Local contractors given opportunity on £5.6m project

Local contractors from Neath Port Talbot have been given the opportunity to work with a major contractor on the construction of a £5.6m residential care home.

At an event hosted by the Council’s Business Development Team, local contractors and suppliers, including builder’s merchants, plumbers, builders and security firms, met with the Principal Contractor for the scheme, Jehu Project Services Limited. They were all given the opportunity to discuss sub-contracting opportunities on a new residential care home being built for housing and care provider Grŵp Gwalia on Dwr-y-Felin Road in Neath.

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader Cllr. Ali Thomas said: “The Council is committed to supporting local businesses and I am delighted that we have brought these local businesses to the attention of Jehu Project Services.

“The company recognises the high calibre of contractors available in Neath Port Talbot and are keen to work together with these businesses and the Council to provide employment opportunities for local people.”

The 60 bed residential unit will include three internal courtyard gardens in addition to a main garden. This will be the second of four new facilities being built in Neath Port Talbot as part of Gwalia's Improving Residential Care partnership with Neath Port Talbot Council.

Michael Williams, Gwalia Chief Executive said: "As a Welsh not for profit organisation, we are keen to ensure that our community developments benefit those who use our services and support local business.”

Successful contractors will be placed on Jehu’s supplier database and asked to submit quotes for packages of work.

Martin Workman, Construction Manager for Jehu said: “We are always looking to strengthen our supply chain by engaging with local suppliers and contractors to enable us to invest in local communities in which we work.

“Those who attended the event were asked to complete a questionnaire which highlighted their skills and these have been added to our database so that they can be considered for future projects.”