Commercial Maintenance Services UK confident of avoiding job cuts after new deals

A utilities maintenance firm says it is confident of avoiding any coronavirus-linked job cuts after securing two significant contracts.

Commercial Maintenance Services UK Ltd (CMS) has picked up work with Britain’s largest care home provider HC1 and long-standing client Four Seasons Health Care.

Nic Smith, co-founder and managing director, said the deals have allowed the family-run company – which was forced to furlough 66 workers in March – to reinstate several staff members.

He also said the contracts have provided welcome fresh momentum for the Gateshead-based business, which this month marks its 20^th anniversary.

Nic said: “We have been going into care homes up and down the country every day to fix or maintain their heating or hot water, to ensure they continue to operate in these critical times.

“Thanks to our determination to maintain this 24/7 service, we have gained important new work, which will allow us to further build upon our presence in the health care sector.

“Our 20th anniversary year has proved the most challenging to date,” he added.

“However, thanks to the dedication of our staff, I believe we will emerge from this pandemic without the need to cut jobs and be in a position to continue to grow the business.  

“It’s certainly been a birthday to remember but I remain positive about the future and feel sure that CMS can strengthen its position in the marketplace.”

The business – which counts Travelodge, Vodafone Group and Marks & Spencer as clients – was founded in 2000 by engineer Neil Smith, who was later joined by brother Nic.

At the end of the first year, they had achieved turnover of more than £150,000, which last year grew to £12 million.

More than 70 of its 136-strong workforce are based in the North East, with the remainder forming a series of nationwide engineering hubs.