North East housing association Bernicia is expanding its in-house repairs and maintenance division, creating a further 31 jobs for the company.
From April, repairs to 4,000 of Bernicia’s homes from Gateshead to Teesside, will be delivered by the new team, operating from its newly fitted out depot in Spennymoor and offices in Pity Me, Durham.
The joiners, gas engineers, plumbers, bricklayers and administrators will join Bernicia’s already successful Property Maintenance Division, increasing the division’s staffing numbers to 175 across the business and annual turnover to more than £15m.
This southern area expansion replicates the successful business model already employed in Bernicia’s northern operations which delivers 75,000 repairs each year to 10,000 properties across Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle.
Chief executive, John Johnston, said: “This £1m expansion is a further demonstration of the commitment we have given to invest in the region.
“Bernicia is an authentic housing association, entirely focused on the North East, with a genuine commitment to local communities and the overall prosperity of our region. We have a corporate mission to invest in homes, services and people and have committed £190m over the next five years to do so.
“We’ve listened to our tenants, who told us just how much they value the quality of the service directly delivered by our Property Maintenance Division.
“The investment to expand our southern operations responds to this, enabling us to deliver a greater range of quality services, alongside future work experience and apprenticeship opportunities.”
Bernicia provides a range of quality affordable housing and property and facilities management services to over 60,000 customers.
As one of the region’s leading businesses and employers, with 550 staff, Bernicia is focused on maximising the impact of its work and investments for the region’s economy and communities at every opportunity.