional service to our clients. Over the coming months, you will learn more about our team members and their unique contributions to Retain Limited.

Our second profile is all about Ruby Stidwell, our fantastic office leader! Ruby joined us almost a year ago and quickly established herself as a key team member.

Ruby was recently promoted to office manager, which was very well deserved. She’s proven to be an invaluable and lovely team member.

Name and Job Title: Ruby Stidwell, Office Manager

Work Related:

1. What do you enjoy most about your job?

That I get to interact with absolutely everyone in the office every day. I feel I am at the centre of everything happening in the company.

2. What do you find most challenging about your job?

Sometimes, so much can happen in a day that it can run away from you! Pretty much everything comes through the admin team.

3. What do you think makes you a good work colleague?

The key is always to remember everyone on the tea or coffee run – forgetting anyone is just asking for trouble!

4. What do you think is the most essential quality for a successful team?

Knowing everyone’s role is vital to the company’s continued success. Without each department’s specialist knowledge and experience, we couldn’t complete our projects to such a high standard.

5. What do you think makes Retain Limited unique?

I believe Retain Limited is unique because of the variety we offer. There are not many companies that provide all three services in one offering, which makes us quite unique in the construction industry.

Fun Facts:

1. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I really struggle with this question because I want them all, and I can’t choose!

2. What is your favourite quote or motto?

Surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming.

3. What is your favourite movie or TV show?

No doubt here, it has to be FRIENDS!

4. What is your favourite musician or band?

It’s tough to choose just one, but I love The Killers.

5. What is your favourite type of food?

Mexican food.

6. What is your favourite holiday destination?

Mexico – I was lucky enough to go there on my honeymoon.

7. What is your biggest fear?

I’m scared of heights!

8. What are your hobbies or passions?

My passion is spending quality time with my friends and family, and I am partial to a glass of wine (or two!)

9. Are you a morning person or a night owl?

Somewhere in between!

10. What is your favourite sport to watch?

I’m not a sports gal, unfortunately! Give me a true crime documentary any day of the week

Quickfire Round:

1. Do you prefer tea or coffee?

Tea

2. Do you prefer to cook or eat out?

Cook

3. Do you prefer KFC or McDonald’s?

McDonald’s

4. Do you prefer sweet or savoury foods?

Savoury

5. Do you prefer the beach or the pool?

Pool

6. Do you prefer the city or the countryside?

City

7. Do you prefer summer or winter?

Somewhere in between!

8. Do you prefer dogs or cats?

Cats, although my cat is so much like a dog!

9. Do you prefer to listen to music or podcasts?

Music

10. Do you prefer to read fiction or non-fiction books?

Fiction

Today marks World Mental Health Day (10th October). This annual event aims to raise awareness of mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote support for those experiencing mental health challenges.

While the construction industry has historically faced challenges related to physical health and safety on-site, it’s increasingly recognised that mental health is just as crucial to the well-being of our workers.

The Unique Challenges of the Construction Industry

The construction industry presents unique challenges that can significantly impact mental health. These include:

• Physical demands: The physically demanding nature of construction work can lead to stress, fatigue, and injuries, which can contribute to mental health problems.
• Job insecurity: The cyclical nature of the construction industry can create job insecurity and financial stress, which can have a detrimental effect on mental health.
• Isolation: Construction workers often work in remote locations or on large projects, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Toxic masculinity: Traditional gender roles and expectations in the construction industry can contribute to a culture of stoicism and the suppression of emotions, making it difficult for workers to seek help for mental health issues.

The Importance of Mental Health Support

The construction industry needs to prioritise mental health support for its workers. By providing access to mental health resources and creating a supportive work environment, companies can:

• Reduce absenteeism: Mental health issues can lead to increased absenteeism and reduced productivity. By addressing mental health concerns, companies can improve employee attendance and overall performance.
• Improve safety: Mental health problems can contribute to accidents and injuries on the job. By promoting mental health, companies can create a safer work environment.
• Enhance employee morale: A supportive work environment that prioritises mental health can boost employee morale, leading to increased job satisfaction and retention.

Steps the Construction Industry Can Take

Here are some steps the construction industry can take to promote mental health and well-being among its workers:

• Raise awareness: Educate workers about mental health issues and encourage open conversations about mental health.
• Provide resources: Offer access to mental health professionals, counselling services, and support groups.
• Create a supportive culture: Foster a culture of respect, empathy, and understanding where workers feel comfortable seeking help without fear of stigma or discrimination.
• Promote work-life balance: Encourage workers to take breaks, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and prioritise self-care.
• Address workplace stressors: Identify and address potential stressors in the workplace, such as excessive workload, poor working conditions, or bullying.

By taking these steps, the construction industry can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for its workers, helping to improve mental health and overall well-being.

September 10th marks World Suicide Prevention Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about suicide and promoting prevention strategies. It’s a day to remember those lost to suicide, to support those who are struggling, and to advocate for greater understanding and compassion.

The Alarming Statistics

Within the UK construction industry, suicide is still a major issue, with two construction workers taking their own lives every day.

As well as the construction sector, suicide still represents a serious public health issue and comes with devastating consequences. Here are some shocking statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO):

• Approximately 703,000 people die by suicide each year
• Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29
• For every person who dies by suicide, there are many more who attempt suicide

The statistics above highlight the urgent need for effective suicide prevention strategies to be implemented.

The Stigma Surrounding Suicide

One of the most significant barriers to preventing suicide is the stigma associated with mental health issues. Many people who are contemplating suicide may feel isolated, ashamed, or afraid to seek help. 

It’s crucial to break down these barriers by fostering open conversations about mental health and encouraging individuals to reach out for the support they need.

Understanding the Warning Signs

Recognising the warning signs of suicide can be vital in preventing tragic outcomes. While it’s important to remember that these signs may vary from person to person, some common indicators include:

• Talking about suicide or death
• Feeling hopeless or helpless
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Engaging in risky behaviour
• Giving away personal belongings
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns

If you notice these signs in someone you know, it’s essential to approach them with empathy and concern. Let them know that you care and are there to listen without judgment.

Seeking Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s crucial to seek professional help. There are many resources available in the UK, including:

• Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – 0800 58 58 58
• Carers UK – 0808 808 7777
• Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) – 0800 132 737 or text HELP (plus your message) to 81066
• Maytree Suicide Respite Centre – 020 7263 7070
• The Mix – 85258 (crisis messenger service, text THEMIX)
• Mates in Mind (Construction Industry) – text BeAMate to 85258
• NHS – 111 or 18001 111 (text relay)
• Papyrus HOPELINEUK – 0800 068 41 41 or 07860 039967 (text)
• Sane – 0300 304 7000
• Samaritans – 116123 (freephone)
• SHOUT – 85258 (text SHOUT)

Remember, you are not alone. Help is available, and you deserve to feel better and live your desired life. Working together can create a world where everyone feels valued, connected, and supported. Let’s continue to break down the stigma, foster understanding, and create a culture of compassion and support.

Meet the Retain Limited team! Our new staff profiles highlight the individuals who are the driving force behind our continued success.

From our experienced commercial team to our dedicated administrative staff, our team is committed to providing exceptional service to our clients. Over the coming months, you will learn more about our team members and their unique contributions to Retain Limited.

First up is Molly Willis, our bubbly office administrator. Molly joined our team just a few months ago and has quickly become an invaluable asset. Her dedication, organisational skills, and positive attitude make her a perfect fit!

Name and Job Title: Molly Willis, Office Administrator

Work Related:

1. What do you enjoy most about your job?

Being the go-between for all employees of the company, making sure that they have all their needs met. I like the variability of the role, as there are so many different types of jobs to do throughout the day.

2. What do you find most challenging about your job?

It’s trying to figure out what needs to be prioritised first. Every job that lands on the administration desk is important, but obviously, there is only so much time in the day, so it’s sometimes tricky trying to figure out what to do first

3. What do you think makes you a good work colleague?

I believe I’m a very bubbly and friendly person, and I like to try to spread that within the office to make me easily approachable and create a comfortable environment. This is what makes me a good work colleague in my opinion.

4. What do you think is the most essential quality for a successful team?

Good communication is the most essential quality that any team needs. Without good communication between all departments and teams within an office, jobs get missed, and tasks don’t get completed to the highest standard. I also think trust in each other and feeling comfortable asking hard questions are highly important qualities to have in a team. There are always going to be difficult tasks or conversations that need to happen, so being able to handle them together is essential.

5. What do you think makes Retain Limited unique?

We’re a very close-knit office. I’m relatively new to the team, but everyone is so welcoming, and it’s a quality that spreads throughout the company. I think what makes Retain Limited unique as well is that although there are designated departments and roles, everyone is happy to chip in and help in whatever aspect is needed – even if it isn’t their actual role.

Fun Facts:

1. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I’d love to be able to have the power of stretchiness/flexibility like Mrs Incredible so I can reach whatever I want and not have to move very far, especially things on the top shelf as I am quite short and it is a task!

2. What is your favourite quote or motto?

What is meant for you won’t pass you by. I try to take this with me through life so that I stay grounded in knowing that things will always get better. If something doesn’t go the way I hoped, then it wasn’t meant to happen that way.

3. What is your favourite movie or TV show?

It’s too hard for me to pick one specific all-time favourite, I am a Netflix veteran and have watched way too many things. But a classic I love to go back to and am currently rewatching is Gilmore Girls.

4. What is your favourite musician or band?

Ever since I was little, I’ve been obsessed with Demi Lovato, Little Mix, and JLS.

5. What is your favourite type of food?

Savoury food is my go-to favourite, but give me a bag of crisps, and I will be ecstatic!

6. What is your favourite holiday destination?

My favourite holiday destinations I have been to are Mexico and Cape Verde.

7. What is your biggest fear?

Spiders are definitely up there. I despise them, even the tiny ones! But I also have a big fear of not knowing what happens in the afterlife.

8. What are your hobbies or passions?

I’ve always been a musical theatre girl. It’s one of my favourite things to watch, but I also used to love performing in musicals during school. Music has been a big passion of mine throughout my life. I love all things musical and am partial to a bit of television, too. I do want to start crocheting as a new hobby, though.

9. Are you a morning person or a night owl?

If I am being totally honest, I would probably say neither, haha! I’m definitely not great in the mornings, and I am usually asleep by 10:30pm, so I would say I thrive more during the day.

10. What is your favourite sport to watch?

I wouldn’t classify myself as a very sporty person or a huge lover of sports, but my partner’s love of football and F1 has rubbed off on me a little, so I don’t mind watching some of the football games or the F1 races.

Quickfire Round:

1. Do you prefer tea or coffee?

Tea

2. Do you prefer to cook or eat out?

Cook

3. Do you prefer KFC or McDonald’s?

McDonald’s

4. Do you prefer sweet or savoury foods?

Savoury

5. Do you prefer the beach or the pool?

Pool

6. Do you prefer the city or the countryside?

Countryside

7. Do you prefer summer or winter?

Summer

8. Do you prefer dogs or cats?

Dogs

9. Do you prefer to listen to music or podcasts?

Music

10. Do you prefer to read fiction or non-fiction books?

Fiction

From operating heavy-duty machinery to working at dangerous heights, the construction industry faces continuous high levels of risk each day. This means that commitment to excellent health and safety management and procedures is critical to ensure the well-being of workers and the community, as well as the sustainability of the organisation and its operations. Here at Retain Roofing, we pride ourselves on offering a premium service to all our clients with an elite approach to health and safety. As part of our ongoing commitment, we are pleased to announce that we have recently added CHAS Accredited to the list of health and safety certifications and awards that we are proud to have achieved since we first established in 2008…

What does CHAS Accredited mean? 

CHAS (The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) is a type of accreditation that verifies a company’s excellent standard of health and safety. As co-founder of SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) and the Common Assessment Standard, CHAS is trusted by multiple industries, including the construction industry, to set comprehensive compliance benchmarks that make the world a safer place. Being CHAS accredited means Retain Roofing can demonstrate compliance and demonstrate our risk management policies to match an elite standard of assessment from industry-leading accreditation schemes. 

What other Health & Safety Accreditations do we have? 

NRFC Gold Award Winners 

We are the proud winners of the National Federation of Roofing Contractor’s (NFRC) Gold Award for Health and Safety year after year. TheNRFC is the UK’s largest roofing trade association and ensures that all its members provide only the highest standards of safety and workmanship through a strict code of practice, vetting procedures and site inspections. 

Gold Level-3 members of Constructionline

Being Gold Level-3 members of Constructionline means we have proven to have defined health and safety measures including occupational health arrangements and procedures for staff health and well-being; measures to protect the public and restrict unauthorised access; and procedures to protect against the risk of fatigue. 

Approved members of Alcumus

Alcumus helps dedicated companies to manage and avoid risks that endanger workers, operations and the planet. Alcumus help us to anticipate and mitigate risks, achieve ethical best practices and grow sustainably with compliance and transparency. 

Members of Avetta 

Avetta is the world’s largest supply chain risk compliance network which helps us to create safe operating environments for site workers through industry-leading supplier evaluation and audits. 

Safeguarding our trusted reputation…

We have a proven track record of successfully delivering industrial and commercial roofing projects of all scales and sizes to a superior finish using only high-quality materials that are supplied by the nation’s leading manufacturers. Our extensive experience, as well as our array of qualifications and awards, mean we are trusted by a diversity of companies across the nation to install a range of different roofing solutions.

If you are interested in learning more about our industrial and commercial roofing services, including asbestos removal, drone surveys and maintenance services, or would like to take advantage of our no 

-obligation free quotation, please get in touch with a professional member of our team today who will be happy to answer any questions you have: 0800 027 2244

Retain Roofing is part of the Retain Limited group of companies. As well as an industrial and commercial roofing service, Retain Limited also offer solar PV design and installation and scaffolding solutions. Please ask a member of our team if you are interested in any of our other services or submit an enquiry form on our website.

“We are committed to continuing to raise the bar for health and safety practices to protect our site-workers, clients and the wider community.” 

— Jamie Gibbs, founder and director of Retain Limited

On the 6^th April 2022 there will be a new update for PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) regulations that will affect the way you distribute PPE to people who work for you

At Retain Limited, we go above and beyond to ensure the safety of all people who work for us and with us.

Previously, the PPE regulations only affected limb (a) workers. These are the people that are officially employed by you, an employee. They will have an employment contract with a specific number of hours to work, a regular salary or wage and will have holiday and sick leave allowance.

The new PPE regulations now affect limb (b) workers. These are people who aren’t directly employed by you and are not self-employed. They may be an agency worker, freelancer or casual worker. They won’t receive the same benefits as your regular employees.

The new PPE regulations will not affect self-employed workers. Self-employed workers usually run their own business and are responsible for it, work flexibly and provide their own equipment and tools.

Alongside PPE, it is paramount to conduct regular risk assessments to make sure that all safety risks are reduced to a minimum. PPE works alongside your other health and safety measures, supplementing the overall safety of the work environment. Head over to this Peninsula blog to find out ways to assess your PPE needs.

To learn more about our services or to enquire about anything else, please contact the Retain Limited team on 0800 027 2244 or fill in our online contact form to request a callback.

Elevating excellence.

It’s no secret that the Retain Ltd Group are extremely proud to work closely with the RMA, an association that has grown professionally over the last few years but was originally established via personal connections in the early days from our very own Management Team

The RMA are a fantastic charitable organisation that aims to provide a lifetime of support to the Royal Marines Family, by whatever means required.

With many of our own employees previously serving in the Royal Marines, including Founder and Director Jamie Gibbs, we endeavour to not only provide employment opportunities to help other Royal Marines re-adjust to the lifestyle of a UK civilian, but also educate, train and create bespoke career pathways, tailored to their individual skillsets, to enable and encourage a successful and fulfilling life post-service. 

Take a look at the video in the link below to see Retain Limited and our former Royal Marines speaking about our association with the RMA and their current career plans. 

WATCH HERE

If you wish to donate directly to the RMA charity, please do so using the following link: 

The recent news that the construction industry is facing significant issues with supply and demand for both building materials and skilled labour comes as no surprise to Retain Limited founder and director, Jamie Gibbs.

Gibbs founded Retain back in 2008 and has experienced sustainable growth throughout this time but these well-documented issues have proved to be a real challenge for the day-to-day running of his company.

“What we are currently witnessing across the construction industry is predominantly a knock-on effect from the problems facing the logistics industry,” Gibbs said.

“The logistics industry was already struggling to meet demands after the Brexit fall-out and the COVID-19 pandemic has added further disruption with ongoing sea and road freight issues.

“This has resulted in much higher costs for building materials across the board and this has made managing our supplies and projects even harder. I believe this is more extreme for smaller companies who rely on regular stock deliveries at builders’ merchants which simply isn’t there at the moment.

“The larger construction companies that have greater purchasing power are able to bulk buy and stockpile the materials they need which are at a detriment to everyone else who is trying to finish an existing project or even start a new one.

“It’s a classic economic example of demand exceeding supply where prices go through the roof as we’ve previously experienced in other industries such as farming and more recently housing.”

It has recently been reported by Glenigan (for the National Federation of Roofing Contractors) that the second quarter of the year continued to follow suit as the first with sustained growth in workloads and new projects are given the green light by local planning authorities.

Many industrial and commercial roofing contractors, including Retain, have also reported difficulties in recruiting skilled labour to physically get on site and do the work they have on their books.

Throw in the supply shortage and the rising cost of materials and there is growing pressure on companies operating in the construction industry to complete projects on time which will add further delay to the sector’s recovery since the pandemic hit our shores some 18 months ago.

Gibbs added: “If these shortage problems aren’t addressed and resolved soon it will only result in a further squeeze on the everyday costs and margins for roofing contractors which makes it difficult to plan ahead with confidence.”

We are delighted to have secured another gold award in health and safety from the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC). This is the fifth consecutive year we have struck gold and further highlights our ongoing commitment to our successful health and safety programme.

As a professional industrial and commercial roofing contractor, our most common residual safety risk is working at height on roofs. We cannot stress enough how important health and safety is to us – it is quite frankly the backbone of our business and the rock-solid foundations we’ve built our business on.

We appreciate that this can come at a cost but at the same time you are getting excellent value for money for a specialised service that cuts no corners and does everything by the book. We do this to not only protect the well-being of our workforce but to maintain our first-class reputation as a diligent roofing contractor that provides a high-quality service both on and off a roof.

Working at height on an industrial or commercial roof comes with its obvious hazards and risks and the recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics show that roof work accounts for a quarter of all deaths in the construction industry.

Falls from an unprotected edge or through fragile or brittle roofing materials, such as roof lights or asbestos cement sheets, account for the majority of fatalities. There are also many serious injuries as a result of a fall and these can often result in permanent life-changing injuries.

We also have to deal with the inconsistent weather that comes with working and living in the UK. We carefully manage how to deal with and respond to any extremes of weather such as high winds or hot and cold temperatures to ensure our roofing operatives are not put at any additional risk.

There is a range of laws that is relevant to health and safety in the construction industry that we work closely with. The main elements of these are as follows:

Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)

Work at Height Regulations (2005)

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (2015)

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (1998)

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998)

To make things even safer before we start working on an industrial or commercial roof, we have purchased a drone to undertake all roof inspections and surveys. This has totally eliminated the risk of working at height at the quoting and initial stage of a potential new project. 

Our drone operators are able to capture high-resolution imagery and record footage which can then be turned into videos and/or presentations for the client to clearly view our findings and recommended solutions. 

Further to this, we ensure our workforce is kitted out with the most suitable PPE (personal protective equipment) and they have the right tools and machinery to work both safely and effectively. All PPE and tools are correctly maintained to ensure they’re fit for purpose and remain in good working order.

We also ensure that our workforce receives regular training and refreshers to use their PPE and equipment safely as stated by the guidelines of the respective manufacturers. The training that we participate in allows us to maintain our position as one of the market leaders in our field of expertise.

To learn more about our professional and personal approach to all things health and safety or to enquire about our drone roofing service, please contact the Retain team on 0800 027 2244 or fill in our online contact formto request a callback.

Knowledge based on experience.

Have you heard the famous quote: ‘the bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten?’

As well as the above by Benjamin Franklin back in the 1700s, there’s another well-known saying that we all hear on a regular basis which is ‘choose quality over quantity. You can apply this to most things in life but not everyone will choose to go down the quality path depending on a number of reasons.

The main reason will more than likely be a financial one as when you hear the word quality banded about you instantly think it’s going to be expensive and more than you can afford to pay. This isn’t always the case, and another well-known saying springs to mind which is ‘buy cheap, pay twice’ and this is probably something we’ve all experienced during our lifetime.

With regard to industrial roofing and commercial roofing, we know that we’re not the cheapest roofing contractor out there. If you were to obtain three quotes for a roofing project, we probably wouldn’t be the cheapest. However, we are confident that we will do the best job for you and your property.

By adopting best practices towards our approach to health and safety and having an unwavering commitment to our ongoing training programme we are good value for money. Our teams are both highly skilled and experienced and go the extra mile to make sure your needs and expectations are fully met.

Our entire business model is based on a quality ethos in everything that we do. We set our standards to a very high level and continue to raise the bar. We’re an award-winning company (we’ve won the NFRC Gold Award for Health and Safety for the last 6 years) that does things by the book and we take no shortcuts along the way to leave a thoroughly professional job.

We bang the quality drum quite a lot but this is what we stand for and we won’t lower our standards or your expectations just to win a roofing contract. We want you to feel like you have made the right choice from the moment you make an initial enquiry all the way through to completing your project.

A price for an industrial or commercial roofing project often reflects the standard of safety, workmanship and materials. Cost shouldn’t be the determining factor if you want your new roof to be fit for purpose and long-lasting, as well as being installed correctly to the manufacturer’s guidelines so all guarantees are valid.

It is said far too often that the final decision will be made on cost alone, without regard to the quality of what is being offered or if it is indeed ‘apples for apples.’ It is so easy to assume that because a new roof has been requested, everything that has been priced will include similar materials and equal levels of safety on site.

This was recently proven with a client receiving costs for a new roof covering. It was not until the offerings were investigated further that it was discovered that our proposal was far in excess of our competition. Our quotation included a longer manufacturer guarantee on materials, stainless steel fixings and higher-performing insulation. Sometimes the devil is in the detail.

To discover more about our high-quality industrial and commercial roofing services and why we are different from other roofing contractors, please contact the Retain team on 0800 027 2244 or fill in our online contact form below and we’ll be in touch.

Knowledge based on experience.