Jewson’s partnership with Hyndburn Homes has achieved significant cost savings for the housing association through a number of new efficiency measures.
The builders’ merchant supplies a bespoke product range from its dedicated store and supports sustainability initiatives for Hyndburn Homes, including community projects as well as a Jewson apprenticeship scheme for those living in the local area.
Hyndburn Homes provides more than 3,200 properties across the Hyndburn borough and is part of the Symphony Housing Group, which is one of the largest social housing providers in the North West.
In 2010, Hyndburn Homes established a major supply contract with Jewson, which has just been renewed and extended for five years. Hyndburn Homes partnered with Jewson after the merchant demonstrated that it could help both develop Hyndburn Homes’ repairs business and achieve key corporate priorities.
The partnership involves Jewson providing a bespoke product range to meet the housing association’s needs from its dedicated one-stop branch integrated in the Hyndburn Homes repair building at Altham.
Given the varied contracts that Hyndburn Homes Repairs carries out, including gas servicing, cyclical and planned improvements, commercial gas, fire risk assessments and cyclical painting, Jewson supplies a variety of building materials, including timber and sheet materials, electrical and plumbing products, bathroom suites, gas appliances and general hardware.
“The branch provides core products and Jewson works with local suppliers to get the odd additional items that we occasionally need. They are there to service our contracts staff, whether it is an electrician, plumber or joiner, and they have a range of van stock tailored to the particular type of work,” said Jill Scott, Business Manager at Hyndburn Homes Repairs.
Jewson’s sustainable credentials have also helped Hyndburn Homes to achieve objectives and improve efficiency. By working together closely, Jewson supports planned maintenance cycles as well as rapid service requests. The company also maintains van stocks at optimum levels, leading to a more efficient workforce and fewer costly trips.
Jewson has also supported local employment by creating a Jewson apprenticeship scheme, enabling two apprentices, who live in the community to which Hyndburn Homes serves. This helps them to gain valuable work experience and support the housing association’s business priorities in creating training and employment opportunities. Jewson donated a computer, laptop and printer for the apprentices’ sole use, and provided essential tool kits at cost.
In addition, Jewson donated materials to help transform a neglected plot of land into a fantastic community garden and allotment space. Two apprentices from Hyndburn Homes’ partner agencies came together to help create the Huncoat Community Garden, allowing residents to grow their own fruit and vegetables as well as having an outside space to enjoy.
“Over the last 12 to 18 months we’ve developed a very close working relationship with Jewson. The team understands the needs of our business and, moving forward, we will work together collaboratively to develop services and products that will allow us as an organisation to react even more efficiently in the future,” said Jill Scott.
As such, as of January 2015, Jewson is providing a pre-ordering service, organising direct delivery of materials from manufacturer to site — saving time and reducing fuel costs.
