A local company has emerged against tough national competition as the preferred bidder for a major contract worth around £100 million.

Kier Services tendered for the contract to provide the repairs and maintenance service to Sheffield City Council tenants and leaseholders for the next three years. Kier currently holds this contract, but it is due to expire next March.

The contract covers emergency repairs and general maintenance as well as repairs to gas and electrics, heating, lifts and stair lifts, and the maintenance of un-adopted highways, footpaths and car parks.

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Typically, Kier receive a quarter of a million calls to the Call Centre from tenants and leaseholders about repairs each year.

Customers should see no reduction in the level of service they receive, and Kier intends to make improvements in a number of areas, including better use of technology.

The next step is for the finer details of the contract to be agreed by the Council and Kier over the next month and, if everything is confirmed, the new contract could be signed in mid-December.

Councillor Harry Harpham, the Council's Cabinet Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods said: "We have been through a thorough tendering process and Kier was chosen as the preferred bidder against three other major companies.

"Discussions over the next month should prove to be positive and we will be in a position to sign the new contract before Christmas, which should be very good news for Kier staff and their families. It would also provide welcome continuity for Council house tenants who have been used to the service provided by Kier in the last few years."

(IT)