Kier wins double success in Islington

Homes for Islington has awarded two multi-million contracts to Kier Building Maintenance (KBM) for the delivery of repairs, maintenance and gas service across 29,500 properties across the London borough.

The first of the two new contracts will see Kier undertake housing repairs, voids and adaptations across the borough with an indicative annual value of between £14 million and £20 million. The second contract is for gas servicing repairs, replacements and upgrades in the north of Islington, with an indicative annual value of between £1 million and £2 million.

Kier will also be responsible for the maintenance of estate security (CCTV) and kitchen-sink waste disposal systems across the borough.

The four-year contracts were won in competitive tender and, subject to performance, have the option to be extended for up to 10 years. They will officially get underway from 30 October 2010.

“We are delighted to have won these two contracts. We focus strongly on continuous improvement and engaging with local communities and we are committed to delivering best value for the Borough and serving the people of Islington in the years ahead,” said Paul Sheffield, chief executive of Kier Group, the parent company of KMB.

London regional director of KBM, Rob Leitch, added: “At Kier we pride ourselves in working closely with the community in which we are located and aligning our business service needs to the wider needs of the area. As such, we work to develop a relationship with our tenants and residents, some of who were invited by Homes for Islington to be involved in the contract selection process.

“We have developed an innovative sustainable community strategy programme for Islington which is designed to have a very positive impact on the lives of local residents which we intend to progress throughout the length of the contracts and beyond.”

The strategy programme focuses on areas of priority for the future sustainability of the Borough, including young people, adults/skills, environment, community and marketplace. A number of initiatives will be implemented across each focus area, designed to maximise potential within the community.

It includes employment opportunities such as the award-winning First Start training scheme targeting local young people not in employment, education or training (NEET), and New Start which works with long-term unemployed adults. Kier will also work across the Borough’s community to implement equality and diversity practices, support local social enterprise and undertake business mentoring with local SMEs.