Benfield ATT

Sector:  Construction
No.of Employees:  1-20
Region: Wales

Summary
Since Benfield ATT's formation in late 2002 the company has become the construction industry's leading innovator in timber frame design & build and passionately believe that their efforts and achievements will have a positive impact upon the future of the planet.

Background
ATT's business is timber frame building and sustainable housing provision; they operate from Caldicot in Monmouthshire and have a staff of 24. They have designed and built over forty homes across the UK. They have also produced two large-scale blocks of flats, four school buildings, two sports pavilions, a prison block and have extended the homes of five local residents. More than half of their employees are from the immediate area.

Benfield ATT is an Awards for Excellence 2004 Big Tick winner.

How they do it

• Green building.  All their projects are produced in insulated panel form, which are energy-efficient, highly accurate and built to the highest quality standards. Using timber in construction is the only sustainable building method for the future and Benfield ATT are the only company of their type to hold certification from the Forest Stewardship Council to provide engineered structures sourced from certified sustainably-managed European timber.
• Staff training.  Benfield ATT are also committed to being recognised as being a leader in training and development within the timber frame industry and training provision for staff ranges from 3 days to 2 weeks annually.
• Partnering with suppliers.  Benfield ATT's approach to working with clients is in the form of 'Partnering' which looks at the needs of both the main contractor and sub contractor. This has helped them develop open, trusting relationships with key suppliers, resulting in reliable delivery dates for their customers.
• Support for building related charity. Benfield ATT also sponsor the Walter Segal Self-Build Trust training courses which they believe will help educate 'hands-on' self-builders and community groups in all areas of ethical construction.

What impact it has

• Increasing the number of Eco-Homes.  Benfield ATT's FSC certification can also help the WWF achieve its objective of 'One Million Sustainable Homes by 2012'. The sustainability of these homes is measured by Eco-Homes, set-up by the BRE (Building Research Establishment).  Using 75% or more Benfield ATT FSC Timber Frame means the building automatically qualifies for an Eco-Homes 'Excellent' rating.

• Provides local employment.  Increased local employment offering the highest levels of training within the industry.

• Community focused development.  Their approach to sustainable development limits the adverse effects on environmental, social and economic welfare of indigenous groups.

Business Benefits

• Access to new markets.  Benfield ATT's Forest Stewardship Council certification allows access to new markets such as working on a partnering basis with Local Authorities to help them achieve their Local Agenda 21 strategies.

• Reputation for innovation.  As every environmentally-responsible build project is unique and built to the customer's design and specification, Benfield ATT have undertaken some very innovative projects and have used their expertise and experience to cement themselves as a leading innovator within the timber frame construction industry.