As one of those companies that strives to do exactly what it says, the suitably named Tailored Lifestyle Group provides a service that meets the requirements of its clients. Its success in achieving this objective has enabled the business to not only grow commercially but has also seen it attract the attention of the judges of the National Building and Construction Awards, who shortlisted it in the National Contractor (Under £5m) category.
“We’ve been no stranger to recognition, as we were named West Midlands’ Innovative Business of the Year by the Federation of Small Businesses last year,” explains Kieran Danby, Director. “This year, in addition to the NBCA Award nomination, we’ve also been shortlisted as a finalist for both the SME Best Enterprising Business of the Year and The Lloyds British Business Excellence Awards 2025 – Sustainable Business of the Year Award.”
Whilst it is always gratifying to receive recognition from the construction industry, the fact that Tailored Lifestyle Group has been earning recognition from the wider business world is testament to its approach, particularly in terms of sustaining individuals, communities and the environment.
“For the Lloyds Award we’re up against some fantastic organisations that purely focus on environmental sustainability,” highlights Kieran. “To be in competition with businesses that are sustainability specialists really underlines the progress we have made in this area.
“In terms of the construction arena, we produce less carbon and are more sustainable than many contractors. Looking at the bigger picture, and the fact that construction is responsible for around 40 per cent of the UK’s waste, the work we do could have a seriously positive impact on the industry’s sustainable performance if others could follow our lead. People aren’t just saying we’re innovative in delivering homes, we’ve innovated the whole process by creating, building, and managing our own homes.”
Given its commitment to operating in an environmentally conscious manner, it’s no surprise that Tailored Lifestyle Group has been attracting so much attention. Some of its sustainable practices include a focus on developing homes on brownfield and greyfield sites. This avoids building on greenfield land, reuses physical infrastructure, helping to protect natural habitats and reduce urban sprawl. It also supports the regeneration of existing communities and makes use of land that might otherwise remain neglected.
Tailored Lifestyle Group also emphasises modern, efficient building techniques that reduce waste, lower embodied carbon, and improve energy efficiency. These methods help create homes that are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective and quicker to build.
What’s more, Tailored Lifestyle Group’s developments prioritise low-embodied carbon construction and aim to reduce fuel poverty by ensuring homes are energy-efficient. This aligns with local authority objectives for responsible land use and helps residents save on energy bills.
In terms of projects that show Tailored Lifestyle Group’s philosophy in action, the transformation of a former pub in Telford into 11 homes designed specifically for adults with learning difficulties and neurodiverse conditions such as autism is a prime example. Built on a brownfield site in a conservation zone, the project aligns with the company’s low-carbon, community-first ethos.
Given the all-encompassing nature of Tailored Lifestyle Group’s sustainable ethos, it is little wonder it is in a running for a Lloyds British Business Excellence Award, which highlights the company’s leadership in embedding care, efficiency, and community into homes that are built to last.
“Being recognised for those types of awards in the business world, not just construction, means so much more,” says Kieran. “Many contractors paint themselves as ‘sustainable’ because they segregate waste. However, that’s an easy win and is something companies are required to do by law, so it’s not enough of a special virtue anymore. In contrast, we generate very little waste in the first place.”
It is clear that Tailored Lifestyle Group’s sustainability comes from its holistic approach: reusing land, building efficiently, focusing on community needs and prioritising low-carbon, energy-efficient homes. Its practices not only benefit the environment but also create lasting, inclusive communities.
Sustainability has been in the DNA of Tailored Lifestyle Group since it was founded in 2019 by its parent company, buildfifty5, which was created in 2005 by Garry Whiting, who brought with him extensive experience as a director of a number of Tier One contractors. Kieran began working with buildfifty5 in 2015 before helping to create Tailored Lifestyle Group in 2019.
“What attracted me to Buildfifty5 Limited was something Garry said when we first met: ‘Prevent problems before they happen.’ So, rather than be a slave to the same old industry culture of ‘rinse and repeat failure’ contracting, I saw this as a chance to break away from the norm, to put into practice the recommendations of Michael Latham and John Egan in the 1990s and tackle issues before they arise.”
This solution-based approach has proven popular with clients, resulting in a growing workload of schemes, with planning permission being sought for three substantial sites.
“It’s a very exciting time for the business, and while the award recognition is fantastic, being able to make a real difference to people’s lives is even more rewarding,” concludes Kieran. “We’ve come a long way over the years. Completion of the Whitchurch Road scheme demonstrates our ability to deliver complicated schemes in sensitive areas and is a great indicator for how much progress we’ve made.”
Regardless of how many awards Tailored Lifestyle Group ultimately secures this year, what is not in doubt is that the company is on the right track, both commercially and from a sustainability perspective. Many other businesses within construction would do well to follow its lead, but in the meantime the company looks well placed to keep making a serious difference to the provision of sustainable, affordable homes.