At b&m, we believe that construction is more than just a business: it’s about the people who bring projects to life and the communities that benefit from them. That’s why we take a ‘People First’ approach, ensuring that passion, commitment, and relationships take priority in everything we do. This philosophy, alongside our other core values, shapes our hiring practices, the way we collaborate with clients, and our dedication to creating sustainable, community-focused developments.
Why people matter more than paper qualifications
In the UK construction industry, traditional qualifications have long been the benchmark for hiring. However, statistics reveal that a significant portion of the workforce does not hold formal academic degrees. As of 2019, the construction sector employed approximately 2.3 million individuals, with 900,000 being self-employed. This diverse workforce includes many who have entered the industry through apprenticeships or direct work experience rather than University education. In fact, 17% of the b&m team is made up of those currently on an Apprenticeship Scheme.
Our People First approach leads us to recognise the value of passion, commitment, and practical experience over traditional qualifications. By prioritising these attributes, we tap into a broader talent pool, encouraging innovation and gaining fresh perspectives within our teams. This strategy not only enriches our projects but also helps to address the industry’s skills shortage by welcoming individuals from varied educational backgrounds.
While skills and experience are important, they aren’t the only indicators of success. Enthusiasm, dedication, and the ability to problem-solve are qualities that can’t always be taught, but they make a real difference in the way we work.
Putting our team first, every day
Our B Corp status helps us to hold ourselves accountable when it comes to a consistent People First approach throughout our team. Beyond just the creation of our workforce, we encourage this core value throughout the everyday lives of our staff members, where we partake in a whole host of team building endeavors that also contribute to our positive impact on the community.
In fact, within 2025, we look forward to taking this ideology even further. On the cards, we have a volunteering day for every member of our staff at COT (Canterbury Oast Trust) in Ashford to assist with a specific project. This charity is dedicated to supporting adults with learning disabilities and autism, and is an important pillar within the local community. By working with organisations like COT, we are not only supporting a vital cause but also reinforcing our internal culture of empathy, teamwork, and social responsibility. These opportunities allow our team to step outside of their day-to-day roles and understand the importance of our People First ethos, helping them to deepen this value within their work.
In our office, we are dedicated to incorporating plants and eco-friendly goods, which is a small but incredibly significant step. This touch of nature and sustainable office practices help us foster a healthier, more conscientious workplace, demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being and creating a vibrant, fresher working environment. Additionally, these choices reflect our responsibility as a B Corp, reinforcing a culture of care, accountability, and ethical decision-making.
This staff-centred aspect of our People First approach is also reflected in our commitment to the physical and mental well-being of our team. At b&m, we recognise that a healthy workforce is a happier, more engaged workforce, which is why we actively support mental health and well-being initiatives as a direct reflection of our commitment to putting People First.
We have trained Mental Health First Aiders within our team to provide guidance and support, ensuring that employees have someone to turn to in times of need. This reinforces our belief that people should always feel valued and supported, both professionally and personally. By fostering a culture where mental health is prioritised, we create a more inclusive and caring workplace, allowing individuals to perform at their best.
In addition, our private healthcare offering includes access to counselling services and mindfulness apps, enabling employees to proactively manage their well-being. This initiative aligns with our People First approach by acknowledging that mental health is just as important as physical health. When employees feel empowered to take care of their mind, they are more engaged, productive, and satisfied in their roles.
Beyond this more structured support, we believe that the workplace environment plays a crucial role in mental well-being, as mentioned with our commitment to greenery and eco-friendly office practices. We’ve taken this a step further by creating a dedicated outdoor working space, complete with a wildlife and vegetable garden, providing employees with a place to step away, recharge, and reconnect with nature. Studies have shown that access to green spaces can reduce stress and improve overall well-being, making this an integral part of our People First philosophy.
Stronger client relationships = better outcomes for everyone
Our People First approach does, however, extend beyond our internal team, with it being at the centre of how we build relationships with our customers. We don’t just work for our clients, we work with them, and this helps us to foster trust, collaboration, and long-term success.
A key part of our People First philosophy is taking the time to understand our clients’ goals, challenges, and values. This means more than just delivering a project to specification, it means genuinely listening to all parties’ needs, anticipating potential issues, and working together to find the best solutions – all of which are aspects of the key services we provide at b&m, as well as our B corp status.
Our commitment to our People First ideology ensures that clients feel heard and valued, which leads to better collaboration and, ultimately, stronger project outcomes. When our customers know that we prioritise their vision and success as much as our own, it results in greater confidence, reduced friction, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Supporting communities through our People First approach
At b&m, we recognise that the impact of construction extends far beyond the structures we build and projects we complete. Every project is an opportunity to create a lasting positive effect on the communities we serve, which is why our People First approach also means working closely with local communities, understanding their needs, and ensuring that our projects bring real value to their environments.
Whether it’s regenerating urban spaces, improving local infrastructure, or designing sustainable buildings, we are committed to making a difference. Our approach ensures that developments are not just functional but also contribute to the well-being of the people who use them.
As a certified B Corp, sustainability and ethical responsibility are at the heart of our operations, as is ensuring we give back to the community as much as we possibly can. This ensures that our projects and contributions are not only beneficial today but remain beneficial for generations to come.
A key example of this is our work with Loose Primary School, where we provided initial cost, tendering, and contract advice free of charge. By doing so, we helped the school stretch their limited budget further, allowing for more of the much-needed provision for disabled pupils to be upgraded. Our involvement at no cost inspired others to contribute in similar ways, ultimately increasing the overall benefit to the pupils and enhancing their learning environment.
This initiative embodies our belief that construction should have a lasting positive impact on society. By using our expertise to support essential community projects, we ensure that our work not only delivers high-quality results but also benefits those who need it most. Our commitment to being People First means actively seeking to build stronger relationships within the community, and set an example of corporate responsibility. Another way we are able to do this is via community sponsorship, including the likes of Canterbury Rugby Club, the Marlowe Theatre, and LandAid, a charity working to end homelessness in the UK.
Beyond our projects, we are passionate about inspiring the next generation to join the construction industry and embrace our core values. In 2025, we have planned over 60 hours of career fairs and student engagement activities across six events at secondary schools, colleges, and universities local to our offices. By engaging with young people and showcasing the value of a career in construction, we aim to encourage future professionals who align with our People First approach. By investing in the next generation, we ensure that this approach continues to shape the industry for years to come.
Navigating the industry with our core values
The construction industry is evolving, and we believe a People First approach is the key to overcoming some of its biggest challenges. With skills shortages and a constantly changing industry landscape, we focus on nurturing talent and creating an inclusive work environment where everyone has the opportunity to grow.
As a certified B Corp, our People First approach aligns with our dedication to ethical business practices, sustainability, and creating lasting value for both people and the planet. By prioritising people, whether it’s our workforce, our clients, or the communities we serve, we can help to maintain trust and collaboration, and see the success of countless incredible projects, together.
Find out more about our business values, including our People First approach here. #&More
