Craig Thomas, Ben Goostrey, Michael Burnell, James Barraclough, Paul Peacock and Ian Larkins were presented with the coveted accolades as part of this year’s Pride in the Job Awards for their work leading construction teams at Redrow’s developments across England and Wales.
Established by the National House Building Council (NHBC), the Pride in the Job Awards celebrate the exceptional contribution site managers make in creating homes of outstanding quality.
First launched over 40 years ago, it is the most highly regarded competition in the industry. Judging for the awards is rigorous, with the current competition beginning in July last year.
Around 8,000 eligible site managers are assessed across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise and health and safety. Just 141 went on to win Seals of Excellence this year.
Craig Thomas, from the Rhondda, is with Redrow’s South Wales division and was awarded his sixth Seal of Excellence Award in a row, for his work at Mill Meadows, near Caldicot. Now site manager at De Clare Gardens, Caerphilly, Craig said: “The biggest reward for me is the recognition you get within the industry for you as the manager, the site team and Redrow as a business. It really does make all the hard work, commitment and sacrifices worthwhile.”
Ben Goostrey, from Congleton, Cheshire, is based at Redrow NW’s Kingsbourne, in Nantwich. Promoted to site manager just 12 months ago, he’s been successful in his first ever NHBC competition. He said: “It’s a big achievement and a very proud moment. It’s a real team effort and keeping a consistent team on site has helped to keep a high standard of build at every stage. Everyone has great pride in what they do and that shows in the finished product.”
Two site managers from Redrow’s Yorkshire division have won Seals of Excellence this year.
Michael Burnell, from Leeds, won his third NHBC Pride in the Job Quality Award earlier this year, at Redrow’s Thorpe Park development in Leeds. This is his first Seal of Excellence. He said: “Winning this award gives you a real sense of self-pride and achievement. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication from all of the team and that hard work has paid off.”
Fellow Yorkshireman James Barraclough, from Wakefield, is based at Poppy Fields in Rotherham. He said: “It was such a great feeling to hear that I had won in the first round and now to win a Seal of Excellence Award – it has made me very proud.”
In South Midlands, highly experienced site manager Paul Peacock has been recognised for excellence at Cottenham Grove, in Cottenham, after leading construction site teams for more than 30 years. He said: “Winning the award is an incredible accomplishment. Building a solid team that share my values has been critical to the development's success, and I'd like to thank them for all for their hard work – I wouldn't be able to do my job without their ongoing support."
Part of Redrow’s Midlands divisional team, Ian Larkins oversees development at Amington Garden Village. He won his third NHBC ‘Quality’ award in four years earlier this year and said: “I am incredibly proud to have received a Seal of Excellence award. When we hand over a finished property, it’s wonderful to see the new owners take the final steps to transform our building efforts from a house to home. It is such a special moment, and I am incredibly proud to play my part in such a key milestone of peoples’ lives.”