Dorset developer is UK runner-up for creating exceptional homes
Dorchester-based independent developer C G Fry & Son announce Poundbury development site manager Steve Walker has been revealed as a national runner-up as the house building industry celebrated its heroes at the NHBC ‘Pride in the Job’ Awards. This is the only UK competition dedicated to recognising the exceptional people on the ground who oversee housing projects from start to finish.
Steve (54) from the Dorset village Sydling St Nicholas, was rewarded for achieving the highest standards in all aspects of house-building, taking pride in everything from the wellbeing of his team to the satisfaction of new homeowners as well as quality craftsmanship, judged at every build stage.
He was awarded the Runner-up title in the Medium Builder category during a glittering gala awards ceremony in London, hosted by celebrity comedian Al Murray – aka “The Pub Landlord”. The Awards have been run by NHBC (National House-Building Council) – the UK’s leading warranty provider and standards setter for new-build homes – for over three decades, and have been instrumental in driving up standards in new home construction.
Steve Walker, Site Manager Poundbury – C G Fry & Son says: “I am delighted to have won this award and accept it on behalf of my loyal team and C G Fry; as I could not have achieved this recognition without their support. In my work, I enjoy challenging designs and seeing the end results, of good quality. I bring 37 years of experience, a keen eye for detail, and treat every property as though it’s my own.”
Steve has worked for C G Fry & Son for 22 years and won three previous Pride in the Job Awards for his works at the prestigious Poundbury development in Dorchester for The Duchy of Cornwall. He was one of five Supreme Winners and five runners-up announced at the gala event in the competition’s various builder-size categories.
Kevin Murch Construction - Director C G Fry & Son comments: “As a company we are extremely proud that Steve has been publicly recognised with this high profile industry accolade which is well deserved. The ethos of C G Fry & Son is to consistently strive to build high-quality developments across the South West region with attention to detail. Each of our site managers, and their teams share these values which is reflected in the quality of their work.”
The NHBC comment that new homes today are built to higher standards than ever before, and are highly energy efficient, which saves homeowners money.
Mike Quinton, NHBC Chief Executive, congratulated Steve: “Steve should be incredibly proud. He’s beaten around 15,000 other site managers to get to this point, putting him in the top one percent of his profession. It’s a fantastic achievement that proves that the homes Steve is producing are of an exceptional standard. Prospective homebuyers in the Dorset area can do little better than to book in a viewing at Steve’s Poundbury site in Dorchester, which has been judged by NHBC and independent industry experts to be among the very best in the UK.”
