Equans has announced a significant new partnership with Anchor, England’s largest not-for-profit provider of housing and care for people in later life, to provide repairs and maintenance services to 420 locations across England. The partnership also includes the management of a new Anchor repairs and property service in the North East of England.

The contract is being introduced as part of Anchor’s national programme to transform repairs and planned works as it pioneers the digitisation of its property operations.

Under the new national programme, Equans was awarded contracts across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, as well as the North East, servicing more than 18,000 residences – the single biggest deal for one contractor. 

In the North East, Equans will be responsible for a new service model of end-to-end supply, delivery, installation, management and completion of projects, ensuring properties are maintained to the high standards expected and that residents are engaged in the process and satisfied with their homes. Staff from Equans will also be TUPE transferred into a new wholly-owned subsidiary which will provide a 24-hour, 365 day per year repairs response service to Anchor’s residents in the region, ensuring residents have access to high-quality housing, and that repairs are scheduled in a timely and professional manner. With this approach, the operatives delivering the repairs will be employed by Anchor and continue to provide a familiar face to residents. 

The North East region was selected as the most appropriate area for a service delivered directly by Anchor, due to the geographical spread of properties and the supply chain in the region.  

Colin Macpherson, Divisional CEO for Equans UK & Ireland, said: “We have a long-standing and very successful relationship with Anchor, and this latest partnership solidifies that. We are two businesses with aligning agendas, which are centred on improving lives and making sure our housing stock is fit for the future.

“This wholly-owned subsidiary is a cutting-edge solution which will provide Anchor’s residents with access to Equans’ skilled and experienced delivery team, whilst allowing us to maintain all of our best operational practices. We are delighted Anchor not only recognises the effectiveness of this way of working; but has actively invested in it.”

Sarah Jones Chief Executive of Anchor, said: "Our new contract with Equans in the North East presents a great opportunity to try a new and effective approach to repairs, created with residents’ feedback and involvement in the process. 

“We know that completing repairs and planned property works on time, to a good standard, at a price that represents value for money, is central to our residents’ experience of their homes and it is vital that we get this right. In our partnership with Equans, with colleagues residents already know, we are looking forward to ensuring the best repairs and maintenance service for people in later life who choose to live in Anchor homes.”

With 200,000 works orders placed each year across the country, and at a time of increasing consumer and safety regulation and a stretched workforce in the repairs and maintenance industry, the new approach should make things easier for Anchor colleagues and improve reliability and response for residents.