Wates Smartspace

This growth was supported by our position on a number of key frameworks. As a result, 80% of projects in 2016 were procured either through this route or through existing contracts with long term clients. Notable framework appointments in the year included Gatwick, HSBC and the North West Construction Hub. We also secured additional projects with key partners including Co-op, Marks and Spencer, GSK and Royal Mail.

The facilities management side of the business, Wates Smartspace FM, also enjoyed a successful 2016 and has now become a core offer since its acquisition in 2015. New contracts secured in 2016 included prestigious brands such as the Discovery Channel, Mott MacDonald, the Canadian High Commission and Twycross Zoo, in addition to contract extensions with all existing FM clients.

This solid performance across the Smartspace business is underpinned by our high performing teams who deliver safe, high quality programmes 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across all corners of the UK. This outstanding performance was recognised at the Wates Group’s Chairman’s Awards in 2016, where our people received awards under the categories of Safety, Health and Environment and Creating Value.

At the CCS National Site Awards for 2016 we received the Most Considerate Site Award (£500k+) for M&S, Dulwich.

We are constantly looking at ways that we can support our customers and, in 2016, Smartspace launched Wates Sustainable Technology Services. This enables the business to act as an innovation broker by showcasing new energy saving technologies to its customers through a series of ‘Dragons’ Den’ style pitches. We were delighted to be recognised for this industry- leading initiative in 2016 with a London Construction Award for Build Excellence.

THE CO-OP

Wates Smartspace has delivered over 700 store investment projects for the Co-op since it started working with this customer in July 2014. Now a trusted partner, we have a 30-strong team of construction professionals who work alongside the client within co-located space at the Co-op’s head office in Manchester.

In July 2015, Wates Smartspace was appointed to deliver the Co-op’s Capital Investment Programme, designed to help it keep pace with statutory requirements and enhance the customer’s in-store experience.

This includes compliance works, additional store investment and back-of-house expansion projects to support in-store merchandising requirements, at locations spanning the length of the country, from Devon to Lerwick. In 2016 Wates Smartspace delivered 369 complex and challenging projects through the Co-op’s Capital Investment Programme.

To support this ambitious programme, the team developed an innovative delivery partner model which enables them to work as an extension of the Co-op’s construction department to undertake feasibility studies, identify priority sites and formulate a programme of works for each store. This has resulted in the continued on-time delivery of the Co-op’s substantial store investment programme.

DLA PIPER

A UNIFIED APPROACH TO FM WAS FUNDAMENTAL IN OUR STRATEGY OF DELIVERING A QUALITY, CONSISTENT SERVICE. THE RELATIONSHIP IS DEVELOPING VERY WELL.

Wates Smartspace FM is a longstanding partner of global law firm, DLA Piper, as its facilities management delivery partner since 2012.

This £10.5m contract sees Wates Smartspace FM deliver mechanical & electrical (M&E) works, fabric building services, reactive and project works through a hybrid model of resident on-site engineers and mobile operatives across 10 of DLA Piper’s UK sites, spanning from London and the Midlands to the North West and Scotland.

With a wealth of experience in the legal sector, Wates Smartspace FM is sensitive to the unique dynamics of this demanding arena. For DLA Piper, facilities down-time is not an option our team ensures that every building is fully functional 24 hours a day, seven days a week so that our client can rise to the challenge anywhere in the world, day or night.

The Smartspace FM team is measured against a robust service level agreement, accessible by the client in real time though our Concept Evolution system. In 2016 alone, 4,862 reactive jobs were recorded through this system, demonstrating the flexible approach of our engineers in ensuring that operational priorities are met at short notice.

An important element of the support that we provide to DLA Piper is a dedicated Legal Sector Account Director to oversee exceptional standards of engineering, safety and service management so that we can provide tangible value to the client’s estates team. As a result, there have been zero accidents or security breaches during Smartspace FM’s tenure.

PROJECT DOVE

With its expertise in delivering high quality fit-out works in live environments, Wates Smartspace was the perfect fit to deliver the Wates Group’s head office refurbishment in November 2016.

Our flagship headquarters building in Leatherhead, Surrey houses over 300 construction experts and had a visit planned by HRH Princess Anne for 22 November to present the Group with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development. This provided a critical end date for all works.

The 32-week programme included the complete re-modelling of existing building services, building-wide refurbishment of all finishes, the installation of new workstations, the refurbishment of bathrooms and the realisation of a floor to ceiling glazed façade at the centre of the building, which now houses a welcoming new reception area. A marketplace-style restaurant was created, providing an inviting space for building users to eat and network with colleagues.

At the peak of work, over 50 operatives were based on site, working to transform the building into a modern, spacious working environment across 11 phases, within a busy, live environment.

Wates Smartspace received a Considerate Constructors Scheme Gold Award, recognising our efforts to improve the image of construction. This included regular communication with both building users and local residents, working with two local social enterprises on site and hosting two school visits for local students from Therfield Secondary School.

As part of our commitment to the environment, the team installed electric car charging points, created green travel and waste plans and re-used over 60% of office furniture in the new building – meaning 100% of construction waste was diverted from landfill.

The building will now be managed by a dedicated team from Wates Smartspace FM.