Metcalfe Plant Hire Limited is proud to have played a key role in delivering six new “Time Out Benches” across Penrith Business Parks – a project designed to support wellbeing and create welcoming green spaces within a working industrial environment.
The initiative, led by Penrith Industrial BID, began with conversations about introducing informal walking routes across the business parks, helping employees step away from their desks and enjoy time outdoors during the working day. As discussions evolved, the idea of creating permanent, visible rest points took shape, spaces where people could pause, reflect, meet or simply take a breather.
A Social Value Project That Reflects Our Workforce
As part of ongoing conversations about meaningful social value, Metcalfe explored how we could support a project that genuinely resonated with our team and industry.
Civil engineering and construction remain male-dominated sectors, and conversations around men’s mental health are increasingly important. With the launch of Andy’s Man Club in Penrith and having seen similar Time Out Bench initiatives elsewhere, the concept strongly aligned with our values.
Matthew Healey, Director of Civil Engineering at Metcalfe, commented:
“As a business, it was important to us that any social value project we supported was meaningful and genuinely reflected our workforce. We operate in a male-dominated industry where people don’t always stop, talk or take time out, even when work pressures build up.The idea of the Time Out Benches really resonated with us. It felt like a practical, visible way to support wellbeing, not just for our team, but for everyone working across the business parks. We’re proud to have played a part in bringing the project together and supporting something that will have a lasting benefit.”
From Concept to Installation
Metcalfe played an active role in shaping the concept and was responsible for installing the benches across the business parks. We have also sponsored one of the six benches as part of our commitment to the scheme.
Supporting a Healthier Working Environment
Industrial estates are not typically associated with green space or wellbeing initiatives. The Time Out Benches project helps change that perception, creating simple, accessible spaces that can be enjoyed by employees, visitors, passers-by and dog walkers alike.
For Metcalfe, this project represents more than installation work. It reflects our belief that social value should be practical, visible and meaningful, supporting not only our workforce but the wider business community in which we operate.
We are proud to have supported a project that will continue to benefit Penrith Business Parks for years to come.
