Barrett Homes is growing! Since opening in 2013, the Papamoa-based business has expanded into regions around New Zealand, and last month marked another milestone with their head office launching a new Bay of Plenty branch too, as they prepare to move into a new purpose-built space in the near future.

It’s an exciting time for this business, who are two-time winners of the Tauranga Business Awards. We asked Lianne Simpkin, Bay of Plenty Branch Manager, some quick-fire questions to get to know Barrett Homes a little better.

Tell us a bit about the background of Barrett Homes:

It all started with a dream of home ownership in 2011, with a young couple looking to build their own home and where they were noticed for their project skills.

After two years of planning and discussion GM Projects (Grant Eynon and Mike Bryant) was born, which started trading in 2013. In 2013, we moved from working out of a garage to Reynolds Place (which we outgrew before we moved in) into our present location 25 Market Place, which is purpose built and four-times larger than our previous premise.

In 2022, we have now realised our space is again at a premium and we once again are designing a purpose-built business facility in Parton Road Commercial Centre. Watch this space.

Tell us about the business – what does Barrett Homes offer? What makes you unique? What are you doing differently that you think the business community needs to know about?

Barrett Homes is very much about the family unit and our authentic people connection. Enhancing the team culture is a key factor when considering recruitment for vacant or newly created roles.

The overall perception of our company, based on interactions with our customer base, is that we have listened to our customers and the build experience is next level. We can explain our complete build system like “hi honey, I’m home” as the build is inclusive and, additionally, the standard specification is of a high scale.

We are very values based and this governs a lot of our decision making when transitioning talent through our business. Our aim has always been to employ from within our company and create cross functional roles where people can experience secondments or sabbaticals, to enhance broader thinking and give them another skill to leverage off.

What have been some of the biggest learnings for the business since you started?

Work with the locals. Barrett Homes are leaders in the market regarding building community connection. We know our customers personally and develop ‘Barrett Homes Towns’ in every neighbourhood we have a presence. The Barrett town philosophy is established by immersing ourselves into the community.

What have been some of the biggest challenges?

The COVID-19 outbreak has brought about some unique challenges. Material supply has been one of the ‘fallout’ issues, and in 2019 we employed a BDM/Procurement Manager whose task has been to streamline supply chains, negotiate improved service and costs, and secure supply of product and contingency to offset any delays or holds ups.

What have been some of your biggest successes?

In 2021, Barrett Homes won Most Trusted Company and Most Trusted Building Company. In 2020, we won the Health & Safety Award, and the Continuous Improvement & Service Excellence Awards in 2021 at the Tauranga Business Awards.

What is one misconception people might have about your industry?

New builds are more expensive than established homes. If you are looking to build a new home, financing ticks more boxes, there are no issues on costly renovations, and cost-benefits of owning a new build far out way the established home. Additionally, Barrett Homes has a fixed price guarantee, which provides a piece of mind.

Can you tell us about the Tauranga branch and how that is working for the business?  Barrett Homes Head Office provides a service to its branches in Northland, Central Otago, Taupo and recently the Bay of Plenty, which has just separated from Head Office.

What are some of the business goals for the next 12 months?

When you operate from Papamoa it is easy to forget Tauranga just over the bridge, and we would like to develop a connection with the Chamber and local business.

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