Croydon carpenters, plumbers, bricklayers and kitchen fitters are set for a boost from a new council contract aiming to use local employees for almost all its work.
From this April, the borough’s 13,500 council homes and some schools will be repaired by Mulalley after it won a five-year planned maintenance contract.
The deal, which could be extended for another nine years if it goes well, includes a focus on employing Croydon-based subcontractors. Mulalley plans to give Croydon businesses 95% of its supply chain within five years, starting with local kitchen suppliers Price Kitchens and a target of giving 60% of its business to local firms in the first year.
The contract also includes upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms and roofs, plus extensions and outdoor improvements like new gates and bollards. It will save the council up to £2.5m a year or £12.5m over five years that could be spent on other council housing improvements like better lighting or community facility upgrades.
Mulalley has over 10 years’ experience of working as a Croydon Council contractor on redecorating properties, related repairs and carrying out upgrades to kitchens and bathrooms.
Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed, deputy cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning, said: “Giving local people decent homes and more job opportunities is a cornerstone of what this council does, so this contract with Mulalley ticks so many boxes.
“We look forward to Mulalley giving our tenants a top-quality planned maintenance service, boosting job opportunities for local people and saving the council up to £2.5m a year.”
Mulalley Operations Director Bruce Benson said: “We are thrilled to have won this significant contract continuing Croydon Council’s transformation of their housing stock. I think this win highlights the strength of our team, our approach to partnering and the quality and value of the work we have delivered over the last ten years.
“We look forward to using our local knowledge and expertise and again providing employment for local supply chains, training and apprenticeships to make a considerable difference to the Croydon area over the coming years.”
