Member Article

Southampton MP hears how Barratt at forefront of raising industry standards

Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith has been hearing how Barratt Homes is at the forefront of raising the standard of new homes being built in the region.

Mr Smith was meeting James Dunne, the incoming managing director of Barratt David Wilson Southampton, which currently has 13 live developments across Hampshire, Dorset, West Sussex and the Isle of Wight. In the past 12 months to the end of June 2022, the developer completed 721 transactions during its financial year.

In a wide-ranging discussion, topics included sustainability, the energy crisis and issues surrounding the supply chain and recruitment. With a specific interest in building safety, Mr Smith was reassured to hear that, as a signatory to the industry Building Safety Pledge, Barratt is working closely with responsible parties to resolve fire safety issues at one of its sites in Mr Smith’s Southampton constituency, Oceana Boulevard.

“The central south is an important area for us and one where we have invested heavily in our land bank,” said Mr Dunne, who returns to Barratt Southampton after a 10-year absence while he was heading up David Wilson’s South West division. He explained: “Our commitment to quality in every part of the business is leading the sector – from the rigorous standards applied to construction right through to customer service. That’s why we have earned a Home Builders Federation five-star rating for each of the last 13 years.”

“Buying a new home remains one of the best investments people can make and as the cost of living and energy crisis rightly occupy the headlines, a sustainable new property offers people the opportunity to buy into the very latest innovations that can substantially reduce its running costs. For instance we estimate that living in a new home could save up to £2,419 a year on energy.”

Summing up Mr Dunne said: “It’s no secret the industry is facing challenging times – not least with the affordability of mortgages, cost of materials and the supply chain but Barratt has both the resources and experience to ensure we do everything we can to help people move into their dream home.”

Barratt Homes is bringing new homes across Hampshire, Dorset, West Sussex and the Isle of Wight. It is committed to supporting local causes which improve the quality of life for those living in the region, and its employees are all entitled to two days per year to take as volunteering days, so that they can work for a local charity of their choosing.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barratt Homes .