Tag Archives: vistry group

Charity & CSR, News, Property, Property News

Vistry Mercia staff skydive for mental health charity

Vistry Group employees swapped housebuilding for freefalling as they jumped out of a plane at 10,000 feet to support a suicide prevention charity.

A group of 8 team members from the company’s Mercia region joined Housebuilding chief executive Keith Carnegie to take part in a charity skydive at Tilstock Airfield in Shropshire on Friday 5 August.

The team took the plunge in a bid to raise donations for Vistry’s chosen charity Papyrus, which provides support to young people struggling with mental health and suicidal thoughts.

Keith Carnegie, chief executive of Vistry Housebuilding, said: “An amazing day was had by everyone who took part and it was an experience I for one will never forget. It’s fair to say that nerves were running high ahead of the big jump but once we had landed you could not wipe the smiles off our faces.

“The sense of satisfaction that we all felt upon completing the skydive was all the greater for knowing that we had done it for such a deserving cause. Everyone at Vistry is aware of the incredibly important work that Papyrus does to support young people facing extremely difficult times in their lives and the charity means so much to us.

“We are immensely grateful to everybody who has sponsored us and helped us to raise £5,400 so far. We are still hoping to reach our target of £8,000 and anyone else who would like to donate can do so by visiting our JustGiving page. Any contribution will be greatly appreciated and will help Papyrus to continue saving the lives of young people across the UK.”

To make a donation, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Vistry-Housebuilding-Mercia-region?utm_source=Sharethis&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=Vistry-Housebuilding-Mercia-region&utm_campaign=pfp-email&utm_term=855d2b1690184f1ab5e895e5493e817d.

Anyone who donates £15 or more will be entered into a prize draw to win a one-night stay in London, including a three-course dinner for two at the Royal Exchange in its Fortnum and Mason Bar and Restaurant, donated by Ibstock Brick.

Vistry Group is building homes at locations across the country under its Linden Homes and Bovis Homes brands.

For more information, visit vistrygroup.co.uk.

 

IMAGE CAPTION:

 Vistry Mercia group sharing laughter after all successfully completing the 10,000-foot fall

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Vistry Group is uniquely positioned to lead the way in the UK housing market with a countercyclical business model featuring Vistry Housebuilding and Vistry Partnerships.

We have an unmatched portfolio of brands – including Bovis Homes and Linden Homes – with rich histories and strong reputations. We are proud of our 5-Star HBF customer satisfaction rating as we deliver on our purpose of developing sustainable homes and communities across all sectors of the UK housing market. Our key asset is our people – around 3,000 of them across the country – who are committed to doing the right thing and living our values of integrity, caring and quality, ensuring we put our customers and clients at the centre of everything we do. Vistry is delighted to have won ‘Large Housebuilder of the Year’ and ‘Housebuilder Star Award’ at the Housebuilder Awards 2021, run in partnership with the NHBC and HBF. For more information, visit www.vistrygroup.co.uk.

News, Property, Property News, South East England News

Housebuilder launches virtual 3D tool for customers to tour their new home

House-hunters in the North Hampshire and Surrey border can now take a virtual tour around their new home before it is built, thanks to advanced technology.

Vistry Group has partnered with award-winning visual technology company, Futurium, to digitally transform the customer homebuying journey at its Albany Park location in Church Crookham.

The homes are being marketed from local estate agents, Mackenzie Smith in Fleet, and customers will be able to view, explore and customise their new homes through interactive 3D visual solutions.

Vistry Group is building 300 new homes under the Linden Homes and Bovis Homes brands at Albany Park, off Watery Lane, with 180 properties for private sale and 120 affordable homes available for local people through rent or shared ownership.

The development will include a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes across the 82-acre site.

Melanie Richards, sales and marketing director for Vistry Southern, said: “The launch of innovative Futurium technology marks an exciting milestone for our Albany Park location, where construction work is well underway.

“With the help of our dedicated sales consultant, customers can now take a 3D walk-through of the properties and see them furnished and unfurnished. Just like in the real world where you can walk into a room and look it at from different angles, you can do the same with this technology.

“This will enable customers to have a more personalised homebuying journey, in which they will get to see for themselves their chosen colour scheme and specification, as well as fixtures and fittings. We’ve already been getting lots of great feedback and are looking forward to welcoming more customers through the doors of Mackenzie Smith.”

Stephen Tetlow, managing director of Mackenzie Smith, said: “Vistry is really ahead of the curve with this interactive 3D visual system, and it is certainly the most impressive piece of technology that I have come across in the 40 years that I’ve worked in the property industry.

“This is changing the way in which people go about buying their new homes, so it is our pleasure to host these facilities here at Mackenzie Smith.

“The level of detail on the platform is outstanding and it gives such a realistic image of what the properties will look like, with house-hunters getting to view the interiors from all different angles and even being able to open up drawers and kitchen units.”

Alongside the new homes at Albany Park, Vistry will be providing a new sports pavilion, sports pitches, Multi-Use Games Area and children’s play areas as well as open space as part of the planning agreement for the development. A 40-acre Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace featuring walking paths, boardwalks and a new public car park will also be provided.

For more information about the new homes at Albany Park, visit lindenhomes.co.uk and bovishomes.co.uk.

 

Image Caption: A computer-generated image shows the homes at Albany Park in Church Crookham which are to be built by Vistry Group

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Vistry Group is uniquely positioned to lead the way in the UK housing market with a countercyclical business model featuring Vistry Housebuilding and Vistry Partnerships.

We have an unmatched portfolio of brands – including Bovis Homes and Linden Homes – with rich histories and strong reputations. We are proud of our 5-Star HBF customer satisfaction rating as we deliver on our purpose of developing sustainable homes and communities across all sectors of the UK housing market. Our key asset is our people – around 3,000 of them across the country – who are committed to doing the right thing and living our values of integrity, caring and quality, ensuring we put our customers and clients at the centre of everything we do. Vistry is delighted to have won ‘Large Housebuilder of the Year’ and ‘Housebuilder Star Award’ at the Housebuilder Awards 2021, run in partnership with the NHBC and HBF. For more information, visit www.vistrygroup.co.uk.

News, Property, South East

Suffolk-based mortgage expert highlights success of Help to Buy scheme

A Suffolk-based mortgage expert has praised Help to Buy for helping hundreds of people to afford their own home as the initiative reaches its final stages.

Jason Blunden, managing director of Ipswich-based Evolve Financial Solutions, has been working with buyers at Vistry Group’s developments across the East of England, and said the Government scheme, which is due to end on 31 March next year, had also provided a much-needed boost to the housing market and the wider economy as a whole.

Vistry Eastern has sold hundreds of new homes under the Bovis Homes and Linden Homes brands via Help to Buy across the region and still has properties available which qualify for the scheme.

Help to Buy was set up to enable purchasers to secure a new-build home with just a five per cent deposit and a 75 per cent mortgage – the remaining 20 per cent being provided in the form of an equity loan from the Government, which is interest free for the first five years of homeownership. The current version of the scheme is only open to first-time buyers, with a regional price cap in the East of England set at £407,400.

Jason Blunden said: “What Help to Buy has meant is that mortgage lenders have been able to lend to people who would not normally have been able to afford to buy their own home. This has allowed hundreds of first-time buyers, many of them young people and growing families, to take the precious first steps onto the property ladder. This represents the dream for many families, a dream that has been realised by the availability of Help to Buy.

“The 20 per cent equity loan from the Government means that first-time buyers only have to find a five per cent deposit to effectively secure a 75 per cent mortgage. This deal lowers the deposit that has to be found and reduces the monthly mortgage payments customers have to meet, thereby bringing homeownership within the reach of more and more buyers.

“I have personally worked with many first-time buyers who have secured a home with Vistry Eastern and were delighted after fearing they would be stuck paying rent all their lives because they could not raise a big enough deposit or be able to afford the monthly mortgage payments. We know that the Help to Buy scheme is coming to an end in 2023 and are now seeing lenders coming to market with 95 per cent mortgages for new-build houses instead.

“Help to Buy has been the best thing to happen to the construction industry and mortgage lenders for a long time. The continuation of the scheme gave the industry a real shot in the arm when it most needed it as the country struggled to get started again following the coronavirus lockdowns.

“We hope that the momentum in the housing market that has been generated by the Help to Buy scheme does not slow down. The bigger picture is that a buoyant housing market does not just benefit the mortgage lenders and the housebuilders as all these new homes need to be decorated, carpeted and furnished which in turn provides jobs for people in a host of ancillary industries.”

Jason Colmer, sales and marketing director at Vistry Eastern, said: “Help to Buy still represents an incredible opportunity for first-time buyers to secure a new-build home and to get themselves into the property market.

“We have many properties, built under the Linden Homes and Bovis Homes brands, which are available to reserve and are below the Help to Buy regional price cap of £407,400 in the East of England. Our trained sales teams are waiting to take calls to explain how people can still take advantage of the initiative.”

There are new homes that qualify for the scheme and are available to reserve at All Angels Park in Highfields Caldecote, near Cambridge, and Finches Park in Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, as well as at Suffolk developments Cavendish View and Grange Park in Thurston and Oak Farm Meadow in Stowupland.

For more information, visit bovishomes.co.uk or lindenhomes.co.uk.

 

Charity & CSR, News, South West

Scout set to embark on trip of a lifetime to South Korea

A young Scout from Bishops Cleeve is one step closer to embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to South Korea for the World Scout Jamboree in August 2023.

Thanks to a £500 donation from Linden Homes, Arnav Nayyen is nearer to reaching his £4,000 fundraising goal to be able to attend the 12-day event organised by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement.

The 13-year-old is a member of 1st Woodmancote Scouts and has earned one of 36 places to represent Gloucestershire as part of the UK’s contingent at the global Jamboree.

The World Scout Jamboree occurs every four years and brings together over 40,000 scouts from across the globe. It provides young people with a unique opportunity to find out about different cultures and faiths, gain an understanding of global issues, learn new skills, and take part in adventurous, educational and creative activities.

Arnav, who lives at an existing development by Linden Homes neighbouring the newly launched Woodland View, reached out to the housebuilder as part of his ambitious plans to raise money for the trip.

Arnav’s father, Sundar Thovalai, said: “We were grateful and delighted when Linden Homes responded to Arnav’s letter and agreed to donate £500 towards his goal. It truly means a lot to him as it is his dream to represent Gloucestershire at such a prestigious global event.

“Arnav has lots of plans to reach his goal, such as selling exclusive collector badges, bag-packing and hosting a bingo night. He has also reached out to other local businesses in the area seeking support.”

Arnav said: “I joined the Scouting movement as a Beaver when I was six back in 2014. Since then, I have learned so much from being a Scout. I truly enjoy every session and I’m inspired by how they equip me with the life skills needed for the next generation of young leaders.

“I’d like to thank Linden Homes so much for the money they’ve generously donated to me – I really appreciate it. It will go a long way towards my goal of £4,000. After the Jamboree, I’ll definitely be in touch to share my experiences!”

For the next 18 months, Arnav will prepare for the trip by learning new skills, bonding with his team and preparing for the experience and culture of South Korea, as well as fundraising the required £4,000 to attend.

Derek Platt, 1st Woodmancote Scouts group leader, said: “Arnav is one of three Scouts from Bishops Cleeve that have been successfully selected to join the Gloucestershire Contingent of the Scout World Jamboree in SaeManGeum in South Korea. They now need to raise money to fund the trip and have planned many fundraising events over the next few months.

“The theme of the Jamboree is ‘Draw your Dream’, representing a willingness to accept young people’s ideas and opinions. Now, more than ever, we need to listen to the youth of the world. Knowing that there are companies like Linden Homes out there waiting to support our Scouts to attend this event is really inspiring.”

Steve Jackson, unit leader for Gloucestershire Scouts, said: “Arnav’s strong leadership skills, teamwork, motivation and commitment meant that he stood out from his peers, which ultimately led to his selection for the trip.

“It’s fantastic that Linden Homes has been able to make this donation. We hope this unique experience will help inspire Arnav and his team members to become positive role models, as well as active citizens in their local communities.”

Charles Bond, sales manager for Woodland View, said: “The World Scout Jamboree is a truly fantastic opportunity for young people to expand their horizons and embark on an exciting, cultural and educational trip. We are therefore really pleased to support Arnav in his efforts to raise money to attend the event.

“We wish Arnav all the best as he continues fundraising and hope that the trip to South Korea is everything he hopes for.”

Linden Homes, which is part of the Vistry Group, has just launched a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses at its new Woodland View development, off Gotherington Lane, next to the existing homes within Cleeve View.

To find out more information about Woodland View, visit lindenhomes.co.uk.

News, Property News

Three-storey homes in Cardington meet buyers’ changing needs

A new selection of homes have been released for sale at Linden Homes’ Falcons Lodge development in Cardington to meet the growing demand for three-storey properties.

The five-bedroom Ripley house type, which offers spacious accommodation across three floors, is now available to reserve, priced from £450,000.

Linden Homes, part of the Vistry Group, is delivering a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, and two, three, four and five-bedroom houses at Falcons Lodge.

Hannah Dorner, Sales Manager for Falcons Lodge, said: “We are seeing high levels of interest in three-storey properties due to the growing need for designated work areas at home, without compromising on personal space and room for everyday living.

“The modern buyer is looking for a home where they can work, relax and entertain, and a larger home provides the space for all of these activities, as well as room to accommodate multi-generational living, if needed.

“The Ripley is a great example of the lifestyle that can be enjoyed in a three-storey home and the design is appealing to a wide range of buyers, from young people to growing families.”

There are currently two Ripley houses available to purchase at Falcons Lodge. The layout includes a large open-plan kitchen and dining room with French doors to the garden, which is great for everyday mealtimes and entertaining alike. There’s also a separate living room to the front of the home and a guest cloakroom off the hallway.

The first-floor landing leads to four bedrooms (one with an en suite shower room) and a family bathroom. With multiple bedrooms on this floor, there’s the option of using one for home-working or study if needed.

Meanwhile, the en suite master bedroom, with an attractive dormer window and roof light and extensive cupboard space in the eaves, occupies the top floor and is the perfect retreat at the end of the day.

Both properties, which are located opposite the development’s central green open space and play area, benefit from a garage and parking.

There’s also a choice of two and three-bedroom houses for sale at Falcons Lodge, with prices starting from £285,000.

For more information about Falcons Lodge, visit lindenhomes.co.uk/eastmidlands or call the sales team on 01234 430829.

Construction, Midlands News, News

Forces veterans build successful careers in construction with Vistry Group

Ex-forces personnel enjoying successful careers in construction with Vistry East Midlands are encouraging others with a military background to consider joining the industry.

As the UK celebrates Armed Forces Week (Monday 22 to Sunday 28 June), Vistry Group announced it has signed the BuildForce Veteran Alliance Charter, strengthening its support for ex-military personnel looking to transfer their skills and experience into the construction sector.

Vistry Group – whose housebuilding arm comprises Linden Homes and Bovis Homes – employs around 100 former service men and women across the country.

Several of Vistry’s ex-forces employees work for the company’s East Midlands division, which is based in Peterborough.

Among them is 40-year-old assistant site manager Kieron Pittore, who currently works at Linden Homes’ Kingsley Place development in Barnack, near Stamford.

Kieron, who was previously a Royal Engineer at RAF Waterbeach in Cambridgeshire, said: “For those who leave the military, it can be challenging to hold down a solid job, as it’s often difficult to adjust from an adventurous and active working style to a new role.

“But there are huge similarities between the armed forces and the construction industry, one of which is just how much your day-to-day job can vary. I’ve found the vast variety of tasks I have to complete throughout my working day really helps to keep me engaged, just like in my previous job.

“With every day working on site, I learn something new. My past work has helped me to pick up carpentry and plumbing knowledge, which I’m sometimes able to apply during my work on site too.

“I view my working day at Kingsley Place as a team effort from my time in the Army, and I’m not going anywhere without my team. We all work very hard to provide homes of the highest standard.

“This industry really benefits from military personnel – they have great discipline and high standards – and I really think there’s a job for everyone.”

Kev Frances, a 58-year-old site manager from Cambridge, joined the military in 1989 as an internationally based Pioneer, and has been working at Linden Homes’ Brampton Park development in Brampton for the past four years.

After leaving the army, Kev joined the construction industry as a carpenter and has worked his way up through the ranks, securing 11 prestigious Pride in the Job Quality Awards and two Seal of Excellence awards from the National House Building Council (NHBC) in recognition of his work.

Kev said: “The construction and sales team at Brampton Park are like a big family, just like it was in the Army.

“Military employees are trained to be well-disciplined and organised forward-thinkers with great planning skills. We’re also taught to take orders and to perform to the best of our abilities, which is exactly what I believe has helped me to be successful within this industry.”

Rob Spittles, 47, is the Production Director for Vistry East Midlands, and is based at the company’s regional office in Peterborough.

He was employed by the RAF as a Combat Engineer as a 16-year-old and was promoted to Royal Engineer before he left at the age of 28 to pursue a career in construction.

Rob said: “I started out in the construction industry as an assistant site manager when I left the Royal Air Force, and I’ve worked my way up through the ranks since.

“The military taught me resilience, interpersonal skills, man management, communication skills, and how to keep a calm head in stressful situations. These skills have really helped me to achieve a successful career working for a very well-regarded builder.

“Since Linden Homes and Bovis Homes became part of Vistry Group earlier this year, it has presented an array of career opportunities in all different locations across the East Midlands. I would encourage those from a military background looking for a new career to consider this industry, as I believe it is an excellent path to take for those with a military skillset.”

For more information about careers with Vistry East Midlands, visit vistrygroup.co.uk.