How We
Operate
Delivering innovative, collaborative and sustainable solutions
Since 1978, Barnes Construction have delivered exceptional projects in collaboration with our clients, suppliers, and consultants.
We are extremely proud of the portfolio we have built up over the years, as well as the many new and long-term relationships we have developed during our time in business.
Whilst the nature of our projects varies across multiple sectors from £500,000-£25m in value, we see each as an opportunity to forge lasting relationships with the clients we work for, and the communities in which we build. While we continue to build an enviable profile of work, it is without doubt that our approach to true collaboration and family values that underpins our ability to develop and maintain long term relationships.
We are extremely proud of the portfolio we have built up over the years, as well as the many new and long-term relationships we have developed during our time in business.
Whilst the nature of our projects varies across multiple sectors from £500,000-£25m in value, we see each as an opportunity to forge lasting relationships with the clients we work for, and the communities in which we build. While we continue to build an enviable profile of work, it is without doubt that our approach to true collaboration and family values that underpins our ability to develop and maintain long term relationships.
Visions
and Values
Family values that are reflected in everything that we do
Family
Founded in 1978 by David Barnes, we are an organisation with a strong family culture. Our vision and values have remained consistent, building on those instilled by David at our inception: we care deeply about our employees and communities, always operating in a respectful and trustworthy manner.
Collaborative working
We value the relationships we have forged with our clients, suppliers, and consultants over the years. Our approach to business focuses on developing a deep understanding of each client and project, working in a collaborative and non-confrontational manner, with long-term relationships supporting the delivery of exceptional buildings.
Valuing our workforce
From the start, it was David Barnes’ intention that every employee would feel valued as part of a true family business. This philosophy remains at the heart of our culture today. We have a thriving Management Trainee Scheme, with graduates comprising 36% of our current workforce (and over 50% of management roles), and staff turnover levels are consistently below industry averages.
Supporting our communities
We add meaningful value to the communities in which we operate, developing a bespoke approach to ensure that we deliver the most impact possible. We are proud of the long-term relationships we have developed with our clients and their communities, many of which extend far beyond project completion dates.
Building a sustainable future
We recognise that we have a crucial role to play in protecting our planet, and our business plan is fully aligned with the UK Government’s objective to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. Recognising that the construction industry was responsible for 3% of the UK’s total carbon emissions in 2019, we are proactively reducing the emissions of our operations year on year, as well as offsetting the carbon generated by our activities. Whilst our environmental impact is consistently below industry averages, we continuously seek to drive this down further to fulfil our environmental responsibilities.
Founded in 1978 by David Barnes, we are an organisation with a strong family culture. Our vision and values have remained consistent, building on those instilled by David at our inception: we care deeply about our employees and communities, always operating in a respectful and trustworthy manner.
Collaborative working
We value the relationships we have forged with our clients, suppliers, and consultants over the years. Our approach to business focuses on developing a deep understanding of each client and project, working in a collaborative and non-confrontational manner, with long-term relationships supporting the delivery of exceptional buildings.
Valuing our workforce
From the start, it was David Barnes’ intention that every employee would feel valued as part of a true family business. This philosophy remains at the heart of our culture today. We have a thriving Management Trainee Scheme, with graduates comprising 36% of our current workforce (and over 50% of management roles), and staff turnover levels are consistently below industry averages.
Supporting our communities
We add meaningful value to the communities in which we operate, developing a bespoke approach to ensure that we deliver the most impact possible. We are proud of the long-term relationships we have developed with our clients and their communities, many of which extend far beyond project completion dates.
Building a sustainable future
We recognise that we have a crucial role to play in protecting our planet, and our business plan is fully aligned with the UK Government’s objective to achieve net zero carbon by 2050. Recognising that the construction industry was responsible for 3% of the UK’s total carbon emissions in 2019, we are proactively reducing the emissions of our operations year on year, as well as offsetting the carbon generated by our activities. Whilst our environmental impact is consistently below industry averages, we continuously seek to drive this down further to fulfil our environmental responsibilities.
Our
Awards
We are proud to deliver award winning buildings for our communities
Barnes construction is justifiably proud of the tributes it has received from within the industry and wider business community.
- Suffolk Business Awards Finalist
- Anglian Business Awards - Business of the Year, winner
- Anglian Business Awards – Medium-Large Business, winner
- EADT Business Awards – Finalist Large Business
- RICS Community Benefit Award – Arthur Rank Hospice
- RICS Regional Project of the Year – Arthur Rank Hospice
- RIBA Suffolk Craftmanship Awards – Central Sterile Services Department, West Suffolk Hospital
- RIBA Suffolk Craftmanship Awards – Two Rivers Medical Centre
- The Ipswich Society Commendation – Two Rivers Medical Centre
- RIBA East, Spirit of Ingenuity, Community Architecture Award Commendation – Gainsborough Community Library
- NFB BIM Exemplar Company
- CFCI 2022 Commendation Awards:
- Best New Building over £2m Highly Commended - WongAvery Music Gallery
- Special Awards - Craftmanship Highly Commended - WongAvery Music Gallery
- Special Awards – Engineering and Sustainability Highly Commended - WongAvery Music Gallery
- Building Awards: Best Conservation, Alteration, or Extension over £2m Commendation awarded - Kings College Garden Hostel
- CFCI 2023 Awards:
- Best Building over £2 million - Homerton Dining Hall, Cambridge
- Craftmanship Award - Homerton Dining Hall, Cambridge
- David Mackay Award for Engineering and Sustainability Highly Commended - Homerton Dining Hall, Cambridge
- CFCI 2024 Awards:
- Contractor of the Year
- Best Refurbishment over £2m - Old Court, Clare College
- David Mackay Award - St Johns College Buttery
- Best New Build over £2m Highly Commended - Dovehouse Court, Girton
- Best Refurbishment over £2m Highly Commended - St Johns College Buttery
Accreditations
“I have always experienced a friendly but professional environment created by Barnes Construction, whom continually strive to go the ‘extra mile’ to support the delivery of a project. I believe this is fundamental to a good working relationship and a successful project.”
“It is a real credit to all those involved and to the collaborative ‘will-do’ approach taken by the designers and contractors alike. The students at Sybil Andrews Academy are in awe of their surroundings which act as a real inspiration in and out of the classroom. Sybil Andrews Academy is an incredible achievement in designing and building a new 21st century educational and sports facility from a standing start – and all within two years.”
“We have always found Barnes Construction’s approach to working within the student environment (and sensitive residents) to be understanding and compliant with College needs. This is the third major project that Barnes have worked on since 2016 – two of them won through competitive tender.”
“Barnes’ team took on our project and engaged in our charity work right from the beginning, willing to work with everyone in our team and share their enthusiasm for our new building. Communication was excellent, and we felt confident that they would deliver right from the beginning. A pleasure to work with.”
“In our 15+ years of dealing with Barnes they have delivered every project to an extremely high standard, within budget and on programme. The repeat business gained form this performance is a testament of their ability and attitude. Barnes are a forward-thinking contractor with traditional values.”
“Throughout the works, Barnes Construction performed extremely well. From programme planning through day-to-day liaison and dealing with unforeseen issues to ensure the works went smoothly. They helped resolve issues and ensure that where possible, the disruption to services were kept to a minimum.”
“Barnes has performed with strong communication and efficiency. With this we have a library and auditorium, which has a high quality finish. Barnes approached this project with a pragmatic ‘can do’ attitude and found ways to smooth over nearly all issues, often before the College needed to be involved.”
“Barnes have once again excelled in delivering, on time, a top quality refurbishment of a student hostel. The project was not without its complications, being a mix of eclectic buildings ranging from Edwardian to Tudor and Graded. The quality was excellent, with the project team and Barnes aiming high with respect to sustainability and thermal improvements to the old buildings, with the addition of alternatives to fossil fuels being installed. I have again been most impressed with the can do attitude and approach, and look forward to working with Barnes in the future.”
“What made this project different from most construction projects, and really proved the quality of the individuals concerned, was the extent to which they not only tolerated, but actively helped us to involve the local community in the project. The Barnes team handled this graciously and patiently. I did say at the hand-over ceremony that I was very impressed by the Barnes team, and this view has only been strengthened since, as the after-construction care is as commendable as the service received during construction.”
“Barnes have been highly collaborative and flexible including integrating shift work to accelerate the works at stages resulting from business continuity pressures. The onsite presence in terms of engagement has been professional and responsive and H & S and project management have also been excellent.”
