Vet Practices Warned Not To Leave Maintenance To Chance, Says Wilkinson Maintenance

Stuart Anderson, Managing Director of Wilkinson Maintenance, looks on as apprentice Chris Anderson, 19, carries out maintenance work. Vet practices are being warned not to leave essential maintenance of their premises to chance, as it could prove to be a “costly mistake,” says Wilkinson Maintenance, following the release of its annual list of the top ten most common trade repairs. Leaking roofs, drain blockages and broken tiles are now the top three most common repairs for vet practices. These have replaced door repairs, lighting faults and broken locks as the most common jobs that Wilkinson Maintenance have been called out to repair so far in 2012. The top three, which are frequently caused by weather-related problems, have shot up the list during our much wetter than average summer this year. The list also includes water leaks from taps and appliances, toilet leaks and electrical faults with power supplies as well as alarm faults. Now, the firm is urging practices to put the long-term health of their premises alongside the health of the pets they treat. The message comes after practices have been identified as one of the few sectors to delay implementing efficient maintenance procedures for their practice. Mark Rapley, General Manager at Wilkinson Maintenance, commented: “When many practices discover that their roof is leaking or that their drain is blocked, they call out a roofer and a plumber. If they had in place a proper maintenance procedure, then they could save time and money by taking on a maintenance company, which deals with all types of repairs under one roof. “It is crucial that businesses in all sectors have the ability to budget effectively for all eventualities. It is unfortunate that weather-related issues are on the upsurge, given our poor weather this year, which has resulted in all manner of call outs. Some have involved major jobs such as flooding of premises, which have led to the need for a complete clear out and refurbishment.” He added: “Aside from the inclement weather, all businesses, especially those that deal so intensively with the public like vet practices do, should be aware of the main potential maintenance-related problems that could arise. It’s a question of being prepared, and planning, for the worst, rather than reacting in a more uncoordinated way to common problems, which can cost far more to fix in the medium-to-long-term.” For further advice for your practice, please call Wilkinson Maintenance on 0191 386 9749. For more information, please visit their website at www.wilkinsonmaintenance.co.uk.

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