JCW installs AC to Stone-based charity

Client History

JCW Group have a long standing relationship with construction and facilities management company VINCI, we have worked together on numerous mechanical and electrical projects within the UK.

In early 2016, Vinci set up the VINCI UK Foundation, a nationwide group with objectives to “support groups and charities which work to tackle exclusion, foster community integration and improve access to employment and housing.” The Foundation is supported by Midlands-based Actemium UK, part of the VINCI Energies group. As a company who are aware of our responsibilities towards our environment and our community, JCW have always been an enthusiastic contributor to charities in ways of activities and fund-raising events. So, when Chris Hutchinson, Director of Actemium UK invited us to help a charitable establishment and do what we do best (air conditioning installations), we of course, jumped at the opportunity.

Chuckle Productions

Stone-based charity Chuckle Productions is an education centre that serves as a place to inspire and empower children or young adults through ways of arts and performing arts. The education centre is a purposely converted industrial unit to cater to these children and young adults’ special needs. The busy centre runs several therapy sessions like the specialist sound technology and connective movement therapy, as well as a number of skill sessions such as theatre, film and music production and the development of physical and social skills.  

The Charity holds a personal connection with Chris Hutchinson, as his son attends the sessions himself. VINCI Foundation has generously donated a sum to aid the refurbishment of Chuckle Productions' new premise.

Temperature Issues

Although the current unit provides an upgrade to their previous location, it is a converted industrial unit and many improvements are still required. The Chuckle House relied only on mechanical fans, and on spot heaters, which did not achieve a comfortable enough temperature for the large rooms. The low rated energy efficiency of electrical heaters also put pressure on an already tight budget. The unit is overwhelmed by the chill of the winter months, as well as the heat of the summer months, this is where JCW came in.

Equipment from Daikin

Once we were appointed as the contractor for this project, we provided plans to install 3 high wall mounted split air conditioning systems to introduce heating and cooling to the ground floor reception area, meeting room as well as the activity room on the mezzanine level.

Our Small Work’s Project Management Team

The project was managed and administered by our national installations small works team based in our Leicester office. This involved the organisation of risk assessment and method statements. Works outdoor with the condensers were at ground level, with some indoor works at high level. The installation involved electrical mains connection, pressure testing and the team were conscious and understanding that this work would be conducted whilst in the presence of the young and vulnerable. The installation team based in the Leicester travelled up and back from the Chuckle location for 2 days to complete this project. Prior to commencement of works, our National Installations Manager surveyed the site and met the team at Chuckles to accurately estimate for the project as well as to gauge any special requirements or restrictions.

Handover

Upon completion, the team pressure tested the Air Conditioning Systems, met with the Chuckle workshop facilitator Sharon and carried out a full handover. Chuckles received the operation test certificates with manual, operating training as well as a basic health & safety of using the equipment. To finish it all off, of course our team enjoyed a nice cup of tea and a biscuit with Sharon!

Another Satisfied Customer

The new temperature controlled HVAC systems can now be set to automatically provide heating on the colder days, as well as cooling on the hotter days to the desired temperature. The children and staff of Chuckle Productions now have a fit for purpose, energy efficient heating and cooling solution to utilise, and to support the vulnerable people that use the facilities, so that they can be better helped with their development and growth.

Testimonial from Sara Christie | Director Chuckle Productions

“On behalf of all at Chuckle we would like to thank the Vinci Foundation and all at JCW Energy Services. We now have an amazingly warm and comfy Chuckle House that can also be cooled too! I can’t tell you what a difference this is going to make to us all but especially the children, its simply wonderful. A very heartfelt thank you to you all, its almost too silly to say but since moving into the Chuckle House an important dream has been a warm environment for our kiddies, thank you for realising that dream.

We would also like to say how amazing the gentlemen who installed the system have been. Not only were they super quick and efficient, but were amazingly accommodating as they worked around our show preparations and were very considerate to the needs of our young people who were attending during the time. An incredible team, and they even washed up their tea cups! Thank you.”

See more of our client testimonials here.

See what else JCW get up to for our Corporate Social Responsibilities