The Countrywise Repairs joint venture between Town and Country Housing Group and Wates Living Space has expanded its area of operation to deliver responsive, planned and void maintenance works across East Kent.
The news comes as Countrywise seeks to organically grow its JV to maximise value for money for clients, while delivering high-quality repairs to properties in Kent.
Originally established in 2012 to service 5,600 properties in Royal Tunbridge Wells, the JV has now expanded its operating capacity to maintain a further 3,000 homes in East Kent, which has seen the value of its work increase from £3.5m to £6m per annum.
With the team now fully mobilised, Countrywise is focused on service delivery, which comprises planned electrical and fencing works, as well as day-to-day responsive repairs and void maintenance.
Throughout the lifetime of the scheme, Wates has additionally pledged to utilise its presence to positively benefit the local community both socially and economically through the provision of training and employment opportunities for residents and the local supply chain.
Wates’ commitment to up-skilling the future workforce recently saw the company hold a two-week ‘Building Futures’ programme for young jobseekers in Royal Tunbridge Wells, which gave four under-19s the opportunity to take part in construction skills training to improve employment prospects. Completed under the joint venture, three of the candidates have since gone on to secure full-time positions with Countrywise Repairs.
David Morgan, Managing Director of Wates Living Space, said: “The success of our existing operation has been a significant catalyst for further business expansion into East Kent. The joint venture model solicits the support of the private sector, providing an effective means by which to continue delivering excellent repairs while sustainably increasing our service offering in Kent. After witnessing significant growth in a short five year period, I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Countrywise and I am confident our presence in the region will bring a meaningful boost to the local economy.”
Kevin Thorne, Head of Contracts & Compliance, Town & Country Housing, said: “Countrywise currently delivers a high quality service for Town & Country Housing and for the last two years has averaged over 95% customer satisfaction. We have been working successfully on this joint venture with Wates Living Space for the past five years and are looking forward to the expertise they will bring to our East Kent area. This joint venture model works very well and we aim to expand this service in other areas of our repairs and planned maintenance work in the future”.
