Doncaster-based firm New Image Contracts has become the latest in a line of local companies to be awarded a supplier contract to help build the National College for High Speed Rail in the town.
Introduced to contractor, Willmott Dixon, at a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event organised by Doncaster Council’s Business Doncaster team, the firm won a work package of over £200,000 to spray all of the 10,000m2 of steel located throughout the building with special fire retardant paint.
As well as landing this contract, New Image are now on Willmott Dixon’s approved supplier list opening up further opportunities to win work in the future.
New Image management, Mayor Ros Jones and Willmott Dixon’s Building Manager Rob Bratherton underneath the steel beams that New Image have delivered.
Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones, said: “I am delighted New Image has landed this substantial contract on the construction of the National College for High Speed Rail. It is also pleasing that British steel has been used throughout and New Image’s work has ensured it is protected.”
“I have always been clear that I want local firms to have the opportunity to tender for appropriate work packages when major schemes and developments are planned across the borough and that is why we organise ‘Meet the Buyer’ events.
“With over £4.5million of work during the build already going to Doncaster-based suppliers and sub-contractors, local people and our economy is benefiting every step of the way.”
Mayor Jones was also confident about the impact the college will have for Doncaster and the local economy once it opens later this year adding, “The National College for High Speed Rail will be the catalyst for further growth in our rail sector and offer local people opportunities to train for quality, well paid jobs.”
Richard Christison, Managing Director of New Image Contracts, said: “The Meet the Buyer event was a worthwhile opportunity for local companies like mine to personally introduce our company to the main contractor, client, and Doncaster Council’s Business Doncaster Team. As 90% of our work is based nationwide, it has been nice to be involved in a local project. We originally tendered for and won the intumescent fire protection contract, since this we have been awarded the passive fire stopping contract and now have been given the opportunity to tender for the decorating package. As result of this we are now extremely pleased to be included on Willmott Dixon’s approved supplier list for any future projects.”
Roger Morton, Willmott Dixon Construction Manager, said: “Willmott Dixon has been keen to support Doncaster Council’s policy of providing local businesses the opportunity to bid for work through the sub-contract letting process and implementing a ‘buy local’ policy for materials and labour wherever possible. New Image were unknown to us before this project and because of the excellent delivery of their work we are delighted to have them become part of the Willmott Dixon supply chain going forward.”
Clair Mowbray, Chief Executive of the National College for High Speed Rail, said: “We have received an incredible amount of support so far from local and global businesses based in Doncaster, which are helping with the design and development of the National College for High Speed Rail. As an employer-led college we are grateful to forward-thinking businesses like New Image Contracts, Rhomberg Sersa and British Steel, which understand the importance of making a long-term commitment to develop the next generation of rail professionals in this country. These donations will ensure students at the National College for High Speed Rail learn using the best possible equipment.
“We are grateful for the industry support we have received to date. However, there is still much more that we can do, so we’d love to hear from businesses and industry professionals across South Yorkshire who are interested in helping us create a world-class skills centre in Doncaster.”
The National College for High Speed Rail is based at two sites in Doncaster and Birmingham. More information is available at: www.doncaster.gov.uk/railcollege and www.nchsr.ac.uk
Business Doncaster proactively supports local firms and can be contacted on Tel: 01302 737 447 or www.businessdoncaster.com
