As a Sandwell Council team, Urban Design and Building Services (UDBS) is keen to engage with contractors who give back to our local communities, people and the environment. Our collective commitment to social value means the work we do together brings benefits that extend even further than each individual project.
That’s one of the reasons we’re delighted to work with Dodd Group, as part of the Constructing West Midlands Framework. Owned and managed by the Dodd family since its formation in 1947, this company is our mechanical and electrical engineering partner for public-sector projects in Sandwell.
Dodd Group has gone the extra mile for three local initiatives recently – donating time and skills to make life better for people in our borough.
1. The Orchard School
On Causeway Green Road in Oldbury is the Orchard School – a primary school for children with special educational needs. When Orchard School mentioned that it needed improvements to its reception area lighting, Dodd Group was happy to help. Dodd engineers attended the site to explore the possibility of converting the existing fittings to LED fittings. Sure enough: they were able to modify the fittings and then install six 13w SkyDiscs to create a better light output.
2. Abbey Infant School
Abbey Infant School on Maurice Road in Smethwick asked Dodd Group to procure a ‘water wall’ for the nursery children to enjoy. This sensory play equipment channels water down through a series of tubes, allowing children to instinctively learn scientific principles while engaged in splashy fun. Due to a change in season, Dodd Group had to wait a while to fulfil the school’s request. But once they received the wall, the team was pleased to assemble it on site at the school. Pictured here is Dodd Group’s Sandwell apprentice Harrison Griffiths, taking time out to test the wall.
3. Cradley Heath Library
The library on Upper High Street in Cradley Heath is loved by many local people, who use it not only for borrowing books but also for computer access and community activities. So when staff asked Dodd Group to change the lighting in the library’s warm hub room to match the main library areas, Dodd Group was happy to oblige. Dodd’s engineer Paul Ashford and removed the old fittings and installed four Dallas fittings from top manufacturer NVC – robust yet stylish and low-glare; ideal for the library setting. Paul is pictured [left] with Alison Page of Sandwell Libraries and Luke Dove, Assistant Director – Property, Strategic Assets and Land of UDBS.
Garry Goodwin is Contract Engineer for Dodd Group. Garry said: “All sites are extremely happy with what we have done for them and we are delighted to help out”.
We are delighted that Dodd Group is happy to help out too. Learn more about UDBS’ work on our projects page.
