With picture L to R: James Carstairs, Senior Operations Officer – EFDC; Jeffery Bennett – Regional Operations Manager – SFS; Cllr Raymond Balcombe, Portfolio Holder for Contracts Delivery; Jo Mackey, Head of Operations – Restore Community; Paul Connor, Head of Tenders and Procurement – SFS; Ian King, Senior Leader – Restore Community; James Warwick, Service Director for Contracts, Partnerships and Procurement – EFDC; Rosa Tanfield, Managing Director – TVS. 

Fleet and workshop partner to Epping Forest District Council (EFDC), Specialist Fleet Services (SFS) has donated £1000 to the Restore Community in Loughton demonstrating its commitment to delivering wider benefits to the local community as part of its contract, which commenced in 2024.

Restore Community, based at Oakwood Hill Community Centre, offers affordable activities aimed at improving the wellbeing and quality of life for residents. The funding will make a meaningful difference to the outreach work and programmes delivered at the Oakwood Hill Community Centre.

Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS: “We are very proud that our fleet is successfully supporting EFDC with delivering vital services to residents. This donation is an example of our broader commitment to maximise the benefit our project brings to the community.  We therefore look forward to seeing how Restore Community, Loughton uses these extra resources to build upon their excellent work.”

Councillor Ray Balcombe, Contracts Delivery Portfolio Holder, EFDC: “Social value is a decision-making standard when awarding our contracts, as we recognise the importance of creating additional benefits to our communities.  

This is yet another excellent example of a collaborative partnership that not only provides resources but also generates opportunities for essential local community organisations that depend on funding to deliver services to residents.”

Jo Mackey, Head of Operations, Restore Community:

“We are incredibly grateful to Specialist Fleet Services for this generous donation which will make a meaningful difference to the outreach work and programmes delivered at the Oakwood Hill Community Centre. This support will help us continue providing vital services, creating opportunities, and strengthening connections within our community.

On behalf of everyone who benefits from our work, we would like to thank SFS for their commitment to helping us make a positive and lasting impact.”

SFS has been delivering fleet and workshop management solutions to local authorities for over 30 years. The company operates its own specialist short-term hire division, CTS Hire, and a network of 15 workshops across the UK.

For more information about Specialist Fleet Services tel: 01604 234601; email [email protected]