Suffolk ProHelp is a countywide network of businesses which provides professional and strategic support free of charge to voluntary organisations.
The guiding principle of Suffolk ProHelp is that members approach this work in the same way as they would any other fee-paying customer. The only difference is that the community client is not charged for the work undertaken.
Suffolk ProHelp is co-ordinated by Community Action Suffolk and funded through the Transformation Challenge Award, made possible by Suffolk Public Sector Leaders group.
We’d like to introduce you to one of the Suffolk ProHelp members, who has signed up to support Suffolk’s voluntary organisations.
Playle & Partners are a multi-disciplinary construction consultants providing Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Building Surveying, Contract Management, Party Wall Advice, Access Consultancy, CDM Co-ordination and Expert Witness services. Providing a ‘one-stop-shop’ solution across a range of projects.
As Chartered Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers and Employer’s Agents we recognise that every project depends upon delicate set of balances:
Understanding and meeting our client’s aims while maintaining accurate and tight cost controls.
Reacting to the needs of the moment but still being able to stand back and provide proactive impartial and innovative advice.
Managing relationships with the client team, architects and contractors while encouraging a drive for continuous improvement.
Balancing the needs of today while being alive to future sustainability impact.
Managing the balance needs experience, which is why every project is led by a Partner, who provides a consistent point of contact and is personally responsible for the successful completion of the client’s work. In this environment, all our teams are expected to deliver high quality solutions effectively and efficiently. Playle & Partners are trusted to bring service, experience and added value to every construction project.
Why did your business get involved with Suffolk ProHelp?
Playle & Partners have been involved with Suffolk ProHelp for a number of years and look to provide community and volunteer organisations with professional assistance on their projects. We believe it is important to support our local communities and provide help to those who need it.
Which voluntary organisations have Suffolk Prohelp matched you with and how did you help them?
Most recently we are working with Suffolk Refugee Support, Ipswich Art Centre and Erasmus Foundation. We have, in our capacity as Quantity Surveyors, given advice and assistance to these organisations with their construction projects.
Nick Feldman, Vice Chair and Treasurer of Suffolk Refugee Support Forum, said:
“We have now signed the lease and have all the permissions. We have a contractor lined up to deliver an office we shall be excited to use. We are so grateful to you [all] and, through you, to all the professionals who have helped us, not only for their generosity in giving their time, but also for their full, timely and helpful advice. Even if we had been foolhardy enough to embark on the venture without them, we would have given up in despair very quickly. It may be that we will call on some of them again on the odd occasion, but now seems to be a good moment to let you know how happy we are.”
How else does your business get involved with the local community?
We regularly hold charity fundraising events and donate the proceeds to local charities. As a company, across our three offices, we are currently planning to undertake the Three Peaks Challenge in June 2018.
What would you say to voluntary organisations which might need professional support?
Suffolk ProHelp can be an invaluable source of help and support to your organisation. Suffolk ProHelp’s members donate their professional advice free of charge so you can use your funding for the purpose you intended.
Why would your recommend businesses join Suffolk ProHelp?
It is an opportunity to give back to the local community, to support voluntary and charitable organisations and a great way to showcase the positive ethos of your company to staff and clients.
Suffolk ProHelp would like to hear from you if you are:
a business in Suffolk that would be interested in joining Suffolk ProHelp
a voluntary organisation or charity in Suffolk that would be interested in probono services from Suffolk businesses
