Building Responsibly
For over 150 years, we have built a reputation based on trust, quality, and long-term relationships. Today, building responsibly means taking full ownership of the impact our work has on people, communities, and the environment.
Our approach goes beyond compliance. It is about delivering lasting value through responsible business practices, supporting local communities, reducing our environmental impact, and maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, quality, and environmental management while also providing local employment and career progression though training and support.
This commitment underpins how we operate as a main contractor and how we deliver projects for our clients. Through a clear focus on social value, net zero, and SHEQ, we aim to make a positive and lasting contribution wherever we work.
Employment, Skills and Training
Developing skills and supporting future careers in construction is a long-standing priority for our business. We actively engage with schools, colleges, and training providers to promote construction as a positive and accessible career choice and to help address skills needs within the industry.
Our team regularly supports education-led initiatives, including trade specific workshops for college students, visits to live construction sites, providing students with practical insight into how projects are delivered and the range of roles involved.
Engagement with younger audiences is equally important. We have welcomed primary school pupils onto site, giving them the opportunity to learn about construction in a safe and controlled environment. In addition, we attend school careers events and deliver construction site safety talks to primary school pupils, helping to raise awareness of safety, teamwork, and future career pathways from an early age.
Alongside external engagement, we are committed to developing our own people. We support staff through NVQs and role-specific qualifications, ensure all mandatory training is kept up to date, and provide ongoing development opportunities to support career progression. This structured approach helps us retain skills, maintain high standards, and create a knowledgeable and motivated workforce for the long term.
Community
Giving back to the communities where we live and work is an important part of our approach to social responsibility. Our charitable activities focus on supporting local organisations, volunteering, and fundraising initiatives that make a meaningful difference.
We actively participate in community events, such as the Yorkshire Marathon Relay and the Dragon Boat Race, raising funds and awareness for local causes. Our chairman personally contributes by collecting and delivering food to the local food bank, reinforcing our commitment at a leadership level.
All our colleagues have the opportunity to take part in paid volunteering days, dedicating time during working hours to support local charities and community projects. This allows employees to give back directly while contributing their skills and energy to causes that matter.
We have supported community kitchens and local hospitality initiatives, including sponsoring and assisting at a lunch hosted by the York Mosque Community Kitchen. These activities allow our team to engage directly with community members, offer practical support, and strengthen local networks.
Through these efforts, we aim not only to contribute financially but to invest our time, skills, and energy in creating positive outcomes for the communities around us.
Local Economy
Supporting the local economy is a core part of our social value commitment. As a Yorkshire-based contractor, we prioritise working with local suppliers, subcontractors, and consultants wherever feasible, helping to sustain regional businesses and employment.
By building strong, long-term relationships within our supply chain, we promote fair working practices, skills retention, and economic resilience. Our projects are planned and delivered with consideration for minimising disruption and maximising local benefit, ensuring that investment in construction translates into wider economic value for the communities we serve.
We work through established construction frameworks to connect clients, contractors, and communities in practical, meaningful ways. By collaborating on Meet the Buyer events, we open up direct opportunities for dialogue, partnership, and procurement. Our approach champions supply chain inclusivity, helping diverse and local businesses engage, compete, and thrive.
Wellbeing and Inclusion
The health, wellbeing, and inclusion of our workforce is central to how we operate. All staff complete training in Fairness, Inclusion, and Respect (FIR), ensuring everyone understands and contributes to a supportive and respectful workplace. We have seven trained Mental Health First Aiders across the business and encourage all staff to complete a mental health awareness course to promote understanding, resilience, and wellbeing.
Our commitment extends beyond training. We actively support mental health initiatives, including supporting Lighthouse, a national charity providing vital mental health support for the construction industry. Day-to-day wellbeing is encouraged through initiatives such as providing fresh fruit to all employees, supporting healthier lifestyles in the workplace and offering flexible working.