Delivering the Homes Our Nation Needs

As someone who led the transformation of Barking and Dagenham into the biggest council house builder in the UK for 2023-24 as shown from FOI responses in the latest edition of Inside Housing, I’ve seen firsthand the power of strategic, inclusive growth. The need for quality, and truly affordable housing in our country has never been greater. With the new Labour Government setting an ambitious target of delivering 1.5 million homes over the coming years, it’s essential that we have a clear plan—a blueprint—rooted in experience, partnership, and long-term master vision.

Barking and Dagenham delivered 879 new council homes in just one year, representing over 8% of all council homes built across England during 2023/24 linked to 20% of London’s social/affordable over the last 5 years. This wasn’t just about meeting targets; it was about changing lives by giving families security, stability, and a place to thrive. That success was underpinned by a relentless focus on inclusive growth, ensuring that housing development was accompanied by investments in jobs, schools, healthcare, and infrastructure.

At Inclusive Growth Consultancy, I am now applying the same principles that worked so well in Barking and Dagenham to help councils, developers, and businesses navigate the complex housing landscape. The housing crisis requires bold thinking, strong partnerships, and most importantly, a commitment to delivering homes that meet the needs of everyone, not just the privileged few.

We are uniquely positioned to support both public and private sector clients in delivering on the government’s 1.5 million homes target. Our approach focuses on:

Strategic Partnerships: Bringing together councils, housing associations, and developers to create win-win solutions that benefit communities and businesses alike.
Sustainable Communities: Housing should be part of a bigger picture that includes local jobs, education, and public services. This holistic approach is key to fostering long-term prosperity.
Innovation in Delivery: From leveraging council-owned housing companies to working with new construction technologies, we ensure that every project is efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.

The future of housing depends on how well we collaborate across sectors and bring innovative ideas to life. My story in Barking and Dagenham is proof that with the right leadership and partnerships, even the most challenging targets are within reach.

If your ready to take the next step in delivering homes and building communities, let’s talk. Together, we can build not just homes, but stronger, more inclusive communities across the country.

Building for a better future

There’s no bigger champion of Barking & Dagenham than Darren Rodwell. Born and bred in the area, aspiration for the people of the borough runs through Darren’s veins like water down a river. No one wants more for them, and nothing is too good.

The pandemic, and now the cost of living crisis, has exposed huge inequalities everywhere including in Barking & Dagenham – inequalities that accelerated as former industrial communities shed jobs and the opportunities that came with them.

Darren’s response

‘We must build – just like they did when they built the Becontree Estate 100 years ago. We have always been home to London’s workers. It is our responsibility to intervene in the economy, not sit back or wait for the market to bring things to us.’ Hence, initiatives to secure training and jobs for residents in film and food, support for a new international rail terminal, the Thames Freeport with worker’s rights locked in, a new overground station at Barking Riverside, and a campaign to tunnel the A13, and more.

Inclusive Growth Consultancy is committed to working with communities to secure the investment and infrastructure that can help realise the plan to keep building a better future for everyone.

Helping deliver Eastbrook Studios

Having been instrumental in securing major investment in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Darren Rodwell is immensely proud to have been a key part of the leadership team responsible for delivering the brand new Eastbrook Studios.

Having been committed to creating a world class film and television campus in the area, the studio is nearing completion. Darren comments, “Seeing this project come to fruition is a major milestone for Dagenham. It has been a privilege to steer major investment to the area and to have delivered brand new infrastructure which will create employment and opportunities throughout the community”.

New website – fresh ideas

We're pleased to introduce our updated look for Inclusive Growth

Inclusive Growth Consultancy is built on the transformative vision and pioneering work of Darren Rodwell the successful Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council.

Now leading his own resource, Inclusive Growth, Darren is proudly continuing his commitment to communities by helping create and deliver fresh thinking for individuals and businesses from all areas.

We're pleased to unveil a new look for the company, with our logo and website update and remember - You can get in touch with us anytime, to see how we can help deliver inclusive growth for you, your business and your community.

Welcome to Inclusive Growth Consultancy

With years of experience to pull from, Inclusive Growth Consultancy is a resource for everyone.

Built on the transformative vision and pioneering work of Darren Rodwell (above) the successful Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, our consultancy extends his legacy, crafting local, regional, and national strategies for inclusive growth.

We collaborate with public institutions and private enterprises to understand successful models like Barking and Dagenham, fostering environments where residents benefit from regeneration projects.

You can get in touch with us anytime, to see how we can help deliver inclusive growth for you, your business and your community.