College's £1.5million contract could mean more vacancies at building firm

Boldon-based Opus Building Services has signed a deal with the college to look after its building maintenance and repair services.

The company currently employs 82 staff and has already taken on an additional employee as a result of the contract, with more vacancies in the pipeline.

The new three-year contract could be worth up to £1.5million and has an option for a fourth year.

Peter Redmond, services manager for Opus, said he was delighted that the company had won the contract: “We regularly work in the education sector and are a previous winner of the Contractor of the Year from Newcastle University.

“However, we are always delighted to secure very local work and that colleges and universities are supporting local businesses.

“We’ll be working on all of the college’s campuses and sites, most of which we already know really well through our previous work with the college.”

Opus’s contract will include electrical, heating, water, plumbing and building maintenance as well as maintenance for the college’s air conditioning and ventilation systems. It also includes painting, plastering and decorating.

Graeme Popay, estates supervisor at the college, said: “We’re delighted to have appointed Opus, with whom we’ve had a good working relationship over the last couple of years.

“The contract includes 24-hour emergency cover and we’ve already had need of that service which was provided promptly and efficiently. That’s very reassuring for the college.

“They’re a good local company who we’re happy to work with.”

The first work Opus completed for the college was in its Dr Winterbottom Halls of Residence at its Westoe site.

Opus will continue to be on the college’s framework for smaller contracts under £100,000.