Delivering Reliable Service to Support World Class Education
At Plumbing and Gas Solutions, our commitment to customer satisfaction, client retention, and delivering expert advice is at the heart of every partnership we build. One of our long-standing and most valued clients is Cranfield University, a relationship that has flourished over almost a decade.
A Trusted Partnership Built on Reliability and Expertise
Our collaboration with Cranfield University began through the strong working relationship between Carl Yeomanson of PGS and Martin Richards, Assistant Mechanical Engineer at Cranfield. Martin shares his experience:
As a busy university, it’s essential we remain open and meet the needs of our staff and students while providing a safe and secure environment. Having PGS as our trusted contractors gives us confidence that any issues will be resolved swiftly and efficiently, supported by their extensive industry knowledge and expertise. Among the many contractors we engage, PGS stands out for their professionalism, good humour, and dedication.
Initially supporting Cranfield through their Facilities Management (FM) company during periods of shortfall in plumbing and heating services, we worked diligently to maintain strong relationships with both parties. Our consistent performance and proactive approach led to a significant milestone: two years ago, we were awarded the heating and plumbing maintenance contract directly by the university.
Supporting Student Experience Through Responsive Service
A key priority for Cranfield University is ensuring a positive student experience. This is especially important given the university’s international community, with students from across the globe, including India, Bangladesh, China, and Japan. PGS plays a vital role in upholding the university’s reputation by being exceptionally responsive. Whether it’s a blocked toilet or a shower that’s not heating properly in student accommodation, our team provides prompt, efficient solutions — often responding to call-outs outside normal working hours.
We understand that the student experience is crucial to Cranfield’s global standing as a leading postgraduate university, and our responsiveness is something the university values highly. We are confident that no other contractor matches our level of dedication and reactivity.
Maintaining a Diverse and Historic Estate
Cranfield’s campus is extensive, with over 300 buildings spanning historic pre-war structures to state-of-the-art facilities including aircraft hangars. Our responsibilities cover the entire estate, encompassing maintenance, repair, servicing, and upgrades across this varied site.
The university’s commitment to cutting-edge education and industry collaboration is exemplified by the Cranfield School of Management, renowned for its leadership development and global business links. Supporting such a dynamic institution requires a contractor who can combine technical skill with flexibility and foresight.
Delivering Major Projects with Precision and Care
A highlight of our recent work includes a major student accommodation plumbing renovation, carried out in close collaboration with Chris Clark from the university’s residential operations team. Over the course of the project, completed on time and under budget in summer 2024, we renovated five blocks of student accommodation that had previously been in poor condition. Given the sensitivity of working with residents in place, we managed the work carefully, renovating one block at a time and coordinating resident moves to minimise disruption.
Regular site visits, project updates, and a close partnership with university staff ensured a smooth process. The university was able to refresh the accommodation ahead of the new academic year, enhancing the living experience for incoming students.
Ongoing Commitment and Performance Accountability
Since commencing our maintenance contract, we have actively engaged in performance meetings with Cranfield University to ensure continuous improvement and accountability. These discussions have been positive and constructive, allowing us to address challenges collaboratively.
Rob Oxlade, a key university contact, has observed a significant reduction in call-outs since PGS took over direct maintenance responsibilities, reflecting our effectiveness in maintaining plant and equipment proactively.
Our dedicated team has been on hand for emergencies, from water leaks flooding ceilings to urgent repairs outside normal hours, always following the university’s procedures and prioritising the safety and comfort of staff and students.
Comprehensive Service Offering
Our broad range of services at Cranfield includes:
- Plant room servicing and pipework replacement
- Maintenance and repairs for residential properties
- Boiler installations (commercial and residential)
- Water treatment and legionella testing
- Full-scale renovations
- Warm air heater installation and replacement
- Working at height and in confined spaces and asbestos-aware environments
- Out-of-hours call-outs for both minor and major issues
- Radiator and heating system replacements
- Service and repair across a mix of oil, gas and steam boilers
Our Commitment to Innovation, Sustainability, and Partnership
At PGS, we continuously invest in team, processes, latest technologies and proactive maintenance strategies to minimise disruption and enhance system longevity across the Cranfield University estate. Our dedicated team works closely with the university to anticipate needs, reduce emergency call-outs, and support their sustainability and compliance objectives.
Darryl Taylor, PGS Operations Director, sums up our approach:
Our focus is not just on fixing problems but preventing them. We view our relationship with Cranfield University as a true partnership, built on trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to delivering outstanding service that supports their world-class reputation.
We look forward to strengthening this partnership in the years ahead, continuing to provide Cranfield University with exceptional service tailored to their unique and evolving needs.
Call us today on01908 569031 email info@pgsolutions.co.uk or fill out our online contact form to discuss how PGS can support your next project. Whether it’s routine maintenance, compliance testing, or large-scale refurbishments, our expert team is ready to deliver reliable, sustainable solutions that keep your facilities running at their best.