A LIVERPOOL builder is calling for “positive discrimination” to help local firms and to create role models for a new generation.
Paul Flanagan says local stakeholders such as councils, housing associations and schools should consider Liverpool firms before awarding huge contracts to the “big boys” of construction who are now targeting work normally considered the preserve of small builders in a bid to mitigate the effects of recession.
He said: “Manchester looks at local companies first positively.
“We’re looking down the M62 with great envy because they have a council 110% more positive than ours.”
He claimed if Manchester cannot award a job locally it will impose strict conditions in favour of local labour and apprentices and police the deal to the letter.
And he said housing associations are also loath to help local firms, claiming: “One housing authority told us ‘we’re not interested in local labour’. It’s comfortable for them because they think it’s easier to work with the big boys.”
But he questioned short-term economics against long-term jobs for local labour that create a role model for others to follow, instead of becoming immersed in gang culture.
“A lot of kids are followers who need a positive role model in their community who goes to work, has a car and house and goes on holiday and is working for it,” he said.
“What is the best deal? Value or tenants’ quality of life? Short-term economic gain or chipping away at negatives?”
Mr Flanagan said his group is currently fitting out Unite the Union’s regional offices in Islington, because the union stipulated the contract should go to a Liverpool firm.
“They looked at it with a positive aspect and we have employed about 100 tradesmen from Liverpool on that scheme. We employ the best part of 500 people across all our companies and we want to employ 5,000.” Flanagan Group recently achieved ISO status for three standards, but Mr Flanagan added: “There’s no point in having the medals on your chest if you’ve got no battles to fight.”
A spokesman for Liverpool City Council declined to comment.
LOG on to Tony McDonough’s Business Beat blog, at blogs.liverpool daily post.co.uk/businessbeat/ to read more on this issue.
