#5: We Know Sussex Can Be Braver About Housing

The Sussex And The City Podcast – Episode 5: We Know Sussex Can Be Braver About Housing Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dick Shone – Founder and Managing Director, Boutique Modern This episode is brought to you in partnership with: Silverstone Communications – Sussex’s specialists in stakeholder engagement for planning, development and infrastructure. Helping councils, developers and communities shape more inclusive, transparent growth. silverstonecommunications.co.uk 🔍 Episode summary In this ground-level episode of Sussex And The City, Richard Freeman visits the world of modular construction, circular supply chains and pragmatic social housing – by way of a brilliant conversation with Dick Shone, the founder of Boutique Modern, the UK’s first B Corp certified modular housing manufacturer. From a Newhaven-based factory, Boutique Modern is quietly building one of the most forward-thinking models for affordable, sustainable housing in the country. Their work with councils across Sussex is already proving that locally-built, high-quality homes don’t need to cost the earth – environmentally or financially. Dick explains why modular is not prefab, why his company insists on sourcing within 25 miles, and how modern housebuilding should start with listening to how people actually live. He also makes a strong case for a Sussex-wide skills and housing strategy that’s rooted in real opportunity – and calls on all future mayoral candidates to see what’s happening in his factory before they make big promises. This episode is about what our economy is for, and what it means to build places we’re proud of. Topics include: What modular housebuilding actually is (and isn’t)How Boutique Modern slashed building waste to under 4%Working with local authorities across SussexThe power of hyper-local supply chains and job creationChallenges and opportunities in a devolved commissioning landscapeThe desperate need for homes that match how people really live todayRethinking value: affordability, sustainability, and wellbeingTackling hidden homelessness with offsite manufactured solutionsPlans for a modular construction skills hub in NewhavenWhy Sussex should be shouting louder about its regional innovation This is essential listening for: Council leaders, housing officers and planning professionalsDevelopers and housing associations looking for next-generation modelsDevolution watchers tracking how powers over housing might shiftSkills and education leads working on workforce pipelinesAnyone who cares about building fair, affordable, sustainable places to live Do you get our free, bite-sized emails on everything that is happening in real time? 👉 Sign up for regular updates on devolution and change in Sussex 📚 Key references and further reading Boutique Modern – Sussex-based modular housing pioneers Modernise Or Die – The Farmer Review of UK Construction Labour Model (2016) – Report referenced in the episode Homes England Strategic Plan – Guidance on regional housing investment Newhaven Enterprise Zone – Supporting local innovation and growth Sussex And The City project hub Explore resources, blogs and events connected to this podcast and the wider public engagement programme >> sussexandthecity.info Sussex And The City LinkedIn page 🎧 Production credits Host: Richard Freeman Guest: Dick Shone Sound design / editing / original music: Chris Thorpe-Tracey Production management: Letitia Mc Conalogue Recorded at: Projects: The Lanes, Brighton 📣 Get involved Want to contribute your voice to the debate on devolution in Sussex? Visit sussexandthecity.info to find out more, sign up for future events, and access resources.