Build Fife Helps Businesses Secure New Contracts

A local economic initiative has helped two Fife businesses secure new contract opportunities with major contractor.  

Thomas Menzies (Builders) Ltd and JLC Commercial Cleaning Ltd took part in Build Fife, which helps local businesses turn industry connections into real commercial opportunities, and have secured work opportunities with main contractor Linear Design & Construct to support the delivery of the Cowdenbeath Town House project.  This will help to retain economic benefit from the project in the local area.

The Build Fife programme is a partnership between Fife Council and hub East Central Scotland, created the platform for engagement between the businesses and Linear Design & Construct that has resulted in contract awards. The initiative was created to support growth and development of construction and related businesses across Fife by combining expert-led business development with direct opportunities to engage with industry partners. 

The programme is built around the principle of connecting local suppliers with major contractors and giving them the tools to compete for that work. For Thomas Menzies (Builders) Ltd and JLC Commercial Cleaning Ltd that experience has now resulted in new contracts, underlining the capability within Fife’s business community and value of creating structured opportunities for local businesses and contractors to engage, share knowledge and build relationships.

Stacey Arnott, Owner, JLC Cleaning, said: “Participating in the Build Fife Programme was certainly an impactful decision for me and the business. As a small business, gaining access to, building connections and winning contracts with these larger contractors is difficult. During the programme, experts in various fields shared their knowledge on business growth and development. When applied, this knowledge proved resourceful in strengthening the company's profile when presenting for future works. The Build Fife team made engaging with these Contractors very easy, I always say people buy into people first, but having the team there to nurture connections beyond face-to-face meetings was crucial for us. We will never be able to thank them enough. We have since been asked to tender for and awarded various projects, one of which was by Linnear Design & Construct for our local Townhouse! For us as a business this looks great on our business profile and more importantly allows us to showcase our capabilities and standards within the Construction Industry.” 

Ryan Broadley,  Managing Director Linear Design & Construct, said: “The Build Fife Programme has been highly beneficial from a commercial and operational perspective, giving us direct access to capable local businesses and helping us strengthen a reliable, resilient supply chain. Developing these relationships supports continuity across our current and future projects, while creating greater local value and opening the door to long-term collaboration.”

Cllr Altany Craik, Fife Council Spokesperson, Finance, Economy & Strategic Planning said: "The success of the Build Fife programme over the past three years highlights the strength, ambition and potential of Fife's construction sector.  Each year the programme continues to evolve, giving local businesses the knowledge, confidence and connections they need to compete for opportunities within major supply chains.

"The appointment of Thomas Menzies (Builders) Ltd and JLC Commercial Cleaning Ltd to support the Cowdenbeath Town House project shows the strength and expertise we have within Fife's business community. By helping local firms connect with industry partners, we're supporting business growth, creating local economic benefits and helping more companies be part of major projects taking place across Fife."

Lindsey McNaughtan, Head of Economic & Social Impact, hub East Central Scotland, said: "Local businesses have a vital role to play in delivering economic growth and supporting resilient supply chains. It is encouraging to see participating businesses benefiting from the skills, knowledge and relationships developed through the programme, whilst construction partners continue to recognise the expertise and capability that exists within the local market. These outcomes highlight the value of bringing businesses and industry together to share learning, build networks and support long-term growth."

The £2.3 million project to redevelop and refurbish Cowdenbeath Town House will bring the much loved historic building back into public use as a welcoming community hub.