Armed Forces charity honours Devon housebuilder for its support

A charity which supports Armed Forces veterans and wider disadvantaged communities has honoured a leading local housebuilder for its long-term support.

Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), which provides support to injured veterans including employment opportunities through its social enterprise factory, has presented Barratt Homes’ Exeter Division with a coveted Tommy award.

The handmade Tommy figure, made by a veteran who works at the not-for-profit factory, was presented to David Thomas, Chief Executive  of Barratt Developments at the new Victoria Heights development in Alphington on the outskirts of Exeter.

The charity commended Barratt’s Exeter team, which covers the wider Devon area, for their continued support, particularly through the challenges of the covid pandemic.

The Exeter team commissioned the RBLI factory to create many of the signs they use on developments across the Devon, Cornwall and Somerset regions.

Dubbed Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC), the RBLI factory has now supplied more than 1,000 items, including signs, stickers, flags and even flagpoles, to Barratt Developments’ sites across the South West. More than 280 items have been supplied to the Victoria Heights community alone.

The award was made by former Welsh Guard veteran Steve Hammond, who sustained life-changing injuries when serving on the Sir Galahad during the Falklands war. He was medically discharged and, unable to secure employment due to his injuries, contacted the RBLI which helped organise surgery to help him work again, before providing him with a job and home on the charity’s village.

Steve said: “We’re incredibly proud to be working with Barratt Developments making signs for their sites. It gives me and the whole team a real sense of purpose. They have been incredibly supportive of our work over recent years – particularly during the pandemic – so we wanted to show our appreciation with this award. Our Tommy figure is a real symbol of military support, so we see no more fitting gift to show our thanks.”

David Thomas, Barratt Developments’ Chief Executive, commented:

“I am delighted to accept this award from the RBLI on behalf of our Exeter division. We have a very close relationship with the RBLI as the work they do is so important and helps to make a real difference to people who have given so much. It’s an honour for them to have given us this award, made by Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.”

Barratt Developments has also supported the RBLI through its Tommy Club campaign, having become its first corporate patron by donating £100,000 and purchasing 300 life-size Tommy figures to show their support for the charity. The Tommy Club is a membership organisation with all money raised going to help veterans of all ages to gain independence and overcome challenges including mental and physical disability.

Barratt Homes’ new Victoria Heights development will be made up of 183 two, three and four-bedroom homes including 29 affordable homes for rent and shared ownership. It features spaces and designs to support working from home as well as wildlife-friendly show gardens, public open space and a soon to be opened children’s play area.

Ideally located on the outskirts of Exeter, but close to the glorious Devon countryside and beaches of Exmouth and Dawlish, Victoria Heights offers the perfect mix of town and country living that many buyers are now looking for.

To find out more about Victoria Heights or to book a virtual or in person appointment, visit barratthomes.co.uk or call 0333 3558 491.