A property services firm based in Liverpool city region has secured a £6m contract to provide heating maintenance, servicing, and installation services for 1,500 homes. Tony McDonough reports

Knowsley property services firm Liberty has secured a £6m contract with North West housing provider First Choice Homes Oldham.

Under the deal it will provide heating maintenance, servicing, and installation services for 11,500 homes owned by the housing association across Oldham. Benefits will also include apprenticeships and steps to reduce carbon emissions.

Initially the contract will last for three years and could be extended to five years. Liberty’s responsibilities will cover not just gas boilers, but 42 solar hot water systems and 16 air source heat pumps.

It 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.

Liberty will also 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.”

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