Built, Managed, Lived: Why Community Matters in the South West
For anyone involved in residential property, it’s important to recognise how homes, residents and local organisations contribute to the wider communities around them. When adverse weather struck a much-loved local sporting venue, it became clear just how essential collaboration, empathy and goodwill are - both in the immediate aftermath and throughout the long-term recovery of a valued community asset.
This is the focus of a new episode of the Built, Managed, Lived. podcast, hosted by FirstPort, which explores what cultivates community spirit, and how residents, companies and organisations can influence and strengthen a local community ethos.
FirstPort has managed properties across the South West for 25 years, overseeing homes throughout Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Many colleagues live and work locally in the Taunton area – ensuring residents benefit from in-depth local knowledge and a strong understanding of the community they are a part of.
The property management company also works with a largely local supply chain, supporting nearby businesses whilst reducing environmental impact - including a long-standing relationship with Taunton Rugby Club, regularly hosting team meetings and other events at the Summerfield Stadium.
Jonny Holmes, Director of FirstPort South West, commented: “We use over 150 suppliers locally with the TA postcode. Many of those suppliers are sponsors of the rugby club. So we're crossing paths within the community all the time through those local suppliers and relationships.”
In the latest episode, Jonny speaks with Nick Mason from Taunton Rugby Club to discuss the role local organisations play in shaping community life across the region, including the impact of local flooding that hit the club in January, which prompted a heartwarming response from local people and businesses.
Taunton Rugby Club has been a cornerstone of the local community for generations and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2025. The club welcomes more than 600 members each year, from its senior squad to a thriving junior programme, and also serves as a popular venue for social and corporate events for families, businesses and community groups across the area.
Built, Managed, Lived brings together residents, policymakers, developers, engineers and industry specialists to explore how homes are designed, operated and experienced day-to-day. Covering themes from energy and sustainability to safety, regulation and customer experience, the series examines the major shifts shaping residential living - and what they mean for the people at the heart of it.
Episode 2 of the Built, Managed, Lived. podcast is available now, via Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
© 2026 News On The Block. All rights reserved.
News on the Block is a trading name of Premier Property Media Ltd.