London’s best site managers have been recognised for achieving the highest standards in house building after winning the most highly regarded competition in the industry.

Organised by the National House Building Council (NHBC), the UK’s leading new homes warranty and insurance provider, the prestigious Pride in the Job Awards 2023 crowned two regional winners at Park Plaza Riverbank in London on Friday 27 October 2023:
Multi-storey Builder category – George Martin of The Hill Group for his work at Lampton Parkside in Hounslow
High-rise Builder category – Nigel James-Walsh of Berkeley Homes South East London Ltd for his work at South Quay Plaza in London

As well as their category wins, Mr Martin and Mr James-Walsh were awarded a Pride in the Job Seal of Excellence. A further seven site managers from across the region were also awarded this accolade after they gained a Quality Award in the first round of the competition in June. They were:
Michael Nee of Ballymore, Brentford
Sury Patel of Barratt West London
Joe Pallister of St James and St William London South
Simon Murphy of Countryside Partnerships London South
Mike Hampton of Mount Anvil Limited, London
Stuart Sweeney of St George West London Limited
Lyam Gunner of St James White City, London

Now in its 43rd year, judging for the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards is rigorous, 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.

The flagship competition has three categories for different sized businesses: small, medium and large house builders, plus a multi-storey category where site managers are working on projects up to seven storeys for multiple occupancy and the high-rise category for multiple occupancy projects over seven storeys.

Commenting on the Awards, Steve Wood, Chief Executive, NHBC said: “For more than four decades, Pride in the Job has underpinned NHBC’s purpose of raising standards in house building. The competition recognises the best site managers in the UK, showcasing best practice and rewarding excellence. We are celebrating the vital role site managers play in ensuring new homes are delivered on time, on safe sites and to exacting construction quality standards.

“NHBC’s Pride in the Job Awards are an important part of our work to help homeowners by driving improvements in construction quality. We believe the calibre of the site manager and the way they inspire their site team have the greatest influence on the quality of the finished home. Winning site managers tell us it motivates them to give a little extra and to strive for ever-higher standards in the houses they build.

“Congratulations to all the 2023 Pride in the Job Regional and Seal of Excellence winners. They are an inspiration and should be very proud of the quality of new homes they are creating.”

A series of regional events are taking place throughout the UK to announce the Seal of Excellence and Regional Award winners and celebrate the achievements of the Quality Award recipients.

Mr Martin and Mr James-Walsh will now go forward to compete for the ultimate prize in house building, the Pride in the Job Supreme Awards, which will be unveiled at a gala ceremony in London in January 2024.