Ideal Maintenance Solutions (IMS) was started in 2004 by Graham Dawson, to undertake small building and maintenance works, Graham had worked for many years for some of the UK’s utilities companies, Severn Trent, Yorkshire Water, and Optilan gaining experience and knowledge in Water, Gas, Electricity and CCTV systems. Prior to this he had spent some years in the constructions industry learning the trades of carpentry, bricklaying and plastering. Graham decided to start his own company with a view of providing a good value service that encompassed all areas of building maintenance and construction. Wishing to further his career he completed courses in Civil Engineering, CMD, Epoxy Resin Applications and recently became an accredited installer for Worcester Bosch Solar Heating Systems, in February accreditation will be gained for Worcester Bosch Ground Heat Sources Systems as well.

IMS prides itself on giving good value and excellent customer service, the first year of trading the majority of work came from referrals and architects, we applied to the FMB during the first year of trading and were awarded membership, this has enabled the business to grow through the find a builder link on their website, together with continued referral work from existing clients.

Recently awarded the Federation of Master Builders for Heavenly Builder 2007 for the Midlands region, Graham and his team put customers first, as most works are undertaken on domestic properties and are usually inhabited by the owners when works are carried out, the most important aspect of the works is to cause the least disruption to the customer whilst works is done.

The business is based in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, at present there are four sites that are active and eleven employees. We employee two apprentices, who attend Gloscat, three carpenters, two bricklayers, one plasterer, CORGI plumber, electrician and a labourer. Added to these skills are Graham’s own. Over the next six months at least half of the staff will have completed training in Solar Energy and Ground Source Heating Systems. Last year four members of staff completed damp treatment courses for brick, timber and stone buildings. We are committed to training our staff and learning the latest technologies available to progress in a competitive market. When sourcing materials and services we endeavour to utilise local providers as much as possible, the Forest of Dean has a wealth of specialist window manufacturers, architectural ironmongers, stone and gravel quarries. This we hope reduces the need to transport materials any great distance and keeps local businesses local.

During 2008 we will be aiming to achieve the Investors in People Award and to open a renewable energy centre in the Forest of Dean area, we hope that we can make this accessible to young and old with interactive displays that will help visitors to understand how renewable can save them money and the environment. Also we hope to offer details about all available Grants from the Government in relation to making your property efficient and “green” .