Severn Trent Connects with Builder Group
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) in the Midlands has launched a new pilot scheme with one of the region�s largest utility providers to improve services for construction firms.
Severn Trent Water, which supplies to 7.4million of people throughout the Midlands, is working in conjunction with the NFB to reduce the time it takes for supplies to be connected to new homes and commercial premises.
As part of the initiative, the utility firm is holding regular liaison meetings with the Federation�s membership to discuss other ways in which its service offer can be enhanced. Severn Trent has consolidated its connection teams, making it easier for businesses to request up to date information.
Andrew Percy, regional director for NFB in the Midlands, said: �Across the UK, building companies are loosing thousands of pounds due to delays caused by utility firms.
�We want to speed up connection times, but in order to achieve this we need to continue the hard work. There�s still a lot that needs to be done with other companies and we look forward to working with these providers very soon.�
Martin Woodhouse, managing director for Benfield Construction in Coventry, who attended the first liaison meeting with Severn Trent Water, said: �This is the kind of proactive response firms like mine have been looking for. It really is very encouraging to see one of the major utilities embracing our needs and plotting a new and bold way forward.
�This is another example of the NFB working hard to help smaller construction firms deal with critical issues that have an impact on our businesses. The question is whether other utility providers will wake up to the problem and follow suit.�
The NFB recently published a report into the effectiveness of
utility companies. The report found that over 90 per cent of
construction projects in the Midlands had experienced problems
seeking new connections to gas, water and electricity networks
with many reporting a financial loss as a result.
Nationally, the NFB represents some 2,000 companies across
England and Wales, with around 60% turning over less than
�1million.
In addition to providing builders and contractors with specialist legal, insurance and taxation support. The Federation lobbies local, national and European government on their behalf on a range of issues to sustain positive trading conditions for members.
ENDS October 2006
Press Information: David Shirt at Citypress.
Tel: 0161 606 0252 Email:
david.shirt@citypress.co.uk