Jewson has been developing its long-term relationship with Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) through the supply of solar systems and the creation of a new training academy.

Jewson began working with GGHT back in 2006 when it took over the running of the social housing provider’s stores, fine-tuning van stocks as well as reducing reliance on third-tier local suppliers and offering genuine year-on-year cost savings.

The initial contract was renewed in 2011 and Jewson’s public sector team has worked closely with the housing trust to maximise the benefits from significant investments in new heating systems, combined with solar thermal installations, as well as PV systems generating green electricity and an income from the Feed-in Tariff.

Mark Burrows, head of repairs & maintenance for GGHT, commented: “GGHT completed its Decent Homes work in 2008 – two years ahead of the government target – and transferred the ownership of 8,700 properties to GGHT from Warrington Borough Council in 2010. As part of the transfer process we created the Warrington Standard; this involved a number of promises being made to customers about how GGHT would improve its homes and services.

“We are currently partway through delivering on a five-year programme of fitting new windows, doors, security lighting, fencing, new kitchens, bathrooms and upgraded heating systems with a mixture of solar thermal and PV installations.”

Jewson has supplied a range of new boilers and solar hot water panels together with larger storage cylinders, as an integrated package from Worcester, Bosch, as well as photovoltaic panels from Romag.

Mr Burrows continued: “Our stock is predominantly traditionally built properties from the pre-war period through to 1970s dwellings. Jewson has been able to offer us contract support in terms of pricing and purchasing power. This has been so successful, we now let a lot of contracts for items such as solar thermal on a labour-only basis, and source the equipment through Jewson. This gives us greater control of the supply chain and, ultimately, costs.”

Another area where Jewson has provided support is in training as Paul Lowe, assistant renewable energy manager for the housing trust, explained: “Our depot provides a range of facilities for our in-house team, but Jewson has helped us create a new training suite featuring a fully operational solar thermal system, and a PV installation on a mock-up roof installation.

“GGHT has a number of apprenticeships which have used the construction of the training academy as part of their course, and to help us gain our MCS accreditation for solar PV. It also formed part of our success in being shortlisted in the Pioneer Category at the British Renewable Energy Awards. We have even had other local authorities come in to learn about these renewable technologies. The partnership with Jewson really just keeps getting stronger.”