Derbyshire housebuilder lays foundations for £20m turnover
A Derbyshire-based construction firm says it is set to break through the £20m turnover figure this year after seeingdramatic growth following the Covid lockdowns.
Pride Park-based Hodgkinson Builders says it will double the number of homes it built last year. So far this year, the firm has built 330 homes.
Managing director Ian Hodgkinson said: “Our staff have been heroes and we have come out of the pandemic stronger and more resilient than ever before. We are pleased to be doubling the number of homes we build this year compared to 2020.
“It’s been a big year so far and it has been a lot of hard work, but we have been able to strengthen Hodgkinson Builders, take stock and reinvest with a different outlook.
Robert Hodgkinson, operations director at the firm said: “The tech we use for remote working has changed the business for the office team forever. We have new ways of working flexibly – and we are still able to put roofs over people’s heads.”
One of the developments responsible for the success is a 34-house development in Spanker Lane, Heage. This is made up of 16 two-bed, 16 three-bed and two four-bed homes. Building started in January, and it should be finished in the summer of 2022.
Robert said that their 150-strong team has overcome many obstacles. He said: “We’re not alone in the constraints we have had to deal with relating to delays in getting planning permission.
“It has been hard work getting planning over the line but finally it has all come to fruition and that’s why we are building 330 homes this year.
“We’ve had lots of competition regarding material supply too, but managed the situation with a reliance on our regular and trusted supply chain. This has paid dividends and it’s all business as usual now.”
Part of the company’s portfolio is the 30-home development at Ilkeston where Hodgkinson Builders is reusing some of the stonework and signage from the Poplar pub to help preserve the site’s unique place in the town’s heritage.
The pandemic has allowed the firm to cement their position with housing association clients, helped by a social housing report compiled in conjunction with the University of Derby.
In it, the firm says that social housing could be key to the UK building its way out of the pandemic.
Ian and the team are urging businesses and Governments to use smarter, more sustainable methods to build much-needed social housing quickly. The report was gratefully received by housing associations and stakeholders.
Ian continued: “Moving forward through 2021, we are responding to the increase in the demand for homes. It’s currently running at 16 people showing interest in every house on the market.
“We are focused over the next 12 months on our apprenticeships scheme and see training as a crucial solution to the skills shortage.”
