This #MadeInSandwell Monday we’re celebrating the success of Wednesbury scaffolding and powered access equipment firm UK Access Solutions in securing two new contracts in the borough.

UK Access Solutions specialises in the design, installation and hire of scaffolding structures, contract services and access equipment.

Established in the early 1950s, UK Access Solutions supplies some of the UK’s leading construction firms and it has earned an enviable reputation in the field of construction scaffolding and access services.

The Sandwell firm has achieved significant success in the commercial, residential, civil infrastructure and industrial sectors. It has recently secured contracts with Wates Construction and Wilmott Dixon, worth a combined total of £500k.

The contract with Wates Construction is to deliver scaffolding and access solutions for the new £73m Sandwell Aquatic Centre in Smethwick.

The £240k contract with Wilmott Dixon is to supply scaffolding services to Oldbury and West Bromwich education sites. Wilmott Dixon is delivering facilities and building enhancements to three schools as part of Sandwell Council’s £24m schools’ capital programme.

The new contracts were secured by UK Access Solutions following a competitive tendering process, during which the company demonstrated its expertise in first class project management, a firm commitment to partnership working and a progressive approach to local procurement.

The contracts have created new jobs and five apprenticeships with UK Access Solutions, as well as generating an increased demand for materials, locally manufactured products and sub-contract processes further down the Sandwell supply chain.

Two apprentice scaffolding operatives have been placed on the Sandwell Aquatics site since the first week of October 2020 and three apprentices have been placed on the Sandwell Schools programme works with Willmott Dixon. UK Access Solutions is pleased to report that all the apprentices are doing really well.

UK Access Solutions sales director Jamie Sherlock said: “Although the company serves the whole UK, it is still very much a Black Country business and we are delighted to be involved in the construction phase of these iconic Sandwell buildings. We buy our goods and services locally, protecting jobs, we’re generating new business opportunities for other local firms and our commitment to train new apprentices supports our strategy to provide viable employment and training to the young.

“UK Access Solutions is very proud of our workforce development plans which allows us to retain and attract new talented people to the team.”

The firm currently employs over 120 people, 85 per cent of whom live in Sandwell or the surrounding Black Country.

Jamie and his team are also firm advocates of Sandwell Council’s support offered to local businesses and he added: “As we consolidate post-Covid and gradually return to growth we hope to work with Sandwell Council to create further apprenticeships, training opportunities and jobs throughout the entire local supply chain. We are particularly keen to work with the Council to encourage suppliers to spend more locally, forge closer links and build community wealth in the borough.”

#MadeInSandwell Monday is a celebration of the talent and diversity within our borough. If you’re interested in being considered for a #MadeInSandwell Monday profile and having information about your organisation shared on Think Sandwell and through Twitter, read this.