Employment and Skills
One of the most direct ways our developments boost productivity is through job creation and skills training. Some of this can be delivered before a planning application has even been submitted. At Socius, we believe project teams should ‘give back’ to the local communities they serve, through local procurement, apprenticeships, work placements, and engagement with local schools.
Once plans have been approved, many more local employment and training opportunities are generated through construction. In partnership with Patron Capital and McLaren Construction at our Edward Street Quarter project in Brighton & Hove, Socius delivered over £15 million in social value. This included jobs and training opportunities for local residents and targeted support for ex-offenders and those who had been long-term unemployed.
In the long term, the provision of high-quality workspace generates new employment opportunities for local communities. Furthermore, at our Soapworks development in Bristol, in partnership with Barings, we are exploring how social value can continue to be delivered through operation and estate management, for instance as part of progressive leasing arrangements.
Community Wealth Building
Right from acquisition, Socius embeds ourselves within the community to better understand local ambitions and aspirations. Only by spending time in communities, listening, and researching local issues can we begin to understand how we can truly add value. However, we can’t do this alone. Alongside our project teams, we build relationships with community groups, local representatives, businesses, and charities. Only by working together in partnership can we begin to improve local outcomes.
How do we support local communities and groups? Our project teams have volunteered their time, raised vital funds, provided pro bono advice, and mentored local young people. For instance, over the past year, Socius have planted bulbs in a Cambridge park, ran the London Marathon to raise thousands of pounds for the Institute of Cancer Research, and coordinated hundreds of hours of pro bono expert advice for Sieve MK, a youth education charity in Milton Keynes.
Supporting local charities and community groups is another crucial way our developments enhance productivity. By fostering strong community ties and providing financial or in-kind support to these organizations, we help build a robust social fabric. These marginal gains lead to improved social outcomes, reducing youth unemployment and homelessness, increasing educational attainment, and enhancing social cohesion.
These efforts not only improve the quality of life for residents but also create a more stable and supportive environment where individuals can thrive and be productive.
Health and Wellbeing
Health and well-being are critical components of productivity. Our developments prioritise the creation of healthy living environments through high-quality green and active public realms. Studies have shown that access to green spaces and recreational activities can significantly reduce stress, improve mental health, and boost overall well-being, all of which are essential for maintaining high productivity levels.
Moreover, we design our buildings with sustainability in mind, ensuring that they promote physical health through good air quality, natural light, and ergonomic design. By creating spaces that support physical and mental well-being, we enable residents and workers to perform at their best, thereby enhancing productivity.
In partnership with Patron Capital, our Edward Street Quarter development in Brighton & Hove has been awarded with a well-building standard and air-quality gold certificates. We also work with consultants such as Bioregional, adopting their One Planet Living principles for sustainable development; and Motionspot, supporting inclusive, accessible, and sometimes trauma-informed design.
Innovative and Progressive Approaches
At Socius, we believe that addressing the productivity puzzle requires innovative and progressive approaches. This includes expanding the concept of the triple bottom line in real estate, to consider social and environmental impacts alongside financial returns. By doing so, we can create developments that are not only economically viable but also socially and environmentally beneficial.
For example, our projects often incorporate mixed-use designs that blend residential, commercial, and community spaces. This integration fosters a sense of community, reduces commuting times, and promotes local economic activity. Such designs are not only sustainable but also enhance the productivity of residents by creating more cohesive and convenient living and working environments.
Impacting Productivity
Fixing the productivity crisis in the UK is both an economic and moral imperative. This isn’t just a case of pounds and pence, but people’s lives. As developers, we have a unique opportunity to drive productivity through our projects by focusing on social impact. From job creation and skills training to supporting local charities and improving health and well-being, our developments can deliver significant local benefits that enhance productivity.
At Socius, we are committed to leading the way in this innovative and progressive approach. By prioritizing social impact, we can help unlock the UK’s productive potential and ensure that our developments contribute to a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
Policymakers and business leaders must recognize the importance of social impact in addressing the productivity crisis. By supporting developments that prioritize social and environmental benefits, we can create a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive economy. It is time to act now and invest in the future of our communities.
