FEBRUARY 2009
Synergy Contracts (Leeds) Limited began life as Managing Director's, Gurnam Singh Bharaj's first enterprise, G.S. Builders and Joiners, where he initially operated as a sole trader. With a degree in Architecture and time served apprenticeship in general building and joinery, Gurnam had the ideal compliment of skills to develop his vision of a fully fledged design and build practice from this platform, taking G.S. Builders to a multi-skilled team of more than 6 employees and establishing a healthy stream of work with a reputation for quality in design and workmanship.
The business gained vast experience within the domestic, lettings and small commercial sectors, providing a complete service encompassing all elements of the design and construction process; from the initial on-site brief, presentation and tender stages through to cost control, project management and finally construction. Projects include home extensions, student accommodation, office and retail.
In early 2007, with an already established expertise and work base, a decision was taken to shift focus and grow in the larger scale commercial market and local authority sector. During this period of development the business worked with the council and West Yorkshire business link gaining valuable skills and training and business practice as well as marketing, advertising and contractual matters.
Health & Safety was fundamental to the agenda and a commitment was made to dedicate time and funding in order to up-rate the business to the required level both in terms of H&S management competency and staff training. CHAS and Construction line were identified as partners of choice as well as being those best placed to enable the future goals of the company.
In October 2007, Synergy Contracts (Leeds) Limited were made aware of Training Education Services Limited (TES Limited) via Construction Skills.
After an initial meeting, we engaged the services of TES Limited and began their Business Building Blocks programme. The programme was tailored to our needs and priorities in the business and was delivered in house via an approach of 'learning through doing'. TES Limited Facilitated us through various business improvement areas: -
- Strategic Planning
- Business Planning
- Training and Development
- Communication
- Management Development
TES Limited also signposted us to other support, grants, funding and networking, including:
- Construction skills
- Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
- YHAL
- Investors in People (IIP UK)
- Considerate Constructors
- BNI
- Train to Gain
TES Limited worked with Synergy Contracts to maximise and release the benefits available from above.
By working with TES Limited through the planned, tailor-made approach; Synergy contracts have achieved the following business benefits:
- Training for apprentices
- CSCS Certification for all employees
- Business Plan aided focus approach
- IIP Status
- CHAS accreditation
- On Construction Line
- SCMS
- Approved contractor status on numerous lists
Through the above Synergy Contracts have gained entry to the commercial arena and are on tender lists for our target working partners. We have successfully tendered and won work for Leeds City Council including Manston Primary School.
Continuing our relation ship with TES we have set up a new plan for the coming year including ongoing further staff training and implementation of ISO9001, which we hope to achieve by September 2009.
