Persimmon Homes

Converting the UK’s largest home builder from fall arrest bags to a safety decking system.

Introduction:

In September 2018, JMAC received an invitation from Persimmon Homes to participate in a tender process for safety decking options, subsequently leading to the successful selection of our Macdeck crash deck system. Following a comprehensive trial, we were informed of our success in December 2018, initiating a surge in enquiries from Persimmon Homes regional offices across the UK.

Led by our Managing Director, Luis McCarthy, our team commenced a nationwide tour, engaging face-to-face with commercial and construction teams to thoroughly understand and address their unique safety decking requirements.

Initial Challenges and Solutions

The initial challenges faced with Persimmon Homes centered around the national implementation of safety decking options across over 30 operating regions. With each regions preferences ranging from purchase to hire, and with regions varying in their approaches, we devised a plan to undertake visits to each region to discuss available options. As highlighted by Luis McCarthy, our Managing Director, the objective was to be transparent from the outset.

“I think that the initial challenges were to roll out the different crash deck options to the group nationally, due to the size, scale and geographies of over 30 operating regions. All the regions wanted to roll out the transition from fall bags to a safety decking system differently, some regions wanted to purchase, some wanted to hire materials, and others supply and fit. It was at this point we made a plan to visit each individual region and meet with senior personnel within each division, to discuss what options were available and what we could and could not provide for Persimmon, with a view of being as transparent as possible from the word go.”

— Luis McCarthy, Managing Director.

Implementation

Once all of our initial meetings were complete, an implementation plan was established on a region to region basis, any areas we identified that would be difficult to offer our first class supply and fit service to, we brought in our strategic partners, who are based throughout the country.

The purchasing regions were fast tracked and we had their bespoke branded crash deck system designed, manufactured, delivered and installed within 2 and a half weeks from order.

JMAC now boasts a strong legacy of delivering a superior, high-quality safety product with a first-class service in the North East, Lancashire & Cumbria for Persimmon Homes, serving over 100 sites since 2018. 

“The infrastructure, logistics, and supply chain at JMAC is second to none, so we are able to respond quickly and efficiently, ensuring we are proving a first-class service to our clients. We have worked with a range of major house builders, so through our knowledge and experience, we’ve eliminated the majority of potential roadblocks. However, every new client comes with new challenges they need our help to solve. We work with their construction teams to support and guide them through the implementation of the Macdeck system, providing solutions to any roadblocks they themselves may be facing. I would say the hardest part so far has been guiding the various regional offices, whilst introducing them to a product that is completely new to their business.”

— Mark Holmes, Operations Director.

Success

Our successful collaboration with Persimmon Homes speaks volumes through the widespread adoption of our Macdeck system. By seamlessly integrating Persimmon Homes branding, we not only enhanced aesthetics but also significantly elevated security measures across their sites nationwide. It’s a source of pride for us to continue our partnership with Persimmon Homes, actively involved in training site management teams throughout the UK in the safe operation of platform decking systems. (Link to fASET course page)

We’ve been entrusted with the supply and installation of over 40 active developments spanning the North East, including Durham, Teeside, Yorkshire, Lancashire, and the North West. Additionally, we provide sale and hire services of materials to Persimmon in Scotland, serving all three divisions in the North, East and Wst. Our commitment extends beyond mere supply, as we conduct rigorous training sessions for site management personnel, as well as trades and subcontractors, ensuring the safe and proficient erection and dismantling of platform decking structures.