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A blossoming partnership reaps rewards - June 2008
A partnership between the Chesterfield Royal Hospital and Polar Windows has achieved a finalist position at a national awards ceremony.
The Royal is the town's biggest employer and its decision to try and keep work in the town saw Polar Windows nominated for a Government Opportunities (GO) Award.
The partnership, currently enjoying a three-year contract, initially just for the installation of windows, resulted in the Calow based firm short-listed in the Best Small Supplier Innovation category.
Commercial Business Manager at Polar Windows Rob Hawkins said: "We've done work in the boiler house, recovery rooms, most wards, the restaurant and kitchens and a lot of the clinical areas.
"We've worked very closely with staff and liased with them at all times to make sure patients haven't suffered. It's been a challenge, but it's one that we've risen to and will continue to meet in the foreseeable future."
The Royal is committed to keeping its dealings local as much as possible and the partnership began when Polar won the contract to refurbish the hospital's on site staff accommodation. It was the first large-scale public sector contract they had won and the contract now includes all glazing and non-mechanical ventilation.
Head of Estates at the Royal Chris Tann said: "We invited local suppliers to tender their bids alongside a couple of national companies and were hugely impressed.
"They were all asked to price a quote based on standard designs but more importantly we had to be sure that the service quality and ability to work around the needs of the hospital's ward and clinical areas would be met. The bid from Polar Windows ticked all the boxes and we are absolutely delighted with the work they've carried out for us.
As well as helping the Royal maintain its policy of recruiting from the area, the work carried out also meets the needs of the hospital's ever growing, environmentally conscious actions.
Mr Tann added: "The windows that have been replaced so far have reduced energy waste by a constant 14Kw, that's the equivalent of 14 kettles being switched on for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. Between us we've reduced the hospital's CO2 emissions by more than 50 tonnes a year which is incredible."
Despite falling just short of winning the award Polar are delighted with the recognition and are using the experience and partnership with the Royal to enhance its reputation.
"We're using our work with the Royal as a case study and example of what we can do to send out to potential clients," explains Mr Hawkins. "To be associated with the town's biggest employer and such a respected service can only be a good thing for us."