Bangor University has scrapped plans to award a single giant contract to look after its sites in a major boost for local firms.
The university had been considering rolling up its existing contracts for “hard facilities maintenance” into one multi-million pound deal that would cover things like building maintenance, plumbing, electrical and heating.
There were fears this would see it awarded to a large UK national contractor - impacting on the opportunities for local firms.
Now the university has dropped that proposal in a move welcomed by Plaid Cymru, who had been campaigning against the change.
It comes at a time when the economy is reeling from the collapse of major contractor Dawnus and the pre-pack deal that saved contracting giant Interserve from the same fate.
Plaid Cymru AM for Ynys Môn Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “I am very pleased to see that Bangor University has changed their decision on this matter.
“Procurement holds so much power in terms of making our local economy stronger and organisations – be they councils, Welsh Government or even universities – mustn’t think of spending decisions in isolation.
“There are knock-on effects and quite often ‘cheapest’ doesn’t mean best.”
Plaid Cymru’s Arfon AM Sian Gwenllian and MP Hywel Williams added: “We are encouraged that the university continues to recognise the value of local procurement and hope it maintains a stable, long-term relationship with local firms and contractors, one which is mindful of both value for money but more importantly, local employment.”
A university spokesman said: “The university has been reviewing its ‘hard facilities management’ provision, with a view to awarding a single contract.
"However, following further consideration resulting from a combination of factors, including feedback from staff, unions, and others, as well as contractual issues, the university has decided not to proceed with a single provider for the 'hard facilities management' as previously planned.”
