Having been awarded the contract to construct the new residential developments at James Street and Bennett Street in Devonport, Leadbitter worked closely with Sovereign Housing Association and Devonport Regeneration Community Partnership (DRC) to explore local labour initiatives.

As part of this process local people were given the opportunity to gain work experience on the site, following initial health and safety training facilitated by Government funding. In addition, DRC Partnership maintained a register of trained and experienced local people who were looking for work.

As a direct result of the aforementioned initiatives Leadbitter employed three individuals, whose profiles can be read on the leaflet 'Where Local Laboour Works - King William Heights 2008' (Please click to download). Leadbitter gave Mark, James and Richard the opportunity to achieve their goals in pursuing careers within the industry, which in turn has benefited their personal lives.

Leadbitter has gained three very loyal, committed and trustworthy employees who are now well trained and valuable team members within their own right. All three are now continuing to work for Leadbitter at other sites around Devon and Cornwall bringing revenue back into the community.

As a result of this initial success and with further support from DRC Partnership, Sovereign, Leadbitter, Devon and Cornwall Housing Association and Midas Homes, Margaret Prior was appointed as Construction Links Co-ordinator for the Devonport Labour in Construction project to develop further local labour initiatives.