The Challenge
Managing the property portfolio of a high street bank with a presence in virtually every major town and city in the UK is a complex undertaking, and it demands the highest levels of efficiency.
In 2020, this bank’s roof maintenance contracts were spread across multiple contractors nationally, with an ad hoc approach to assessment meaning the need for repairs was often not identified until significant dilapidation occurred.
The facility services company that looks after all the bank’s sites in the UK needed a reliable, specialist partner that could help reduce maintenance costs and consolidate its contracts. Most sites would benefit from an annual assessment, but some were in areas exposed to harsh weather and would need to be visited every three months.
A systematic programme that ensured every property was regularly assessed was key to reducing the cost of repairs and NSS was the natural choice to deliver it.
Services included;
The Solution
An initial trial of 5 sites was extended to 480 properties in July 2021. In the second year of the partnership, we expanded to 600 locations.
The scale of the task was significant, but NSS project managers with expertise in national contracts devised a programme to coordinate and oversee the work. The facility services firm initially provided a list of sites to visit each month, but as the relationship between the two companies evolved, we were trusted to take control of scheduling.
NSS developed a standardised system for assessments and feedback, creating consistency and transparency across all sites by providing detailed reports including
photographic evidence before, during and after each visit.
This allowed us to develop a master database that provides an overview of every site covered by the contract, along with its condition and any potential future costs.
Under the terms of the contract, NSS specialists trained in working at height assess each roof and carry out maintenance that typically includes:
- Remedial work such as application of liquid coatings as a first fix.
- Removal or repair of hazardous slates or other materials.
- Ensuring all gutters, drains and outlets are clear of obstructions.
- Removing all grass and vegetation from roofs and skylights
- Use of mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) with Chapter 8 retractable barriers.
- Robust RAMS assessments prior to any work taking place
The Result
This new approach has simplified every aspect of the roof maintenance and repair programme for the bank and its facility services provider.
Specialist NSS project managers have set clear expectations about how and when sites will be assessed, and a standardised, evidence based approach has allowed us to scale the partnership even further.
