Steve Beach joined Spitfire Homes three and a half years ago as Senior Quantity Surveyor. His 19-year-old son, Harry, followed him into the industry almost a year ago after discovering that site management offered the ideal balance between practical construction and career progression.
For Steve, supporting the next generation is something he feels strongly about, both as a father and as a senior member of the Spitfire team.Steve offers more than two decades of experience, gained across some of the UK’s largest housebuilders.
He said: “It is essential that we continue to inspire and support the next generation to carry forward the skills and knowledge we have built over the years. Without young people entering the industry, we risk losing the expertise needed to deliver the homes and communities of the future.”
“Young people need a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. They need to be proactive, and have the confidence to take feedback on board. Nobody’s expected to get things right first time – that is how you develop.”
Having always spoken openly about his work at home, Steve says Harry developed an interest in construction from an early age.
Steve said: “From a young age, I’ve encouraged Harry to have a keen interest in this industry. He’s always known what I do, and he’s always been quite hands-on. I have fond memories of him building skate ramps as a kid, helping out in with the garden, and getting involved in practical things – so I could see how construction would be a good fit for him.”
For Harry, experience working in home improvements after school helped him understand the type of career he wanted to pursue. While he enjoyed being hands-on, he realised site management offered the right balance between practical construction, responsibility and progression.
Harry commented: “When I was on the tools, I realised pretty quickly that I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life, but I also didn’t want to be stuck inside an office all day. Site management just felt like the right fit, straight away.”
Now a year into his career at Spitfire, Harry says the variety of projects and opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues continues to motivate him.
Harry added: “There’s so much room to progress, which is a big part of what excites and motivates me. I am excited to grow into being an Assistant Site Manager in my own right. Every Site Manager I have worked with across the different Spitfire schemes have taught me something different, helping me to build my own approach and experience from each person.”
Since joining, Harry has gained experience across several developments, including flagship schemes within the Spitfire Homes Bespoke Collection, building the knowledge and confidence needed to progress within site management.
Harry says his father’s influence played a bigger role in his career decision than he initially realised.
Harry explained: “We spoke about work a lot growing up, and it’s become a bit of a dinner table topic now we’re both at Spitfire! Dad has always told me that if you don’t know something, you just have to ask, and to pushing to get involved in as much as you can, because that’s how you learn.
“It’s nice working alongside Dad, but it was important to carve my own path too. We’re in different areas of the business– so I get to make a name for myself, as well as being one of the Beaches.”
Steve believes Spitfire’s family-owned culture has provided an environment where emerging talent can thrive.
Steve commented: “I have discovered that when working at larger housebuilders, you get gain great experience of structured processes, high-volume delivery and commercial discipline. However, Spitfire’s flatter structure means everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference and see the impact of their hard work.
“It’s a family-run business, and that culture is reflected in the way everyone works together. People genuinely support one another, and I’m proud that Harry can be part of that environment too.”
Their story reflects Spitfire’s wider commitment to nurturing home-grown talent through structured career pathways, apprenticeships and graduate opportunities. As a member of The 5% Club, the business has pledged that at least 5% of its workforce will be made up of trainees, apprentices or graduates, while contractor partners spending more than £500,000 annually with Spitfire are also required to employ at least one apprentice on a live Spitfire development.
The family’s connection with the business has continued to grow, with Steve’s daughter recently completing a week of work experience with Spitfire’s sales and marketing team.
Steve hopes their experience will encourage more young people and parents to consider careers in the industry.
Steve added: “I’d definitely encourage parents to talk to their children about the opportunities available in construction. There are many varied career paths, excellent opportunities to progress and the chance to take real pride in creating homes and communities that will last for generations.”
Steve and Harry’s journey highlights how experience and passion for the industry can be passed from one generation to the next, supporting the continued development of the skilled workforce needed to shape the future of housebuilding.
