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 Sussex
The power of hyper-local supply chains and job creation
Challenges and opportunities in a devolved commissioning landscape
The desperate need for homes that match how people really live today
Rethinking value: affordability, sustainability, and wellbeing
Tackling hidden homelessness with offsite manufactured solutions
Plans for a modular construction skills hub in Newhaven
Why Sussex should be shouting louder about its regional innovation

This is essential listening for:

Council leaders, housing officers and planning professionals
Developers and housing associations looking for next-generation models
Devolution watchers tracking how powers over housing might shift
Skills and education leads working on workforce pipelines
Anyone who cares about building fair, affordable, sustainable places to live

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📚 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.

Season 1

#7: It's Time For A Sussex Digital Strategy

#6: The Ocean Doesn't Care About Political Boundaries

#5: We Know Sussex Can Be Braver About Housing

#4: "Devolution Is A No-Brainer... And This Is Not A Brighton Takeover"