Subcontractor View
One company to benefit greatly from the Governments initiative for 'Decent Homes' are Foz Electrical from the Wirral. Founded in 2004 they were operating at a relatively small and local level before becoming involved in the scheme. Employing a total of eight employees they were concentrating on smaller domestic and commercial works, carrying out all electrical service requirements, ranging from new installations, upgrades, to general electrical maintenance of existing installations.
Wirral Borough Council handed over to an ALMO, Wirral Partnership Homes, responsible for its existing stock of over 13,000 homes. In April 2005, four contractors were given the key to a £150m-plus housing deal spanning seven years. Wirral Partnership Homes handed contracts to: Lovell; Connaught; local contractor Hankinson; and its own building services division to carry out work to bring the 13,000 houses up to the government's Decent Homes Standard. Connaught and Wirral Partnership Homes (Building Services) are working both on the external programme of replacing windows and doors, as well as the internal tasks, including bathrooms, kitchens, central heating and rewiring. Lovell are working on the internal programme, while Hankinson will work only on the external improvements.
The opportunity to tender for the electrical package arose, and it was one that Foz Electrical grabbed with both hands, although initially some doubts had to be overcome. Chris Foran, Managing Director, said "We were constantly looking to expand in the early days and knew we had the necessary skills and commitment to succeed if we did. The fact that the package was being let by Connaught Construction, an experienced Social Housing contractor, convinced us to press ahead with the tender. Our plans were presented at great length and thankfully we were chosen for the package. Like any company, expanding too quickly can lead to problems, particularly cash flow, but the gamble was one worth taking. From a labour force of eight, we now employ more than 50 staff, largely local employees as well."
An initial twelve month contract was granted by Connaught Construction for the re-wiring of 500 properties and work began in March 2005. As the works were a great success Foz Electrical were granted another twelve month contract, this time carrying out works for over 1000 properties within the borough.
"Works are sometimes difficult in that on most occasions you are working on occupied properties, so the need for understanding and patience is paramount. In social housing, more than anywhere, the relationships between the occupants of residential property, owners and managers demand that high levels of expertise and experience are available at all times. A relationship exists between tenant and landlord, and it is in the servicing, maintenance and improvement of critical services and ensuring the well-being of families that this relationship can be placed under pressure. The pressure is just as great to balance cost efficiencies with standards of service that satisfy the needs of residents.
Foz electrical believes that the answer to this lies in establishing sound partnerships with all involved, promoting open and honest communication with all parties, and enabling high levels of co-operation that lead to projects delivered on time and within budget. There are some detractors of the Decent Homes scheme, but we at Foz Electrical would advise any subcontractor to look to the sector for opportunities. Indeed, having enjoyed great success with the local Wirral Borough Council, we are currently looking for other opportunities with surrounding Borough's, and even further a field."
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