Eco-homebuilder to create jobs with UK Steel investment

A Sheffield-based eco-homes builder, founded by a former police officer, is on track to boost its workforce and increase the number of homes to be constructed in Sheffield over the next 12 months following a £10,000 investment from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE).

REACH Homes, which was launched by Jon Johnson to provide a feasible solution to the housing crisis, secured the funding after taking part in a 12-week development initiative as part of the Y-Accelerator start-up programme.

The company, which is set to build one, two and three-bedroomed cost-effective housing options, came runners-up in the programme, and saw off seven other regionally-based entrepreneurs to receive the investment.

The funding has been used to finalise the prototype, provide funds for a recruitment drive and also legal advice for structural engineering contracts.

Johnson said: “I have always had a passion for upcycling, which resulted in the start-up of Strip the Willow, an upcycling workshop and gallery off Abbeydale Road, but I don’t have a background in construction. The idea for REACH Homes came when I was discussing with my partner about building our own home, and highlighting the expense of it.

“I decided to look further into the cost of materials, and found that homes can be made reasonably cheaply from shipping containers and up to 84% recycled materials, which is what we used in our prototype. They are used for restaurants, pop-up bars, so why not use them for a home.”

REACH Homes uses some innovative techniques and the latest heating and insulation methods to design and create eco-homes from shipping containers.

Johnson is currently in talks with Sheffield and Rotherham Councils, alongside various housing associations, over the use of his design as a low-cost solution to the shortage of homes in the city.

He said: “I am really grateful for the funding that the Y Accelerator Programme has awarded REACH Homes. The UK is at a pivotal time in affordable housing, with increasingly loud calls and offers of funding for the supply of homes that are actually accessible to the people who need them. It makes sense to me to build homes for the future that are cheap to run and have a low impact on the environment too, and by working with the UK Steel Enterprise I hope to make this happen in Sheffield a lot quicker.”

The UK Steel Enterprise Y-Accelerator is an initiative between private and public sector organisations including Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO), Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, UK Steel Enterprise, Sheffield Hallam University, University of Sheffield and a number of private firms.

The Y-Accelerator comes from the team behind Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), along with help from University of Sheffield; Sheffield Hallam University; business consultancy TRoom, and law firm Freeths.

Alan Stanley, regional executive of UK Steel Enterprise which invests in growing companies locally, said: “The Y-Accelerator is a unique initiative that brings together various forms of support to create an intensive incubator for entrepreneurs with start-up ideas.

“The process was designed to help validate ideas, develop strong business models and provide people with the tools and skills to launch new businesses, and REACH Homes really demonstrated existing capacity for growth and expansion.

“We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with the company through the investment and looking forward to working with Jon as he continues to build on his success to date.”