Watkin Jones, the UK's leading developer and manager of residential for rent, has proudly supported two recent BBC DIY SOS projects, marking the first time the Group has partnered with the programme to help make a tangible difference in local communities.
The first, in Lewisham, saw Watkin Jones and supply-chain partner Travis Perkins donate significant materials to assist with a community build near our Conington Road development.
Following that success, the DIY SOS team invited us to contribute to a BBC Children in Need special in Chester, supporting The Joshua Tree, a charity that helps families affected by childhood cancer. The project involved creating a 375m² extension to the charity’s existing family support centre.
We again partnered with Travis Perkins to donate materials, while three colleagues from our Customer Care team joined more than 500 volunteers, providing multi-skilled labour on site. Working closely with another trusted supply chain partner, Falcon, who generously provided four of their team to support with bricklaying.
The Joshua Tree’s new extension provides a safe, welcoming space for families in need of respite and support. The project reflects our Value of Teamwork and the strength of our relationships with trusted partners, delivering social value in a community where we are proud to have a strong presence.
Our involvement in both the Lewisham and The Joshua Tree DIY SOS projects demonstrates our ongoing commitment to social value and placemaking — supporting the communities where we build and where our people live and work. It’s a clear example of Future Foundations, our ESG strategy, in action: using our collective skills and partnerships to help build stronger, more inclusive communities.
Gwyn Pritchard, Managing Director – Delivery, commented:
“Our involvement with DIY SOS has been a fantastic opportunity to use our expertise to make a lasting difference for local communities. Seeing our Customer Care team work alongside partners to deliver such meaningful projects demonstrates the very best of Watkin Jones — our teamwork, our passion, and the impact we can achieve when we collaborate with purpose.”
Gary Denham, Group Procurement & Operations Director, said:
“These DIY SOS projects are a great example of our Future Foundations ESG strategy in action — creating tangible social value and supporting placemaking in the communities where we live and build. By working closely with trusted supply chain partners, we’re showing how collaboration and responsible business practices can deliver real, positive outcomes for people and places.”
Rich Baker, Commercial Director, Falcon Construction added:
“Falcon Construction have been a valued supply chain partner of Watkin Jones for many years, supporting schemes across the UK. When we were asked to support the Joshua Tree project, we couldn’t have wanted to help out more; this was a privilege to have been asked by Gwyn and his team.
“It was a very challenging project, but highly rewarding to give back to such a good cause and Falcon will continue to do so in the future.”