Weston Group has announced the launch of Weston Partnerships, a new division that is part of the group’s expansion strategy to foster development partnerships and joint ventures for funds managing Build-to-Rent (BTR) portfolios, local authorities, Ministry of Defence (MoD) site disposals and businesses who need MMC building components for their housing delivery. These businesses include later living housebuilders, student accommodation providers, local builders and contractors.
In addition to its existing affordable housing programme and market sale activities via Weston Homes, this new strategic expansion will leverage Weston Group’s varied new build, conversion and build-off-site expertise including subsidiary British Offsite’s MMC construction factory facilities and products to deliver high-quality, sustainable housing solutions at scale.
Weston Partnerships is led by Steve Hatton, Development Director, working closely alongside Peter Gore, CEO of Weston Group and Bob Weston, Chairman of Weston Group, overseeing the new division’s business growth and operations. As part of its initial pipeline, Weston Partnerships has already established key partnerships in the various sectors being focused on for business expansion.
Bracknell Beeches, Bracknell
In the Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector Weston Partnerships has recently entered into an agreement with Royal London Asset Management, part of Royal London, the UK’s largest mutually owned pensions company, to provide BTR homes across two developments, Bracknell Beeches and Town Quay, Barking. These will deliver 411 BTR properties with Weston Homes overseeing the construction.
In the local authority housing sector Weston Partnerships has entered into an agreement with Barking and Dagenham Council (via Be First, the Council’s regeneration arm), enabling the delivery of local authority affordable housing at Town Quay in Barking. This project will provide affordable homes on a ‘turn-key’ basis with Weston Homes constructing and delivering the completed homes.
Town Quay, Barking
Weston Partnerships is also working with retirement housebuilders, local developers and contractors needing MMC building components, provided by the Group’s subsidiary British Offsite. The deals include a collaboration with Elkins Construction across three developments using British Offsite’s innovative UniSystemLB product.
Orchard Park, Cambridge
British Offsite will also play a key role in Weston Partnership’s delivery of state-of-the-art student accommodation project in Orchard Park, Cambridge, in partnership with Vertex Living incorporating British Offsite’s UNisystemLB.
Steve Hatton, Development Director of Weston Partnerships, says: “I am delighted to lead Weston Partnerships which is part of the group’s expansion into the Build-to-Rent, Local Authority Housing, retirement and student accommodation sectors, amongst other parts of the housing industry. Our priority is to work closely with our partners to help accelerate housing delivery, improve affordability, drive MMC innovation and uphold the highest construction standards. Through this expansion we are well positioned to make a meaningful impact on the future delivery of housing.”
Peter Gore, CEO of Weston Group says: “Whilst the group will continue to operate within the Build-to-Sell sector via our core Weston Homes division, the housebuilding industry has changed dramatically over the last few years and it is important for us to expand and create new income streams for the business. The Build-to-Rent, local authority and some of the other deals we have already secured have the advantage of being forward funded providing an upfront income stream which is highly advantageous for our cash flow and financial strength.”
Bob Weston, Chairman of Weston Group adds: “By harnessing our industry experience and British Offsite’s advanced construction technology, we can build more efficiently and at greater scale. This initiative reinforces our dedication to delivering sustainable communities while strengthening our partnerships across the housing sector.”
British Offsite Horizon Factory
Alongside the new partnerships business Weston Group comprises five other existing businesses, namely Weston Homes (the core volume housebuilding division), British Offsite (MMC and offsite manufacturing), Weston Business Centres (serviced offices), Stansted Environmental Services (environmental and safety consultancy), and Weston Logistics (construction plant hire and warehousing).
For further information on Weston Partnerships contact Weston Group PLC on Tel: +44 (0)1279 873 333 or click here.
