KENT-based Ward Homes has launched its new Innovation Strategy at a company conference supported by Professor Chris Baines, one of the UK’s leading environmental campaigners.

David Holliday, chief executive of Ward Homes, said: “At Ward Homes we recognise that innovation is the way our industry is going and we want to be at the leading edge.”

The Innovation Strategy states: “There are many definitions of the word ‘innovation’ but it is often automatically interpreted as meaning involvement with some new technology.”

“Technology is a significant and fascinating aspect that has generally lagged behind in housing applications. While we need to develop a strategy to introduce product technology, we should also give thought to other management aspects closer to home because of the potential benefits that change in that area could bring. Successful innovation should be considered as a collective process that accounts for change, not just in products, but also in our management system, i.e. process innovation.”

Consequently the Ward Homes definition of innovation is: Any change that generates lasting business value.

Part of this process of innovation is the introduction of Ward’s new Visions catalogue which allows purchasers to customise their home in various ways.

Sustainability was also a key focus at the conference that culminated in the unveiling of a new Environmental Policy which states: “Ward Homes has a long history of addressing environmental concerns. We are adopting inspirational and innovative techniques in order to fully contribute towards sustainable communities.”

Further details are available at www.wardhomes.co.uk