Celebrating Two Years of Success on the Regional Construction Framework with Stepnell

Thu, 14th Nov, 2024

As we celebrate two successful years on the SCAPE Regional Construction Framework, Stepnell is proud to reflect on the meaningful partnerships, collaborative spirit, and impressive outcomes that have driven this journey.

Over the past two years, we’ve delivered 26 impactful projects, ranging from renovations to essential infrastructure upgrades across various sectors, including healthcare, education, leisure, and infrastructure. Each project highlights our commitment to quality, innovation, and community-focused solutions.

Key performance highlights:

On-time and on budget – Average 100%
Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS): Average 40.50
Client Satisfaction – Average 9.3
276 hours spent supporting young people and those facing barriers to work
£5m spent in the local economy
53 SEN students from 5 schools engaged through workplace experiences and mock interviews

Among the standout examples is Stepnell's ongoing partnership with Derby City Council, showcasing how the SCAPE Regional framework empowers all stakeholders and enables meaningful, community-centred projects.

Leveraging SCAPE to Drive Community Value

Over the past two years, Stepnell has successfully delivered more than 20 projects across a diverse mix of facilities, including demolitions, refurbishments, structural repairs, and upgrades to educational, leisure, and community spaces. This collaboration has benefited local communities while aligning with Derby City Council’s goals. The SCAPE framework has been essential in facilitating early contractor engagement, allowing Stepnell to collaborate with the Council from the start, and ensuring projects are efficient, timely, and cost-effective.

Key Projects: Sustainable Solutions for Derby’s Needs

In support of the Council’s carbon reduction objectives, Stepnell replaced outdated halogen lights at Derby Arena with energy-efficient LED alternatives. This upgrade is set to save 97,531 kWh of energy annually, reduce carbon emissions by 22.72 tons, and yield annual savings of £28,284. The collaboration between Stepnell and Derby City Council highlights how environmentally sustainable construction benefits both the community and the local budget.

Derby Arena: Lighting Upgrade for Energy Efficiency

To address challenges in a disadvantaged area of Derby, Stepnell demolished a set of garages and a disused sports centre, paving the way for a larger car park and revitalising the neighbourhood. With a focus on safety and compliance, this project involved asbestos removal, 24-hour security, and handling issues related to fly-tipping. Clare Hill, Principal Building Surveyor at Derby City Council, commended Stepnell’s commitment, noting the site manager’s effective communication with residents and the project’s ahead-of-schedule completion.

Redevelopment of Charlotte Street and Shaftesbury Sports Centre

A recent addition to Stepnell's SCAPE framework portfolio is the 2024 Derby City Council Children and Young People Capital Programme, an ambitious project to complete essential improvement works across eight schools during the summer break. Valued at £1.6 million, these upgrades ranged from asbestos removal and fire safety enhancements to door and window replacements, roofing, and electrical rewiring.

The Stepnell team proactively managed resources to ensure continuity and quality across each school site. Early engagement with Derby City Council and Atkins Realis enabled better planning, allowing Stepnell to accommodate the addition of an extra school to the programme even as the summer works commenced.

Delivering Education Infrastructure: 2024 School Summer Works

"Appointing Stepnell gave me confidence that it could be done... a big ask, but they did their best and delivered."

Leanne Ward,

Project Manager at Derby City Council

Supporting Local Communities and Youth through Social Value Initiatives

Stepnell’s commitment to social value extends well beyond physical projects. They actively engage with local schools to promote construction careers and support youth employment. Their initiatives include workshops on construction careers, STEM activities, and hands-on STEM challenges for students. This outreach is vital in encouraging the next generation of talent in the industry.

In partnership with Derby City Council, Stepnell has achieved:

74.6% local spend, with 47.7% going to MSMEs (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises)
22 career events across multiple schools, including mainstream, SEND, and alternative provision schools.
Direct engagement with 410 students through workshops on construction careers, STEM activities, and CV preparation, with a total reach of 1,657 students
29 work insight days provided for students in Years 10-12 to help prepare them for employment

Strengthening Supply Chain Relationships

Stepnell and SCAPE's partnership has strengthened relationships in their supply chain, promoting collaboration and transparency. Gary Cleaver, Director at Highcross Building Services, highlighted the value of the SCAPE framework in supporting shared goals: “The SCAPE framework has given us a fantastic platform to grow while ensuring we work together to deliver meaningful results.”

Looking Ahead: Building on Success

Stepnell’s journey on the SCAPE Regional Construction Framework is a testament to the power of collaboration, community engagement, and a commitment to quality and social impact. As we continue our partnership with Derby City Council, together we remain focused on delivering high-quality, sustainable projects that benefit the community while promoting social value. Our proactive, collaborative approach is already paving the way for further innovation, ensuring Derby’s infrastructure not only meets today’s needs but also supports future generations.

Client Satisfaction and Feedback

Our dedication to quality and community-focused delivery has been reflected in client feedback scores, averaging:

Service: 9/10
Product: 9/10
Value for Money: 9/10

As we celebrate these milestones, Stepnell looks forward to another year of positive change and collaboration under the SCAPE framework, delivering impactful projects that make a difference in Derby and beyond.