Housebuilder pledges to support Armed Forces through covenant
IN RECOGNITION of the land on which it is building, last week a housebuilder formalised its support for members of the Armed Forces and their families by signing a special covenant.
The agreement will see Crest Nicholson offer those that are leaving, or who have left the military, an opportunity to build a career in the housebuilding sector through a dedicated training scheme.
The Covenant was signed by Patrick Bergin, CEO of Crest Nicholson, and Lt Col Paddy Baines MBE on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.
Speaking at the event, Patrick Bergin said: “As a nation, we owe a great deal to our Armed Forces and it is particularly pertinent at this time of year to reaffirm our commitment to them.
“Currently, we have a number of employees across our business who have been involved with, or touched by, the Armed Forces. They bring a wealth of transferable skills, experience and values to their roles thanks to the worldclass training they have received during their time with the military and we recognise the valuable contribution they can make to our business. It gives me great pride to sign the Armed Forces Covenant today and to formalise our ongoing commitment to supporting these men and women.”
More than 20 attendees joined to watch the Covenant’s signing, including representatives from Wokingham Borough Council and from across the Crest Nicholson business.
Lt Col Baines added: “The Armed Forces Covenant relies on the people, communities, and businesses of the UK to actively support it and make a difference.
“Clearly Crest Nicholson PLC already recognise the benefits of engaging with defence particularly in the employment of skilled service leavers and we look forward to furthering our mutually beneficial relationship.”
Crest Nicholson hosted the signing event at its Arborfield Green development, which is being delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Defence on the site of the former Arborfield Garrison.
The Garrison was established in 1904 when it housed an Army Remount Depot. More recently, the Garrison was the Regimental Headquarters of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).
Once complete, Arborfield Green will form a Garden Village of 2,000 homes with two schools, a new village centre and large areas of open space and parks. Crest Nicholson is working closely with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defence, Arborfield Old Boys Association and local military and non-military residents, to ensure that the heritage of the site is remembered.
Crest Nicholson says it is also working closely with the existing military residents to ensure a new inclusive community is created.
Crest Nicholson was also commended by the 2018
Princess Royal Training Award, in recognition of its internal training aimed at tackling the building industry skills gap.
For more information on the Crest Nicholson Site Management Academy, applicants should visit www. crestnicholson.com/aboutus/careers/training-anddevelopment
For more information about new homes for sale at Arborfield Green visit www.crestnicholson. com/developments/arborfieldgreen