We recently caught up with Steven Beach, Facilities Manager on the Sussex Custodial Services Contract. Steven manages a small team of engineers providing Hard FM services across four PFI sites: Brighton, Eastbourne, Worthing, & Chichester Custody Centres.

Who are you and what do you do?

I joined Bouygues E&S Solutions in January 2020 when the contract mobilised and was warmly welcomed into the wider blue light contracts team. I have found it a very positive experience working collaboratively with the project team to deliver some large-scale projects across the four sites.

What are some of the recent projects you’ve been working on?

The largest project in 2020 delivered by Opec Construction was the full refurbishment of the cells in Custody and the upgrading of the CCTV, intercom and affray alarm systems at Worthing, Chichester and Eastbourne Custody Centres. This year, we commenced the final phase of the project at Brighton Custody Centre which will be completed in April 2021. We also renewed the air conditioning variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems at Eastbourne Custody which was achieved on program alongside the other project works. We also delivered a high volume of lifecycle works including full re-decoration and upgrading the lighting systems in Custody to energy efficient LED’s.

How is your team structured?

I am the Manager on the contract and currently we have a team of two experienced maintenance engineers. We soon hope to have a third engineer join the team which will greatly help with the geographical challenges we face and the strict service level agreements on the contract. Managing the contract with a small team can be a challenge but we also have a great support network from the wider business and the other blue light contracts.

What challenges have you and the team faced during this past year?

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge challenge for everyone but I am proud of how we have worked together despite the difficulties. The smooth mobilisation process and wider support has enabled us to continue working efficiently through a difficult but positive year.

What was the client’s response?

It has all been extremely positive. The project works have been very well received by the client. To be able to achieve all that we have in the first year of a contract, with the difficulties 2020 threw at us too, is a big achievement.