National maintenance and compliance contractor Novus Property Solutions has completed its work on the Edinburgh Tool Library — the latest recipient of its Build Back Better initiative— in partnership with Places for People.
Novus’ Build Back Better challenge supports charities, community projects and vulnerable people under the three key themes of reducing poverty, good health and wellbeing, and environmental action. As part of the initiative, Novus is encouraging its colleagues, clients, supply chain and the wider community to nominate deserving causes across the UK to receive funding — with Edinburgh Tool Library chosen to be a challenge winner by the contractor’s review panel.
The fourth flagship project to benefit from the initiative since its launch in February 2021, the Edinburgh Tool Library operates in the same way as a normal library but distributes tools rather than books. It allows the public to borrow a variety of tools including drills and sanders, as well as hosting a range of classes and workshops where members of the community can learn and take part in non-tool related sessions including for mental health.
Novus’ team recently completed the repainting and decorating of the library’s new, expanded premises — donating labour and materials, with the refurbishment completed in March and a launch event in April. The contractor will also continue to work with Edinburgh Tool Library in the future by hosting workshops for users.
Commenting on the project, Charlie Cooley, Head of Operations at Novus Property Solutions, said: “We are delighted to be able to carry out a refurbishment of Edinburgh Tool Library’s much-needed expanded premises, creating a fantastic space for users to not only easily access the tools they need but also to improve their wellbeing. The library encourages the reuse of tools for the benefit of the environment, as well as empowering members of the public to carry out their own DIY projects and providing mental health support to those who need it — closely aligning with the key themes of Build Back Better.
“As a family-owned business, we pride ourselves on giving back to the communities in which we work and we’re looking forward to continuing to support the Edinburgh Tool Library in the future.”
Chris Hellawell, Director at Edinburgh Tool Library, added: “The Edinburgh Tool Library is extremely grateful to the team from Novus, who worked tirelessly to a very tight deadline to ensure the new library was looking fantastic in time for our launch. Our goal to make sharing a mainstream activity is only enhanced by spaces where people want to spend time and feel welcome, and our new Meadowbank Tool Library really looks the part.”
Novus is now accepting nominations for charities and community organisations that would benefit from the company’s support for the fifth Build Back Better challenge. For more details on The Build Back Better Challenge visit Novus Property Solutions’s website.
