Pictured above: The office under construction
Scores of tradesmen and construction workers have found jobs
close to home thanks to a build project in the Black Country.
Around 80 per cent of the workforce involved in building a new
office for Walsall Housing Group lives within a 20 mile radius of
the site. Areas that fall within this boundary include Cannock,
Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Dudley and Birmingham.
Gary Fulford, whg Chief Executive, said: "Our investment in
Walsall goes beyond our homes in order to help build strong and
vibrant communities. We are absolutely committed to
supporting the economy and providing employment opportunities for
local people.
"Our new office will form part of the Walsall skyline and it's
great that so many local people will be able so say they played a
part in its creation."
The landlord, already one of the town's biggest employers,
struck a deal with national building contractor John Sisk & Son
that guarantees at least 15 per cent of site workers live in the
borough, in order to support the local economy. That figure rockets
when neighbouring areas are taken into account.
Subash Chander, Contracts Manager for contractor Sisk said:
"Where possible, we are employing the skills and resources of
Walsall sub-contractors and the local supply chain to ensure that
this important new building is built by the community, for the
community."
whg, which owns around 19,000 homes and is the borough's largest
social landlord, is the first to develop in Walsall's landmark
office corridor. Its new office, within walking distance of the
town centre, is designed to improve customer service.
The build is mid-way through the programme and the main
structural elements of the building are now complete. The south
face of the office is now fully glazed with a total of 175 panes,
and the internal fit out has begun involving the mechanical and
electrical installations as well as the flooring and
partitioning.
John Sisk & Son, which has an office in Birmingham,
currently employs around 30 sub-contractors on the job. The company
is family owned and run and has been trading for more than 150
years. Trades represented on site include ground workers,
electricians, carpenters and plumbers.
Among them is site manager Phil Hood, aged 56, who lives in
Shelfield, just two miles from the site. He has previously been
based in London and Scotland and said it was "lovely" to work so
close to home. Phil added: "We try to make the most of the labour
and skills on our doorstep. It makes sense all round; for the
workers, for Sisk and for the local area."
It takes Wayne Churchman around 25 minutes to get to the site
from his home in Kingswinford. Wayne, aged 44, is fitting the
external insulation to the building and said: "You have to go where
the work is, regardless of where you live. It makes you appreciate
a local job."
For site secretary Carolyn Bayliss working near her home in
Great Barr means she can reduce her carbon footprint and take daily
exercise by cycling to the office. "I enjoy cycling and it's a good
road in for me so I have bought a bike and cycle to and from work,"
said the 47-year-old.
All the glaziers on site come from Cannock firm Fortress.
Foreman Jason Balduckie, aged 39, of Tamworth, said: "Local
work is so valuable. Time isn't lost on a lengthy commute and the
lads all get to stay at home with their family."
Security officer Mohammed Saghair lives just seven minutes' walk
from site. The 35-year-old previously worked at Birmingham Airport
and said: "It's brilliant to live within walking distance of work.
The amount I save in petrol is the biggest benefit."