The following are extracts from feedback that we have received from clients and others we have worked with:

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Good understanding of the project and detail involved. Well organised, diligent & efficient with no unnecessary recourse to the sponsor. Completion anticipated on time and budget.

Hugh Aldridge, Chair Gloucestershire Rural Housing Association, January 2023, commenting on the support that we provided as the association prepared to transfer its business to another housing association from April 2023.

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Prompt and responsive support, guidance and service delivered in a friendly and professional manner.

Sarah Nield, Chair New Forest Villages Housing Association, December 2022, commenting on the support that we provided as the association went through the transfer of engagements process to transfer its business to English Rural Housing Association.

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PBS are very thorough, reliable and knowledgeable in all guidance and support given. We received regular updates throughout the project, Peter was available to contact to answer any questions and his advice was invaluable. 

Kathryn Harrison, Resident Services Director, English Rural Housing Association, July 2022, following a successful contract appointment for gas servicing under an existing framework agreement.

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Primary Business Support (PBS) has been an invaluable partner during our procurement project.  They offered bespoke specifications, acted as a critical friend during the development of specifications, helped guide us through the Section 20 process, led the SSQ and Tender Evaluations and undertaken all of the statutory procurement administration.
 

We would not have been able to have procured so many complex contracts in the timescales we have, without the guidance and support of PBS.

In addition to the professional services provided, the attitude and approach to the project has been refreshing, with PBS understanding our requirements and working in a collaborative manner to assist us in achieving our goals.
Adam Browne, Housing Asset Manager, Woking Borough Council, February 2022 commenting on a project to procure a range of asset management contracts as Woking BC prepared to bring their housing management services in-house.

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'Peter's guidance and support throughout the project was professional and reassuring. We were guided through the challenges that come with resident consultation and successfully awarded new contracts with a peace of mind we had met the procurement protocols, offering best value and customer excellence.'

 

Beau Rickerby, Head of Property Services, English Rural Housing Association, September 2020, following a successful procurement exercise with S20 consultation with a re-specified performance based grounds maintenance service let in four geographic lots.

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'Peter provided excellent advice and expertise in procuring a number of new Framework Agreements.  Peter has a thorough working knowledge of the public procurement regulations and was able to deliver the project on time and in a clear and concise manner.  Peter was very responsive to our client needs and gave excellent value for money through a competitive fee structure.'

Darren Toes, Operations Director, Wokingham Housing Limited, January 2016, following a project in which we worked with WHL to put two contracts for employer's agent services in place and then worked with WHL and its legal advisors in putting Framework Agreements in place for future service requirements.

 

'This was a particularly difficult process to go through which demanded a high level of diplomacy and sensitivity to the impact actions and recommendations would have. Peter managed to negotiate through these difficult times exceptionally well and maintained a professional stance at all times.  Peter was extremely thorough, experienced and always did what he said he would do'

Julie Adams, Neighbourhood Services Manager, February 2015, following a process of strategic review and re-specification of grounds maintenance services across the Spectrum Group including S20 consultation during the procurement process.

 

 

'We used the services of Primary Business Support to improve contractual and service arrangements for treatment plants and pumping stations used on our housing developments.  Their knowledge on this subject was superb and they successfully guided us through a complex process' 

Martin Collett, Operations Director at English Rural Housing Association, August 2012, following a full tendering project including S20 consultation with variable service charge payers.

 

'PBS provide an effective and efficient consultancy and advice service. When commissioned to review our administration and contract lettings procedures Peter’s experience and expertise in governance and procurement was apparent.  In tendering our service contracts PBS guided the resident’s group through the scoring, evaluation and selection processes. Both exercises served us well in the recent mock short notice inspection. ' Yogesh Vadgama, Head of Technical Services at Magna Housing Association, December 2011.  Yogesh was referring to two projects, one covering the review of contracting policy and procedures and the other tendering five technical contracts.

 

'PBS completed the commission quickly at short notice and provided a good quality result tailored to the organisation's culture, saving a lot of in house senior management time.'

Adrian Maunders, Chief Executive at English Rural Housing Association, October 2011. Adrian was commenting on our work developing a risk policy and associated procedure for ERHA.

 

'I have just taken part in a tender process administered by Primary Business Support, the tender document was one of the most comprehensive I have seen with a real focus on relevant data, which was presented in a clear and precise manner. This certainly allowed a full understanding of the end client's requirements and the submission of a sound unambiguous tender'

Paul Giles, Business Development Manager, Alpheus Environmental Ltd. September 2011.

 

Peter Bird and Primary Business Support have conducted one of the most professional PQQ and tender processes in which I have participated. From a tenderer's perspective, the information provided has been comprehensive, responses to queries have been prompt and clear, and I believe the information requested from the tenderer will provide the client with a thorough understanding of bidders' capabilities'
Richard Woodley, Sales Director, Pims Services Ltd, April 2011.

 

'As Chairman, I worked closely with Peter throughout his period with TVRHA and found him to be capable, articulate and able to communicate clearly and confidently with residents, contractors and the Board...
...Peter always went the extra mile to provide the Association with a high quality service and we always felt as though we were his only client despite knowing that he worked with many other organisations'
Alan Turner, Chairman of Test Valley Rural Housing Association, March 2011
Alan was commenting following the transfer of TVRHA to English Rural Housing Association, after eight years during which Peter Bird was Company Secretary and lead consultant and PBS provided the company secretarial services to TVRHA.

 

'You provided us with a comprehensive project management service, including extensive resident consultation, EU procurement, tendering and TUPE issues....Your breadth of knowledge and professional guidance and advice was much appreciated. We would not have been able to deliver such an extensive project without your input.'
Julie-Ann Foster, Divisional Director Housing Services, Signpost Housing Association, June 2010

Following an extensive grounds maintenance tendering project that involved residents setting the specification, evaluation criteria and working alongside staff on the selection panel.

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'Excellent support, advice and service.'
The Board of Soroptimist (Eastbourne) Housing Association, February 2009.
Following a transfer of engagements to Sussex Housing and Care.

 

'As a result of the review we received a comprehensive report that includes a valuable and practical list of recommendations that will enable us to make further improvements to the service.'
Yogesh Vadgama, Asset Manager, Signpost Housing Association, November 2008.
Following a review of repairs and maintenance arrangements.

 

'Your dedication to your work is fantastic.'
Graham Cloake, Chairman, Gundreda Housing Association, July 2008
Following various projects supporting the Board, culminating in a transfer of engagements.

 

'Peter was expected to address a complex agenda in a period of great change and 'hit the ground running'. He did this with consummate professionalism.'
Andrew Cobb, Chief Executive, Drum Housing Association, Jan 2007

Talking about an eleven month interim management project.

 

'Feedback from our clients has highlighted Peter's professionalism and attention to detail.'
Vicki Howe, Programme Manager for External Validation Services, HouseMark, May 2005.

 

'Peter led the KPI validation at Family and demonstrated an excellent knowledge of the Housing Corporation's KPIs. Peter's thoroughness brought added value to the exercise.'
Martin Williams, Senior Information Officer, Family HA, 2004.

 

'Working with Primary Business Support, with their experience in housing management and business systems, has enabled us to give clients a much broader range of advice and a more rounded service.'
John Harris, Director of Building Surveying, Boxall Sayer Construction Consultancy, 2003. (Boxall Sayer is now part of the Baqus Group and is now known as Baqus Boxall Sayer).

 

'Peter has experience both of initiating complex projects and of seeing them through to a successful conclusion.'
John Spens, Chief Executive, Testway Housing, 2002.

Peter previously worked for Testway Housing and managed, amongst other things, the delivery of its 15000 square foot offices in Greenwich Way. PBS has also provided consultancy to Testway and the Aster Group, of which Testway is now a part.