Iconic Old School

Thanks for your sterling support of the East London Science School Trust over the past seven months since I have been CEO.

We have achieved a huge amount as a standalone Trust and slowed down what could have been a disastrous situation for the school and the young people it serves. Your contribution has been significant and we could not have made it through without you.

As we both leave the East London Science School Trust at the end of August, I should like to wish you all the best of luck for the future and hope that we will continue to work together.

Nick Watkiss - Chief Executive Officer, East London Science School Trust.

Building Design Partnership

BDP have worked on numerous projects where the final stages of construction and the settling in period have reaped the benifits of VJA's input in 'finishing off'. This is the critical stage when years worth of labour from the design team materialises into the real thing, so it's very important to see all aspects of the building come togeather and live up to its full potential. With VJA's invaluable help we have managed to iron out the inevitable crinkles and teething problems experienced on every project, to see improved building performance and better occupant satisfaction with a more 'award winning' conclusive finished product.

John adopts a no-nonsense practical solution to resolve what ever the problem demands. But it's his pragmatic and proactive involvement that sets VJA's projects apart from the others, helping realise the full potential of any given project.

James Warne - Engineering Director & Head of Sustainability, On behalf of Building Design Partnership.

University Campus

During the last two years I have engaged VJA to provide assistance in a number of diverse roles including provision of maintenance schedules and management of subsequent works, investigations into equipment failures and associated remedial works and liaising with Estates and Building Managers regarding integration of new systems within their portfolio's.

Whatever asked, VJA have always responded positively and promptly and the tasks completed with minimal fuss within timescales laid down. I would have no hesitation in considering VJA for future works and am sure they would rise to any challenges and complete the works to everybody's satisfaction.

Chas Leppich - Contract Manager, MITIE Engineering Services.

Leisure Sector

I've known and worked with John for approximately 7 years and when VJA was formed I was one of the first to buy in their services. By appointing VJA it has allowed me to focus on our core business and outsource specific projects, such as internal audits and equipment surveys, as and when required, knowing that they will be delivered how I would expect.

I've found that having a flexible reliable resource on tap who can be trusted to work with your clients is invaluable to help accommodate those busy times.

Dan McDonald - Managing Director, DANIMAK Limited.

Academy Campus

Westminster Academy is a new state of the art secondary school in Paddington, London, it opened in September 2007. The building won the 2008 RIBA Award. Like most new builds, we had a lot of snags/defects. The Academy is in use six days a week from 7am - 10pm, so this did not leave a lot of time for works to be carried out. Some of the snags / defects seemed to be going on forever.

John Ashton was sent in to tidy/finish off all outstanding issues, with his attention to detail and hands on approach, all went very well. We found John to be very committed, always on time and very knowable. To this end, we would recommend John Ashton services to any project.

John Conway - Facilities Manager, Westminster Academy.

Education Sector

Immediately following practical completion and during the defects liability period can be a time when prompt reaction is required to investigate and put right Client/Occupant concerns. Project staff are often fully engaged on new works which can suffer disruption if left to attend to completed projects. If not attended to promptly and thoroughly the good work done in achieving PC is lost and forgotten. A prompt and caring service can remove barriers that hold up the release of cash and retentions.

The use of VJA Consultancy has given us an extra, independent and committed resource to deal with any issues without disrupting current works in progress. A single point of contact that is prepared to manage and obtain subcontractors, specialists and liaise with MITIE during the post contact period has produced positive results for us.

Colin Acheson - MITIE Engineering Services Ltd.

Ranger House

John's commitment, coupled with both the enthusiasm and a clear wish to deliver a quality service has left me in no doubt what constitutes a winning team. From the very start, the teamwork was second to none. Everybody worked together to support each other and to make sure the project kept on track. Even when I started 'meddling', I was politely managed out of the equation.

More importantly, it was a pleasure to work with you all, and dare I say it? I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learnt a hell of a lot at the same time! To show my appreciation I would like to invite you all to an 'End of Project Bash' on Friday 20th May.

Noel Catt - Site Manager, Ranger House.

Refurbishment Works

Very professional, pleasant and easy to work with in what was a trying situation. Hopefully we will get the opportunity to work together again at some point.

Liam McArdle BSc(Hons) MBEng - Project Manager, Butler & Young Ltd (Building Control Approved Inspectors).

Leigh Academies Trust

Since our initial appointment of VJA Consultancy back in 2009 (over 11 years) we have established a long-standing trusted working relationship. During which time VJA has worked with Leigh Academies Trust on a retainer basis providing flexible support to our Estates Team.

They have also been instrumental in the preparation, tendering and monitoring of the Trusts Hard FM contracts.

In addition, they have delivered in excess of:

• 12 Capital Expenditure Projects totalling over £2.6m
• 25 Site Condition Surveys
• 26 Site Asset Captures recording the key Mechanical and Electrical equipment

Sue Crocker - Business Director, Leigh Academies Trust

Commercial Properties

Why does the heating always go wrong? John has helped me resolve many mechanical, maintenance and heating problems over the last 10 years in all manner of properties. M&E is becoming more and more complex. Domestic properties have systems that are more and more imposing. It's good to have John close by.

Barry Goode - Construction Director, Coplan Estates.

Duke of York Royal Military School

I have worked with VJA Consultancy on a number of projects over the last six years including asset surveys, maintenance schedules, contract mobilisations, refurbishment, and installation work. At all times John provides a safe pair of hands to ensure the project is progressed and delivered in line with expectations, communicating effectively with stakeholders and always acting with openness and integrity.

VJA Consultancy are my first port of call when dealing with all M&E issues and I have no hesitancy in recommending their services.

Jack Taylor - Estates Bursar, The Duke of York's Royal Military School.