Pochin’s, the lead contractor on Hanley’s Smithfield scheme, has revealed that since starting work on the project a total of £9m hyper-local orders have been committed to by Stoke-on-Trent-based companies – in a massive boost to the local economy.
The above figure represents the amount of orders committed within 30km of the scheme, and the money has been spent with local businesses and subcontractors including: Meathbuild (Newcastle-under-Lyme), Reynolds & Litchfield (Stoke), Reliant Ceilings (Mow Cop), Quality Glass (Stoke-on-Trent) and more.
Iain Grant, Contracts Manager at Pochin’s, said: “Since commencing works on site at Smithfield, we have made it our mission to ensure that our presence in the city is of benefit to local businesses and the community.
“Stoke-on-Trent is a brilliant city full of first-class businesses. We are confident that by investing in these companies, we are not only benefitting the local economy, but we are also getting a very high calibre of products and services.”
Pochin’s, which was founded in the 1930s and is based in Cheshire, has made CSR and community outreach a priority since being appointed on the Smithfield scheme in February 2018.
The construction company has committed to using a local supply chain wherever possible, and recently partnered with Stoke-on-Trent College to encourage young people from the area to consider a career in construction.
Pochin’s has conducted site visits for students, has offered hands-on experience to those interested and has given guest lectures at the college in an effort to boost employment amongst a younger age bracket.
Tim Hough, Project Manager at Pochin’s, added: “Giving something back to the communities in which we work is really important to us. We want to ensure that we leave a lasting legacy of job creation and community projects in The Potteries”.
“It’s been great to hear that the total spend has reached this number, especially off the back of our recent work with Staffordshire Food Bank at its Blurton warehouse. The team has been very hands-on with our charity work and has been very happy to lend a hand, which has been lovely to see.”
Pochin’s commenced on site at Smithfield in June 2018, with a 17-month build programme. The Clayworks apartments and Hilton Garden Inn hotel which its team is currently in the process of constructing are both due for completion this year.
The £170m Smithfield scheme is being delivered in a joint partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Genr8 Developments.
Iain added: “We’re proud to be part of this landmark scheme for Stoke-on-Trent and are looking forward to continuing bringing the project to life with the help of local businesses.”
