Stalbridge site manager receives top industry award
17 Nov 2021

After receiving an NHBC (National House Building Council) Pride in the Job award earlier this year, Gary French has been crowned in the next stage of the prestigious competition. He’s been named as a Seal of Excellence winner for building homes of exceptional quality at Bovis Homes’ Blackmore Meadows development in Stalbridge. The accolade acknowledges the top 19 site managers in the South West and was presented in front of an audience of sector peers at an awards ceremony in Bournemouth on Friday 12th November. Organised by NHBC, the UK’s leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes, the awards are the most highly regarded in the housebuilding industry. They recognise site managers dedicated to achieving the highest standards in housebuilding and committed to building homes of outstanding quality for their customers. As well as undergoing spot checks on the day-to-day running of the sites, each candidate is assessed across all areas of site management, including their technical knowledge, consistency in the build process and the quality controls they have in place. With over 21 years’ housebuilding experience and an NHBC NVQ level six in construction site management, Gary has been hailed as one of the very best site managers in the UK. He commented: “I am very proud to have won a Seal of Excellence Award, it’s an incredible feeling. It’s certainly been a real team effort with ‘consistency’ being our favourite word! The site has to be organised and tidy at all times and we’ve not changed the team around; everyone knew what was expected from them and so the standards have been constant throughout. Not only does it mean that we deliver high quality homes but it’s easier to maintain when you get it to that level.” Gary, 41, was previously an area build manager but missed running his own site. He started his career as a forklift driver before moving into site management and lives in Yeovil with his wife, daughter and two sons. He added: “Stalbridge is such a beautiful location, being on site and hearing the cows in the field, and seeing the views around you, makes it a wonderful place to work. “I’m really honoured to be part of the team and It’s great to be working for a company that’s going from strength to strength. I’d love to keep the ‘consistency’ up by winning it year after year!” Managing director, Paul Moran said: “Gary is a fantastic site manager and it’s testament to his leadership skills that the team works so well together ?" we are incredibly proud of them all as competition is fierce. They have a clear understanding of what’s required and the attention to detail is outstanding. “To have earnt this award is commendable but to have won in such a challenging year ?" with covid restrictions and social distancing ?" is seriously impressive. Gary and his whole team rose to the challenge and it’s been wonderful to hear from customers delighted with their new homes, as that’s what it’s all about.” Alan Gilfillan at Bovis Homes’ Cherry Fields development in Bickington also received a coveted Seal of Excellence accreditation. Commenting on the awards, NHBC chief executive, Steve Wood said: “Pride in the Job has been pivotal in improving the quality of new homes for more than 40 years and, after such a tough period for the country, it’s fantastic to be able to celebrate them in person this year. Despite the numerous challenges the industry has faced, the very best site managers of 2021 have remained focused on delivering high quality new homes for their customers. “A site manager’s role is one of the most challenging in housebuilding and recognising their persistent drive for excellence is very much at the heart of the competition. It’s no surprise that Pride in the Job winning sites have higher levels of customer satisfaction. The homes being built are amongst the best the UK has to offer.” Blackmore Meadows features a beautiful collection of three and four bedroom new homes, including two thatched properties, in Stalbridge. Call 01963 836000 or visit www.bovishomes.co.uk for more details.

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