Supporting Wates in Filling the Skills Gap and Frying Pans

2nd June 2025

At Taylor Lane, we believe true partnerships go beyond products and services – they’re built on shared values. That’s why we are proud to support one of our valued customers in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) endeavours. Recently, we have collaborated with Wates to support two people and community-based initiatives.

Investing time at BCoT Careers Fair

As one of the UK’s leading timber frame manufacturers we are well aware of the current skills shortage and the challenges this presents for the UK construction industry. As an industry we must do all we can to inspire the next generation to explore careers in construction. It was a privilege therefore to join Wates at the Basingstoke College of Technology Careers Fair, earlier this spring.

As part of its commitments to Eastleigh Borough Council through the One Horton Heath Development, Wates actively engages with local schools, colleges, and universities to inspire young talent and help close the industry’s skills gap by showcasing the exciting opportunities available.

Katherine Jones, social value manager – Wates Residential:

“These interactions also provide a platform to promote upcoming employment and training opportunities, while reshaping young people’s perception of the construction sector.”

Our Sales and Marketing Director, Blane Pannell was one of four representatives on the Wates stand, each investing 5.5 hours. More than 87 students engaged with the team during the event. Blane shares his experience:

“The student’s appetite for knowledge and wanting to get into work was strong. At a time when the industry is struggling with a skills crisis, this is encouraging. The fair showcased a fantastic range of businesses and career options. It was a pleasure to see the students engaging with so many different companies, big and small, and the care shown to the students by college staff.”

Frying Pans for Food Programmes

Taylor Lane is also proud to assist Wates in supporting Munch, a community-led social enterprise based in Winchester, Hampshire which brings people together through food, nutrition, and fitness. Munch’s flagship service is a Community Cooking programme which offers inclusive workshops to families and individuals, including those with disabilities, additional needs, or health conditions. The aim is to remove the fear of cooking while helping participants build the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to cook from scratch, adopt sustainable cooking habits, strengthen financial resilience, and reduce food waste.

Katherine Jones, social value manager for Wates Residential, concludes:

“To date, Wates and our Supply Chain Partners have supported 83 people from the community through Munch’s programmes, made £657 worth of donations and volunteered 22 hours of staff time. Taylor Lane kindly donated cooking equipment for the Community Cooking programmes. Together, we’re demonstrating how responsible businesses can make a real difference to people and communities.”