Comms supply specialist Nimans gave a helping hand as an army of volunteers – including Princes William and Harry – transformed a derelict Manchester street into a new village as part of a prime time BBC TV programme.
Nimans donated Titan cabling, a data cabinet and accessories – and also arranged delivery of 9 Yealink IP phones – for the DIY SOS show when 60 houses were converted into a mini village for Army veterans in just over two weeks.
The BBC team, led by presenter Nick Knowles, masterminded refurbishment of homes in Newton Heath on the outskirts of the city, for former servicemen and women to live in with their families.
A walk-in centre was also created whilst some of the houses will become shared properties where unemployed veterans’ will live while they re-train and learn new skills at a nearby college.
Dozens of local building firms, tradesmen (and even royal guests) helped out with the huge project, including Nimans (part of the Nycomm Group of Companies) and their customer CIA 2000. They were supported by veterans working with charity Walking With The Wounded.
“We received a call from CIA who wanted to help create an office in the community centre by installing cabling for communications,” said Nimans’ Chairman Julian Niman. “They asked if we could donate some equipment and we were delighted to help such a worthy cause especially as we have ex-military personnel within our business.”
Presenter Nick Knowles said he came up with the idea for the village when talking to founder of Walking With The Wounded Ed Parker about empty housing.
He said: “These young men have gone off to different parts of the world and had to see extremely difficult things. They didn’t choose to do it, they go and do what they have been asked.
“Having done what we have asked them, they find themselves on the streets. This community is making it happen and housing them. Manchester, and companies such as Nimans and CIA 2000, should be very proud of themselves.”
The project is due to be screened on TV over two episodes on October 14th and 21st.
