SME News Q4 2025/ 24 Karl Hick is always looking towards the future, believing it important to understand the housing needs of tomorrow and evolve to meet them in a way that is kind to the environment, whether it’s home offices and superfast broadband, bicycle storage and bike lanes, or electric vehicle charging points. Being so interested in research and development, he is constantly looking for new sustainable technologies that can address future challenges in areas such as lifestyle or the climate. This has recently included his exploration of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), otherwise known as smart construction, to include the building of flat-pack homes, which bring benefits of fast construction, enhanced quality control, reduced waste, cost savings, energy efficiency, and durability. A seasoned industry expert, Karl’s four-decade career spans housebuilding, sustainability, and infrastructure. He is a Chartered Accountant and a successful entrepreneur, who, prior to founding Phoenix Sustainable Limited in 2021, also established and led multiple national businesses including Allison Homes and Larkfleet Homes. Karl was innovating before it was mainstream, adopting sustainable construction and clean energy technologies to transform communities for the better. His ability to anticipate long-term challenges, combined with a hands-on, strategic leadership style are what have positioned his ventures at the leading edge of the sector time and again. “I embrace every challenge as an opportunity to innovate, ensuring our solutions are both impactful and commercially viable,” says Karl. Of course, at the foundation of Phoenix is the core value of innovation, alongside integrity and long-term impact. These values guide its people every day to adopt a disruptive, forward-thinking approach that challenges convention and prioritises both environmental and commercial sustainability. “The team is purpose-driven, entrepreneurial, and united by a shared commitment to delivering long-term, sustainable impact,” Karl explains. “Collaboration across our teams and disciplines is strongly encouraged, ensuring that every project benefits from diverse expertise and fresh thinking. There is a strong focus on agility and problem-solving, with an expectation that everyone takes ownership and leads by example.” “Clients choose Phoenix Sustainable Limited for its forward-thinking vision, agility, and commitment to delivering lasting impact, not just meeting today’s standards but shaping tomorrow’s solutions.” Within its work, Phoenix is highly collaborative and involved with many of its fellow ambitious businesses within the industry. It invests in and supports the growth of innovative businesses and start-ups, whether it’s making green retrofit accessible with Susy House; creating the UK’s most sustainable alternative fuel, Syntech Biofuel; building the nation’s flood and climate resilience with Flood Technology Group; or revolutionising diagnostic care with Upfront Diagnostics. “Phoenix is proud to help nurture, develop, and drive innovation forward – to build a sustainable tomorrow,” comments Karl. Founded and spearheaded by visionary CEO, Karl Hick, Phoenix Sustainable Limited (Phoenix) is a pioneering development group of companies specialising in the creation of sustainable housing, energy, flood mitigation, wasteto-energy, and healthcare solutions to build sustainable and resilient communities. Phoenix, located in Bourne, Lincolnshire, works with local authorities, investors, and partners to deliver integrated projects that connect housing with transport, energy, and wellbeing. Following its success within the Midlands Enterprise Awards 2025, we speak to Karl himself to learn more about the group and its award-winning work and impact. Best Sustainable Energy Projects Developer 2025
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==