Date: 14/06/2019
As part of Fortem’s partnership with Charnwood Borough Council (CBC), they delivered refurbishment works to 18 kitchens at sheltered housing accommodation, St Pauls Court.
The kitchens were coming to the end of their lifecycle so they needed renovating in order to create a fresh new look for residents. In order to complete each kitchen, Fortem were given a 12 day working programme by CBC but completed each property in 10 days to give them a further two days to hand over.
Prior to the works commencing, Fortem held a Q&A session with residents and representatives from CBC to help introduce themselves and address any uncertainty. An initial pre-survey was also carried out to assist the supplier, Symphony, in redesigning the kitchen to the correct specifications. During this time Sophie Arnall, Fortem’s Customer Liaison Officer, visited residents to inform them of timescales and the programme of the works, and also give them site packs which contained contact details of all the Fortem team.
During the works the Fortem team held coffee mornings every Wednesday, giving residents the opportunity to bring along family members to have any queries or concerns dealt with. The coffee mornings also acted as ‘Helping Hands’ sessions, where Fortem trades help residents maintain their homes by helping with odd jobs including putting up blinds and shelves.
Anthony Howkins, St Pauls Court Resident, said, “Everything went really well and the people that completed the works were lovely. Everything was completed on time and I now have a lot more space to move safely around the kitchen.”
CBC were kept up to date with progress and received regular feedback from residents by attending each coffee morning. Fortem Site Manager, Liam Riley, attended with CBC Surveyors at the start and end of each job to open the works and handover. CBC were exceptionally pleased with the work, and the project on site was a big success.
