Positively impact lives, local economies and communities

“Construction companies need to have a social conscience, green credentials, a reputation for high quality design and build, and a collaborative approach to deliver real value for clients and end users.”

A leading Welsh business publication has put a spotlight on social value, with Wynne Construction’s Alison Hourihane invited to share how community engagement has become intrinsic to the organisation.

Having worked at the company for almost a decade, she gave valuable insight to Wales Business Insider on how the award-winning contractor invests in people and communities while developing multi-million-pound builds.

As one of two social value managers at the Bodelwyddan-based firm, Alison is responsible for engaging with key stakeholders to deliver added value local to the site, working with schools, SMEs, local authorities, charities, and apprentices.

In the feature, she shares what these initiatives mean for Wynne Construction and the benefits it has brought to the business.

She said: “We tailor our efforts to the different groups we engage with, which often encompasses site visits for children, work experience opportunities, encouraging exercise by sponsoring local sports teams, and sharing technical knowledge to inspire new entrants into the sector.

“Our long-term commitment to delivering social value has helped Wynne safeguard our supply chain, our future workforce, and has helped to secure new contracts. By collaborating effectively, we also protect our future by training people, and inspiring interest in the sector from a young age.

Alison also spoke about how Wynne’s strategy has helped to drive innovation within the business and its practices, creating a stand out position when compared to the competition.

“Delivering social value is deeply ingrained into our ethos, and we measure the impact it makes across each of our projects. The metrics we track cover supply chain spend, labour usage, site placements, attainment of qualifications, skills development and community engagement. We share information appropriately with clients and partners in line with GDPR and privacy requirements, creating insights, and mapping outcomes.

“The effect of what we deliver is far-reaching, both internally and externally to the business; for example, it supports with staff recruitment and retention, contributes to maintaining a healthy order book, and creates a supportive business environment.

“Some of the most fulfilling days I’ve had in my role are the ones spent with children local to our sites, introducing them to their new school, and giving them an insight in to the world of construction. A great example for me is when pupils of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Llyn y Forwyn, Ferndale came to sign their names into the structural insulated panels (SIPs) of their new school which Wynne is building.

Wynne also have a 19-year-old apprentice on this site in Ferndale, Callum Jones, and we’re following his progress eagerly. Callum is currently studying towards his NVQ level 3 in groundworks, spending one day a week at The Construction Hub Academy in Barry and four days on the site.

“Callum has grown enormously in confidence and capability whilst he’s been on site with us, which is great to see and makes me feel proud of Wynne as an employer. I’ve also been heartened to see how generous my colleagues have been with the time and care they’ve afforded to Callum, to help him grow and develop.

Alison added: “Partnering with local organisations is key to making a difference where we work; it helps us reach deeper into the communities. In Callum’s case for example, we were able to give him a taste of the industry through connecting with shared apprenticeship scheme Y Prentis.

“It was great to be featured in Wales Business Insider, and it will hopefully be of help to other organisations looking to ramp up their social value strategies.”

Wynne Construction operates throughout Wales and the northwest of England, and regularly leads on projects in sectors including education, healthcare, sport and leisure.

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