Project synopsis
Mears Group has been working in partnership with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council since 2012, delivering repairs and maintenance to housing stock across Rotherham. Mears successfully tendered for the new contract in 2020, which was mobilised during the covid-19 pandemic. A key element of this contract is linked to the social value output that is delivered to the local community in Rotherham. This includes the provision of apprenticeships, delivering community investment work, and partnering with local third sector organisations.
What did we do?
Mears’ team provides repairs to maintenance services, as well as providing caretaking services to approximately 22,000 properties across Rotherham.
Mears has a strong presence in Rotherham and has redeveloped three floors of space at New York Stadium to create a new home for Rotherham United Community Sports Trust, which engages local people through sport.
The stadium also houses the Mears Academy, which as well as offering training to colleagues, can also support the Council in delivering tenant workshops so that tenants can understand how to effectively use their heating systems and do basic repairs.
The contract is a true testament to our excellent relationship, which comprises of a consistent give and take from each partner.
What were the outcomes?
Over the life of our contract, a total of 49 apprenticeship opportunities have been delivered within Rotherham. This commitment will continue with a total of 100 apprenticeship opportunities to be made available to local residents over the next 10 years.
Mears have spent a total of 102,350 hours keeping the community looking its best and we have strong links with local stakeholders through our social value offering with key projects with Age UK Rotherham and the local secondary schools.
During COVID-19, Mears’ team ensured the annual Christmas delivery to Age UK service users in Rotherham continued, to assist the elderly in the midst of the pandemic.
Mears also hosted its first virtual employment event for local students and jobseekers in partnership with Rotherham Council and Job Centre Plus, which harnessed the spirit of the partnership in the most challenging times of the pandemic.
Mears have a strong presence within the town of that is marked by our presence on a number of strategic groups such as the Rotherham Together Partnership, Rotherham Pioneers and the Business Growth Board’s Employment & Skills Group.
These groups are a collaboration between local government, key stakeholders and local businesses who work together in the best interests of the town and community.
