Local building and building services firms have taken a big step towards securing future work from a large contractor in the area.

Affordable housebuilder and regeneration specialist Lovell has several projects starting in the next 12 months and held an event recently to help it establish a bank of contractors who it could call upon as these projects get underway.

The event was held last month at the Newbury Manor Hotel, Newbury and companies were invited who could service all or some of Hampshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire. Lovell has now had the opportunity to review the potential suppliers' applications.


David Gough, regional director of Lovell, commented: "We are very keen to ensure as much subcontracted work as possible goes to local companies – it makes economic sense and also fits in with our philosophy of leaving a positive legacy in every community where we work. This event helped us to meet many excellent local companies and also gave them the opportunity to ask us questions and find out more about the projects we will be undertaking.

"The feedback from the attendees on the day was very positive. They were keen to work with a company with our values, and they thought the event was very comprehensive and beneficial to them.

"Some very high quality applications came in after the event and we are confident that we will not be short of local companies using local labour as we press ahead with new build and refurbishment projects in the area."

(CD)