Construction firm Stepnell, responsible for building Lichfield’s new leisure centre, is continuing its commitment to creating meaningful social value in Lichfield District through hands-on community support and youth mentorship.
This is part of Lichfield District Council’s ‘Our Community Can’ initiative, whereby all contracts awarded by the council will be assessed not just on cost and quality, but also on the social, economic, and environmental value they create for people living across the district.
Last month, a team of eight volunteers from Stepnell, joined by colleagues from BWB Consulting and Recreation, spent the day supporting the Staffordshire Regiment Museum in Whittington. The group carried out vital maintenance work, painting wooden handrails and timbers at the museum’s replica WWI trench exhibit to help preserve the popular educational display for future visitors.
The volunteering day builds on Stepnell’s wider community-focused work in the district, including their ongoing partnership with Chase Terrace Academy. As part of this collaboration, Stepnell mentors students to support them in staying engaged with their education and exploring future career opportunities.
Also last month, students from the school were invited to tour Stepnell’s live construction site for the new leisure centre, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the industry and a chance to speak with professionals from across the company.
Councillor Rob Strachan, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance and Commissioning, said:
“It’s fantastic to see businesses like Stepnell continuing to invest in our community. Whether it's preserving important heritage sites or inspiring the next generation, their work is having a real and lasting impact.”
Martin Melges, Commercial Manager at Stepnell, said:
“Giving back to the communities we work in is incredibly important to us. Whether that’s through volunteering our time to support local charities like the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, or inspiring young people to consider careers in construction, we’re proud to play a role in making a positive difference.”
Embedding social value into contracts supports the council’s long-term vision, outlined in the Lichfield 2050 Strategy, which aims to build confident, prosperous, active, and environmentally sustainable communities.