Port Talbot-based construction contractor Contract Services has posted strong end of year results that will set a solid platform for future investment.
The company saw its turnover increase by 8.35% from 2013’s results, as well as seeing its gross profit increase by 7.08% from the previous year.
Contract Services growth in 2014 will help to support a five-year strategic plan currently being undertaken that has seen the company shift its position within the market and successfully rebrand.
Part of the strategic reorganisation included the appointments of Operations Director David Hughes and Commercial Director Benn Gleaves to the company board.
The new board members have significant experience within the sector and have been long-term employees of the organisation. During 2015/16 there will be additional board members added to ensure strong governance and direction.
Through its strategic plan, Contract Services targeted and secured two vital contracts that has put the company in a strong position to continue growing.
The first key contract was a four-year contract, worth £8 million, with the Grwp Gwalia Housing Association to provide responsive repairs and maintenance. The second was a £18m deal with Caerphilly County Borough Council to deliver Welsh Housing Quality Standard improvements to council housing stock over the next six years. These framework contract are additional to the regular projects carried out across the whole of South Wales.
To complete the contracts and assist the company’s strategic ambitions, Contract Services is continuing to invest heavily in its recruitment and employee training – investment that is organically grown.
The company increased its staff numbers by 30% in 2014, and now employs more than 130 people. Contract Services also took on 20 new apprenticeships at the end of 2014, a record number for the company. The recruitment drive will help to ensure the company has the skills and facilities in place to build upon recent success and secure more high profile contracts in the future.
Commenting on Contact Services continued investment, Managing Director Peter Thomas said: “For us to build upon the success of 2014 we need to have the right skills across our whole organisation.
“We believe it’s vital to continue investing in our employees by providing the right training and infrastructure that will help our organisation secure and complete many more contracts to come. This is why we have a determined plan to develop and retain quality within our company.”
Contract Services is also investing significantly within its IT infrastructure, installing some of the newest systems and hardware technology within its sector. This includes the ‘Responsive Repair’ contract which allows the company to connect seamlessly with client IT systems through a mobile working base.
Contract Services has been recognised within its sector through a suite of ISO Standards. These include the ISO 9001 process, 14001 environmental and 180001 health and safety standards.