About Be First
Be First is a pioneering urban regeneration company wholly owned by Barking and Dagenham Council, but operating independently.
Our mission is to accelerate growth and capitalise on the borough’s position as London’s hottest investment and development opportunity. We will help deliver 50,000 new homes and 20,000 jobs in the next 20 years.
As a developer in our own right, we utilise council and commercial investment resources to acquire sites, get planning consent and build out new residential and commercial developments.
As a development manager we offer project management, land assembly and planning consultancy services to the council and to commercial partners who share our core values of delivering high quality development which benefits local people.
We also deliver Town and Country Planning and a number of other smaller statutory functions for Barking and Dagenham on a no cost contract basis.
As a wholly council owned company Be First is tasked with delivering a financial return which can be reinvested in public services. We provide a socially responsible model of urban regeneration which delivers new homes and jobs for the current as well as future communities and ensures that no one is left behind.
People. Place. Purpose.
Since it was established, Be First has been responsible for the regeneration and development of Barking and Dagenham. We have a strong and demonstrable track record of delivering for local people, communities and businesses. Our live projects add up to the value of £1bn, with another £1.5bn to £2bn in the pipeline over the next 10 to 20 years.
Barking and Dagenham is strategically located mid-way between the City of London and the M25 and has great connectivity, it is just a 20-minute rail journey to central London. The A13 provides London with 80% of its freight and, once complete, Thames Freeport will be the only freeport in the country with rail, river, and road access. The town centre itself has adopted the principles of a 15-minute city to create opportunities to grow. This means the area will be a safe and sustainable place to live, work, learn, socialise, shop and eat.
The economic focus of London has been moving East for some time, and Barking and Dagenham is increasingly at its centre. The council and its partners are committed to ensuring everyone benefits from growth and is on a mission to accelerate the pace of regeneration in the borough.
Why people choose Barking and Dagenham
Great connections
Excellent road and rail links mean we are just 15 minutes from the City of London, the M25 and London City Airport
Positive about development
The borough is committed to supporting growth to provide opportunities for local people. Our expert team of planners, funders and project managers work with investors to minimise risk and maximise return.
Affordability
We have the cheapest property and land in the capital
Room to grow
Up to 400 hectares of developable land
Key Contacts
For a confidential discussion about this role, please contact the following consultants at our recruitment partner, Tile Hill, who will be happy to answer any questions that are not covered here: