Mears Group, has entered into an innovative eight-year partnership with Wandle to support the housing association's in-house repairs team.

The contract, worth £24m, will see Mears provide technical support, expertise and access to its supply chain, while Wandle's repairs service and staff members will continue to be managed in-house by the housing association.

Mears has been working with Wandle over the past 18 months to establish their repairs service, and was chosen for this longer-term partnership following a rigorous, one-year selection process, involving residents, staff and independent experts.

Chief executive of Mears, David Miles, said: "I am delighted that our relationship with Wandle is to continue with the award of this exciting and innovative eight-year contract. We know Wandle's team well: they are great people to work with - all determined to do a good job for their residents.

"This innovative partnership represents an interesting new way of working. Wandle gets to retain its in-house team, building on the relationships they already have with tenants, and at the same time benefit from our experience, systems and processes, and purchasing power. I am confident this will drive improvements and efficiencies for Wandle and, ultimately, an excellent maintenance service for residents."