JV CC CW and C

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30 January 2015 | Updated 01 January 1970

Cheshire West and Chester Council is to launch a new joint venture with Cofely, supplier of energy, technical and facilities management services.

Cofely was selected to form a new joint venture company of which it has a 51% holding, with Cheshire West and Chester Council (CW&C) to deliver customer and integrated workplace management services.

This is the latest partnership that Cofely has entered into. It has existing ones with local authorities, including London Borough of Lambeth, North Tyneside and North East Lincolnshire councils.

Over 300 council employees will transfer to the new company. The initial responsibilities of the JV will include customer services and business operations as well as cleaning, building maintenance and energy compliance services across the council’s estate. 

The council and Cofely believe it has agreed ‘ambitious’ growth plans for the JV, with the potential to transfer further council services into the company as well as plans to trade with other public and private sector bodies. The total turnover of the joint venture is expected to be in excess of £200 million over 10 years.

For its part, Cofely is committed to investing £3 million in the council’s IT infrastructure, part of which will improve online access to council services. It will also involve the deployment of software tools to help develop greater insight into resident needs. 

In addition, the new JV will support wider social commitments by establishing a Community Interest Company (CIC) that will reinvest a percentage of profits into the local community. There will also be an investment in learning and development through at least 65 apprenticeships, 20 graduate placements and 1,000 hours of work experience opportunities for local young people.

“This joint venture company will develop and grow in a phased way, based on track record and improved performance,” stated Councillor Lynn Riley, member for localities. “As such, it will play a key role in meeting our priorities to modernise, improve and save as efficiently as possible.”

Picture: The headquarters building where Cofely will be operating a joint venture with the local council.

Article written by Robin Snow | Published 30 January 2015

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