NEWS
RELEASE 23rd Feb 2009

J21 helps local firms buck trend of downturn

Millions of pounds of investment are reaching local companies in the construction sector across Oldham and Rochdale because of support provided by J21, the local labour into construction initiative.

On one project alone, Oldham Council's Sheltered Housing PFI scheme in conjunction with Housing 21 and contractors Bullock, more than £2 1/4 million has stayed in the local economy in the last three months alone.

This positive investment in the local supply chain is helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Oldham and Rochdale to keep their heads above water and is contributing significantly to the local economy.

Construction underway across Oldham and Rochdale includes the several LIFT projects being developed by the NHS, development of new secondary schools and new housing by housebuilders supported by the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder.

Bob Barber, Project Manager for J21 said, "The level of investment retained and the response of local companies, taking advantage of the opportunities available has been superb, all the more so against a background of challenging times."

"J21 has a growing reputation within the local construction sector. We are being increasingly effective in finding jobs for local people and ensuring that local firms get the work on construction projects in their boroughs."

Among the local companies employed on the PFI scheme is large and established subcontractor Parpac Ltd, who carried out the external rendering on the centre including its attractive cedar boarding; along with the internal partitions, plastering, ceilings and joinery works.
 “As a local firm, we are extremely proud to be involved with providing such an important project to the community,” says Paul Cane, Managing Director for Parpac Ltd. “It has been a pleasure to work both effectively and efficiently with all levels of the management and construction teams, along with other subcontractors involved in the project. The dedication of all those involved helped to deliver a great building.”
Parpac Ltd had previously completed ‘Lees House’ in Oldham for Bullocks as part of an earlier J21 Sheltered Housing project, and also worked upon the Kingsway Development for Wilson Bowden.


Nick Young, Construction Works Manager for Bullock, the main contractor on the sheltered housing PFI said, "Working with local contractors is valuable and rewarding for us and the project as a whole and we are pleased that the benefits of this scheme are felt throughout the community."

J21, backed by Oldham and Rochdale Councils and the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, works to ensure that local contractors and employees benefit from investment in construction projects across the boroughs.

Though many local companies are facing difficult times at present, the amount of investment coming into Oldham and Rochdale on current and future projects should provide many opportunities to local contractors and hopefully many more opportunities for local job seekers.

Background information
J21 is a partnership initiative, established by the Oldham Rochdale HMR Pathfinder, Oldham and Rochdale Councils, Hopwood Hall College and The Oldham College.

Their remit is to help local businesses and people secure construction related employment and contracts on major developments that will be delivered across Oldham & Rochdale over the next 10-15 years. This will help sustain and grow the local construction sector, and address the skills shortage.

The PFI 2 Sheltered Housing Scheme will transform over half the council owned sheltered homes in Oldham.
It will deliver around 1,500 designated sheltered council owned properties, which includes 854 bungalows and 19 group schemes. These are spread across the borough in Alt, Chadderton, Coldhurst, Delph, Failsworth, Greenfield, Grotton, Hathershaw, Hollinwood, Holts Village, Lees, Primrose Bank, Royton, Shaw, Springhead and Waterhead.

The Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder aims to tackle some of the deep-rooted problems that face communities in Oldham and Rochdale. Its purpose is to bring about lasting change in order to improve people's quality of life, and to drive up the prosperity of the area.

The pathfinder has been awarded £90 million for the period 2008-2011 to drive forward the transformation of nine neighbourhoods across the boroughs and to contribute to reviving the local economies and enhancing both boroughs as places to live and work.

Further information contact Ken Peden, Senior Communications Officer, Tel 0161 770 8329, email ken.peden@oldham.gov.uk mailto:ken.peden@oldham.gov.uk  website www.oldhamrochdalehmr.co.uk http://www.oldhamrochdalehmr.co.uk/
Notes to Editor:
Both Parpac directors have worked as sub-contractors/foreman/contracts managers over the last 25 years which had led to the establishment of Parpac Ltd. Our experience in this field is extensive and we employ up to 100 tradesmen. Our work is completed to a high standard at competitive prices. We endeavour to be as flexible as possible with the main contractor to maintain working programmes.

Our company specialises in the following:

 

Contact: Parpac 0161 633 9100 parpacltd@btconnect.com