Willmott Dixon Partnerships' annual investment in Birmingham has paid dividends for local residents and will leave a lasting community legacy into next year and beyond.

The repairs and maintenance specialist's local team have been reflecting on their achievements and successes for the benefit of the community over the last year through the company's work with Birmingham City Council.

Willmott Dixon has been working with the local council since 2010 and the two organisations have worked hard to build an excellent relationship that's seen huge productivity increases in dealing with tenants' housing repair needs. 

In addition to completing more than 110,000 repairs this year, Willmott Dixon has also helped to bring nearly 4,000 empty properties back into use as well needed homes, across the area in which it works.

Local improvement projects this year have included upgrading the garden at The Meadows Primary School, creating raised beds and enhancing the community area at Fleetwood House and upgrading the garden at Hasbury Court.

Willmott Dixon has recruited four new apprentices from the local area, equipping each with full training and essential industry qualifications, and have provided more than 25 opportunities for work experience through links with local schools and colleges.

General manager of the Birmingham branch in the north of the city, Pauline Chatt, said, "It is our aim to leave a lasting legacy in the communities where we are working in a number of different ways. This includes providing additional skills training and work experience for jobseekers from the local area wherever possible. Over the past year we have worked closely with our client and local residents to identify projects which would make a positive difference to the area for many years to come. We have also been able to provide support and assistance for a number of community organisations, alongside local and national charities.

"A lot of this work would not be possible if it weren't for the dedicated members of staff working on the contract and the enthusiasm everybody shows towards providing an efficient and high quality service."

Bob Brown, Birmingham City Council's Service Director for Central Houses Service, said: "We are really pleased to be working so closely with Willmott Dixon. The dedicated effort from both sides has allowed us to experience yet another successful year and we hope that this continues in to 2012 and we look forward to the challenges ahead."

Willmott Dixon Group is one of the UK's largest privately-owned capital works, regeneration and support services companies.

With over 158 years of experience, the company provides services within the built environment to Government, registered social landlords, local authorities and private sector clients throughout the UK.

Willmott Dixon Partnerships works with social housing landlords, currently providing support services to over 120,000 homes, 1,200 public buildings and 50 commercial properties across the UK.