TV’s ‘Brickies’ launch new home sales division
DERBY construction firm Hodgkinson Builders is launching its own home sales division.
After more than 30 years in business, the firm is launching Hodgkinson Homes so that it can sell its new homes on the open market.
Operations director Robert Hodgkinson made the announcement as work started on Rosarium Heights, a 10-home development it is putting up off Clifton Road, in Ashbourne.
Hodgkinson Builders was involved in the construction of the new landmark apartment building on the site of the former Debenhams store in Derby’s Victoria Street, and made its name in the development of mainly social housing projects as well family homes for other property clients.
The launch of Hodgkinson Homes will add another dimension to the firm’s offering.
The company’s workers also recently featured in a six-part BBC Three reality TV show, entitled Brickies. It followed the staff members across various sites, and documented the ups and downs of working in construction.
Mr Hogkinson said: “We are passionate about housing and building dreams. This makes perfect business sense as we have all the resources – and the demand for housing is there, so why not?
“For many years, we’ve had the skill set, the labour and the enthusiasm to do this. It’s a natural progres
sion to our core business that I’ve been keen to do for a while. This development in Ashbourne provides the ideal opportunity to launch Hodgkinson Homes.”
He said the new sales division would create opportunities in terms of apprenticeships and trade jobs, with each new Hodgkinson Homes development requiring bricklaying apprentices, labourers, site managers and skilled construction workers.
He said: “We will always be looking
for local people first, and we’re always keen to get good people on board.”
Hodgkinson Builders’ previous housing developments have mainly been in Norfolk, with Rosarium Heights the first official project for Hodgkinson Homes in the Midlands. New homes partner Kerri Bywater, of Bagshaws Residential, in Ashbourne, is working alongside Hodgkinson Homes to market the Rosarium Heights properties.
The company was founded by Mr Hodgkinson who started as a bricklayer and is now overseeing numerous construction projects across the Midlands. Over the last 30 years, he has built around 800 houses.
Originally from Ilkeston, he came into the trade in 1980 as an apprentice at a firm in Eastwood and has since worked in a number or roles within the sector, including teaching, as well as starting a small business himself.