Local Companies Win Top Development Contracts

OnPath Energy Press releases

A Hamilton based property developer has given another economic boost to the area by awarding construction contracts to several local firms.

Local companies including Demenex, Terra Tek and Forkers have all recently won site investigation contracts to work on the Glenboig site in North Lanarkshire, where 1040 new homes are being proposed by Banks Property.

Banks Group Glenboig ReleaseThe local developer has been praised for its approach to the project, which encourages local companies to be at the heart of the development.

Gary Miller, contracts manager at Forkers Scotland LTD, is one of the beneficiaries of the new development contract. He’s delighted to see the push for local businesses to be awarded the contracts and says the impact it can have on smaller businesses should not be underestimated.

He said: “As a small company we have to compete with international firms so sometimes it can be difficult trying to secure new business.

“We’ve had to fight in the past to ensure we are considered for top contracts like this and it’s work that would make a great difference to our staff and business.

“It’s great that companies like Banks are ensuring local companies get top priority when it comes to new developments – we are definitely supportive of its ethos and goals.

“By choosing to opt for local companies, they’re choosing to put the communities’ best interests first – which means a lot.”

Banks Property has carried out extensive consultation with the local community with its plans greeted with a great deal of positivity. In an area that has suffered historically from the loss of mining and fire clay works, locals have realised the potential boost for the local economy.

Wardell Armstrong, Civil Engineering consultants were called in by Banks to assign the contracts and Carl Hamer, associate director at the firm, believes the Banks community-based ethos can be hugely beneficial for the area.

He said: “It’s commendable what Banks are doing, I’m personally pleased for the companies and it’s great for local development.

“I think it’s fantastic that Banks is so supportive of local contractors and I’m definitely in favour of the benefits it can bring to small towns.”

Colin Anderson, director at Banks Property, was delighted to see the contracts being awarded to local companies, which is a key aspect at all of Banks’ developments.

He said: “Our aim is to provide local businesses with as many opportunities as possible.

“We firmly believe in giving communities that host our developments the chance to boost their economy and to enable themselves to get back on track with new contracts – especially after the recession.”Banks and Forkers Working Together

The 1040 homes earmarked for Glenboig are part of a Community Growth Area identified by local planners and the Scottish Government. In total it could see up to 3000 properties created by a number of developers, delivering 2600 constructions jobs and an estimated £1 billion boost to the region.

Banks Property is part of the Banks Group (www.banksgroup.co.uk), a family firm founded in 1976, which now employs 420 people in the property, renewable energy and mining sectors.

It develops land for commercial and residential property development and is committed to creating sustainable communities where people want to live and work, developing sites ranging from less than an acre to more than 300 acres.