20 March 2008
Urban Vision, Capita Symonds’ joint
venture in Salford, has picked up a major prize at the illustrious
Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards this week.
The joint venture, in partnership with Salford City Council, won
the Public / Private Partnership of the Year category at the
glittering annual ceremony - seen as the most prestigious awards
event in local government.
The award recognised the work of the Salford Construction
Partnership (SCP) which was created in 2004 by Salford City Council
and Urban Vision to help develop local business and employment
opportunities within the construction industry.
Since it was established, the SCP has been a resounding success
- placing almost 700 unemployed Salford residents into sustainable
construction jobs across the city, with a further 288 local people
being placed on construction apprenticeships.
SCP also champions the introduction
of modern construction procurement and supply chain management
techniques into public sector construction projects. Urban Vision
is involved in the selection process of construction companies
participating in the partnership, sitting on the executive board
and providing strategic direction and performance
monitoring.
Paul Mallinder, Director, at Urban Vision said: "The SCP is
transforming the lives of Salford residents and their families -
plugging industry skills gaps and saving almost £8 million per year
in government benefit payments alone. It is fundamental in creating
sustainable communities and winning this prestigious and nationally
recognised award is fantastic for all those who have worked with,
and benefited from, SCP’s work."