Clear Futures is working in strategic partnership with Bolton Council to maximise value from their diverse property portfolio – from developing it to support frontline service delivery, to overcoming key challenges including financial and decarbonisation.
This type of work also gives us the opportunity to drive through social value and deliver more economic benefits locally.
Background
Following a procurement selection process, Bolton Council chose Robertson Facilities Management (RFM) as the delivery partner for FM services across their property portfolio. Valued at circa £7m per year, it includes delivery of small projects. Clear Futures works alongside the council to manage the contract.
Identifying the most efficient FM delivery model
RFM inherited a supply chain of local, regional and national suppliers that had been in place for years. Their first task was ensuring the council’s buildings were being managed effectively, compliant with statutory obligations, driving cost savings through efficiencies and benefiting the local supply chain.
Following a review of services, it was evident that a more efficient and transparent delivery model was needed, and one that improved local economic growth. Rather than start a re-procurement process right away, RFM agreed with the council to delay this by six months – time used to closely monitor existing services and fully understand ongoing requirements.
RFM then agreed a new specification with Bolton Council and sent out tender packages for facilities management services to local and regional suppliers, also advertising the opportunities via the councils various framework outlets to maximise reach.
The evaluation criteria favoured suppliers based in and around the Bolton area and those who could provide employment opportunities for the residents of Bolton.
“Overall the level of expenditure within the local area, typically considered within a 15 miles, equates to greater than 80% of expenditure. This represents a level of local expenditure that would be considered significantly in excess of comparable contracts.”
Independent audit by AECOM
Contact the team for more on strategic partnerships or our FM services.
Ahead of the procurement process, Clear Futures:
Held supply chain open days.
Became a lead presenter at the Bolton, Bury and Wigan Construction Club.
Offered free workshops to support the development of local suppliers, putting them in a better position to bid for future work.
Worked with the council’s outreach team to provide work and employability opportunities for local people to help them secure future employment.
Project outcomes
A new supply chain has been established for Bolton Council. Over 60% of the original supply chain was retained, and all received training to support a more efficient and effective delivery model.
“The Year 2 model is similar to the Year 1 model in terms of physical delivery. However, improvements have been achieved through the functionality of the helpdesk, new contractor management protocols and the improved level of management information now available.” Independent audit of the FM service by AECOM
In addition to a new improved FM delivery model, the council has a guaranteed £200K per annum saving from the management and delivery of FM services across the borough.
Local economic growth and local supply chain delivery is a fundamental aspect of our promise at Clear Futures, and the AECOM audit stated that “Overall the level of expenditure within the local area, typically considered within a 15 miles, equates to greater than 80% of expenditure. This represents a level of local expenditure that would be considered significantly in excess of comparable contracts.”
As a development partner, how else is Clear Futures supporting Bolton Council?
More from our partnership with Bolton Council
Clear Futures and Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council have been working in partnership since 2019 to boost the town centre’s role as a key player in the Greater Manchester economy.
See more about our partnership