Making contacts and winning contracts
Reporter: Business Editor Martyn Torr
Date published: 09 February 2011
CONSTRUCTION company representatives once again flocked to the Chamber of Commerce-hosted breakfast at the impressive Earl Business Centre in Dowry Street, Hathershaw, to hear about a widening range of contracts in Oldham.
I have to say that my experience of these events, expertly hosted by Peter Greenhalgh from DCT Civil Engineering Ltd, is one of wonder.
My knowledge of the industry is scant, at best, but I am aware that when construction is booming so is the economy.
When housebuilding is thriving so is the local economy — so much turbulence is created by these sectors that the benefits flow into the wider world.
Oldham has a raft of opportunities from the Academies project which has Willmott Dixon as lead contractor through to the Oldham Youth Zone job won by Bamber Bridge-based Eric Wright Construction.
Wates Living Space, part of the £1billion turnover Wates Construction Group, are building hundreds of social-sector properties in the next three years and then there is the Royal Oldham Hospital extension not to mention the Regional Science Centre refurb and fit-out in King Street by Bardsley, from Ashton.
All of these were explained to around 80 delegates, with timescales on when the groundworks, building and internal disciplines will be going to tender.
Opportunities abound, which isn’t to say they are boundless, as subcontractors and local suppliers obviously have to meet certain criteria with regard to quality and delivery, not to mention references and credit checks.
But this happens is all walks of business life.
I was intrigued towards the end of the workshop when Mr Greenhalgh asked for a show of hands on how many of the delegates would welcome a presentation, at a future meeting, on the impact of green issues.
There was, at best, a tepid reaction with this subject but I speak from personal experience when I say that environmental issues are playing an ever-increasing role in the tender process and a company’s ability to prove policies in these areas are rapidly becoming essential.
