Considerate constructor works on Sheffield's Decent Homes project

Construction company, Frank Haslam Milan (FHM), part of Keepmoat Plc, has scooped a record total of five National Gold Awards, as well as ten silver and seven bronze, in the Considerate Constructors Scheme 2005.

 

The Considerate Constructors Awards recognise the highest levels of consideration and care shown by construction company sites throughout the UK towards local people, the general public, the environment and site staff. FHM are part of Keepmoat who are one of five contractors working on the Decent Homes project in Sheffield. They have already modernised 342 properties in the city and are currently working on another 375.

 

 

 

Among the winners were Silver Awards for two FHM schemes being delivered for Sheffield Homes by Site Managers Dave Brown, for Stubbin and Ilkley, and Pete Watson, for Brushes.

At Stubbin and Ilkley external work was carried out to 87 properties, which included:

new windows, doors, rendering, renewal of rainwater goods, roof repairs where necessary and other external work to the structure of the building. Work was carried out on age-banded flats on Hatfield House Lane and houses on Fairthorn Road, Rolleston Road, Nesfield Way, and Ilkley Road. At Brushes 85 properties were totally refurbished including: new kitchens, bathrooms, electrical, central heating and external works to the properties. External work such as new windows, doors, rendering, roof repairs where necessary and other external work to the structure of the building was also carried out. Work was carried out on age-banded flats on Hucklow Road and Hucklow Drive and houses on West Quadrant.

 

Site Manager Pat Ransford received another Silver Award for a site at Parson Cross where work was carried out on behalf of Sheffield City Council. This was a pilot Decent Homes project where full house improvement works were carried out. This entailed new bathrooms and kitchens, central heating if required, electrical upgrades if required, cavity and loft insulation, new PVCu double glazed windows, render renewal, environmental works including off street parking and walls railings and gates.

 

Steve Jenkinson, Director of Investment at Sheffield Homes, said: "We set high standards for our contractors and are delighted at FHM's success at this awards ceremony. It is pleasing that their commitment to minimising disruption and helping tenants has been recognised."

 

Among the special efforts noted in the citations were the careful control and timing of materials delivery to minimise noise and traffic disruption, the free provision of cooking, washing and shopping facilities to residents during refurbishment projects, and support for elderly residents in removing unwanted fixtures and fittings. The citations also noted the comprehensive communications programmes in place, such as regular newsletters and personal visits, and the high standards of cleanliness and general appearance of the sites. Many letters were received from residents at the various projects praising the overall friendliness and helpfulness of FHM site staff.

 

The awards were accepted by Site Managers and senior staff on behalf of FHM at a prestigious ceremony held at the Glaziers Hall in London. David Hardy, Chairman of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, states: "To have achieved five Gold Awards in one year demonstrates an extraordinarily high level of commitment both to the scheme and the general public. FHM has clearly embedded the ethos of consideration firmly within the company and its personnel and we are delighted to recognise their excellent achievements."

 

Allen Hickling, Managing Director of FHM Yorkshire and East Midlands, added: "To scoop these awards simply bears testimony to the sheer hard work and commitment displayed by each and every employee involved with the winning sites. We’ve been working with the Considerate Constructors Scheme since its launch and there is a real buzz when we embark on a new project - site staff take the scheme very seriously and there is huge competition amongst the various teams. We never lose sight of our goal and that is to lead the field in community regeneration. By working closely with local communities and those directly affected by our work, we aim to deliver unrivalled levels of site consideration towards residents, the general public, the environment and our fellow colleagues."

 

 

Notes to editors: Sheffield’s Decent Homes programme is the largest housing investment programme in the country. 5 contractors, Connaught Property Services Ltd, Keepmoat plc, Kier Sheffield LLP, Lovell Partnerships Ltd and Mears Group plc, are working together on the £1billion programme. The Decent Homes programme will not only improve 54,000 council owned properties across the city but through clauses written into the contracts will provide local jobs and skills training. Sheffield Homes is managing the contractors on behalf of Sheffield City Council.

 

PRESS CONTACT: Claire Turner on 0114 273 6934 or 07764 659181