Ask the expert: David Lambert

We catch up with David Lambert, National Sales Manager for Public Sector to discuss how Wren contracts is meeting the demands of these fast-moving sectors and how his teams are helping clients achieve better outcomes for residents and homebuyers.

Wren’s growing Contracts division is playing an increasingly important role in supporting housing delivery across the UK. From occupied refurbishments to multi-phase new build schemes, the need for reliable, compliant and consistent kitchen solutions has never been greater.

Q1. David, can you give us an overview of your role at Wren Contracts?

Absolutely. I look after two main areas for Wren Contracts: our Public Sector work nationally, and the New Build market across the North of England. My role is about building strong partnerships and making sure we are set up to deliver what Housing Associations, Local Authorities and developers need from us.

A lot of that comes down to good governance, clear communication and ensuring our kitchen solution genuinely supports programme delivery. At the end of the day, my aim is simple. I want to provide a reliable, compliant and high-quality offer that improves outcomes for residents and homebuyers.

Q2. Public sector procurement requires high levels of governance and transparency. How does Wren address this?

The public sector expects very high levels of control and accountability, and rightly so. We shape our approach around those expectations.

Everything we do is fully documented and traceable. That includes clear, documented processes, consistent commercial governance, stringent financial checks, installation quality audits and digital traceability from manufacture right through to install. Clients have full visibility of how we operate and how a programme is performing.

This gives Housing Associations and Councils confidence that we can support long term, repeatable projects and that level of certainty is essential in this sector.

Q3. You also manage the New Build sales channel for the North. What are developers looking for today?

Developers want certainty. They want products that arrive on time, an installation process that keeps pace with the build programme, and consistent specification across every phase.

Speed matters, but it’s equally important to offer strong design support, value, engineering guidance and dependable aftercare. Developers want fewer supply chain issues and the reassurance of working with a stable, UK based manufacturer.

Wren’s scale and control of its supply chain give us a real advantage. Whether it is a 20 plot scheme or a multi-phase development, we deliver the same level of consistency because our manufacturing, delivery and installation processes are integrated from the start. That is what sets us apart.

Q4. Installation quality is mentioned often. What are you doing to improve standards?

Installation can make such a difference to how smoothly a programme runs, so we have invested a lot in strengthening this area.

We have tightened how we accredit and onboard installers, and we have improved on-site audits. Our installation managers spend more time supporting fitters and working closely with site teams so that any issues are picked up quickly.

We have also raised expectations around health & safety and snagging standards. The goal is always the same. We want fewer defects, fewer delays and quicker sign offs for our clients.

Q5. Social value and sustainability are now core to every tender. How do you support this?

Social value is part of how we already work. Because our manufacturing is based in the UK, we reduce carbon miles immediately. We make use of local labour wherever possible, and our haulage model is designed to cut emissions and improve efficiency.

We also contribute to skills development and community initiatives through training and local employment. This makes procurement easier for many of our public sector clients, because they can clearly evidence the social value outcomes linked to their programmes.

Q6. What is next for Wren Contracts in your channels?

We’re committed to growing in a way that strengthens the service and support we offer. We are building deeper relationships with Housing Associations, Councils, framework providers and regional developers who want a partner that is stable, transparent and able to deliver consistently.

Our aim is to become the trusted kitchen partner for public sector programmes and new build developers. We will achieve that by maintaining our focus on quality, compliance and keeping our promises.