A national construction charity has two reasons to celebrate after reaching the £2m mark for the value of projects it has delivered and also confirming that one of its longest-standing Strategic Partners is keen to continue its sponsorship deal.
Band of Builders (BoB) – which is best known for delivering rapid, high-impact home adaptation and renovation projects, mobilising the construction industry to support its own – completed two projects in May to take the total value of the work its volunteers have delivered to more than £2m.
In addition to reaching the lofty milestone, the charity got the news that adhesive and sealant manufacturer CT1 has pledged its ongoing support by extending its commitment as one of the charity’s key Strategic Partners.
The twin milestone highlights both the scale of the charity’s impact and the strength of the partnerships that continue to fuel its growth across the UK construction industry.
BoB – which started as a single act of kindness to complete a volunteer-led project for a construction worker diagnosed with terminal cancer – has grown into a national charity delivering practical, financial and wellbeing support for tradespeople, construction workers and their families facing illness, injury or financial hardship.
It has now completed 51 major projects ranging from essential home repairs and adaptations through to large-scale renovations that enable beneficiaries and their families to live more safely, comfortably and independently.
The charity has calculated that:
- Each project typically involves 25 volunteers, with the largest involving 86 construction workers on site.
- Projects range from one to 31 days, with an average delivery time of nine days.
- The average delivered value of a project (which includes labour and materials) is more than £40,000.
The two most recent projects were delivered back-to-back in Ipswich and Burnley as the charity marked its 10th anniversary.
The project in Ipswich was the charity’s 50th and was for Jay, an amputee builder who was forced to abandon an extension project he had started himself after being diagnosed with cancer of the spine.
The 51st was for Keren, the mum of tradeswoman Vicky, who was partway through a home renovation when she had to halt work and become a full-time carer for Keren, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease. The completion of the project has meant that Keren can now move in with Vicky and her children but still live independently.
Gavin Crane, CEO of BoB, said: “Surpassing £2 million in delivered project value is an incredible milestone for Band of Builders and something that every volunteer, supporter and partner should feel immensely proud of.
“Every pound of that £2 million figure represents something tangible – a safer home, improved independence, greater dignity and, in many cases, a brighter future for construction families facing incredibly difficult circumstances.
“Projects like those recently completed for Keren and Jay show exactly why Band of Builders exists. When illness, injury or hardship stops someone from completing essential work on their home, our volunteers and partners step forward to help.”
The charity’s ability to deliver projects such as these relies heavily on the support of industry partners such as CT1.
CT1 has been a long-standing supporter of the charity, and its continued partnership will help BoB continue expanding its practical project delivery programme while growing its wellbeing and financial support services.
Reflecting on the charity’s partnership with CT1, Gavin added: “We simply could not achieve any of this without the support of businesses like CT1. Their continued commitment as a Strategic Partner plays a hugely important role in helping us deliver life-changing projects safely, professionally and at speed.
“CT1 understands what Band of Builders is all about – the construction industry coming together to support its own – and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing backing as we continue to grow.”
CT1 which is a British made product for British tradespeople and those who helped build Britain are humbled and proud to help back and support our much-loved community.
The company’s Sales and Marketing Director, Nicola Walsh, said: “CT1 which is a British made product for British tradespeople and those who helped build Britain are humbled and proud to help back and support our much-loved community.”
