Collaboration in the housing sector is the key: An EA’s perspective

By Anderton Gables

26 Nov 2020

house-build.jpg

As the weeks pass by, they seem to merge into one. With life changing for the foreseeable future as we get to grips with the recently termed ‘the new norm’, how we are spending our time is what defines us.  There is a growing sense in the sector that the time we have recently been afforded, has been very useful in providing an opportunity to reflect.  Using this time to look at how we can better deliver a collaborative approach to building borne by the sense of national comradery that we witness daily – through acts of simple kindness; helping a neighbour, clapping for the NHS – to work closer, with compassion and purpose.

Looking back over the last 5 years whilst working with many of the leading Registered Providers (RP’s) in the North West, we have focused on establishing a close relationship with both client and contractor within our appointed Employer’s Agent role.   In founding our Joint Venture service, we have established strong working relationships to support residential developments through a focus on collaboration, to ensure all parties work together to benefit each other.

This close working partnership has seen success and subsequent appointments on over 2400 new build residential homes to date – many of which are affected by the current climate and effect of Covid-19 with construction suspended.  Yet from this sudden pause, there are positives we can take.  Having attended several webinars recently, there is a consistent theme running amongst many of the sectors movers and shakers.  Thoughts regularly revert to learning lessons on how we can improve the sectors approach to align working procedures, relationships and engagement together with building better homes and communities.

Government has again intervened, with further support to the sector with extended furlough and relaxation of working restrictions to encourage the sector to return to work.  Yet the sector must play its part, if we are to emerge from this pandemic with a sense of purpose.  A need to change and reflect on how, what and why we build.

For many years, mass house building has been largely driven to maximise return, where high land value has driven condensed house design and a lack of community facilities, to maintain profit.  However, lockdown measures have changed many of our working lives and driven a sense of heightened community engagement and this needs to reflect how we look to build in the future.

Safer working practices may bring forward differing forms of modern methods of construction (MMC) but this needs to be in collaboration with how and why we design to suit our daily and working lives.  As we’ve seen, many are now working from home but don’t have the space to do so effectively.  For many, the kitchen table has become the new desk, but can our approach to designing future homes change this?  Designing homes which allow for working space may be a consideration, but offering communal space where people interact and encouraging social engagement needs to be a greater focus.

Nevertheless, cost remains a driver, but it needn’t be the only one.  Ultimately a collaborative approach is needed across the sector – starting with the perceived value of land! – to look to add value and build for the future.

We’re lucky as a business to be working with so many great RP’s who are looking at the wider impact of developments to create community and a better way of living through greater place-making.  As they look to their future building programmes with a clear objective to create greater social value, we are proud to support them in their approach.

By working collaboratively in this challenging time, we’ll all see a benefit.

Latest news

1

J.J.Sandham take home three awards at Wyre Business Awards Winners at the Wyre Business Awards 2024

J.J.Sandham take home three awards at Wyre Business Awards

13 Nov 2024

2

NLTG make transition to become a Community Interest Company Gareth Lindsay

NLTG make transition to become a Community Interest Company

13 Nov 2024

3

BAE Systems order book continues to take-off BAE Systems 1

BAE Systems order book continues to take-off

12 Nov 2024

4

Protecting your business when going through divorce Donna Amos new

Protecting your business when going through divorce

12 Nov 2024

5

Lancaster’s The Design Attic expands with new business venture Matthew Brown. Photo by Steve Barber

Lancaster’s The Design Attic expands with new business venture

12 Nov 2024

PC PrestonMacan GIF980x120
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
The Lancashire Festival of Business
FOB 315
Exhibitions
30 Jan 2025

The Lancashire Festival of Business

Impact Conferencing, Burnley, BB12 6QP

09:00 - 16:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
11 Jun 2024 - 04 Dec 2024

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 16:30

Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 2
Blue-Modern-Land-Travel-Youtube-Thumbnail-2-1024x576.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2024 - 17 Dec 2024

Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 2

Community & Business Partners CIC, Blackburn, BB2 3UA

09:30 - 13:00

Avidly Activates UK 2024 - Activate your customer-driven sales and marketing
avidly activates audience having a good time.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
14 Nov 2024

Avidly Activates UK 2024 - Activate your customer-driven sales and marketing

Everyman Cinema, Holmes Mill, Clitheroe, BB7 1EB

10:00 - 16:00

mBITfor transformative leadership and coaching
mBIT coach Practitioner.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Nov 2024 - 17 Nov 2024

mBITfor transformative leadership and coaching

Unlocking Possibilities training venue, 166 Waterloo Road , Blackpool, FY4 2AF

09:00 - 17:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (14).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
14 Nov 2024 - 14 Nov 2024

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

North West HR Employers Forum
CBP-logo LBV.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
20 Nov 2024 - 20 Nov 2024

North West HR Employers Forum

Wham Stadium, Accrington Stanley, Livingstone Road, Accrington, BB5 5BX

09:00 - 12:00

Live Work Create: Building Community In The Modern World
Live-Work-Create-Building-Community-1024x1024.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
20 Nov 2024

Live Work Create: Building Community In The Modern World

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

LBV119 Magazine Launch Event
DSC9389
Networking
20 Nov 2024

LBV119 Magazine Launch Event

Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe, BB7 9PT

16:00 - 18:00

Emergency First Aid at Work
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Nov 2024

Emergency First Aid at Work

FGH Training, 3rd Floor, Storey House, White Cross Business Park, Lancaster, LA1 4XQ

09:00 - 05:00

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone Quiz Returns for 10th Year!
Quiz Pic.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Fundraisers
21 Nov 2024 - 21 Nov 2024

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone Quiz Returns for 10th Year!

Accrington Stanley Football Club, Accrington, BB5 5BX

17:00 - 20:30

SPARK The Apprenticeship Marketplace
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
21 Nov 2024 - 21 Nov 2024

SPARK The Apprenticeship Marketplace

University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE

09:30 - 13:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV118 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin