Lighting up London

May Gurney's lighting division, Cartledge, has recently been re-appointed by two London boroughs. One of the reappointments is for a 15-year period, and the other takes the relationship with the customer to beyond 20 years.

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames has awarded Cartledge a unique 15-year framework contract. The new contract consolidates the existing long-term relationship between the two organisations, and includes an optional further five-year extension to take the period to 20 years.

The framework covers the Borough's 10,900 lights, 2,574 signs and bollards. Cartledge's brief also covers investigating the use of recyclable materials, improving levels of lighting and reducing overall energy costs.

The framework will be managed by a partnering board comprising senior members from both organisations, which will set the strategic direction, monitor performance and control investment.

Where appropriate, Cartledge will continue to deploy its successful 'rent-a-jointer' system for disconnections and connections. Using the system, Cartledge excavates the site and erects the new lamp standard and arranges for the energy supplier to follow behind and make around eight connections each day. Cartledge then removes the old lamp columns before final reinstatement is carried out.

Cartledge Managing Director, Graham Cartledge, said: "Our vision is to make Kingston a bright, clean, safe, and attractive place to live, work and visit."

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets has reappointed Cartledge for a two-year period. The new contract covers 13,000 lighting units, and is worth £1.6m.

"We are proud to have been re-appointed by Tower Hamlets on many occasions, and this new contract will extend our relationship with them to beyond 20 years," Graham Cartledge says.