Willmott Dixon JV to deliver repairs to 5,500 homes

Willmott Dixon’s repairs and maintenance company Willmott Dixon Partnerships has created a joint venture company with affordable housing provider Acis Group to deliver a repairs service to 5,500 homes in South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

The Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) called Galatia is responsible for planned works, gas inspections, repairs and voids maintenance. The new company has a five year contract, extendable for another five years, worth £25m.

Willmott Dixon Partnerships will be investing significantly in systems and technology in the company to ensure an efficient, high quality service is delivered for Acis’ residents. It’s part of a wider commitment that includes sustained programmes of training and development for staff and community involvement.

By carrying out several services within the LLP, combined with additional investment in staff training and systems, Willmott Dixon Partnerships and Acis aim to enhance overall satisfaction levels among residents.

Acis chief executive, Valerie Waby said: “We are excited about joining Willmott Dixon Partnerships as a partner in a joint venture model that will see us combine both skill sets to deliver quality and reliability for our residents. It will bring the focus and drive necessary to support our team in delivering a major programme of home improvement we’ll undertake alongside our ongoing property care services.”

The contract starts in May with the focus on Acis properties primarily in the Sheffield and Gainsborough areas.

Willmott Dixon Partnerships managing director Mick Williamson commented: “We are delighted to have formed this LLP with Acis to ensure year-on-year improvements in service performance, resident satisfaction and value for money. We’ll be investing time and resource into management processes and training to equip our team of engineers with the best possible means of delivering our high standards of service.

“Alongside this will be our strong community programme which includes our award-winning ‘Opening Doors’ initiative that provides opportunities for work experience and training in areas such as plumbing, electrical, engineering, plastering and carpentry, as well as office experience, including administration, quantity surveying and project management.”