As we celebrate all things sustainability this month in the lead up to Earth Day, we feel it’s an excellent time to reflect on another of our Core Values – Collaboration. More than just a way of working, collaboration shapes how we support each other, share knowledge, and take collective action in every aspect of our working lives. Recently, our Canterbury team have come together to revitalise our office garden, putting sustainability and collaboration into practice in a tangible way.
A shared effort for a greener space
The courtyard garden at our Canterbury office has long been enjoyed as a place to take a moment and connect with nature. The construction industry and the work we do is fast paced and requires a lot of brain power, so having a calming space to breathe and unwind is essential for keeping a clear head.
While our colleagues adore having this space, over time, it has needed some care and attention, which is why a group of b&m staff took it upon themselves to organise a ‘garden day’, gathering tools, rolling up their sleeves, and getting stuck in. The result was a transformed space that’s now thriving with fresh plants, fresh energy, and a renewed sense of shared ownership.
The garden day wasn’t simply a practical exercise, but was a reflection of how collaboration drives every aspect of our work forward. From planning and preparing to the actual digging and planting, the day showcased what can be achieved when people from different teams come together with a shared goal. This fun project sparked conversation, strengthened relationships, and gave everyone a sense of pride in what they had accomplished while enjoying the early Spring sun.
Supporting local, growing sustainably
Both sustainability and our Core Value of collaboration were at the heart of this project, and as a certified B Corp, we are committed to making responsible choices that benefit people – whether that’s our staff, peers, or the communities we work within – and the planet.
In line with this, many of the plants for the garden were sourced from The Fifth Trust, a local charity and social enterprise that provides meaningful opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. Having worked on projects with them in the past, this charity is particularly important to us, and we were excited to collaborate with them once more.
Choosing to partner with The Fifth Trust not only supported our mission to bring our sustainable and collaborative values to life, but added an extra layer of purpose to our garden day. It reminded us that sustainability isn’t only about the environment, but is also about the wellbeing of our communities and the positive ripple effect of thoughtful decision-making.
To build on this momentum and keep us engaged with the space, we have also launched a sunflower growing competition for staff. This light-hearted challenge invites everyone to try their hand at gardening, no green thumb required.
Why Collaboration is so important
Collaboration is such an important part of our Core Values, as it truly is at the heart of the construction industry. Every successful project depends on a seamless exchange of expertise between a whole range of people, from architects and engineers to contractors and clients, each bringing their own perspectives but working towards a common goal.
Effective teamwork ensures projects run smoothly and challenges are solved creatively and efficiently, resulting in the best possible outcomes for both people and the planet. However, on a closer scale, we know that collaboration isn’t just about the big, complex builds, but is a mindset that carries through everything we do.
That’s why initiatives like our Canterbury garden day may seem small scale, but they reflect the same principles. Just as we transform spaces through our much larger scale project work, we applied these same skills to our garden – coordination, communication, and creative thinking – to create something meaningful in our own workplace. It’s a reminder that whether we’re delivering a major refurbishment or planting a courtyard garden, the best results always come from working together.
Bringing values to life
At b&m, we believe that collaboration is not just a way of working, but a way of thinking, and it reflects how we connect our values to our actions across projects, offices, and communities. As the industry continues to evolve to meet the challenges of climate change and social responsibility, it’s this mindset that will help us build a more sustainable future together.
As we continue to celebrate sustainability this month in the lead up to Earth Day, we encourage our industry peers to consider how collaboration may help them discover new and engaging ways to bring sustainability closer to home.
