CEO MONTHLY / ISSUE 1 2024 29 A Band United for a Just Cause Band of Builders (BoB) was born in 2016 when its founder took to social media to ask for help renovating the home of close friend and colleague, Keith Ellick – who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The incredible response from tradespeople across the UK saw the project completed and demonstrated what can be achieved when the industry stands together. BoB has grown to become a registered charity that completes practical projects to help members of the UK construction industry who are battling illness or injury. For each project, volunteers come together to help their fellow tradespeople through renovations or repairs that make a real difference to their lives. As part of that growth, the charity recognised that it needed a CEO – and in May 2022, volunteer, turned project leader, turned trustee, Gavin Crane was appointed to the role. Since then, the charity has gone from strength to strength. Now, for his extraordinary work and dedication, CEO Monthly has recognised Gavin as Construction Charity CEO of the Year 2023 – UK – so we take a closer look at his Band of Builders story. With more than 20 years of industry experience, Gavin Crane has worked on the tools ever since he left school – during which time, he built a thriving landscaping business. When he became involved with Band of Builders, he was appointed as the project leader for the charity’s second project – and he “got the bug”, contributing to every subsequent project that BoB has carried out. 2018 saw Gavin become a trustee, and during his four years filling this role, he was part of a team that oversaw BoB become a registered charity. Becoming CEO in May 2022 meant that Gavin had to wind down operations on his own business, a successful playground installation company, so that he could effectively run the charity on a full-time basis. In a little over 18 months in the role, Gavin has achieved a great deal, aiding immeasurably in the charity increasing its revenue, effectively nurturing relationships, and stimulating goodwill, as well as bringing in several key partnerships. This is in addition to implementing effective strategy, spearheading efforts to raise awareness of construction issues, and acting as the spokesperson. Gavin speaks at events, attends exhibitions, and has increasingly been giving media interviews. Gavin is quick to point out that BoB’s growth has been a team effort, implementing many of the key measures designed to help BoB assist those in the UK construction industry who are tackling illness or injury. As part of the CEO role, Gavin has been tasked with mapping out what the next 5-10 years would look like for the charity, centring this future around the three core aims of providing practical support through the completion of projects, offering financial help to those tradespeople struggling, and making wellbeing services easily accessible to those in the construction industry experiencing crisis. Reflecting on his role as CEO, Gavin explains, “It’s a very exciting time to be part of Band of Builders because the charity is gaining huge momentum, which is all down to the commitment of so many of our base of volunteers, who give their time generously to support the charity and its activities. It’s also down to the benefactors and sponsors who have given us significant financial support – in many cases making us their official charity partner. The board of trustees has ambitious plans for the growth of the charity [and] I’m looking forward to being at the heart of taking Band of Builders to the next level.” Even before taking on the role as CEO, Gavin put a great deal of time into the cause on what was then a voluntary basis, being awarded the Prime Minister’s Points of Light in 2021, with this recognition being given to those individual volunteers who demonstrate outstanding practise within their craft. This commitment has only deepened since becoming CEO, and Gavin has proved vital in fostering the longevity of BoB by increasing awareness of the charity and its activities. In 2023 alone, BoB was featured across national media including BBC News, the Dailt Mial, The Mirror, The Sun, and many more. News about its projects has made its way around the world. Those who work with him have said that “Gavin embodies everything that a charity CEO should be – which is all the more remarkable given that he has no previous experience in such a role. He lives and breathes the charity he runs, bringing passion and enthusiasm but also strategic thinking, leadership, and a knowledge of the sector in which he is operating”. With Gavin at the helm, Band of Builders has taken massive strides forward over the last 18 months, thanks to his dedication, proactive approach, and influence on the wider construction industry. Contact: Gavin Crane Company: Band of Builders Web Address: bandofbuilders.org Nov23106
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