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Kier Building Maintenance and Stoke-on-Trent City Council have launched a £400m joint venture company – Kier Stoke. More than 500 council employees have been transferred over to Kier Stoke, which will be responsible for ongoing repairs and maintenance of the city's 20,000 council houses and municipal buildings. Kier Stoke will also be responsible for implementation of the Government's Decent Homes programme. ‘After a lengthy process we're excited to be making a start,' said Kier Stoke managing director Peter Brynes. ‘Not only are we aiming to provide a service with which the people of Stoke-on-Trent will be delighted, but we'll be offering education, training and employment opportunities for local people and creating a strong local supply chain. In short, investing in a sutainable Stoke-on-Trent.' A team from legal firm Trowers and Hamlins, led by partner, James Hawkins, advised Stoke-on-Trent City Council on the project. Under the 10-year contract, the council will retain a 20% share in the new company. The council also has an option to extend the contract for a further five years. ‘The project is equally important for Trowers and Hamlins, as it underlines our continued success and market-leading position in the strategic partnership sector, with an emphasis on sustainable communities and corporate responsibility,' said Mr Hawkins. Stoke-on-Trent City Council's mayor, Mark Meredith, said: ‘Kier Stoke represents a ground-breaking way of providing council services, linking up a skilled local workforce with the experience of one of the biggest names in construction. ‘There are exciting times, and everyone at the city council is looking forward to making the most of the opportunities that arise through this new joint venture.'

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BUSINESS

Joint venture Stokes up plenty of interest

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