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Mears Group has been reappointed as Dover District Council’s (DDC) repairs and maintenance contractor.
Commencing on 1 April 2025, the new five-year contract will see Mears Group continue to deliver responsive repairs and maintenance works for the 4,863 council properties within the district.
The contract also includes voids work on the council’s empty properties, which will see empty homes quickly brought up to standard and ready for new tenants – and planned works, such as kitchen and bathroom refurbishments.
To enhance the service, tenants will receive real-time updates on the progress and status of their repair. Mears Group will work in partnership with DDC to help ‘green their stock’ and achieve their ambitious sustainability targets. This will involve creating a bespoke net zero plan and using Mears’ IRT DREam stock modelling software to identify priority properties within DDC’S stock.
As part of the contract, Mears has committed to investing a minimum of £225,000 of social value in the area, supporting community projects through the ‘Mears Bright Ideas’ working group which will bring the council together with tenants to suggest projects close to their heart.
Through Mears’ ‘think local’ approach, new employment opportunities will be promoted in the area including three new full-time roles and 12 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 commented: “We’re delighted to have been reappointed as DDC’s new repairs and maintenance contractor. We have always understood the importance of taking care of residents and providing clear communication whilst we help improve their homes. Social value is part of our DNA and is built into every project we undertake – whether that’s improving the local area, or giving our staff dedicated time to volunteer for local good causes.
“We look forward to continuing to build on our existing relationship with both the council and the local community whilst delivering high quality results.”
Chair of Dover District Tenants,’ Neil Drakley, said: “This new contract is modernised and fit for the future, with much greater tenant involvement including tenants sitting in on monthly contract meetings with Mears. We were instrumental in the procurement process and helped vote to choose the contract, ensuring it was fair and transparent throughout. We look forward to working with Mears.”
