This represents 68% of the overall contract value and reflects the council’s commitment to ensuring every major capital project supports local business, local jobs and long-term community wellbeing.
Delivered in partnership with Speller Metcalfe, the refurbished former Post Office building in Bloxwich has been transformed into a new digital access and business incubation centre offering residents IT facilities, employment support, digital skills training and business office space and incubation opportunities. One of the main aims of the build was supporting local suppliers and keeping spending close to Walsall as possible.
The report confirms over £1.19 million of project spend was targeted locally through supply-chain sourcing, materials, labour and subcontractors benefiting businesses in the borough and within a 30-mile radius. This provided a boost to employment opportunities and strengthened the local economy.
“ Bloxwich Launchpad is a shining example of how major investment projects can do much more than renovate a building they can create jobs, strengthen local suppliers and make real community impact. By prioritising local businesses first, we have kept the Walsall pound in Walsall, supporting our own employers, our own young people and our borough’s economy.
Councillor Mike Bird, Leader
I am delighted that this project has delivered more than four times its planned social value and that local companies, apprentices and students have directly benefited. This is exactly the type of responsible regeneration we want to see across our borough: modern facilities, thriving businesses and real opportunity for residents. “
Walsall Council
Local subcontractors involved in the scheme included electrical, roofing, asbestos removal, groundworks, mechanical services, scaffold and specialist brickwork and glazing firms based in Walsall and nearby postcodes. This approach ensured that the majority of spend stayed local, supporting established employers and providing work for apprentices, trainees and skilled tradespeople.
The project also generated substantial community benefits through education, employability and training:
This hands-on experience has helped residents, students and young people gain valuable construction sector skills and deeper knowledge of the industry.
The project also supported local volunteering and community action, including a litter pick outside Walsall College Campus that collected 13 bags of rubbish in one hour, along with contributions to the Bloxwich Community Partnership Fund.
“ We are extremely proud of the Bloxwich Launchpad build, not only for its high-quality refurbishment but for the meaningful legacy it leaves behind. From day one, our focus was to maximise local impact supporting Walsall suppliers, creating learning opportunities and ensuring investment stayed within the community. Working with Walsall Council has demonstrated how construction can genuinely deliver lasting socio-economic benefits, and we are thrilled to see the local businesses, trainees and community groups all benefiting from this project. “
Kate Moore, Social Value Lead
Speller Metcalfe
The Bloxwich Launchpad project forms part of Walsall Council’s wider regeneration ambitions, including improved town centre facilities, business support, skills development and new community hubs. The council will continue to embed social value expectations into future procurements, ensuring that places are improved and local people share in the benefits.
