What are the benefits of using Witley Jones for Full Turn-Key School Refurbishments?

St. Helen's Science Lab Full Turn Key project

We have a proven track record over 28 years of successfully delivering projects across all aspects of the school estate. As we continue to grow the business, we have undertaken a number of full-turnkey projects, offering a multi-trade package whilst still delivering our usual high levels of service to our valued customers.

With over two decades of experience supplying furniture to the education sector, we have developed the expertise, capabilities, and trusted partnerships necessary to manage Science Lab, DT Lab and STEM projects all of sizes.

Expertise in Full Turn-Key School Projects

In 2024 alone, we successfully completed four full turn-key projects alongside our carefully selected partners. Our team have built solid working relationships with schools who trust us to handle their capital investment projects with precision, ensuring that work is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards.

By partnering with a small number of approved subcontractors, we streamline the entire refurbishment and renovation process, reducing the burden on internal school teams.

From the initial design phase to installation, our in-house capabilities, combined with strong working relationships with specialist contractors, enable us to deliver a full suite of works across the school estate.

Example process and works in our turnkey projects:

  • Design and specification – floor plan, layout, furniture design
  • Strip out of existing furniture including the disconnecting and making safe of existing services, gas, water, electrics etc.
  • Alternations or minor building works to suit new layouts.
  • First fix setting out of services by plumbers and electricians.
  • Plastering 
  • Decorating
  • New Floors
  • New ceilings
  • Installation of new furniture
  • Second fix of services to furniture.
  • Commissioning and handover to client

A Single Point of Contact for Schools

One of the significant advantages of using Witley Jones as a full turn-key supplier is that operations and estate teams can commission and oversee multiple projects simultaneously without the need for hands-on involvement in day-to-day management.

Our project management team takes full responsibility for coordinating all trades and suppliers, ensuring that all aspects of the project run smoothly. This reduces the need for school staff to allocate time and resources to manage individual contractors and logistics.

By providing a single point of contact, we simplify communication, eliminating the complexities associated with coordinating multiple suppliers. Schools can rely on us to ensure that every detail is taken care of, from planning and scheduling to installation and final inspections.

Wycombe Abbey's Music Tech Room1

Trusted and Approved Contractors

We collaborate with a small number of approved contractors whom we have worked with for many years. These long-standing relationships ensure that every project benefits from experienced tradespeople who understand the high standards we expect. Our trusted partnerships allow us to bring together the right professionals for each job, ensuring seamless coordination and timely project completion.

Our approved subcontractors include:

These partners bring specialist expertise in building works and  fit-outs, electrical work, and plumbing solutions, ensuring that every aspect of our projects is handled by professionals with a proven track record.

A key aspect of our project management approach is arranging comprehensive site surveys and planning meetings before work begins.

By involving all contractors in the early stages of planning, we mitigate potential risks, prevent unforeseen additional costs, and reduce the likelihood of delays. This proactive approach ensures that the project runs efficiently and meets all agreed-upon deadlines.

A Flexible and Agile Approach

Our extensive experience in handling school refurbishment and renovation projects allows us to remain flexible and agile in our approach. We understand how each of our subcontractors operates, enabling us to efficiently manage projects of all sizes while proactively navigating any challenges that arise. Our ability to adapt and respond to project demands ensures a smooth experience for schools and minimises disruptions to starting a new school term and daily operations.

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