Lovell’s South Wales and South West region is celebrating the win of not one, but two NHBC (National House Building Council) Pride in the Job Quality Awards.
Paul Haden and Geraint Thomas have been selected from a field of more than 11,000 UK site managers and are now amongst 450 who have a Quality Award, representing the top 4% of those who entered.
Being selected as one of the UK’s top site managers is a testament to their commitment to delivering quality homes for their customers. Pride in the Job is the most highly regarded competition in the house-building industry.
Geraint Thomas works as a senior site manager at the region’s flagship The Mill development in Cardiff, whilst Paul Haden is a senior site manager at the popular Merthyr Vale site named Ymyl Yr Afon.
Paul said: “I’m honoured to have received this level of recognition from such an important industry body. It really does highlight everything the site team has achieved and it is a testament to the successful teamwork between our on-site team, subcontractors and office-based colleagues.
Geraint added: “This achievement is definitely one of the proudest moments in my career and I’m so thankful for the support and talent of the team working alongside me at The Mill.
Judging for the Awards is rigorous, the current competition began in July 2019, with each site manager assessed across six key areas: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise, and health and safety.
Recent NHBC research has revealed a direct link between homeowner satisfaction on Pride in the Job award-winning sites compared to non-award-winning sites. The Home Builders Federation Customer Satisfaction Survey results from 2015 to 2019 show that over 92% of homeowners on winning sites would recommend their builder, compared with 85% on non-award-winning sites. This increases to 95% on regional award-winning sites.
Lovell’s regional managing director, James Duffett, said: “I am exceptionally proud that two of our incredible site managers have been chosen as Pride in the Job Quality Award winners.
“This award not only recognises their dedication, passion, leadership and commitment to produce homes of exceptional quality at Ymyl Yr Afon and The Mill, but is the most valued industry accolade a site manager can achieve. I wish both Paul and Geraint the best of luck in the next stage of the competition.”
Commenting on the Awards, NHBC Chief Executive Steve Wood said: “Pride in the Job has been pivotal in improving the quality of new homes so it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Despite the numerous challenges the industry has faced in recent times, the very best site managers of 2020 have kept their focus on delivering high quality new homes for their customers.
“As our new research shows, it’s no surprise that Pride in the Job winning sites have higher levels of homeowner satisfaction as these homes are without doubt among the best the country has to offer. Congratulations to all the 2020 Quality Award winners – be proud of your incredible achievements!”
Subject to judges being able to visit sites over the next two months, the Quality Award winners will now go on to compete for Seal of Excellence and Regional Awards that are planned to be announced at a series of virtual events in the autumn, with the Supreme Award winners unveiled in January 2021.
The Mill, which is one of Wales’ largest regeneration programmes, is being delivered by a partnership of Lovell, the Tirion Group and Cadwyn Housing Association, with financial backing from the Principality Building Society. Overall, it will create 358 homes for open market sale through Lovell and 442 homes for Tirion which will be managed by Cadwyn Housing Association and will be available for discounted or social rent.
Ymyl Yr Afon is a £25m mixed-tenure development, bringing a mix of 110 open market homes and 43 affordable homes which are being developed in partnership with Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association.
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