A colleague idea that started in 2020 has now helped us save more than 250,000 miles of travel, reducing fuel consumption, increasing efficiency and helping colleagues spend more time delivering services for customers.
The milestone follows the increased use of van-based stock stations. Operating from locations across Sunderland four mornings each week, the service enables Responsive Repairs colleagues to quickly access the materials they need closer to where they're working. Using real-time usage data shared with JPS each day, stock is replenished and prepared in advance, enabling colleagues to collect stock boxes locally rather than travelling to stores.
Once the Responsive Repairs teams have collected their materials, the JPS van continues its journey across the city, delivering stock directly to Gentoo's Heating Team at customer homes. The initiative saves an average of 28 working hours every week by reducing travel time and has proven so successful that JPS has used the model as a blueprint with other partners. This streamlined approach helps colleagues spend more time carrying out repairs and delivering an efficient service for customers.
Working in partnership with Jewson Partnership Solutions, we have continually developed and refined the approach over the last six years, building on the achievement of saving 100,000 miles in 2023 and helping to improve both service delivery and sustainability.
The partnership also introduced Avail Smart Containers, which still allow JPS to deliver materials at any time, including weekends, ensuring stock is available for Gentoo's emergency out-of-hours service. Powered entirely by solar energy with an integrated battery system, the carbon-neutral containers further reduce mileage and support efforts to lower carbon emissions.
The latest milestone means the initiative has now collectively saved more than 250,000 miles of travel, saving the Group around £35,000 in fuel costs, while also reducing vehicle emissions and time spent on the road. That's more than the distance to the moon!
The achievement was recently celebrated by colleagues from Gentoo and Jewson Partnership Solutions at a summer celebration event held at the JPS depot. The event recognised the strength of the partnership and the colleagues whose ideas and collaboration have helped make the initiative such a success. The milestone also reflects our commitment to creating a positive workplace culture, following our recognition as a Great Place to Work.
James Haste, Director of Property Maintenance at Gentoo, said:
"What started as a colleague suggestion has grown into a fantastic success story. Reaching 250,000 miles saved is a remarkable achievement and highlights the value of listening to ideas from the people who deliver our services every day.
The van-based stock initiative has reduced unnecessary journeys, improved efficiency and enabled our colleagues to spend more time focusing on what matters most, providing an excellent service to our customers. We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved alongside Jewson Partnership Solutions and look forward to building on this success in the years ahead."
Paul Lee, Regional Partnership Director at Jewson Partnership Solutions said:
“Reaching 250,000 miles saved is a fantastic milestone and a great example of what can be achieved through genuine partnership working. By bringing our teams closer together, we've reduced unnecessary journeys, improved operational efficiency and lowered our environmental impact, all while continuing to deliver a high quality service for Gentoo Group and its customers.
We're proud of what we've achieved together and look forward to building on this success in the years ahead."
