Members News
Quinn Estates wins Housebuilder award for supporting local skills growth at the ‘Oscars of Housebuilding’ much to our organisation. To deliver this project, we had to overcome numerous obstacles including judicial reviews and nutrient neutrality issues between gaining consent and being able to commence the build. In that four-year period, costs doubled.
Quinn Estates was recognised with another industry win at the recent Housebuilder Awards 2023. The Kent-based mixed-use developer was presented with Best Community Initiative for addressing the local skills need with the first of its kind college building at the EKC Civil Engineering Training Centre (East Kent Colleges Group) in Hersden, one of the most deprived wards in Kent.
“Whilst the Section 106 compelled us to spend £600,000 but with costs increasing, we funded the entirety of the project totalling £1.5 million. Whilst we had no obligation to do this, for us it was about doing the right thing to deliver a community project we’re incredibly proud of, in an area we live and work in as a team.”
The winners were announced by host comedian Joel Dommett at a prestigious black-tie event at the InterContinental London – The O2, which also included a drinks reception and dinner. The awards recognise the best in the housebuilding industry from design and sustainabilityto community impact and regeneration. Considered to be the Oscars of housebuilding, the Housebuilder Awards is voted on by industry leaders.
“This centre will enable the builders of the future to learn how to deliver what we strive for in every project – a home to be proud of – and a home in which our customers feel safe and happy.”
Located in Hersden, Kent, The EKC Group Civil Engineering Training Centre is focused on construction and civil engineering. It was built in response to the national skills gap to ensure the development of the right skills locally to deliver economic growth. A report by the Construction Skills Network in June 2022 found that more than a quarter of a million extra construction workers will be needed by 2026 to meet projected demands in the UK civil engineering sector, so this centre, a first of its kind, is a hugely positive and innovative step in addressing this. The ground-breaking centre has been funded in its entirety by Quinn Estates and gifted to East Kent Colleges Group. Known as the EKC Civil Engineering Training Centre, it will cater for around 300 students at any time, studying courses ranging from construction certifications to full civil
engineering apprenticeships. The 3,000 sq. ft facility includes a series of outdoor ‘stations’ where students can develop skills, including drainage and bricklaying. Inside is a training centre, office and other facilities. This award win recognises the impact the facility will have on local people, with judges praising the development. Huw Evans, Managing Director of Quinn Estates, commented: “We are incredibly proud to win such an important award for something that means so
Graham Razey, Chief Executive Officer of EKC Group, added: “As a Group, we are committed to addressing skills gaps and ensuring businesses have the talented employees they need to thrive, so we’re incredibly proud of the training centre at Hersden. The centre will support employers in the civil engineering sector, enabling them to access the skilled staff they need to continue to flourish and grow. “The project marks the culmination of a lot of hard work over several years, and we are very appreciative of everything that Quinn Estates has done in delivering our new centre despite the escalating costs. It is important to recognise the massive social impact that this will have, giving young people the opportunity to build great careers in a growing sector.” For more information visit www.quinn-estates.com
Benchmark marks its 30th birthday Benchmark Financial Planning is a multiaward-winning Chartered firm, the gold standard in financial advice. With experts across the UK, they have been helping individuals, families, and small business owners meet their aspirations and achieve peace of mind for over 30 years. Whether just starting out or nearing retirement, building a sound financial plan can help you achieve your goals, and the firm’s solutions are tailored to meet your unique requirements. The firm was founded in 1993, and recently celebrated its 30th birthday with a special day of celebrations at its head office in Horsham and across its eight regional offices, including Maidstone. Many of you may have known the company in the local area originally as Invicta IFA, a
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local practice working with individuals and businesses. Many of the original team are still with the firm, including Heidi Tresadern, Wealth Planning Director and Chartered Financial Planner, Samantha White, Chartered Financial Planner, and Laura Atkins, Mortgage, Protection and Equity Release specialist. And the team has continued to grow over the years, with Steve Kilfoyle and David Denne also joining the team. In 2018, Benchmark partnered with Schroders, a FTSE100 firm with significant family ownership, providing security and stability for clients, staff, and support for the business to grow. At its heart, financial planning is about making hopes real. About identifying what’s important to you and doing it.
Whether that’s growing your business, giving back to your community, or planning for a comfortable retirement. Benchmark has been listening to clients for 30 years, and with the business going from strength to strength they plan to be here for at least 30 more. www.benchmarkfp.co.uk
