Dave Gray has been awarded a coveted NHBC (National House Building Council) Pride in Job Quality Award 2021, for building homes of an exceptional quality at Linden Homes’ Saxon Gate development in Wickwar.
Pride in the Job is the most highly regarded competition in the housebuilding industry and recognises the UKs top site managers – with more than 10,000 competing for the annual awards each year. As well as undergoing spot checks on the day-to-day running of the sites, each candidate is assessed across six key areas of site management, including: consistency, attention to detail, leadership, interpretation of drawings and specifications, technical expertise, and health and safety.
Dave, 37, has been selected as one of the best site managers in the UK, joining 450 other Quality Award winners. This represents the top five per cent of those who entered and is testament to their commitment to deliver quality homes for their customers.
With over 19 years’ housebuilding experience, Dave started his career as an apprentice carpenter before moving into site management.
He lives in Bridgeyate in South Gloucestershire with his wife and four boys, aged 10, 9, 7 and 11 months. In his spare time, Dave enjoys DIY, playing football and confesses he “hates sitting still!”
Speaking about the announcement, he said: “I am so proud to have won. You couldn’t win an award like this without having an excellent team around you and Andy, Tony, Emil – and everyone on site – have all been outstanding. I also couldn’t ask to work for a better person than my construction director, Mick and when you’re fully supported I think that makes all the difference. It gives you the confidence to question decisions and ensures communication is open and honest.
“By thinking outside the box and challenging decisions, it’s meant new procedures have been started in the region which are looking to be rolled out across Group and it’s great to know that people are listening. Exploring innovative ways of doing work and always putting the customer first is so important, even down to small things like organising the correct scaffolding so bricklayers only work to eye level to ensure the quality is constant.
“I like to be out on site as much as possible, not stuck in the office and by seeing what’s going on and communicating with everyone ensures we’re all on the same page and expectations are clear. By having a tidy and organised site it makes work much easier.
“I really enjoy my job and to receive recognition for the quality of the homes is just incredible, I’m so proud of the entire team.”
Managing director, Dave Farley said: “The competition recognises site managers who have achieved the very highest standards in housebuilding across the UK and we’re delighted Dave has been acknowledged, especially in what has been a very challenging year with covid restrictions and social distancing – it’s an amazing accomplishment.
“What’s wonderful to see is Dave’s passion for the job, so much so, that as a qualified carpenter, he has been known to complete a first fix! He is so committed to get the best out of his team and to deliver the new homes to the highest quality that nothing is too much trouble for him. He’s a very valuable member of the team and it’s no surprise to hear he is one of the best site managers in the UK.”
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. 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.
“At NHBC we are very proud of Pride in the Job, what it stands for and the impact it has across the sector. Pride in the Job winning sites have higher levels of homeowner satisfaction as these homes are among the very best in the country.
“Congratulations to all the 2021 Pride in the Job Quality Award winners – be proud of what you are building and the standards you are setting.”
The Quality Award winners will now be shortlisted for the Seal of Excellence and Regional Awards, which will be announced in autumn.
Saxon Gate features a beautiful collection of three, four and five bedroom new homes in Wickwar. Call 01206 484141 for more details.
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Contact: Emma Mackay, Linden Homes, 077383 12960; emma.mackay@lindenhomes.co.uk
