We are currently in our 2nd term contract with UOG. Initially we were one of 2 contractors covering all works throughout the campus but when we re-tendered in September 2022 we were awarded single supplier status for all asbestos removal. Our current contract runs until September 2026 with an option to extend for a further 1 + 1 term at the Universities discretion.
Our contract covers for all emergency works which includes a guaranteed 1-hour response time to any building within the 4 Campuses, Planned Maintenance Projects, Capitol Works, Reactive Projects and Ad-hoc works that arise during the continual asbestos management programme.
Last month (03/10) we attended our annual review with the Estates, Compliance and Framework Management Teams to assess the works completed in their financial Year ending 31st August 2024. During the year we undertook:
Project Works: 20
Re-active Projects 30
Ad- Hoc Removal Works 28
78 Projects in total
These ranged from £200 to £160k per single project value, all works throughout the year were completed within the agreed timescales and within agreed budgets, a total of 14 internal and external Site Safety Audits were completed in addition to 2 HSE Site Inspections. Each Audit scored the maximum points available, and no concerns were raised by the HSE.
During the last 18 months we undertook the decontamination of Bute Hall a Grade 1 listed building constructed circa 1870, the clients’ original consultants valued these works at in excess of £1.7m requiring the hall to be isolated for 12 months.
We worked alongside their management team and devised a safe system of working, including designing a bespoke harness and fall arrest system which saved the client over £1m in scaffolding and additional time costs. More importantly we enabled the site to remain fully operational and ran open days to allow staff and visitors to watch works in progress and presented to over 250 attendees on open days showing asbestos removal techniques in operation. This project was awarded Asbestos Removal Project of the Year 2023 by the Asbestos & Demolition Hub Magazines.
In the last 3 months we have acted as Principal Contractor on the Senate Building Lift Shaft Project (Main Campus building) for the refurbishment of the lift cars and upgrading of fire protection in the listed building.
These works were organised to coincide with the summer stand down period and cause the least disruption to site. Works were scheduled over split shifts to allow for events that had been planned for 2 years in advance including Government Meetings, a wedding and funeral of a former member of the faculty.
This summer 2024 the project was completed on time and within budget and included 2 ARCA Audits and a HSE site Visit.
In addition to the general asbestos removal undertaken, we work alongside the Universities appointed Surveying Company and provide operatives to undertake small scale works as they arise to remove them from the Asbestos Surveys and Management Plan. This saves time, money and additional long-term management for small scale items. We recommended an Asbestos Steering Group to the Compliance Team which has proved invaluable. This enables all parties to be aware of projects that may arise during the financial year and costs to be scheduled against any asbestos within a building that may be affected by works. Our Site Team assistance on all Refurbishment Surveys which saves time on surveys and disruption by completing all opening up and making good on damages. It allows our Contract Managers to visit site whilst surveys are ongoing and reduces on waiting to programme works ahead of refurbishments.
As with the Senate Lift Shaft this allowed us to programme all removals ahead of the follow-on fire compartmentalisation and lift car refurbishment. The Steering Group were able to allow additional times prior to the summer recess where works could be completed on nights and weekends to create a buffer enabling all works to be completed prior to Freshers Week.
As we enter our 3rd year as single source suppliers and 7th year as term contractors, we are proud of our overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 for performance. This has included for a change of management on site and the addition of further operatives for the rise in small scale removal works.
We are actively involved with CSR with the University and undertake numerous projects with the Student Union, Make a Wish their charity partner and support employment and apprenticeships with our continued successful relationship. Through our works with UOG we have been accredited and awarded the Ecovadis sustainability accreditation, this has led to further awards with various other Universities and Health Care Trusts.
