Site manager who learnt the trade from his dad goes through to national awards
13 Oct 2021
A site manager who lives in Rudgeway, near Thornbury has been named a regional winner in the West of England LABC Building Excellence Awards and will now go forward to the national awards to compete in the best residential site manager category. Matt Bishop, 40, works for Vistry Western, which includes Linden Homes and Bovis Homes. He was responsible for delivering The Orchards in Thornbury and is now overseeing the Woodlands development in Barrow Gurney. With over 15 years’ experience in the construction industry, Matt trained as a bricklayer and was taught the skill by his father. He comes from a family of passionate craftsmen as his father, brother and uncle were all bricklayers and builders and he grew up learning the trade. He moved into site management in 2015 and was promoted to site manager just three years ago. The LABC Building Excellence Awards recognises quality workmanship and individual contributions to the industry. Amber Tuck, building control surveyor for South Gloucestershire Council said: “I was the building control surveyor at The Orchards development and I’m so pleased that Matt’s hard work is being celebrated as it was evident in the quality of the build and at every site visit I attended. “I was impressed with the high levels of compliance on site, which was over and above the required standard. It makes a real difference when you have a site team that takes such pride in their work and Matt is a great leader, definitely worthy of recognition.” Managing director, Dave Farley commented: “Matt is hardworking, loyal and has an eye for detail. He is respected by his team and The Orchards has been finished to a very high standard, with happy customers, a satisfied building control surveyor, and a beautiful street scene. “Matt is also helping to inspire the next generation as he always has time for everyone and was the first mentor to one of our trainees who’s been shortlisted in the rising star category of the Bristol Property Awards. He fully deserves this accolade and we wish him every success at the next stage.” Matt lives with his wife and four sons, aged 7 ,8, 10 and 11. He puts his success down to his training and his commitment to follow plans and procedures. He explained: “I definitely learnt from the best! My dad taught me how to be a bricklayer, emphasising the importance of ‘getting it right first time’ and that it’s all about the quality. I’ve followed these principles through my career and it’s stood me in good stead. “Also, if everyone understands their role and knows exactly that’s expected of them then it’s not difficult to maintain a high level of communication and quality. I have a responsibility to follow plans but to also ask difficult questions if needed, just as my team does. We all play an important part and it’s not until you have everyone working together in the same way that you can achieve the levels required. I’m lucky to have a great team and the award is testament to their combined hard work and dedication. “Ultimately, I just try and do a good job every single day. There’s no better feeling than seeing happy customers move to their new home and being overjoyed with the quality. I’m incredibly proud to be a regional winner and have everything crossed for the national awards!” The next stage of the competition will be held in London on 28th January where the best residential site manager in England and Wales will be selected. For further details visit www.labc.co.uk/awards For more details on Linden Homes visit www.lindenhomes.co.uk and Bovis Homes visit www.bovishomes.co.uk
