Construction, project and cost management company Underwood Carpenter – whose clients include John Lewis, Ikea, Waitrose, Crest Nicholson and Boots – has moved to Kings Hill near Maidstone.
The company, which was founded in 2000, has established an enviable reputation for successfully delivering its clients’ property needs, from site identification through to the design and development of construction projects. It acts across many sectors, including retail, offices, residential, distribution facilities and leisure.
The company has enjoyed exceptional growth since its launch and has delivered projects for its clients that total over £1billion in value during this period.
As part of the company’s growth plans, it is moving its Head Office to 11 Tower View, Kings Hill – which is being developed by Liberty Property Trust and Kent County Council – to take advantage of the location.
Underwood Carpenter Director David Underwood said: “Kings Hill offers us a great location with good access to both road and rail networks and, importantly, excellent on-site facilities.
“Not all of our team are based in our head office so it is important we operate from somewhere that is easily accessible with an excellent infrastructure. As we continue to grow we have great career opportunities for highly motivated and committed construction professionals who want to be part of a growing team at such an exciting stage in our company’s development.”
Andrew Blevins, Liberty’s managing director, said that other companies use Kings Hill as a main office and hub for employees based elsewhere. “We are fortunate to be so well placed for transport and this is a huge attraction for companies wishing to relocate and it allows them to widen the net when it comes to recruitment.
“Working practices nowadays are changing, and with modern technology and communications people often combine home working with touch down facilities at the office for those days when they need to meet colleagues and clients. We are delighted Underwood Carpenter has chosen to move here.”
Kings Hill is a contemporary garden village set in 800 acres on the site of a former airfield. It is now home to around 8,000 residents and more than 200 businesses employing some 5,000 people.
There are comprehensive community amenities, including Waitrose and Asda; cafes including Costa Coffee; high street retail such as hairdresser, pharmacy and optician as well as a doctors’ surgery and veterinary practice. There are also two schools with a third planned. Sports and leisure amenities include an 18 hole golf course, David Lloyd club, sports ground, allotments and many miles of foot and cycle paths.
Planning consent has just been obtained for additional community amenities as well as 635 new homes.
