A partnership between Birmingham-based window, door and fire door manufacturer Shelforce and regeneration specialists Equans is helping to transform social housing across the city, creating warmer, safer homes for thousands of residents.
The collaboration, which spans more than 12 years, has been instrumental in delivering crucial upgrades to Birmingham City Council’s (BCC) extensive housing stock, with both organisations working together to improve living conditions and energy efficiency across numerous tower blocks and residential properties.
With approximately 60,000 social housing properties in Birmingham, and almost half needing work to meet new building regulations and standards, the partnership between Shelforce and Equans is proving vital in addressing this challenge at scale and pace.
Howard Trotter, Shelforce’s Business Manager, explained: “Our partnership with Equans has been transformational in helping to improve the quality of life for Birmingham residents. Together, we’re not just supplying windows and doors; we’re delivering comprehensive solutions that make a real difference to people’s lives.”
The partnership’s success includes the external refurbishment of the historic ‘Boat Blocks’ in Nechells – Birmingham’s first post-war residential tower blocks. The project saw Shelforce work closely with Equans to upgrade 132 properties with energy-efficient uPVC windows, significantly improving thermal performance and reducing energy bills for residents.
John O’Leary, Equans Head of Operations, said: “We have worked with Shelforce for more than 12 years now, and they have huge experience when it comes to delivering Local Authority projects. The quality of the products they supply are of the highest spec and satisfy strict planning requirements, and the service they provide goes far beyond manufacturing – they offer a hands-on, fully comprehensive approach that delivers real value for Birmingham’s communities.”
The partnership’s commitment to excellence has been further strengthened by significant investments in both infrastructure and technology. Shelforce recently received a comprehensive upgrade to its Erdington headquarters, courtesy of Equans, including new signage, aluminium doors, and a complete revamp of office spaces and facilities. Additionally, Shelforce has invested £573,000 in new machinery, enhancing its production capabilities and efficiency for future projects in the years ahead.
Shelforce new signs
With evolving building regulations and the introduction of the Building Safety Act, both organisations have placed a strong emphasis on compliance and documentation. The partnership ensures comprehensive test evidence and proof of manufacture and installation for all products, supporting the ‘golden thread’ principle of building safety and maintenance.
“Our business is rooted in the long-standing relationships we have across the sector and working alongside BCC, Equans, and other main contractors such as Wates and Fortem, we’re committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality,” added Howard. “Our experience in delivering Local Authority projects, combined with our understanding of the challenges they face, allows us to provide solutions that meet current requirements for safety and comfort.”
The partnership’s impact extends beyond physical improvements. Shelforce, which employs a 75% disabled workforce, demonstrates how social value can be integrated into commercial operations, aligning perfectly with Equans’ commitment to community regeneration.
O’Leary added: “Through our long-term partnership with Shelforce, we are transforming existing properties to create homes that people want to live in, while their approach and commitment to inclusion, diversity and delivering real change are values that line up with our own.”
As Birmingham City Council continues its mission to upgrade its housing stock, the partnership between Shelforce and Equans stands as a model of effective collaboration, combining technical expertise with social responsibility to create lasting positive change for the city’s residents and help build a better Birmingham.
