Big Red heads to Manchester to spend ‘war chest’

The construction firm is relocating its headquarters across the Pennines from Huddersfield and diversifying into development with a target of delivering 750 homes a year by the end of the decade.

Founded in West Yorkshire in 2016, Big Red Construction will move its head office from SKA Business Park in South Yorkshire to a 4,500 sq ft office in Ducie House in Manchester as it embarks on a new era.

The relocation is one part of Big Red’s evolution. The company is also shaking things up structurally and embarking on a diversification mission dubbed BR2.0.

Currently known primarily as a contractor, Big Red is moving forward with plans to create an end-to-end offering to complement its construction activities. The firm has launched Xpercity to deliver residential schemes across Manchester and Inspired, a maintenance division that will manage them.

Xpercity has amassed sites capable of accommodating a combined 175 units across Manchester and is in the market for more. The division has access to a “significant war chest” for acquisitions, according to the group.

Mike Lomas, founder and chief executive of the group, explained the thinking behind the strategy.

“The way we’ve structured BR2.0 allows us to retain control of a project in its entirety, meaning we have better oversight around location, timings and quality of build,” he said.

“Utilising the extensive expertise of our teams we can create inspiring developments with the long-term in mind, helping to regenerate cities, address housing needs and release capital for funders.”

He said that the creation of Xpercity and Inspired alongside Big Red represents a “step-change” for the organisation.

“We are aiming to capitalise on the significant success we have seen in recent years with the growth of Big Red. We are taking a practical approach to property development, ensuring investors and funders can realise their returns with confidence, whilst maintaining a strong social purpose, something that is at the core of our group of companies.”