LOCAL businessmen have pooled their resources to win a £9million repairs and maintenance contract.
Queens Cross Housing Association has awarded the contract to a new consortium of local businesses in the north of the city.
Called P&D Scotland Ltd, the consortium's 85 staff include plumbers, joiners, plasterers and electricians who will service properties for the housing authority which covers the Queens Cross, Woodside, Dundasvale, Hamiltonhill and Westercommon areas in the north of Glasgow
The workers will deal with 15,000 repairs and maintenance jobs each year for the association's 4500 properties and factored properties. They will also deliver close cleaning and environmental maintenance services.
P&D Scotland's contract is for two years initially with provision to extend it for a further two years.
Louise Smith, director of property services, led the contract tender process, commenting: "By working through one local contractor, rather than a range of different suppliers, our tenants should experience an improved and ultimately seamless service.
"We're delighted that the contract is staying in the area, supporting jobs and the local economy."
P&D Scotland will respond to tenants' day-to-day requests for repairs, cleaning , gardening and environmental services. It will also deliver gas servicing, water hygiene and other specialist works such as checking fire alarms and emergency lighting systems through a pool of selected sub-contractors.
Peter Cairney, managing director of P&D Scotland Ltd, said: "We're delighted to have been awarded this contract. As a consortium of six local businesses, we believe the contract will not only protect local employment and the local economy but will provide a platform for real partnership and co-operation between the public and private sectors.
"This will enable further opportunities for job creation and skills development in the local community."
The contract comes as a boost for the housing association which is in the process of adding to its housing stock by building 337 new homes for rent and shared equity.
The programme, which is the largest in the history of Queens Cross Housing Association, will include a range of supported and sheltered housing for some of the area's most vulnerable people, adding to the 485 properties which already cater for tenants who are in need of extra help.