Liberty secure new £6 million contract win that is set to benefit Oldham community

A North-West-based property services firm has secured a new £6 million contract with housing provider First Choice Homes Oldham that promises multiple benefits to the local community – including new apprenticeships, steps to reduce carbon emissions and paid volunteering days for staff.

Liberty, which offers maintenance services nationally, is taking on responsibility for heating maintenance, servicing, and installation services for 11,500 homes owned by the housing association across Oldham, starting in April 2022.

In place for an initial period of three years, with the potential for a contract extension, the partnership could last five years in total.

Selected specifically for their high-quality service, Liberty’s responsibilities will cover not just gas boilers, but 42 solar hot water systems and 16 air source heat pumps, too.

Alongside the servicing and maintenance work, Liberty will also be contributing to First Choice Homes Oldham’s work in the local community.

Liberty will create 12 local apprenticeships, boosting job opportunities in Oldham. A further four work experience placements per year will help young people get hands-on experience in housing and maintenance.

It will contribute towards helping to reduce the landlord’s carbon footprint through maintaining and servicing efficient renewable heating systems and committing to divert 99% of waste from landfill.

Additionally, every Liberty employee is given a paid day of volunteering each year so they can make a positive impact in the community, and the Liberty team will work with First Choice Homes Oldham to identify projects that support their communities.

Ray Jones, Group Managing Director of Liberty, said: “We have had an excellent start to the year and it’s great to see this new partnership with First Choice Homes Oldham building on multiple other new contract wins.

“We’re proud to be partnering with First Choice Homes Oldham as it not only offers us the chance to do what we are best at – providing professional property services and excellent customer service – it also gives our team members the chance to give back to the communities they’re working in.

“At Liberty, we are committed to meeting clients’ needs based on open relationships, and this contract allows us to go one step further.”

Steve Mather, Director of Assets and Sustainability at First Choice Homes Oldham, said: “The way we support customers, colleagues and communities is a key focus for us at First Choice Homes Oldham, and we are committed to providing high-quality services and making long-lasting improvements to customers’ lives. 

“We’re really pleased to be working with Liberty, whose priorities around safety, sustainability and investing in local communities align with what we are aiming to achieve for our customers, our homes and our neighbourhoods.” 

The new contracts contribute to a strong first quarter of the year, with Liberty having already secured six contracts worth around £35 million.

Liberty is a property services specialist, providing reactive and planned maintenance nationally and across all technical disciplines, refurbishments, mechanical and electrical projects, construction and renewable energy.