Build Studios members and guests enjoyed fantastic views of London and great networking opportunities at the 2019 summer celebration event.

Helen Santer, Build Studios Executive Director, highlighted the great work by members in growing Build Studios education and outreach programme.

This year, we have focused on raising awareness of careers in the built environment sector with secondary age children and supporting early-stage start-ups. Over 80 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in Lambeth have received careers advice. 94 people have been hosted at events aimed at broadening access to the sector.

Danna Walker, from Built by Us, spoke about the importance of promoting diversity in the sector and the missed opportunity in accessing untapped talent. Volunteers from Build Studios have shared their own start-up stories with young businesses through Built By Us’ SHAPE programme.

Jonathan Harris, from Oasis Academy Southbank, spoke about the careers enrichment programme that had been developed with Build Studios. 64% of the Academy’s students currently qualify for Pupil Premium (the measure that has broadly replaced ‘free school meals’). Through a practical design exercise to create a mood board and plan for an after-school club or seniors’ drop-in centre, alongside engaging presentations from business volunteers, pupils have had their eyes opened to the future opportunities that might be open to them.

Our huge thanks to our members for supporting this important work. Thanks also to Urbanest for hosting and Really Rice for the catering.