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Mears Group, a leading provider of services to the housing sector, has been reappointed by Folkestone & Hythe District Council (F&HDC) as its repairs and maintenance contractor for the next 10 years with an opportunity to extend for a further five.
The contractor has been working in partnership with F&HDC for the last 12 years and has built a strong relationship with the council and its residents – working to continually improve and develop its services.
Commencing on 1 April 2025, the renewed contract will cover all responsive repair and maintenance works for the 3,397 council properties within the district. The contract also includes void work on the council’s empty properties, ensuring these are ready to let to new tenants as soon as possible – and planned works, such as kitchen and bathroom refurbishments.
As part of the contract, Mears has committed to investing a minimum of £25,000 of social value in the local area, over 10 years, supporting community projects through the ‘Mears Bright Ideas’ working group which will see the council come together with tenants to suggest projects close to their heart.
Mears Group will also conduct an annual ‘Voice of the Client’ review which focuses on F&HDC’s strategic priorities, ensuring the services provided are successfully meeting the changing needs of the council and the community.
Through Mears’ ‘think local’ approach, new employment opportunities will be promoted in the area including one full-time office apprentice role and two trade apprenticeships. The Group will also be supporting the local community by providing work experience opportunities and attending school engagement events.
Karen Beckley, Managing Director at Mears Group said: “We are delighted to have been reappointed as F&HDC repairs and maintenance contractor. We can now build on the solid foundations already established over the last 12 years through working together with the council to deliver excellent services, value for money and tenant satisfaction.”
The team from Folkestone & Hythe District Council commented: “We are keen to build on our existing relationship with the new Mears contract to deliver an excellent repairs and maintenance service to our council homes. This will include the continuation of replacement kitchens, bathrooms and adaptations. We will work together to ensure we achieve value for money and high customer satisfaction.”
