MCP, one of Sandwell Council’s voids contract partners, was recently shortlisted as a runner-up in the Best Customer Impact category at the National Housing Maintenance Forum (NHMF) Awards.
The NHMF Best Customer Impact category recognises projects that go beyond standard service delivery to create meaningful change for local residents. MCP’s nomination, in collaboration with Sandwell Council, showcased how their innovative approach to social value has transformed lives across Smethwick and the wider borough.
MCP’s work has been aligned with Sandwell’s four pillars of social value, ensuring they created long-lasting benefits for the community.
Employment and skills
By utilising local supply chain several new local jobs and apprenticeships have been created as well as safeguarding existing local employment.
MCP has embraced Sandwell’s Adopt a School initiative, forging a long-term partnership with Holly Lodge School in Smethwick. Through this initiative, they have provided mentoring, career advice, mock interviews and skills development opportunities for young people, helping to inspire the next generation. Read about what happened here.
Community engagement
By engaging directly with local residents and community groups across the area they work MCP has gained an understanding of the challenges and needs of the Smethwick community. This led to them supporting Ideal for All by supplying and installing a new kitchen facility at their West Smethwick Enterprise Market Garden, creating a space for holiday activities for young people and various community support groups. find out more.
Supporting local businesses
MCP has prioritised working with local suppliers to ensure that investment stays within the Sandwell economy. This commitment to local spend creates wider economic benefits by helping businesses grow and thrive. MCP recently took part in a Meet The Buyer event to let local businesses know about opportunities with them, what they are looking for and how to access them. Following this event MCP gave an opportunity to a local business they had met there to do a trial job for them. This went well and has led to them awarding further work to them. Learn more about what happened.
Environmental responsibility
MCP has taken a proactive role in supporting environmental projects across Sandwell, including their partnership with Litter Watch’s Community Garden. Their engagement has encouraged sustainable practices and promoted community-driven environmental initiatives. Find out more about their partnership with Litter Watch.
Recognised by the community
Karen Richards, Social value officer, said:
“MCP has been exceptional with their creative and inspirational approach in supporting our residents and community hubs in so many ways. They have gone above and beyond our expectations.”
Alicia Wingfield, Chief Officer, Litter Watch:
“We are incredibly grateful for the extremely generous donation from MCP, which has significantly elevated our work at the allotment. This space not only fosters a love for nature and sustainability but also provides valuable educational opportunities for the children.”
Social value in Sandwell
MCP’s recognition at the NHMF Awards is a testament to the power of social value driven business practices. Their work not only improves housing and maintenance services but also empowers local communities, enhances opportunities for young people, and strengthens the local economy.
We encourage businesses to embed social value into their operations, creating lasting community benefits. If your business wants to make a difference in Sandwell, visit our social value page.
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