North East pair forge partnership built to last

A multi award-winning roofing firm has joined forces with one of the North East’s fastest-growing sport organisations to boost communities across the region.

Newcastle and Durham-based DVC Roofing is the latest in a growing number of local companies to rubber-stamp a regional partnership agreement with Tyneside-based GiveToLocal.

And the move further illustrates the desire within the region’s business community to help secure a positive future for community sport clubs, following a prolonged period of uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“As a company we haven’t really done anything like this before but it felt like the right time to do what we can,” explains DVC Roofing founder and managing director Darren Van-Cliff.

“We’re fortunate that our business hasn’t been affected by lockdown but I can only imagine the challenges it’s posed for everyone involved in grassroots sport.”

Darren was in London this week to check on the progress of a major project undertaken on behalf of GlaxoSmithKline.

And the maintenance works at the iconic Sir David Jack’s Research and Development site epitomise DVC’s remarkable rise from regional prospect to national player.

“DVC started out as a North East-based company focusing on domestic work,” explains Darren.

“Now we’re very much a national company with the emphasis on commercial contracts.

“We secured the GSK contract off the back of an initial website enquiry. They were looking for a firm that’s an approved installer of SIKA Liquid Plastics.

“It means their roof is watertight and we’ve been able to do the work without affecting the day-to-day running of site – at the same time protecting the advanced and sensitive equipment within the R&D labs.”

DVC Roofing has become synonymous with quality roofing during the last 20 years and now employs 30 people across its Durham and Newcastle bases.

The company is constantly evolving to meet the demands of a fast-changing sector and introduced its successful 3D imaging arm last year.

“We do a lot of 3D mapping and drawing now,” adds Darren. “We needed to keep up with the times and the accuracy is incredible.

“For me to be able to go out and survey a job and bring an actual 3D model back to the office is fantastic.

“I can move around the model, create reference points and produce much more detailed progress reports. It’s transformed the way that we work.”

A firm with a strong track record for health and safety procedures lifted the NFRC Health & Safety Champion Award for three successive years.

North East clients include Mercedes Newcastle, Gentoo, Cramlington Learning Village and the Tyne Tunnel.

And the coronavirus pandemic has proved no barrier to a firm recognised for undertaking essential work.

“We’re really busy at the moment. As well as the GSK contract, we’ve started a big job on Forth Banks in Newcastle for a company called West One. We’re also working in Fawdon with the pharmaceutical company Accord.”

Neil Gardiner, founder and CEO of GiveToLocal, admits: “DVC Roofing is an ideal partner as far as I’m concerned.

“I’m very excited to be working alongside Darren and his team. DVC has a track record both regionally and nationally and their reputation precedes them.

“GiveToLocal is all about building positivity and optimism at a time when grassroots sport needs additional support.

“Our corporate partners share that approach and with their backing we’re creating a network of community-focused businesses.

“It’s quite clear that Darren and DVC understand what we stand for and what we’re trying to achieve.”

GiveToLocal aims to put an additional £10m into grassroots sport annually and is in the process of rolling out webinars to help teams across the UK tap into an extra £2,000 per year.

The North Shields-based sport organisation is working with more than 45,000 teams in 15 sports nationwide and is set to expand its workforce to meet rising demand for an innovative app-based service.

Corporate relationship manager, David Broom joined GiveToLocal earlier this year with a remit to develop added value partnerships to businesses across the UK.

And Darren adds: “David is someone I trust and he gave me an insight into just how much of a difference our support can make.

“In turn, I’m sure we will see the benefit of becoming part of GiveToLocal’s corporate network as it continues to grow across the UK.”

To find out more about DVC Roofing visit www.dvcroofing.net

To find out more about GiveToLocal visit www.givetolocal.com

To discuss corporate partnerships with GiveToLocal email David Broom at [email protected]