property
Darcliffe is scaling up for future projects of a similar size and larger. “We recently obtained outline planning permission for a 66-home development in Tilehurst, and we are investing significantly in new staff, plant and machinery to deliver the site over the next few years,” said Denton.
Recent additions to its workforce include Ben Longworth (see panel) as construction manager.
Established local reputation
Both Darcliffe and Country Estates are owned by joint managing directors Graham Denton and Gary Smith. Country Estates operates 14 business parks and commercial sites across the South East, mainly in the Thames Valley corridor, that total over 1 million sq ft. They include, among others, Calleva Park, near Aldermaston, and Shrivenham Hundred Business Park, near Swindon, a joint venture with Checkmore.
Darcliffe was originally part of Reading- based Penta Group. Denton bought the business from Penta and merged it with his Denton and Gibson group in 1989, before joining forces with Smith’s Country Estates in 2009. The business has net assets of over £20m and a workforce of more than 40 people.
“Gary and I have similar interests in commercial and residential. The group has healthy cash reserves, a strong balance sheet, and an appetite to expand activity in the residential sector to diversify and spread risk,” said Denton.
“Our aim with Darcliffe Homes is to build the business organically, with our own resources. As each new site completes, we reinvest in the business and look to start larger projects. We will only expand operations if we are comfortable with what we’re doing,” said Denton.
Other recently completed Darcliffe projects include Watercress Mews in Four Marks, Saxon Meadows and Bluebell Chase in Spencers Wood, and The Martens in Hinton Waldrist. The company has a target of reaching 50 new homes a year, which should be realised in the next three or four years.
Community focus
Darcliffe always focuses on the people it is building for and encouraging a community feel in its developments. Denton summed it up: “I like to let newcomers know who their neighbours are, and tell residents when new owners are due to arrive. It’s a small touch, but it can make a big difference to people’s lives.”
Longworth had become frustrated with the speed of large-scale construction projects he had previously worked on. He felt a rapid- build strategy often applied in the construction sector wasn’t giving him sufficient time to do his job well.
“Darcliffe’s vision of quality and attention to detail really appealed to me,” he said. “I have the freedom to innovate as we build the next generation of housing stock, for example, by introducing smart technology into houses, and by building things properly.”
New construction manager strengthens Darcliffe team
Ben Longworth joined Darcliffe Homes in December 2017 as construction manager. He will oversee The Ridings development in Tilehurst and work on the post-planning design and rollout of future projects.
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – MARCH/APRIL 2018
businessmag.co.uk
69
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