Deborah Smyth CEO, describes Tempohousing UK & Ireland as an off-site modular manufacturing and construction business. We specialise in the supply of high quality, rapidly built, modular homes and refurbished shipping containers. These are used for student accommodation, as hotels, and for both private and social housing.
We deliver developments quickly and on time, providing expert solutions on projects in need of an immediate response. Tempohousing are big advocates of looking after the environment and all our modular buildings are eco-friendly producing up to 90% less waste. You can visit Tempohousing UK & Ireland here
What are your main priorities and goals in your role?
My main priority and goal is to have a scheme on the ground in both the UK and Ireland to demonstrate our utilisation of modern methods of construction. We want to incorporate our renewables and eco-friendly products.
What are your biggest challenges?
One of our biggest challenge is getting the first project/pilot scheme on the ground here in the UK and Ireland. All of our schemes are currently all around the world, so for our credibility and certification process we need a scheme here in both the UK and Ireland.
How do you keep your team/staff motivated?
Most of the team are consultants in the UK and Ireland. I keep them motivated through regular phone calls and updates and exciting new opportunities in both markets. I also send them on some courses to help with their personal business development.
What are the challenges facing your industry going forward?
One of the challenges facing my industry is the bigger contractors accepting modular over traditional construction. BREXIT is also a potential challenge as the uncertainty might affect our business in some areas such as transport.
What new trends are emerging in your industry?
The most popular new trend is Zero Carbon homes, moving on from the NZEB homes. A zero carbon home is a home that can generate its own energy from renewable sources sufficient to sustain energy demands of the dwelling, and even produce enough to deliver surplus power in return for payment.
Are there any major changes you would like to see in your sector?
I would like to see more exposure and promotion of modern methods of construction. There needs to more of an awareness of the many benefits.
Are you finding any skills gaps in the market?
Yes, there are gaps in the market for installers of modular buildings. Modular construction is still pretty new in both the UK and Ireland.
How did your strategy develop in the context of the banking crisis and economic crisis?
Tempohousing UK & Ireland has only been established 2 years and thankfully missed both those crises.
How will Brexit affect you, or have you started to feel the effects already?
BREXIT is going to bring uncertainty in any business but for us, our factories are in mainland Europe and will not suffer from a shortage of components or skills.
How do you define success and what drives you to succeed?
Success for me is providing affordable, high quality energy efficient homes to all our clients. Being part of a growing industry and a passion in property for the last 15 years drives me to succeed.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given, or would give, in business?
The best advice I would give is, not to give up, persevere and learn from your mistakes.
What have been your highlights in business over the past year?
One of our highlights include receiving extremely positive feedback on our latest prototype at the Bristol Housing Festival from councilors, the mayor and the general public.
Another highlight included being asked to join in a consortium with BRE and Bristol Council for providing demonstrative projects utilising MMC methods for Innovation UK. My company is also the only female led company in the consortium.
What’s next for your company?
We have been collaborating with our partners in both Africa and the Netherlands in providing solar powered, battery storage and energy supply with integrated water treatment plants. This is going to help us achieve building Zero carbon homes.
