Five years ago, a new construction company launched in Northamptonshire that promised to be different and bold – to bring a new dimension to the sector and put client relationships at the heart of everything it does.
Since then, FormFive has extended that aim significantly, developing partnerships with clients and suppliers, as well as the community within which it works; while at the same time delivering a networking opportunity for those in property and construction that not only gives members a chance to get together but that is now advocating for the local sector.
FormFive positions itself as ‘the contactor of choice from Concept to Completion’, working in collaboration with developers, project management companies, architects, investors and the wider supply chain. Services include viability studies, project planning, design management, cost management and construction.
Current and recent projects include a bespoke £1.9m private house that is under construction in Milton Keynes; a refurbishment project at the National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park; a new café and common room at Bedford Girls School; and the fit-out of a new office space for a valued repeat client.
FormFive founder Matthew Abraham said: “FormFive’s approach is to see things from the point of view of the client and break down the barriers to a free flow of information. Whether that’s through the efficient use of technology, or one-to-one contact, we ensure they are kept up to date every step of the way. We are very aware that with construction projects the client can end up feeling they are not in control and don’t know how things are progressing, as well as being worried about mounting costs.
“The construction sector is sometimes slow to adapt to new ways of working and we wanted to disrupt that. If we can make clients’ lives easier and make them feel connected to their own projects, that’s got to be a positive. And if we can use our expertise to see a different way of doing things, often delivering savings as a result, then that’s very satisfying.
“Over the years, by forming close partnerships with the likes of Rebecca at Support Factory, Tempeo for our recruitment services, and Parm Bhangal at Bhangals Construction Consultants, we’ve built our reputation and grown the team steadily and we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved.”
The connection with Parm Bhangal saw Matthew and Parm set up PropConnect a couple of years ago to organise networking events that bring together the property and construction sectors to help form strategic alliances and encourage the use of local firms rather than looking further afield.
Recently, the group met up with Mike Reader, MP for Northampton South, who is keen to champion the work of PropConnect and sees it acting as a channel to bring the local sector together. A group chosen from what now amounts to around 600 PropConnect members will be visiting Westminster shortly to discuss what steps can be taken to further strengthen local ties.
Away from its day-to-day business, FormFive is also keen to build relationships within the community. The company supports local sports teams, whether that’s at grassroots level or senior club level, as a sponsor at Northampton Town FC and as a member of Northamptonshire Cricket Club’s 1878 Business Club. It is also a regular sponsor of the Northamptonshire Education Awards, organised by All Things Business.
Matthew added: “From the start, the most important thing for me was building relationships with local businesses. It’s a competitive sector, but it’s also one where people are ready to help one another out and support local companies and projects.
“The company went through a difficult time a couple of years ago, and I was amazed by the level of support we got as we navigated those challenges. If it hadn’t been for people rallying round me, and supporting me and my team, I’m not sure where we would be today.
“What that showed me is that my belief that if you do things the right way and work on building those relationships, you get payback when you really need it. That’s why I try to put something back as much as I can.
“When my team can enjoy spending £150 on toys and then deliver them to a kids’ Christmas toy appeal, or we get to spend a fantastic day with 30 children with special needs in the Tempeo Lounge at Sixfields Stadium on match day, that’s when everyone realises what this is all about.
“Business is difficult at times but it’s a privilege to be running a business that is in a position to give back – whether that’s our expertise or time, or supporting other companies or organisations in the community, it makes it all worthwhile.”
For more information about FormFive call 01604 218 700, email hello@formfivegroup.co.uk or visit the website here.
