Suffolk County Council announce new Property Maintenance partnership

Concertus, part of the Vertas Group, and Suffolk County Council (SCC) are pleased to announce their new property maintenance partnership with DPL Group and Brooks & Wood.

Following a meticulous two-stage procurement process, Concertus and SCC believe that this new partnership will build on the service delivered across its portfolio. Sites benefiting from this new provision include 100+ corporate properties for SCC, such as Endeavour House, The Hold, and local-authority-maintained schools. The new contracts will also support academies and other local businesses.

The contracts will commence in the spring, with a contract value of circa £4 million per annum. DPL Group will be responsible for servicing the council’s properties for mechanical and electrical requirements and Brooks & Wood building fabric. Together, they offer comprehensive maintenance services, including repairs, planned preventative maintenance, and more.

Nadia Cenci, deputy member for property and County Farms at Suffolk County Council said: “Following a robust procurement process, we look forward to working with DPL Group and Brooks & Wood. Both companies provide excellent value for money and are Suffolk based”.

Concertus and the wider Vertas Group, will manage the contracts for SCC and other clients, ensuring that their buildings remain ‘Healthy, Safe and Open.’ Darren Fellowes, Associate Director at Concertus, said: “We believe this partnership will offer our clients a dependable and cost-effective service. We have committed to working closely together as one team, to ensure this new arrangement is a great success. We are excited to work with DPL Group and Brooks & Wood, two local businesses in Suffolk”.

Both contractors are based in Ipswich, with strong Suffolk supply chains and reputations within the industry. The appointment will enhance the capabilities and efficiencies of the buildings’ operations.

James Bond, Director at DPL Group, said: “As a family-owned business, we are honoured to have been chosen for this contract. We believe this partnership reflects our shared vision for growth and excellence, how our collaboration will positively impact the local community and our vision for a long-term relationship that creates lasting value for all stakeholders. This contract is the culmination of months of dedicated work from our management team and engagement with Concertus and wider Vertas Group to understand their needs and aspirations. The alignment between our companies in terms of values, vision, quality standards and community focus creates a strong foundation for long-term success”.

Alongside the day-to-day service, DPL Group and Brooks and Wood have committed to delivering a wide range of social value initiatives that will benefit communities across Suffolk. These include developing placements for new apprentices, work experience placements and enhanced environmental strategies.

Stuart Boardley, Director at Brooks and Wood, said: “We are delighted that Brooks and Wood have been awarded the property maintenance contract for Suffolk for at least the next five years. This is a significant achievement for our team, and we are proud to strengthen our relationship with Concertus, Vertas and Suffolk County Council further while providing high-quality, reliable maintenance services across the county. Our commitment to excellence, efficiency, and supporting our community remains at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to ensuring the region’s infrastructure and buildings are well maintained for years to come”.

All parties have also committed to work together to support each client’s ambitions regarding value for money, service quality and commitment to reducing the impact that the service has on the environment.