Family-owned construction businesses play a crucial role in addressing the UK’s housing crisis by delivering sustainable, community-focused social housing solutions.
Family-owned businesses are often described as the backbone of the British economy, and nowhere is their impact more visible than in the construction sector. As the UK faces an ongoing housing crisis, with a pressing need for affordable and social homes, family-run firms are stepping up to play a pivotal role in delivering solutions that benefit communities across the country.
Family businesses make up over 90% of all private sector firms in the UK and in construction specifically, there are thousands of family-run firms demonstrating the sheer scale of their involvement in shaping the built environment.
These businesses often span generations and bring a unique combination of local knowledge, long-term commitment and a deep sense of responsibility to the areas in which they operate. Their approach is typically rooted in community values, prioritising not just profit but also the well-being of residents and the sustainability of developments. This dovetails perfectly with the social housing sector and culturally allows both spaces to interact and deliver with the same core purpose at heart.
Social housing has historically relied on a partnership between government, housing associations, and private sector contractors. In recent years, family-owned construction firms have become increasingly prominent in this space, working alongside housing associations to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes. This will be key if we are ever going to increase the housing supply and deliver anywhere near the number of new homes needed. They can act as a strong support system to housing teams’ development and growth plans.
Independent construction teams are also at the forefront of adopting modern methods of construction (MMC) and sustainable building practices. The government’s Construction Playbook encourages collaboration between public bodies and private contractors, with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. Family-run firms, with their agility and willingness to innovate, are well-placed to embrace these new approaches.
For instance, many are investing in training and upskilling their workforce, often through initiatives like the HBXL Skills Academy, which offers bootcamps in estimating, CAD drawing, and business management. This not only helps family businesses remain competitive but also ensures that the social housing they build meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability. This will be a key factor in the immediate timeframe, given the investment and scale of challenge we face to upkeep the current stock and ensure our customers are living in high quality, safe homes in the future.
The positive impact of family-owned businesses in collaboration with social housing extends far beyond the construction phase. By creating stable, affordable homes, these firms contribute to increased employment opportunities, reduced benefit costs and improved public health. Stable housing is also linked to better educational outcomes for children, helping to break cycles of poverty and disadvantage. Which I can point to from my own personal experience of growing up in a social housing setting.
Moreover, long-term perspectives mean they are invested in the success of their developments and the well-being of their tenants. This sense of stewardship fosters stronger, more resilient communities—a crucial factor in addressing the UK’s housing challenges.
At Boyden we are proud to work alongside a range of family-owned businesses and deliver senior appointments that make a difference. With a specialism of working with senior leaders in the social housing setting for over 20 years, we can complement both sectors with the very best talent to support solving the housing needs of the UK.
We recognise that family-owned businesses are playing a vital and often under-recognised role in supporting the building of social housing homes in the UK. Their commitment to community, innovation, and sustainability is helping to deliver not just houses, but homes and opportunities for thousands of families.
As the country continues to grapple with the need for more affordable housing, the contribution of these businesses will remain essential in building a brighter, more inclusive future.
To find out more about Boyden’s Housing and Family Business solutions and how we can help you to select, onboard and develop senior talent in your business, contact Suresh Lal, Global Sector Leader, Affordable Housing and Responsible Real Estate.
