During 2020-21 we carried out almost 17,000 repairs to our homes. To be able to do this many repairs effectively and efficiently, we need to have fast and easy access to the right materials.
From 1 March 2022, we’ll be working in partnership with Jewson Partnership Solutions who’ll be providing our building materials as part of a new contract.
Jewson Partnership Solutions partners with public sector organisations, predominantly housing providers, to create bespoke supply chain solutions, which allows them to efficiently maintain and develop their property network.
As part of their service to us, Jewson Partnership Solutions has secured and will operate, a managed store in Strood for our exclusive use. This managed store, which is larger than our current warehouse, means we’ll be able to hold more materials for a greater variety of jobs. This reduces our need to use third party suppliers.
We’ve also taken the opportunity to implement a number of new processes and introduce new technology into our asset management service which will improve monitoring and ordering of stock. This is all intended to increase the number of first-time fixes, improve productivity and efficiency, and make sure we’re getting value for money.
Our customers will see no difference to the materials we use, they’ll still be high quality. However, having more stock available and better processes will reduce the need for follow up appointments and therefore provide a better customer experience.
Assistant Director for Asset Management, Barry Waller said: “We’re really excited to work alongside the great team at Jewson Partnership Solutions. This new and bigger warehouse will allow our teams to access the materials they need to carry out routine repairs, install new kitchens and bathrooms, and get homes ready for new customers. It’s a great example of how our service is growing and we’re doing all we can to provide and maintain safe, sustainable and quality homes for customers.”
After a detailed procurement exercise, Jewson Partnership Solutions was awarded the contract for three years with the option for us to extend it for a further six years. As part of their contract they’ve also committed to developing and delivering a detailed Social Value Plan to help in meeting objectives in our Strategic Plan.
Scott Cooper, Business Director, Jewson Partnership Solutions said: “We are delighted to have won this contract with mhs homes and to have the opportunity to play a part in helping mhs homes reach their ambitions of helping to end the housing crisis in north Kent by providing safe and sustainable homes. We look forward to working with them over the next three years and hopefully beyond, creating a relationship that delivers for them and their tenants.”