BCS was delighted to have our tender accepted to install lighting on one half of the warehouse, while a different contractor took on the other. We worked closely with MSX Facilities Supervisor Matt Cooke throughout the contract. Below, he explains the challenges, solutions, and results of our work.
The challenge
Matt Cooke: “There were a lot of issues for Tom and his two subcontractors to consider. As a facilities supervisor of a warehouse service with time-sensitive and high-security needs, you have to find contractors you can trust and depend on.
“You also need a team capable of working around a busy site. There are so many safety issues as work must continue and from a business perspective, it is disastrous if operations shut down: it’s vital to keep the warehouse running as close to normal as possible.”
The solution
“We were pleased to receive a tender from Tom and BCS because we’ve worked with him before and know what he is about. He is very competitive but it’s not just about price: he brings a lot of additional value, too, because he’s so reliable and personable. He cares a great deal about getting things right - everything from choosing the right subcontractors for the job to managing the contract well from start to finish.
“Tom goes above and beyond and is comfortable talking to people from all sides of the business, from company directors to the workers on the shop floor. This is exactly what you need with a complex project like this, and he went out of his way to understand the finer details of what we wanted and was upfront with issues as and when they arose.
“And Tom was spot on with his estimates and timings. Actually, he finished ahead of schedule - and I honestly thought there was no way that would be achievable. But he planned each aisle perfectly which meant minimal disruption to our usual operations. And you always get great back office support from Tom - I can ring him any time and know he’ll get back to me as soon as he can.”
The results
“Tom and his two subcontractors have left everyone impressed with the work done on the BCS half of the warehouse. It looks completely modernised and it has noticeably improved team morale, which often leads to higher productivity.
“It’s too early to see how much energy we are saving - that will be a long-term thing - but because the new LED lights are triggered by people walking underneath, it means we should be more efficient. The workspace feels safer, too, as when a forklift travels through an area the lights will stay on for much longer.
“One more thing I should add: sometimes, many contractors are brilliant at installations but terrible at keeping the site tidy. That wasn’t the case with Tom and BCS at all. And don’t forget - they were removing fluorescent tubes which can be a very messy and disruptive job. Not only did they manage to keep the site in good, safe working order, but every single light has been fitted with high expertise and great care.”
The conclusion
“It’s been great working with Tom and his team. He is reliable, honest, and upfront with any issues that arise. He’s patient, too, which is exactly what we needed for this project, given the many safety and security issues that cropped up while our teams were working around him.
“But it’s the personable approach that makes BCS stand out. Bigger companies with broader shoulders may offer you an attractive quote but there’s always the sense that you are just a number. Whereas with Tom, not only is he good on price but holds himself well in a business sense and takes time to get to know his clients and their needs.”
