Lovell site manager shows star quality with ‘Pride in the Job’ award
A site manager with Cardiff-based Lovell has been named one of the UK’s top site managers for doing an outstanding job at a new development in Ringland, Newport.
Site manager Paul Phillips (above) has been selected for a Pride in the Job Quality Award by the NHBC (National House-Building Council).
The award recognises that 29-year-old Paul has maintained excellent standards in the building of the 32 new homes – 18 flats, eight houses and six bungalows - at Ringland. The new housing, for rent, and affordable home ownership, forms part of a partnership regeneration programme led by Fairlake (part of the Seren Group) and Newport City Council. The 32 homes are the second phase of new housing at the estate, with 34 homes built by Lovell in the first phase.
Paul achieved the award following a rigorous assessment process by the NHBC. NHBC judges have visited the site regularly over the past 12 months, reviewing all aspects of his management of the development, from the quality of the building work, the welfare of the staff and health and safety to Paul’s technical expertise, people management ability and his commitment to continually raising standards.
Paul is one of only 25 site managers in Wales chosen for a Pride in the Job award. His achievement is all the more remarkable in that this is only the second development he has headed up as site manager. “The award is the result of 12 months of hard graft by everyone involved in the development,” says Paul, who manages a team of up to 40 people at the Ringland scheme. “We’ve all been committed to maintaining the highest standards across the whole site and I’m ecstatic to see that recognised by this award.”
Originally from Cardiff, Paul now lives in Blackwood, near Caerphilly, with wife Caroline and children William, four, and six-month-old Charlie.
Paul began working in the construction industry in 2001 as a forklift driver and labourer, quickly progressing into site management and gaining NVQ qualifications. He joined Lovell 14 months ago.
“There is nothing better than seeing someone moving into a home that you have built,” he says. “It’s fantastic seeing a building coming out of the ground but when people move in and you get their feedback, it’s great.”
Lovell regional director Nick Kurobasa comments: “Paul does a fantastic job and this achievement is thoroughly deserved. As a site manager, his commitment to building high-quality homes shines through. He is conscientious, motivated and will always rise to any challenge.”
NHBC’s chief executive, Imtiaz Farookhi says: “For almost 30 years NHBC’s Pride in the Job has been rewarding those site managers, who through their uncompromising approach to site management, produce new homes which are built and finished to the highest possible standard.
“To win a Pride in the Job Award Quality Award takes a considerable amount of hard work and commitment and this year, despite the additional challenges the downturn has created on site, we are pleased to see that maintaining high standards of workmanship and customer service is a key priority for so many housebuilders.”
Neil Barber, Fairlake’s assistant director, comments: “Newport City Council and Seren are committed to delivering high quality homes in areas where people will want to live. We also want to achieve this in a way which enhances existing communities and this has been at the forefront of the partnership approach in Ringland. It really is pleasing to see Paul being recognised both for the new homes that have been created and for managing the off site works which will make such a difference to neighbouring residents.”
Paul will be presented with his Pride in the Job Quality Award at a special lunch in October at the Holland House Hotel, Cardiff. He will also be put forward to compete for a Seal of Excellence award in the next phase of the national competition.