While much of the construction industry is reeling from the loss of Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, one construction network is succeeding in helping local firms capitalise on opportunities.

Build Up North Staffordshire is this week launching a special BSF Meet the Buyer forum on Thursday 7 October.

It has teamed up with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to help firms take the first steps towards being a part of the city's £250 million school refurbishment programme.

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The aim of the event is to encourage local suppliers from builders and plumbers to electricians and window firms to talk one-to-one with BSF’s main contractors; Balfour Beatty, Thomas Vale/Wates (TVW consortium) and the ICT contractor, RM Group.

The programme in Stoke-on-Trent will see every secondary and special school rebuilt or refurbished, including five brand new academies.

Detailed planning is well under way at the two sample schools with contractors Balfour Beatty due to start work on a brand new school in the Trent Vale area of the city before Christmas. The other design and build contractors, Thomas Vale/Wates consortium will start work on refurbishment at the city's Haywood Engineering College in spring next year.

(CD)