The contract extends Fortem's relationship with the council to 18 years after it was first appointed to deliver repair services in 2008. It will see Fortem continue delivering repairs, maintenance and gas servicing to BCC residents living in wards that include Northfield District, Longbridge, Selly Oak, Kings Norton, Edgbaston, Bartley Green, Harborne and Moseley.Fortem operates from Weoley Castle and its service also includes capital improvement and decarbonisation works. Operating a 'one stop shop' for the council's property repairs needs to over 20,000 properties, it also carries out planned installations such new kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems or other fixtures and fittings, as well as preparing vacant properties for new tenants.
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During its 16-year relationship with the council, social mobility and upskilling has been a core part of Fortem's strategy, with over 100 local apprentices employed during that time and over £1 million donated to local causes through a combination of fundraising and over 25,000 hours of volunteered time to improve community facilities and support people’s opportunities in life.
Since, 2016 the company has employed over 200 people on its current contract, with 95% of the workforce recruited locally. In addition, 95% of supply chain spend has been with local businesses. Fortem Chief operating officer Chris Tredget said: "We are delighted that our relationship with BCC is continuing. We are passionate about providing an efficient, high-quality service to thousands of residents each year so they can live comfortably in their homes, and to minimise any inconvenience that a housing repair can bring. The longevity of our service is a huge source of pride for our company, as is our desire for driving social mobility across the city. We very much feel part of the social fabric of Birmingham, which is reflected in the pride and desire of our people supporting local good causes like Birmingham Children's Trust, as well as charities to tackle homelessness and providing thriving careers through our Pathways4Life programme."
