McBains
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Capabilities
  • Sectors
  • Projects
  • Our People
  • Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Framework
  • Careers
  • News
  • Contact
Recent Projects
  • Glenvale Park Phase 2
    Glenvale Park Phase 2 View Case Study
  • Alexandra Road, Corby
    Alexandra Road, Corby View Case Study
  • Paddington Square
    Paddington Square View Case Study
  • Graduate Hotels
    Graduate Hotels View Case Study
  • UKAEA – Combined Office Building
    UKAEA – Combined Office Building View Case Study
  • Perry Road, Harlow
    Perry Road, Harlow View Case Study
  • News

McBains Matters

A note from Managing Director Clive Docwra

Firstly, we would like to take this opportunity to convey our best wishes to anyone impacted by the current pandemic. Our heartfelt thoughts are with all those affected, either directly or indirectly, by the virus.

Secondly, we would like to reassure you that our commitment to our clients remains unfaltering and that we continue to be dedicated to the delivery of a first-class service, whilst safeguarding the health and well-being of our clients, colleagues and associates.

By reacting swiftly and effectively to the evolving situation, we have enabled the smooth and continuous operation of all aspects of our business and we are pleased to update you on our response below.

IT Infrastructure

Having invested heavily in our IT infrastructure over the years, we entered the lockdown period with a robust, tried-and-tested system and so we were able to instantaneously transition in to an entirely dispersed and connected way of working.

We have adopted measures that ensure continued operational effectiveness and can confirm that we remain fully operational and able to continue to deliver the high-quality service that you have come to expect from McBains.

In addition, our IT team has recently successfully secured the renewal of our Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation, reflecting our continued commitment to data safeguarding and cyber security.

Culture

Our inter-disciplinary culture also means that we are well-suited to operate effectively during these unique times. We are well practised in working with geographically-disparate teams from other consultants and even other continents, with effective, high-quality communication having always underpinned our business model.

Modern technology has meant that we continue to meet regularly face-to-face, albeit virtually, through an array of video conferencing and collaboration tools. We have even managed to maintain the strong sense of family that epitomises the McBains culture, with a variety of virtual, yet social, interactions such as Q&As with management, office drinks, bingo and pub quizzes!

Resourcing

In terms of staff capacity / capability - all projects have at least two senior members of staff who are fully briefed and aware of current circumstances on projects, which gives us excellent resilience in the case of staff members being unwell. Our multidisciplinary structure also means that there is further resilience as a result of the allocation of senior resources from more than one discipline, which will allow each discipline to support and provide resources on a project should it become necessary.

Site Visits

Staff needing to attend site are required to undertake a Covid19-specific risk assessment. When visiting site, staff must wear PPE and adhere to Government guidelines on social distancing and hygiene routines. In certain instances, we have been able to leverage technology to undertake site visits remotely through video-conferencing and collaboration tools.

Offices

Looking ahead to when the Government may ease the lockdown restrictions further, we are actively planning the business’ phased return to the office(s) and how our working model might operate differently in the longer term, keeping the safety and well-being of staff and clients our top priority. To assist us in our planning, we recently conducted a staff survey asking employees for their views on returning to the office post-lockdown and what the future office might look like.

In the meantime, our main office number – 020 7786 7900 – remains fully operational and staff can be contacted directly on their existing mobile numbers and emails.

In Conclusion

We will obviously continue to monitor the situation, making specific reference to Government, Public Health England and World Health Organisation advice, and will update you on any changes during this challenging period.

21st May 2020

You might be interested in...

Sussex Cancer Centre given green light by planners

Sussex Cancer Centre given green light by planners

15th May 2025

The next phase of the Brighton Trauma, Teaching and Tertiary Care (3Ts) redevelopment at the Royal Sussex County Hospital was granted planning permission last week, signalling the green light for the new Sussex Cancer Centre and marking a significant milestone in the transformation of cancer care across the region.

McBains ESG Team Shortlisted for ESG Team of the Year Award

McBains ESG Team Shortlisted for ESG Team of the Year Award

16th April 2025

The McBains ESG team has been shortlisted for ‘ESG Team of the Year’ as part of the Unlock Net Zero Awards, which seek to celebrate individual and organisational contributions to a carbon free future for the UK housing sector.

McBains signs the Armed Forces Covenant

McBains signs the Armed Forces Covenant

03rd April 2025

We’re proud to announce that McBains is now a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

McBains secures go ahead for 133 new homes within Wixams Village in Bedfordshire

McBains secures go ahead for 133 new homes within Wixams Village in Bedfordshire

01st April 2025

Permission has been granted for a Reserved Matters Planning Application by McBains, on behalf of Vistry Group, for 133 dwellings at Parcel 3.2 within the Wixams Village 3 development in Bedfordshire.

McBains secures place on LHC’s Retrofit and Decarbonisation Framework

McBains secures place on LHC’s Retrofit and Decarbonisation Framework

31st March 2025

We’re delighted to announce that McBains has been appointed to LHC's Retrofit and Decarbonisation (N9) Framework to deliver retrofit solutions for the public sector.

Clive Docwra

PROPERTY INDUSTRY EYE: Why purpose built student accommodation could be the BTR sector to thrive in 2025

21st March 2025

Managing Director of McBains, Clive Docwra shares in opinion in Property Industry Eye, looking at the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector and its growth potential.

McBains Explains

Get the latest insights from McBains and industry news to your inbox each month.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to us storing your data for the purpose of sending you a newsletter.

Explore McBains

  • Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Framework
  • Architecture
  • Masterplanning & Urban Design
  • Building Services Engineering
  • Building Surveying
  • Civil & Structural Engineering
  • Employer's Agent
  • Project Management
  • Project Monitoring & Due Diligence
  • Quantity Surveying
  • Sustainability & ESG
  • Digital Engineering (BIM)
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Principal Designer / CDM Advisor
  • Education
  • Financial
  • Healthcare
  • Heritage
  • Hotels & Leisure
  • Housing & Masterplanning
  • Industrial
  • Motor Retail
  • Offices
  • Police & Custodial
  • Private Residential
  • Public Sector
  • Retail
  • Social Housing
  • Transport
  • Urban Regeneration

© 2025 McBains – Privacy Policy – Modern Slavery Statement

Brand by David Carroll & Co . Design by Mutual & CIB