Business news 20/07/2026

Housebuilders support Yorkshire prison with joinery skills hub

We are working alongside Strata to support His Majesty’s Prison Service to reduce reoffending rates across Yorkshire with the launch of a new woodworking workshop at HMP Lindholme in Doncaster.

The joinery hub has been designed to equip prisoners with practical woodworking and employability skills ahead of their release, helping them to build confidence, learn a trade and improve their chances of securing work once back in the community.

Developed through a partnership between Keepmoat, Strata and HMP Lindholme, the initiative gives offenders the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in carpentry and woodwork, creating a range of wooden items including planters, bird boxes and bug boxes which will be donated across local schools and community groups.

Prisoners taking part in the programme will also develop transferable workplace skills, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving and time management, helping to prepare them for employment opportunities upon release.

Governor at HMP Lindholme, Shaun Mycroft, said: “At HMP Lindholme, our priority is to equip the men in our care with the skills, behaviours and confidence they need to build stable, productive lives on release and, ultimately, to reduce reoffending and protect the public.

“This new joinery skills hub is an excellent example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working. By collaborating with Keepmoat and Strata, we are able to provide high-quality, real-world training that reflects the needs of local employers and the wider economy.

“The opportunity for prisoners to develop practical trade skills alongside important employability behaviours, such as teamwork, reliability and problem-solving is critical in supporting successful resettlement. Importantly, the work they produce will also make a positive contribution to local schools and community groups, reinforcing a sense of purpose, responsibility and pride.

“We know that sustainable employment is one of the most significant factors in reducing reoffending. Initiatives like this play a key role in helping individuals turn their lives around, while also supporting safer communities across Yorkshire.”

According to Ministry of Justice research, offenders are less likely to reoffend if they secure stable employment after leaving prison. The new workshop hub forms part of wider efforts to provide meaningful rehabilitation opportunities that support long-term outcomes and safer communities.

Ciaran Aldridge, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Yorkshire East added: “We know that meaningful employment can play a huge role in helping people rebuild their lives after prison. This new woodworking hub provides prisoners with practical, hands-on experience while also helping them develop confidence, discipline and transferable skills that employers are looking for.

“At Keepmoat, creating opportunities within the communities we work in is incredibly important to us. Supporting initiatives like this is about giving people a genuine second chance while helping to develop future talent and skills.

“We’re proud to be working alongside HMP Lindholme on an initiative that has the potential to make a lasting impact for individuals, families and communities.”

The initiative also comes at a time when the construction and trade sectors continue to face growing skills shortages, with demand increasing for skilled workers across a range of practical industries.

Mark Leaf, Chief Growth Officer at Strata, added: "The Joinery Hub will give prisoners the skills, experience, and confidence they need to move into employment on release, making a real difference not just for them, but for their families and communities.

"Providing hands-on, practical training means people leave with something tangible to offer employers. Supporting individuals to make the most of a second chance and helping to reduce reoffending is something we are incredibly proud to be part of."