Community-focussed contractor

• Project name: Track 2000
• Lead organisation: Hafod Housing

Statement of support

To maximise the socio-economic investment into the local community surrounding the Track 2000 development, Dionne engaged with a variety of local stakeholders, mapping opportunities against the scheme’s social value delivery strategy.

For the project, Dionne has been able to support:

• Grow Well; a charity providing greenspace for socially prescribed patients from the adjoining Grange Medical Practice, local children from St Patrick’s, and wider community members. The project enhances wellbeing through community gardening; enhancing connection and placemaking. Through the project, Hale were able to provide significant improvement works to the gardening area, making the polytunnel weatherproof, and accessible to all.
• Donations towards Gabalfa Police’s toy drive; ensuring that every local child receives a present at Christmas.
• Young People at Cardiff; a cooking project supporting young people.
• Hangar Community Hub; an MMC gym targeting the most vulnerable within the community of Penarth (particularly those at risk of becoming NEET or disengaged from the community). The initiative supported by Hale, blended employability with MMA; and targeted local mums.
• Swimming lessons; for local children during the school holidays.
• School engagement; STEM workshops for St Patricks school, and sponsorship of 2B Enterprising for YGG Hamadryad. 
• Placement of a bench for residents at Hafod’s Tegfan premises, and donation towards Hafod’s “Here for you” Christmas meal appeal.
• Warm packs for the homeless.
• Sustainable studio; installation of a new disabled toilet, ensuring accessibility for all users. The charity provides arts workshops for disabled individuals.
• Employability support; working with local employability and training providers, such as ACT Training, Cardiff Council’s Into Work Service, Bluewater Recruitment’s Social Value Arm, and PeoplePlus; to facilitate 18 apprentices, 24 work experience placements, and ongoing traineeships.

Testimonials:

For Yevgen, the Ukrainian gentleman who received on-site work experience. “Thank you for helping arrange this amazing opportunity and providing such brilliant support to Yevgen. As you’re aware, despite his experience in Ukraine, he really struggled to find experience in Wales. Following his placement with Hale, he has since found full time employment as a project manager, I can't thank you enough!” Kyle Vassalo, employer relationship manager, Bluewater Recruitment. “I would like to thank you all for your efforts and for giving me the opportunity to gain experience on the construction site. Last week, I received a job offer with trying period as an assistant site manager at a solar power plant construction project”, Yevgen.

Isla from Grow Well, “Thank you for your valuable support for the Grow Wales Project. It is only due to your investment, that we have been able to access additional funding from keep Wales tidy to further develop the area.”

Sian Price, housing officer at Hafod, “I just wanted to say thank you again for all your help with arranging and sorting Moner to have work experience at Track 2000. His support worker has told me he is very excited for this opportunity which hopefully might lead to paid work.”

Outcomes and achievements

• Full time employment of Yevgen, a project manager from Ukraine, via PeoplePlus.
• Long term work experience for two individuals from ACT.
• Provision of project management on-site practical experience for a university student from Cardiff University.
• Placements for two Level 3 Carpentry apprentices, via the Into Work service.
• Facilitation of a site visit with Grangetown Hub, Cardiff and Vale College, and the Into Work service; demonstrating construction employability opportunities.
• Work experience for a displaced Hafod resident, disengaged with the world of work, and finding it difficult to obtain an opportunity.
• 18 apprentices supported.
• In excess of £18,000 of financial donations to local charities and stakeholders, with more still to go for the remainder of the project.

• Project name: Little Haven (Former Bettws in Bloom)  Little Haven Community Centre: A Story of Partnership, Transformation, and Social Value
• Lead organisation: Hedyn
• Partner organisation: Westdale

Statement of support

Little Haven Community Centre sits at the heart of the Bettws housing estate, on land once known as Bettws in Bloom. What was once a disused site has been transformed into a vibrant hub, with shipping containers converted into welcoming office and community spaces. Over time, however, the centre faced significant challenges, including vandalism and anti-social behaviour, which damaged the grounds, outbuildings, and main building. 

Run by a dedicated group of local volunteers, Little Haven was initially established to provide a safe, inclusive space for children with additional learning needs. Guided by Hedyn’s mission to “plant the seeds of positive change and nurture growth for a brighter future,” the centre has since expanded its reach, working in partnership with organisations such as Newport Live, Flying Start, Save the Children, and Westdale. These collaborations reflect Hedyn’s core values of collaboration, inclusivity, and community empowerment, and our commitment to building strong, resilient communities. 

To unlock the full potential of the outdoor space for both children and adults, it was essential to address safety and accessibility concerns. The site’s perimeter fencing was inadequate, and uneven ground and damaged paving limited opportunities for free play and community use.

Transformative partnership working 

The recent improvements, delivered by Westdale in close partnership with the centre’s volunteers and Hedyn, have been truly transformative. Westdale’s expertise and commitment were instrumental in revitalising the grounds, which now feature secure perimeter fencing, safe soft flooring for play, shaded canopies, and fire-safe gates. These changes have created a safer, more welcoming environment, enabling a wider range of activities and increasing the centre’s appeal for future bookings. 

Throughout the project, Westdale worked hand-in-hand with the volunteers, ensuring their voices shaped the design and delivery of the improvements. This collaborative approach exemplifies Hedyn’s strategic objective to empower communities through partnership and co-production, ensuring that local people are at the heart of decision-making. 

Westdale’s mission and social value promise 

Westdale’s mission is clear: “Enriching communities is at the heart of everything we do. For us, it’s more than refurbishing homes, it’s enriching the lives of the residents, too.” Their approach is rooted in community involvement, listening to local needs, and delivering regeneration programmes that provide both immediate and long-term benefits. Westdale’s Social Value promise includes:

• Utilising local services and businesses wherever possible 
• Involving schools and residents in community events 
• Providing work experience and apprenticeship schemes 
• Supporting residents with employment advice and opportunities 
• Funding and regenerating local facilities 
• Ensuring open communication and support through dedicated resident liaison officers.

This commitment ensures that every project delivers tangible social, economic, and environmental benefits, helping to create more desirable, resilient, and inclusive communities.

Delivering on social value 

Hedyn’s new social values commitment is embedded in every aspect of this project. By working collaboratively with local partners like Westdale and investing in community-led solutions, we are delivering real benefits for Bettws. The improvements to Little Haven not only enhance safety and accessibility but also support wellbeing, social inclusion, and community pride. 
 
Looking ahead, the volunteers at Little Haven remain ambitious, with plans to further develop the centre—including the creation of a community café. Their vision, supported by Hedyn’s values and strategic objectives, and strengthened by the ongoing partnership with Westdale, is to continue building a thriving, inclusive space that brings people together and creates lasting positive change. 

Outcomes and achievements

This initiative, built on a long-standing partnership with the Bettws community, revitalised a key local asset that had faced anti-social behaviour, Covid, and changes in ownership. The new, resident-led ethos—supported by Hedyn and Westdale—enabled a collaborative transformation focused on safety, accessibility, and community use. 

Works completed to achieve these outcomes: 

• Installation of 7ft perimeter fencing and secure gated entry 
• New paving, pathways, and patio for accessibility 
• Creation of a soft play area with sponge-like flooring 
• Two canopies for all-weather active learning 
• New turf and secure parking area 
• Dropped kerb for improved access 
• Painting of staircases, portacabins, and external doors 
• Addition of three new benches in the patio area.

Social outcome metrics supporting ABCD and social value: 

• Community leadership: 10+ local residents directly involved in planning and delivery, building confidence and ownership
• Increased participation: 5 community groups now regularly use the centre (up from two pre-project)
• Volunteer engagement: 30+ volunteer hours contributed by Hedyn staff and local people
• Safety and accessibility: 100 per cent of surveyed users report feeling safer and more welcome on site 
• Reduction in ASB: Reported incidents of anti-social behaviour have dropped by 60 per cent since completion
• Social connection: Three new partnerships formed, expanding local support networks.

• Project name: Willis Construction – Celebrating 40 Years of Building a Brighter Tomorrow
• Lead organisation: Willis Construction Limited

Statement of support

Since 1986, Willis Construction has been more than a contractor. For nearly 40 years, it has placed people and communities at the heart of every project, delivering developments that leave a lasting legacy across South and Mid Wales. Now expanding further west with housing association clients, Willis continues to combine construction excellence with social impact.

In 2025, Willis proudly became an Employee Ownership Trust, a bold step securing its long-term future, safeguarding independence, and ensuring the communities it serves remain central to its decisions and benefit from its success. 

Partnerships with purpose

Willis demonstrates that contractors can deliver real, measurable benefits by collaborating with organisations committed to people, wellbeing, and local development. Its approach to social value is guided by the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act, embedding long-term wellbeing, prevention, integration, collaboration, and community involvement.

Examples of key partnerships in public, private and third sectors include:

• Cardiff City FC Community Foundation: Now in its second season, engaging 300+ children and young people, running 10+ community and careers events, collaborating with 15 organisations, donating 200+ volunteering hours, and raising £5,000+. 
• Business in the community: As a founding board member of the Rhondda Cynon Taff Place Programme, Willis is supporting regeneration and resilience in the Valleys.
• Working options: A fledgling partnership, through careers insights, support sessions and financial support, it has already helped over 100 young people navigate and access career pathways. 
• Cardiff commitment: Willis is a trusted contractor delivering cross-sector projects that benefit schools, colleges, and community groups. The success of the Nyth Y Deryn Pupil Referral Unit project, led to an approach to Willis to undertake a transformative project with special school Team @ Severn.
• Blake Morgan LLP: As founding member of ‘Apprenticeship Networking’, Willis plays a key role supporting Blake Morgan’s aspirations for growth of this initiative to provide opportunities for the leaders of the future.
• Welsh Procurement Alliance (WPA): Delivering the keynote at their AGM and Housing Framework launch, inspiring clients and contractors with real-life social value examples.
  Through these collaborations and many more, Willis proves that a community-first, innovative approach creates tangible, lasting impact, strengthening people, partnerships, and places across Wales.

Community impact in action

Strong working relationships with clients allow Willis to undertake meaningful legacy projects as part of the developments constructed. Strong examples include:

• #buildSHED with Beacon Cymru: Our flagship award-winning project has created a foundation to emulate on future developments, which has already been aspirational to other contractors. 
• The Mill with Cadwyn: Willis is strengthening engagement in this new community through a heritage project with ACE, community fun days, Cuppa @ the Cabin Construction Industry sessions, charity support, employment opportunities, prison leaver & probation prospects, youth engagement, and the development of facilities and education initiatives.

Empowering employability

Willis employs 57 local staff, supported through training and development, with three celebrating 25 years this year. The company provides opportunities that help people thrive, including employment and funded driving lessons for a Ukrainian refugee. 

Impactful journeys include Will Thomas, who progressed from work experience to trainee site manager and is now studying HNC in Site Management, and Jamie Morgans, who started as an apprentice and completed NVQ Level 6 in Construction Management. Willis continues to nurture future leaders while strengthening careers and skills in the local community.

Sustainability in practice

Sustainability is embedded in every project and guided by the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act. In 2025, Willis achieved ISO 14001 certification and PlanetMark accreditation, verifying its environmental performance.

• 98 per cent of waste diverted from landfill on housing projects
• Recycled and repurposed materials used in community initiatives
• Energy-efficient construction methods reduce tenant bills and carbon emissions
• Integration into design, procurement, and on-site practices, delivering lasting environmental and community value.

As Willis Construction marks its 40th year, the company looks ahead with ambition—transforming lives, inspiring opportunity, and delivering lasting social, economic, and environmental value across Wales:

• Expanding reach: Delivering high-quality projects that create local jobs, develop skills, and promote environmental responsibility
• Championing social value: Cementing its place as a leader in social impact, leading new initiatives with charities, schools, and community groups to strengthen wellbeing, opportunity, and resilient communities, while sharing best practice across the industry
• Investing in people and innovation: Nurturing staff, apprentices, and future leaders through training and mentorship, while embedding sustainable practices and innovative construction techniques
• Strengthening community connections: Building on long-term relationships with local organisations, housing associations, and community groups to enrich every project and the communities it serves.

Outcomes and achievements

Willis Construction has shown that contractors can be true partners to the communities they serve—employing local people, supporting Welsh businesses, investing in young talent, and working hand-in-hand with charities and schools. Our quality and commitment is reflected in the words of those we work with:

• “Very impressed with the (Big Shed) development and your commitment to working with and listening to the local community in Tonypandy.” Julie-Ann Haines, CEO, Principality Building Society
• “Great partnership so far, thank you Willis Construction.” Sue Maskrey, chief executive, Working Options
• “Your session (at Framework Launch) was inspirational, and we greatly appreciate the time you took share your expertise with our audience. Your contribution played an important role in the overall success of the event.” George Stevens, director of communities, Welsh Procurement Alliance
• “It’s vitally important that our national teams and staff have the best possible facilities to enable us to reach our full potential, both nationally and on the world stage, and we were delighted to work with Willis Construction to turn this project into a reality.”Noel Mooney, CEO, Football Association of Wales

Summary of outcomes (Past 12 months):

• 57 local people directly employed
• Three staff celebrated 25 years with Willis
• 20+ apprentices supported into permanent roles
• 95 per cent of supply chain sourced locally
• £1.98 Welsh multiplier achieved into Welsh Economy
• 200+ visitors engaged at #buildSHED
• 150+ staff volunteering hours
• 15+ schools engaged
• ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and PlanetMark accreditation achieved.

With people, partnerships, and planet at its core, Willis will celebrate 40 years by continuing to create impact and BUILDING A BRIGHTER TOMORROW for communities across Wales.