FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
National maintenance and build contractor, Novus Property Solutions, has secured a significant contract to deliver essential maintenance works to social housing properties owned by Leeds City Council.
The three-year deal, which comes with the option to extend for a futher year, will see Novus carry out a range of internal and external remedial works to Leeds City Council’s housing stock through its Maintain service.
This contract comes during a period of significant investment for Novus, as the company implements its progressive five-year transformation plan in order to double profits by 2026. The ambitious strategy includes securing new long term contracts such as this, as well as retaining its highly valued existing clients whilst streamlining its market offering into three dedicated services – Maintain, Assure, and Projects.
Novus is due to begin work on Leeds City Council’s properties in October 2021, with work order values of up to £25,000. The contractor will expertly carry out vital repair works throughout the framework duration including damp treatment, external environmental works, repairing properties with wet or dry rot, and other general property refurbishment works.
As part of the deal, Novus has committed to several social value initiatives to benefit the local community such as 100 volunteering hours and charity donations for causes in Leeds. The contractor will also utilise local labour through its recruitment plan, which includes targeting the long term unemployed and hiring an apprentice from the area. Furthermore, Novus’ team will deliver talks and workshops at schools and colleges throughout the duration of the contract, as well as student work experience placements and career mentoring for the unemployed.
Commenting on the contract win, Novus’ Operations Manager, David Taylor, said: “We’re proud to have secured this four-year maintenance contract with Leeds City Council, further cementing our position as a contractor of choice in the Yorkshire region following separate contract wins in Hull and Harrogate earlier this year.
“Novus has a long history of giving back to the communities in which we work, so we’re delighted to have committed to several community-based initiatives in Leeds for the duration of this contract – from the use of local labour and suppliers to providing practical support for the local unemployed. We look forward to successfully delivering both vital maintenance works and social value, as well as building a positive working relationship with Leeds City Council.”
As workplaces open up and restrictions lift the role of the FM has become more important than ever.
The challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic are now providing a valuable opportunity for FMs to demonstrate their skills and adaptability. Whilst on a practical level FMs are responsible for making buildings safe and comfortable, they are also crucial in attracting people back to the office.
In speaking with industry leaders, it is clear that there are six key areas of focus. Zip has published a white paper which looks at each one, suggesting ways that facilities managers can tackle the complexities and pace of a return to the workplace, whilst demonstrating clear and effective leadership along the way.
To find out more download the white paper here.
