GBD has many years successful experience of undertaking grounds maintenance contracts for housing associations either directly or as sub-contractors through national grounds maintenance companies, across Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire.
As with many Grounds Maintenance contracts we have been responsible for programming the works for the year to respond to the seasonal requirements of the weather and in addition adapting the work schedule to accommodate the unpredictable influence of the climate. We are used to undertaking performance contracts, where we agree to maintain the areas to the specification for an annual sum no matter how many visits are required.
Responsibilities have included grass maintenance ranging from weekly hand mowing of lawns, regular cutting and removal of arisings, and regular mowing allowing the cuttings to remain on the grassed areas. We also undertake periodic mowing using a tractor mounted rear flail mower for areas that are cut only a few times a year.
We also maintain shrubs and hedges from herbicide treatment or hand cultivation to keep areas weed free, to pruning in accordance with good horticultural practice. Hedge cutting is undertaken using hand held hedge cutters and a tractor mounted reciprocating cutter. This cuts the hedges rather than flailing them and so leaves a tidy finish and does not leave debris across a large area.
We are always aware of environmental issues and we are currently looking at purchasing a ‘green waste processor’ so all green waste produced is processed, composted and then this can be returned to the beds.
Herbicide application is undertaken to hard areas as well as shrub beds and all treatment is undertaken by suitably qualified staff. Usually treatment is to control weed growth or the spread of moss on hard areas.
We also undertake gritting and snow clearance in the winter months.
To enable us to perform this work efficiently and effectively we regularly replace equipment. The main items are replaced after 3 or 4 years, with smaller items usually replaced after 2 years.
We currently have the following equipment that is used on our contracts:
We are prepared to, and have the means to, invest in new equipment to meet the needs of new contracts if appropriate. We are also always reviewing our existing equipment and requirements to ensure they match.
We are a local company which employs local people to undertake the work. With this approach we know we are helping to support the communities in which we work and within the contracts we are happy to be involved with community projects. We will work alongside the residents of an area to implement projects to improve the area such as tree planting.
Any community projects have to take account of Health and Safety Regulations. We take this aspect of our work very seriously and have external consultants who do monthly spot checks on our operations to ensure we continue to meet the demands of all Health & Safety requirements.
GBP operate within about 30 miles of our base near Broadway, Worcestershire. Our area of operation includes:
We carry out grounds maintenance work with Town and Parish Councils as well as schools, sports clubs and private companies and individuals across this area
