image by Tony McDonough / Liverpool Business News
The UK’s Rising Star in Low-Carbon Construction
I love learning about someone in the offsite construction industry who goes above and beyond to not only build sustainable and energy-efficient homes but also takes steps to help educate students on how to become part of our industry.
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In the picturesque borough of Wirral, a revolution is quietly unfolding. Starship Group, a UK-based titan in the construction arena, is not just building homes; they’re crafting a sustainable future.
Building Foundations in Sustainability
Born in 2020, Starship Group has quickly cemented its reputation as a frontrunner in developing low-carbon, high-quality homes. Rooted in technological innovation, the company takes pride in its net-zero houses, designed to be both affordable and eco-friendly. Their clientele list is both impressive and diverse, spanning housing associations, private developers, and even those desiring bespoke residences.
A Locally Rooted Enterprise
A nod to its origins, Starship’s main hub and manufacturing division are situated in Wirral, with an astonishing 90% of its workforce hailing from this borough. Their commitment to the local community doesn’t end here. Starship also champions local contractors, integrating them into their finishing processes and, in turn, boosting employment and local economic benefits.
From Merger to Market Leader
The journey of Starship Group is a testament to growth and resilience. Established after the amalgamation of several property and construction entities, the company, supported by a private investment fund, has executed residential projects worth over £75m across the UK. Their relocation from Deeside to Wirral Waters in 2022 showcased their ambition, with promises to introduce 100 new jobs to the region.
Education and Industry – Hand in Hand
August 2022, Starship heralded a new chapter in its growth story. The company announced its decision to relocate its primary production unit from Deeside to the scenic locale of Wirral Waters. This move wasn’t just a geographical shift but came with a promise – a pledge to introduce 100 new employment opportunities, signaling its commitment to the community.
The previous year, 2021, had already seen Starship make headlines. Four state-of-the-art modular homes, emblematic of zero carbon emissions, took shape in New Ferry, Wirral. These aren’t just architectural marvels but serve as a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability. These homes found their proud occupants in Magenta Living, a renowned housing association.
The story of Starship’s commitment to innovation and learning doesn’t end with its constructions. In a groundbreaking collaboration, Starship has joined forces with Hugh Baird College in Bootle. The objective is clear: to seamlessly weave the latest building techniques into the curriculum of the college’s construction and trade-oriented courses.
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What does this mean for the students? A plethora of opportunities. From enlightening tours of the manufacturing facility to engaging industry-centric discussions, specialized training modules, and hands-on experience with modular housing projects. Starship is ensuring that theoretical knowledge meets practical exposure, and this educational partnership promises even more initiatives in the future.
Kevin Hardy, the guiding force behind Starship’s manufacturing division, shares his excitement, “Witnessing students harness new skills, especially those that align with offsite manufacturing and can seamlessly be adapted to traditional construction methods, is truly heartening.” He adds, “Opening the doors of our manufacturing hub at Wirral Waters to these budding professionals, letting them see the tangible application of their skills, and highlighting the vast career avenues awaiting them is a privilege.”
This sentiment is echoed by Paula Waltmaier, the visionary director of curriculum at Hugh Baird. She emphasizes, “At the heart of our educational ethos lies the drive to empower our students with skills that resonate with industry needs. Together with Starship Group, we’re not just imparting knowledge; we’re sculpting the future of construction. As we stand on the cusp of the net-zero homes era, our partnership signifies our unwavering resolve to bridge the educational realm with the ever-evolving construction sector.”
In summary, the collaboration between Starship Group and Hugh Baird College is more than just a partnership. It’s a fusion of innovation, sustainability, and a shared vision for the future. As we stride into an age where construction meets conservation, initiatives like these are not just commendable but essential.
Pioneering Advanced Construction Methods
With a capacity to build up to four homes per week, Starship leverages panelized delivery, an ingenious approach that drastically minimizes waste at multiple levels – from manufacturing and storage to transportation. This not only boosts productivity but also significantly cuts down carbon footprint.
Starship’s dedication isn’t just drawing accolades from industry peers like Gaynor Tennant, founder of the Offsite Alliance, but also from community leaders like Councillor Tony Jones. Their combined efforts promise a brighter, greener, and more sustainable future for all.
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The Road Ahead
With Mea Park poised to be a focal point for modern construction techniques, and Starship Group’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, the future of construction seems promisingly green. As we inch closer to a world of net-zero homes, Starship Group is undoubtedly leading the way.
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