Community Projects

£45 million boost for Southampton region (2019-2020)

Five star housebuilder Barratt Developments has built 720 new homes in the Southampton region in the last 12 months, and brought more than £45 million to local communities, highlighting the benefits of building new homes for the local economy.

The company spent £26 million on physical works in the community to improve highways, local outdoor spaces and community facilities. A further £11.6 million came from a boost to local spending and £6.9 million has been contributed to organisations local to each of the developments in the region, including local authorities, schools, community groups and charities.

A well as financial investment, the housebuilding supply chain has supported 620 supplier and sub-contractor companies, supporting 1,631 jobs and 22 places for graduates, apprentices and trainees.

The company holds sustainability high in its priorities too, diverting 96% of construction waste from landfill thanks to responsible management. Also, 42,800 trees and shrubs have been planted or maintained on housing developments.

Barratt Southampton managing director Jon Green said: “We strongly believe that we are not only building houses with our developments, but sustainable communities. The local areas we work in benefit from jobs, community development and supporting local business as well as providing new homes. It’s so important to us to leave a lasting legacy in and around these new neighbourhoods, and I’m very proud of the positive impact we have, both during construction and for years to come.”

The socio-economic footprint report (Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners 2019) highlights several other key figures and benefits generated through the building of Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes:

90 per cent of components used were manufactured in the UK
£26.5 million of tax has been paid by Barratt Developments, including corporation, NI, PAYE, SDLT and local council tax
13.4 hectares of green space has been created through public open space and private gardens
54 per cent of developments use above ground landscape-led Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
18 per cent of new homes were classed as affordable housing

Barratt Homes Community Fund awarded to Furniture Helpline (February 2020)

Furniture Helpline, a community reuse charity helping people on low incomes, has been selected to receive a £1,000 grant from the Barratt Homes Community Fund.

The charity, based in Bordon, collects good quality, donated furniture from local residents and offers it, free of charge or at low prices, to local people in need. Furniture Helpline also runs a food recycling hub for the local area, as well as a Repair Café and ‘Men’s Shed’ that offers support for the isolated.

David George, Furniture Helpline’s general manager said: “It was such great news to hear that we had been chosen as one of the recipients for the Barratt Homes Community Fund. This generous donation will be used to upgrade our website. Many of our clients suffer from learning disabilities and we want to make changes that mean our site is much easier for everyone to navigate. Also, as our range of social and environmental services grow, it is more important than ever that we have a website that clearly displays the different services we have on offer. We are extremely grateful for Barratt Homes’ support.”

Jon Green, Barratt Homes’ managing director said: “It’s great to hear about the amazing work that Furniture Helpline does for the local area. Not only are they helping families in need, but they are also minimizing our effect on the environment.”

Organisations can apply for one of the monthly grants by emailing charity.southampton@barratthomes.co.uk with details of your charity or organisation and how the donation would benefit the local community and improve lives.

Site Visit for Dorset Primary school (February 2020)

Excited youngsters from Bearwood Primary & Nursery School in Dorset got an insight into the construction industry when they went behind the scenes at Barratt Homes’ Canford Paddock development to find out just what it takes to build new homes.

The pupils were shown around the new development and were treated to a ‘digger display’ where they could view the site’s machinery in action.

Judith Ramsay, early years teacher at Bearwood, accompanied the children to the site and said it was a valuable learning experience, adding "This was a great way to bring housebuilding to life for our pupils. They had the opportunity to see houses at different stages of development and were all very excited to be able to watch the machinery in operation. It’s these kinds of memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. A massive thank you to Barratt Homes for letting us visit, it was a very positive and rewarding experience for us all.”

Barratt Homes also donated hi-vis bags to the visiting pupils, which can be used to ensure they stay safe during school trips or while walking to and from school in the dark winter months.

January 2020 - David Wilson Homes accredited as a Living Wage Employer

We are delighted to announce that we are now an accredited Living Wage Employer, making us one of the first major housebuilders to receive the accreditation. This means that every employee across the Group will earn a real Living Wage.

The real Living Wage is an independently calculated hourly rate of pay based upon the actual cost of living, which is higher than the minimum wage set by the government. It is calculated annually and announced by the Living Wage Foundation during Living Wage Week; it is currently set at £9.30 in the UK, or £10.75 for London.

One of our key business priorities is Investing in our People which is why we’ve been voluntarily paying the Living Wage to all of our employees for the past couple of years. Receiving the accreditation demonstrates our commitment to rolling this out more widely to all of our suppliers and subcontractors. Posters will be shared on site and in our offices, encouraging employees to contact our confidential Safecall hotline if they’re not being paid the Living Wage.

A big year of charity work from all in the Division in 2019

Barratt David Wilson Homes are proud to have donated a total of £161,761.44 to local causes:

Kids Out = £92,095.90
Wessex Cancer Trust = £35,159.54
Cancer Research = £12,000
Mind & BHF = £6,740
Whizz Kids = £3,766
Berewood Primary School = £1,000
Saints Foundation = £1,000
Hampshire & IOW Air Ambulance = £1,000
Revive Newport = £1,000
Whippingham Village Hall = £1,000
Sholing Youth FC = £1,000
Canine Partners = £1,000
Ickle Pickles = £1,000
The March C of E Primary School = £1,000
RNLI = £1,000
Furniture Helpline = £1,000
Aldingbourne Primary School = £1,000

In addition:

Individual Charitable Giving from David Wilson employees totalled £10,153.84, with a further £8,000 in Matched Funding from the business.
Divisional Charitable Giving totalled £97,367.60, with a further £27,500 in Matched Funding.
The Barratt David Wilson Community Fund also received a £12,000 boost and a large selection of show home furniture was gifted to the Wessex Cancer Trust.
The annual Big Barratt Hike raised £3,370, which was matched in kind by an additional £3,370.

This brings the Barratt David Wilson total annual donation for 2019 to an impressive £323,522.88.

Community News 2019

Willow Wilson helps housebuilder inspire girls (October 2019)

Five star housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Homes has unveiled a new female mascot to reflect the gender diversity of the construction industry.

“Willow Wilson” will join existing mascot Billy Barratt in visiting schools across the region, teaching young people about careers in construction, as well as other topics such as site safety, walking to school and the environment.

Jon Green, managing director, says he hopes having a female mascot will inspire more young girls to get into construction and break stereotypes about construction.

“Quite often when people think about construction they think it’s all men in muddy boots. It’s inevitable then that many young girls overlook a career in construction when they start considering want to do when they leave school. In reality the construction industry is very diverse and we’re proud to have several female site managers working for us. It’s important to address the ‘muddy boots’ idea too as there are so many other roles involved in creating new home developments, such as architecture, planning, marketing and sales.”

David Wilson Homes undertakes a significant amount of educational work with young people across the region. It is currently on a roadshow, visiting local schools to teach pupils about apprenticeships and careers in housebuilding.

Community liaison manager Anthony Dimmick, who heads up the programme, said: “Willow Wilson is already a big hit with staff at our head office and we know she’s going to do a great job going out and inspiring young people about careers in construction.”

Willow enjoyed her first official duty at March CE Primary School in Chichester, near to where Barratt David Wilson Homes is building its Madgwick Park development in October 2019.

Housebuilder helps Chichester pupils learn about road safety (October 2019)

As International Walk to School Month comes to a close, pupils at a school in Chichester have no problem being seen on their daily journeys.

Local housebuilder David Wilson Homes has donated a range of hi vis vests to pupils at the March CE Primary School to mark the awareness month. They will also be used so children can be seen safely on fireworks evening.

Barratt Homes, which is bringing new homes to the area through its Madgwick Park development, also donated £100 worth of prizes for the school’s firework safety competition.

Anthony Dimmick, David Wilson Homes’ community liaison officer said: “The benefits of walking to school are far-reaching. Not only does it help young people – and their parents – to inject some extra exercise into their daily routine but it also helps to take cars off the road and reduce air pollution. We wholeheartedly support International Walk to School Month and it is our pleasure to donate these vests to the pupils at March CE Primary School.”

During morning peak traffic times, one in five cars on the road are taking children school, contributing to congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions. The school run is also responsible for generating half a million tonnes of CO2 per year. Living Streets, which runs International Walk to School Month, wants to encourage more families to walk to school in order to reduce statistics like these.

March CE Primary school headteacher Nicky Metcalfe said: “Walking to school brings huge benefits and what’s important for us is to teach children how to do that safely. A huge thank you to Barratt Homes for the donation of these vests, which will also come in very useful for fireworks events.”

For more information about Barratt Homes, which has its Madgwick Park development in Chichester, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk

Carpentry apprentice Jacob highlight benefits of a career in construction (September 2019)

Former Mountbatten pupil Jacob Glasspool (16) went back to school recently - to highlight the benefits of a career within the construction industry.

Jacob, from Romsey, began a carpentry apprenticeship with Barratt Homes after impressing the five star housebuilder at his school’s careers fair last year.

“When I spoke to the team from Barratt Homes at the Mountbatten School careers fair, I knew an apprenticeship was definitely what I wanted to do - and it’s really good that I’m now working on a new community - the Kings Chase development - close to where I live.

“Now I’ve had a chance to go back to school and talk to pupils about how satisfying this type of work is. I get to have on-the-job training, and also attend college to gain qualifications. It’s a great way to earn and learn - and to feel I’m making a real difference in Romsey. Creating homes for people is a special thing to do, and I’m delighted to be gaining a specialist skill at the same time.

“Carpentry, as a trade, is very much in demand, and Barratt Homes is a fantastic employer - so I have a great opportunity to do well in my chosen career. I would encourage others to consider this avenue, and I’ve been very happy to talk about it at my former school.”

Barratt David Wilson Homes’ community liaison manager, Anthony Dimmick, added: "We are visiting several schools and colleges across Hampshire because we know there are many budding young construction professionals here waiting to be discovered.

“In the past, we have recruited apprentices to a range of specialisms across our business in this way - and I have no doubt this tour will be beneficial to us and to our future colleagues.

“There are so many opportunities for those seeking interesting and satisfying roles - from carpenters and bricklayers to marketeers and land surveyors. This is an incredibly diverse industry, offering something for everyone. It’s great that apprentices like Jacob can re-visit their schools and give pupils some real insight into what it’s like working for Barratt Homes.”

For more information about careers with Barratt David Wilson Homes, please visit barratthomes.co.uk or call 0330 057 6000.

Roadshow set to uncover region’s future construction professionals (September 2019)

College and secondary school pupils across the region will soon have the chance to bag promising careers in construction thanks to Barratt David Wilson Homes. The five-star housebuilder is embarking on a mammoth roadshow, designed to uncover the area’s top talent.

“We are visiting several schools and colleges across Hampshire because we know there are many budding young construction professionals here waiting to be discovered,’ said Barratt Homes’ Anthony Dimmick. “In the past, we have recruited apprentices to a range of specialisms across our business in this way and I have no doubt this tour will be beneficial to us and to our future colleagues. It will be a great chance for them to find out more about what’s involved in the work we do. There are so many opportunities for those seeking interesting and satisfying roles from carpenters and bricklayers to marketeers and land surveyors. This is an incredibly diverse industry, offering something for everyone.”

Having already visited a number of schools and colleges in Winchester, Fair Oak, Romsey, Hedge End, Arlesford, Andover, Liphook and the Isle of Wight Barratt Homes will be concluding the roadshow with visits to the following venues:

The Westgate School, Winchester - 13 December 2019
Horndean College, Horndean - 29 January 2020

“Whenever possible, we look to recruit from within the local community because we are building homes at a number of developments here - and we know there is plenty of potential construction talent among school and college students in Hampshire,” added Anthony. "We’re very much looking forward to meeting potential colleagues soon - and showing them the array of benefits a career with Barratt Homes has to offer.”

To find out more about careers with Barratt Homes, visit barratthomes.co.uk or call 0330 057 6000.

Thank you to each and every person who took part.

Barratt David Wilson Homes partner with Whizz-Kidz for the 2020 London Marathon (September 2019)

We’re delighted to partner with Whizz-Kidz again this year as they celebrate their 30th anniversary, to provide 20 London Marathon places for the London Marathon 2020 to employees and help change the lives of young people with disabilities.

Over the past two years, 41 colleagues have taken part in the London Marathon and helped to raise more than £100,000 for this fantastic charity, helping Whizz-Kidz to support disabled children and young people across the UK who are waiting for mobility equipment that fits their young lives.

The charity has a fantastic support package for those taking one of their places with a personal coach, who holds three training sessions from the winter through to the spring, with the first session taking place in November. They also have an audience with their young ambassadors and beneficiaries, where you can hear about their journey with Whizz-Kidz and on the day, as well as getting cheered on around the course, there will be a thank you reception at the end of the course with a massage and hot food to celebrate your success with you.

If you’re interested in a place, Whizz-Kidz ask you to raise £2,000 and you will have to pay a £100 registration fee to confirm your place. To help with your fundraising, colleagues can apply for Individual Matching so if you raise £1,000, the business will match it and donate £1,000.

For more details on the support package and to register your interest to join the Whizz-Kidz Team, please email employee.communication@barrattplc.co.uk.

The deadline to register your interest is 25 October 2019, if we are over-subscribed then a Whizz-Kidz ballot will decide the lucky entrants!

Barratt David Wilson Homes proud to support the 2019 Rock Challenge® - August 2019

Students of The Henry Beaufort School, Winchester, recently took part in the 2019 Rock Challenge, a Performing Arts competition for schools, colleges and youth groups that aspires to promote creativity, healthy lifestyles and education. It aims to show young people how they can achieve a natural ‘high’ without the use of tobacco, alcohol and other substances.

The 39 students who participated, seeing the project through from cenception to delivery, won the Student Leadership Award for their school, along with further awards for Set Design and Function, Stage Use, Visual Enhancement, Lighting, Entertainment, Concept and Performance Skill, and secured Third Place overall in the 2019 Rock Challenge. The expertly choreographed routine explored the mental health issues experienced by young people and expressed the message that "it's ok not to be ok". The full brief for their performance read:

‘Words will not define me. Every day I journey forwards. In the chaos of the world it's easy to forget that we are human. Society tells us how to feel and how to be. But what if society is wrong? I cannot change who I am and if I could? I wouldn't. I will fight the words that chain me and the oppressors in my head.’

For the School's own News bulletin on the subject, including a video of the performance, click here.

Barratt David Wilson Homes sponsors Romsey Relay Marathon for 4th year running (May 2019)

For the fourth year running Barratt Homes were the main sponsor of the Romsey Relay Marathon, based at the Broadlands Estate.

The unique event sees teams of up to 10 members take it in turn to run two laps of a 1.3-mile course before passing the baton to the next team member. The oldest competitor to date has been aged over 80, the youngest was eight years old, and the event caters for both able-bodied runners and those with disabilities.

This year’s event saw more than 170 teams take part, raising up to £120,000 for local and national charities.

Barratt Homes, which is bringing new homes to Romsey through its Kings Chase development, sponsored the day and also fielded a team of 10 in the event.

Daniel Bateman, one of the Barratt Homes runners, said: “It was brilliant fun and such a great opportunity for us to meet with other members of the community here in Romsey. The Relay Marathon is fast becoming a firm favourite in the Romsey event calendar and it’s our pleasure to support the event each year.”

Event organiser, Charlie Daniel-Hobbs, added: “The Rotary Club of Romsey is so grateful to Barratt Homes for helping to make the event a great success again this year. We had record numbers of people taking part, which is great news as the event is not just a race, but a community-orientated day out and major fundraising opportunity for local charities.

For more information, please visit www.romseymarathon.co.uk

KidsOut Centre transformed by Barratt David Wilson Homes volunteers - May 2019

Each year more than 20,000 children flee domestic abuse to seek sanctuary in refuge. Typically leaving home with only the clothes on their back, these children have experienced physical, emotional, and even sexual abuse and arrive at refuge with nothing. In collaboration with Women’s Aid, partner charities and corporate supporters, KidsOut works to remind these children and thousands of others living with disadvantages what it is like to be children and just have fun.

Barratt Southampton have supported Kidsout for just over 6 years hosting an Question of Sport Gala Dinner. Over 400 people from Hampshire based companies attend a night of fun and fundraising. Over the past 6 years the division has rasied over £300,000 for the charity and also arranged charityble days for local children.

Just recently representatives from the division, along with some of the five star house builder’s sub-contractors, helped transform an outdoor area at Southampton’s KidsOut centre.

The team of 14 - from Barratt Homes, Mackoy Ltd, Portsmouth Carpentry and Borderland Fencing - spent the day at the charity’s local centre, to create a safe and enjoyable space for disadvantaged children. The work included putting in new decking, fencing, astro turf and a shed, as well as landscaping and site clearance.

“As an established member of the Southampton community, we’re always on the lookout for worthy local causes to support,” said one of the volunteer gardeners, Barratt Homes Southampton managing director, Jon Green. “KidsOut is a vital local resource - working to remind children and thousands of others living with disadvantages what it is like to just have fun. It was a tiring day and we all had a few ach-ing bones, but it was an absolute pleasure doing what we could to help.”

Michael Mayock, managing director of Mackoy, added: “What an amazing day working with Barratt Homes and other fantastic subcontractors. A few aches today after working on the tools with the other directors who grafted all day. We’re proud to be helping with KidsOut. It’s been a great effort and final result for the centre in Southampton - everything ran like clock-work."

An employee of the KidsOut Centre said: “I literally do not know where to start in thanking everyone involved in the transformation of the garden. The children were so excited they looked like they were going to burst. All the women here love it and are so grateful. Volunteers like these truly make a difference to the lives of children who are forced to leave their family homes. Thank you, thank you, thank you to each and every person who took part.”

"Dear Antony" 2019

A selection of your feedback letters regarding our Community Involvement

Wendy, Bearwood Primary School, Poole

"The visit on Monday was fantastic! The parents that accompanied us were very impressed by it all and all said how you guys made such an effort. The children have been buzzing about all that they saw and have been drawing pictures and writing about the diggers. It really was a lovely trip so thanks again to all involved!"

David Gleave, Economic Development Officer, Test Valley Borough Council

"I am more than happy to provide a testimonial acknowledging the great work that you personally and Barratt Homes/David Wilson Homes does in terms of engaging with local people, supporting local schools, supporting local contractors and generally being a shining example of the delivery of employment and skills plans under the CITB National Skills Academy.

In fact it was your Ganger Farm scheme in Romsey which I used to apply, on behalf of Test Valley Borough Council, to become a NSA under the CITB framework. Only yesterday I advised our TVBC Planners that your employment and skills plan was the model that another very large national housebuilder should be using!

I know from personal experience working with you over years how conscientious you are in ensuring young people - and especially those with greater needs – get a fair chance at work experience which so often leads to permanent employment and massive positive changes for the individual.

In praising you D I am also praising your manager as well as your employer because without their support and recognition of the value of what you are delivering these achievements could not happen."

Kate Gunstone, Pupil Premium Leader, Bearwood Primary and Nursery School

"Just wanted to wish you a very merry Christmas and send massive thanks for all you and Barratt have done for Bearwood Primary and Nursery School. We have thoroughly enjoyed our joint projects this year, particularly the building site visit with the Early Years base. It was so effective in engaging our parent community and we can’t wait to revisit and see the developments in the new year.

I feel the last couple of years of partnership working have really established a brilliant working relationship and look forward to planning our next projects for 2020.

Have a lovely break and look forward to catching up early in the new year."

Steve Gilder, Manager, Future Skills Centre

"I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank you, Barratt Homes and specifically the site team at the New Quarter development and Harry Poulter, for your continued collective support with regards to work experience. It provides a unique opportunity for full time FSC students to work alongside a C&J apprentice on an actual construction site.

I’d also like to thank you for always being someone that I can rely on with additional support during FSC activities such as Open Events and student engagement.

I hope to continue working alongside you in 2020.

Have a great Christmas and Happy New Year."

Mrs Nicky Metcalfe

"We would just like to take the opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and thank you for all you and Barratt/Wilson homes have done for the March CE Primary this year.

As you know this part of Chichester is going through huge developments at the moment and therefore close working relationships with developers such as yourselves has been crucial to our school and the local community. The rapport and the ease of accessibility has made such a difference and it has been good to have a name and a face to be able to speak to when needed.

In a world when everything is driven by commercial success it is heartening to know that the big development companies such as yourselves still maintain the personal touch to local communities and schools. Thank you."

Ian Dixon, Lecturer/Assessor Construction and the Built Environment, Eastleigh College

"Firstly the team here at Eastleigh College would like to extend best wishes for the Christmas and New Year and would like to thank Barratt Homes for your continued support of apprenticeships with us, also to thank you personally for managing the students so well and keeping them on track. It was particularly gratifying the Harrison Godfroy could pick up an apprenticeship role when Issy chose to return to your sales team. As Harrison was already on programme as a full time learner with us this switch has worked really well albeit almost at the end of Winter Term, I gather he is being mentored in the ways of quantity surveying by Will Paddington. Will completed his Level 3 NVQ in the first week of returning in year two, which I think is the fastest completion I have seen, the quality of his folder was also exemplary, which bodes well for Harrison.

Your continued organisation of the Study Days on the last Wednesday of each month at Head Office in Hedge End is also a great opportunity for the teaching and assessing teams here at Eastleigh to see the apprentices and talk to the management and mentoring teams at Barratts. Our new assessor Bill Witchard is enjoying working with your apprentice group and will no doubt be seeing you on the last Wednesday of January.

Thank you again for all the efforts you put in to communication, liaison and student management and here's to a successful 2020!"

RE: "Barratts team up with Borderlands to fix up school fence"

Rachel Bryan, School Bursar, The March Church of England Primary School

"Thank you Mark, and all at borderland fencing!

I can’t tell you how much this is appreciated! With school budgets as they are, with constant competing demands on resources, having help and support for issues like this is a real life-saver!

Thank you so much – and please do get in touch if you’d like a photo shoot or similar on the back of this."

Rachel & Nicky

"Good morning Anthony,

Just a little email to say a massive THANK YOU for sorting out our fence.

It was such a lovely surprise to see it had all been sorted over the weekend, making our site secure in that corner of the grounds.

Thank you for making it happen – it’s really appreciated!"

Kate Gunstone, Pupil Premium and Attendance Leader, Bearwood Primary and Nursery School

"Just wanted to say a massive thank you for a wonderful lunch at Pizza Hut today. It was a fantastic celebration of the hard work School Council have done this year towards the Environment Award Platinum Level. The children loved meeting Billy again and the goodies you left with them went down a storm!!!"