Local contractors benefit from new £5.6m care home build

Local building contractors from Neath Port Talbot have benefitted from the construction of the new £5.6m Caewern Residential Care Home in Neath. Worth over half a million pound, the work packages were awarded by main contractors Jehu Project Services Limited to Seven Oaks Joinery, Clockwork Carpentry and Afan Landscapes. In addition to this, a number of local building suppliers also contributed to the build, including Derwen Aggregates and Dyfed Reinforcements.

Jehu Project Services Limited has been working closely with Neath Port Talbot Council’s Business Development Team to maximise the amount of local suppliers and contractors used on the project. At the start and throughout the project, Jehu held a series of ‘Meet the Buyer’ events. This gave local businesses the chance to discuss the opportunities on the project through one to one appointments with Jehu’s Commercial Team.

Andrew Williams, Commercial Director of Afan Landscapes said, “Attending ‘Meet the Buyer’ events has been vital to us winning contracts on local projects such as the Caewern Residential Care Home, Swansea University Bay Campus and Neath Town Centre Redevelopment. This has helped us to sustain employment and further develop our business.”

The 60-bed care home incorporates a dementia-friendly design, with each cluster of bedrooms having a living and dining room, an assisted bathroom and sensory garden. This will be the second facility being built in Neath Port Talbot as part of Gwalia’s Improving Residential Care partnership with the Council.

Neath Port Talbot Council Leader Ali Thomas OBE said, “The Council is committed to supporting local businesses and I am delighted that Jehu recognises the high calibre of contractors and suppliers available in Neath Port Talbot.

“Maximising the community benefits from construction projects is a key priority for the council.”

Michael Williams, Gwalia Chief Executive said “As a Welsh not for profit organisation, we are keen to ensure that our developments benefit local communities and businesses wherever possible.”

Martin Workman, Construction Manager for Jehu Project Services added “We are always looking to strengthen our supply chain by engaging with local suppliers and contractors to enable us to invest in the local communities in which we work.”