How We
Operate
Delivering innovative, collaborative and sustainable solutions

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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.

Visions
and Values
Family values that are reflected in everything that we do

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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.

Our
Awards
We are proud to deliver award winning buildings for our communities

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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